Russian-controlled Abkhazia’s de facto leader sets conditions for dialogue with Tbilisi

The de facto leader of Georgia's Russian-occupied Abkhazia region, Badra Gunba, has said that dialogue with Tbilisi was only possible if Georgia recognized "reality" and signed an agreement on the non-use of force. Gunba made these remarks in an interview with Russian state news agency RIA Novosti.

"The political elite of Georgia has not come to terms with reality. Abkhazia is an independent state. Let’s ask our citizens whether they are occupied or not. We are free, we are developing our culture and traditions. This is independence. Georgia’s statements are political," Gunba said.

Gunba emphasized that Abkhazia’s priority was maintaining "peaceful life with its neighbors," adding that the region “seeks good-neighborly relations with Georgia, provided that Tbilisi recognizes Abkhazia as an independent state.”

"We want good-neighborly relations with Georgia, so that its leadership understands that they have an independent state that does not want war or conflict," he added, referencing a stance first established by Vladislav Ardzinba, Abkhazia’s first de facto leader.

Gunba also condemned a recent Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, calling it "state terrorism" and accusing Ukraine of attempting to "erase memory" of the Soviet Union’s role in World War II.

"The Ukrainian authorities are against memory. Without the heroes of the Soviet era, Ukraine might not have existed with its former home. We see manifestations of neo-fascism, attempts to erase memory and disrupt the holiday for millions of people. However, these attempts are doomed to failure," he said.

Commenting on Abkhazia’s “internal situation,” Gunba said that "the situation has stabilized," claiming that citizens were "tired of politics and populism." He stressed the importance of focusing on improving living conditions.

Gunba’s visit to Moscow came as he participated in events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. During the trip, he was received by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, where Putin accepted an invitation to visit Abkhazia.