Russia unhappy by provisions in transfer of holiday area in Georgia’s de facto Abkhazia

Telegram channel Abkhaz Portal has reported on the recent developments over the transfer of the Bichvinta holiday area to Russia with surrounding 186-hectare land, by de facto parliament of Georgia’s Russian-occupied Abkhazia region, with Moscow unhappy with several provisions in the document. 

According to reports, Russia found some provisions contradictory to the agreed norms between the parties, particularly concerning the prohibition on Moscow transferring the facilities in Bichvinta to third parties. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia emphasized such provisions “conflict with the treaty and could affect the agreement’s validity”. 

Moreover, the Russian Foreign Ministry highlighted potential issues with the denunciation clause of the agreement, citing discrepancies with international law. They urged the de facto authorities of Abkhazia to “reaffirm their commitment to the agreement and adhere to its provisions in accordance with international norms”. 

The de facto government of occupied Abkhazia has yet to respond to Russia’s note.

In December of last year, the de facto parliament ratified the “Russia-Abkhazia Agreement,” transferring the former state resort of Bichvinta to Russia. This decision has sparked criticism from domestic opposition groups and public representatives, who demanded its cancellation.

Per the agreement signed in January 2022, the facility in Bichvinta, along with its movable and immovable property (excluding land plots and sea sections), will be transferred to Russia free of charge within six months of the document’s entry into force for 49 years. 

The deal is expected to automatically extend for another 15 years unless terminated by either party with prior written notice.

Tbilisi and the international community have condemned the transfer.