Fuel deliveries to Abkhazia will help rebuild trust, PM

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has defended the government's decision to allow fuel to be supplied to the Russian-occupied Abkhazia, saying the move helped resolve a “significant humanitarian problem” and could contribute to rebuilding trust between the sides.

Speaking at a government administration briefing, Kobakhidze said the initiative originated in the occupied territories and was subsequently raised with the government by businesses. The authorities then approved the measure, he said.

"The only motive behind our decision to support it was precisely the goal of restoring trust," Kobakhidze said, adding that the measure was implemented within the framework of Georgia's Law on Occupied Territories.

He rejected criticism that the fuel deliveries amounted to supplying Russia, saying the volume of fuel entering Abkhazia was insignificant compared with Russia's overall fuel consumption.

According to Kobakhidze, the amount represented approximately 0.001% of Russia's fuel consumption, making claims that the measure was intended to supply Russia "completely unserious".

He also dismissed claims that the fuel was being used to supply a Russian military base in Abkhazia, using sarcastic language to mock the argument.

Kobakhidze accused the government's opponents of launching what he called a "hysterical campaign" against the measure because they opposed efforts to restore trust with the population of Abkhazia.

He said the shortage of fuel and empty petrol stations had created a direct humanitarian impact on the local population.

"Thanks to us, an important humanitarian problem in Abkhazia has been resolved, which will ultimately become clear to everyone," Kobakhidze said.

He added that the government was confident that measures aimed at addressing humanitarian needs in Abkhazia would contribute to restoring trust.