Longitude of history & injustice of today’s unknown status

CULTURE EXCHANGE THRM 444

DR. TACGEY DEBESMURAT BIGVAVA

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN UNIVERSITY

Content

Introduction to the Republic of Abkhazia

Short Chronology Cycle of History

Vision of Georgia-Abkhazian Conflict

Structure of Abkhazia

Call of the Nation for its Independence De –Jure & World response for Partial Recogniton

Capital: Sukhum (Aqw'a in Abkhaz)Area: 8,600 km²Population: 295,000Currency: Russian RoubleLanguage: Abkhaz, RussianReligion: Orthodox Christianity, Islam and othersMain ethnic groups: Abkhaz, Armenians, Mingrelians, Svans, Georgians, Greeks, Russians, Ukrainians. Abkhazia is situated on the Eastern coast of the Black sea, bordering Russia in the North and North Caucasus along the Caucasus Mountains Range and Georgia in the East. Abkhazia is divided into seven administrative districts: Gagra, Gudauta, Sukhum, Ochamchira, Gulripsh, Tquarchal and Gal. Due to its mountainous nature, Abkhazia has many rivers and lakes, and rich fertile soil. The climate is very mild, averaging around 15 degrees Celsius. Higher elevations experience a more varied climate, with significant snow and even glaciers in some parts. The capital city is Sukhum (Aqw'a in Abkhaz) which lies on the Black Sea coast.

Introduction

From the 8th Century B.C The Greeks established colonies in Abkhazia.Their cities, especially Dioscurias (now modern day Sukhum) trade centres.First Century B.C. The Romans fortified Sukhum (Calling it Sevastopolis or Sebastopolis). 523 A.D.  Abkhazia became part of the Byzantine Empire. Christianity, which had come early to Abkhazia, was offically adopted by the Emperor Justinian in 543-6.780 - 978  The Kingdom of Abkhazia flourished and the Abkhazia Dynasty extended its sway over much of what is now Western Georgia.978-Mid - 13th Century 'Sovereign of the Abkhazians and Georgians'.Mid 13th 1400 century the Mongols appear resulted division of lands and afterwards which Abkhazia is one.1300-1500  A portion of Abkhazia was under the Mingrelian Rule1500 – 1680 The Abkhazian Chachba Dynasty drove the Mingrelians out and established the boundary between Abkhazia and Georgian that exists to this day.1578  Abkhazia was invaded by the Ottoman Empire18 century Abkhazia, in alliance with Georgia, made repeated efforts to drive out the Turks.1801 – 1804 Various Georgian areas (Kartli and Kakhetia-1801, Mingrelia-1803, Imeretia and Guria-1804) came directly under Russian Rule (voluntarily seeking protection from Ottoman Turks and Iran).1810 Tzar Alexander the First issued a charter to the ruling Prince of Abkhazia acknowledging Abkhazia as an autonomous principality under the protection of Russia.

History

 1864 Muhajariin period After prolonged fighting across the entire region of the North Caucasus, Abkhazia was the last Caucasian principality to be forcibly annexed to the Russian Empire. Russian oppression was so severe that over the next few decades more than half of the Abkhazian population fled to Turkey and the Middle East. 1917 – 1918 Abkhazia joined the Republic of North Caucasus Confederative union.1925 Abkhazia adopted its first Constitution under which it was united by a Special Treaty of Alliance with Georgia.1931  Stalin (Georgian) and Beria (Mingrelian) reduced Abkhazia to the status of an autonomous Republic within Georgia.1937 - 1953  Forced mass immigration into Abkhazia was carried out from Western Georgia (Mingrelia) by Stalin and Beria. In Abkhazia, as well as other regions of the USSR, mass oppression was carried out, thousands of intellectuals were persecuted. Abkhazian schools were closed. Abkhazians were punished for speaking their own language. The Roman based Abkhazian script, which had been introduced in the late 1920s was replaced by one based upon the Georgian alphabet during this period. 1991 - Georgia declares independence1977 - 1978  Abkhazian intelectuals and academcians were sighned the letter to Beria under the pressure of “ Georgianalization” of Abkhaz nation, struggling and asking for assist of Moscow for the justice on a native land, afterword Moskow replied with huge investment but Abkhazians could never seen it. 1864 Muhajariin period After prolonged fighting across the entire region of the North Caucasus, Abkhazia was the last Caucasian principality to be forcibly annexed to the Russian Empire. Russian oppression was so severe that over the next few decades more than half of the Abkhazian population fled to Turkey and the Middle East. 1917 – 1918 Abkhazia joined the Republic of North Caucasus Confederative union.1925 Abkhazia adopted its first Constitution under which it was united by a Special Treaty of Alliance with Georgia.1931  Stalin (Georgian) and Beria (Mingrelian) reduced Abkhazia to the status of an autonomous Republic within Georgia.1937 - 1953  Forced mass immigration into Abkhazia was carried out from Western Georgia (Mingrelia) by Stalin and Beria. In Abkhazia, as well as other regions of the USSR, mass oppression was carried out, thousands of intellectuals were persecuted. Abkhazian schools were closed. Abkhazians were punished for speaking their own language. The Roman based Abkhazian script, which had been introduced in the late 1920s was replaced by one based upon the Georgian alphabet during this period. 1991 - Georgia declares independence1977 - 1978  Abkhazian intelectuals and academcians were sighned the letter to Beria under the pressure of “ Georgianalization” of Abkhaz nation, struggling and asking for assist of Moscow for the justice on a native land, afterword Moskow replied with huge investment but Abkhazians could never seen it.

Up till 90s there was a strong pressure from Georgian politics of diminishing Abkhaz culture that immediately after Soviet union destruction Georgia declares for its independence 1991 and :

1992 Georgia sends troops to stop Abkhazia breaking away1993 Fierce fighting ends with Georgian forces being expelled from Abkhazia1994 Ceasefire agreed, peacekeepers arrive, nearly all Russian1999 Abkhazia declares independence2004 New Georgian president Saakashvili vows to restore Georgia's territorial integrity and return Abkhazia, South Ossetia to the fold2008 Russia formally recognizes Abkhazia's independence2009 Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits

Up till present Abkhazia was recognized by 6 countries-5 of them UN members

1992 The Georgia-Abkhazian war begin

1993 The War end up with Georgian Army sent back

Abkhazia is mostly rural and boasts a variety of abundant agricultural natural resources, primarily citrus fruit, tobacco, tea, and timber. It also has some energy resources with coal mines and hydro-electric plants. Abkhazia’s economy is heavily reliant on Russia, using the rouble as its currency, and relying mostly on Russia as export market, a trading partner and investor. Turkey is another big economic partner for Abkhazia. Economic and travel sanctions were imposed on Abkhazia in 1996 by the CIS countries after its declaration of sovereignty and the removal of Georgian troops from the country. The economic blockade following years of military conflict devastated the Abkhazian economy. No foreign direct investment was able to breach the blockades, and international trade is highly restricted. Lifting of the embargo by Russia opened new horizons for the country’s economic growth. Tourism to Abkhazia is on the rise, with the number of tourists reaching almost 2 million visitors in 2007 and the expectation that this number will continue to grow in coming years. Fishing and construction industries are increasing their volume annually.

Structure of Abkhazia

Culture From the earliest of times, a distinctive culture began evolving in Abkhazia. The warmth and mildness of the climate and the fertility of the land had defined the Abkhaz way of life. Thus, the ancient Abkhaz were mainly preoccupied with farming, cattle breeding, hunting, fishing and handicrafts. While defending their land from enemy attacks or fighting wars, the Abkhaz also developed combat and weapon-making skills.The majority of Abkhazians live in the rural areas, mostly in large family homes where they grow and process their own food. Horses have an important place in Abkhazian culture. Equine sports and equestrian activities are popular with Abkhazians and often play a central role in festivals. Song, music, and dance are also important to Abkhazian culture. There are joyous songs for weddings, ritual songs, cult songs, lullabies, healing songs, and work songs. All of the arts are represented in Abkhazia. There are drama and dance companies, art museums, music schools, and theatres for the performing arts. Poetry and literature are also held in high regard. It has recently been acknowledged that there is a disproportionately high occurrence of nonagenarians and centenarians in certain areas in the Caucasus, including Abkhazia. These long-lifers are known for continuing their active lifestyles, continuing to work the fields, dance, sing, and walk for miles long past their ninth decade.Abkhazian culture is based on a folk ethical principle called APSUARA, which means "being Abkhazian". Professor Sh. D. Inal-Ipa, a well-known Abkhazian ethnologist, defines apsuara as a traditionally shaped way of expressing the national conscience, an unwritten code of ethnic lore that describes the Abkhaz people's entire system of customs, beliefs and principles.Abkhaz sagas and legends demonstrate the people's archaic beliefs about the Creation of the World and the role of the gods. Abkhaz Nartic

De jure - De facto

On behalf my study, I would be trying to concrete the objective views and the structure of my theme itself, deriving to a point of having several aspects to consider Abkhazian nation of having right to be known de jure as an independent state. There are several facts of understanding my point of view and aim of the nation:

History of Abkhazian nation and land counts millenniums, beginning from the first settlements of Greeks

History of Abkhazia was always in the fight with larger empires and other neighbors History of Abkhazia from early times fights for its independence and a nation state to be

free History of Abkhazia always in the past and now has been interacting with Georgia from

peace to a war Recent decades completely have shown the real cruelty of Georgian politics and forces

that caused present status to be unknown During the war 4% of Abkhazians were killed Language, culture and lifes of Abkhazians has its own path and ideology National Archive of Abkhazia was burnt at the beginning of the war and approves of

Abkhazian nation just stayed in minds of Specialists in History and Academicians

Due to the global politics and a trends today, it became much more difficult to be recognized state in the world

Abkhazian nations has lived just around war and cruelty Republic exist with its under the laws of governance and economy as any other Around 1 million people of Muchajariins that were send still lives in Turkey and Middle

East Countries Abkhazia lives separately and independent from the moment of diminishing the Soviet

Union State Georgia has not any effect or power in internal life of Abkhazians Its recognized by 6 countries  Considering many aspects of history and todays politics Abkhazia has the right for its free state to be recognized de jure where de facto it exist for many decades. Abkhazia had suffered during its all history in times of Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, Russians, Georgians.In reference to all facts that were observed enough to state Abkhazian nation to be recognized internationally and introduce our nation worldwide

The World response on Russian recognion of Abkhazian Republic UN members

Armenia

President Serzh Sargsyan has stated that Armenia will not formally recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states any time soon but

reiterated his support for their residents’ right to self-determination. He also said that Armenia will not recognise them for the same reason that it did

not recognise Kosovo’s independence and that Armenia can not recognise another entity in the same situation as long as it has not recognised

theNagorno-Karabakh Republic.[125] Tigran Balayan, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Office said, "Armenia has always favoured and

continues to believe that any attempt for military solution to conflicts is futile. Such conflicts should be resolved on the basis of free expression of the

will of the people".[126]

Azerbaijan Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Khazar Ibrahim stated, "Azerbaijan’s position remains unchanged. We recognise Georgia’s territorial

integrity".[127]

Cyprus

Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou has said that that relations of Russia and Cyprus are very close but on the other hand Cyprus supports "the

respect and protection of the territorial integrity of states, and this is a principle which the Republic of Cyprus supports and supported in the case of

Kosovo, so developments of the past few days in Georgia have worried us".[150] The government has issued a statement saying that "Cyprus

expresses its deep concern over developments in Georgia. The Republic of Cyprus supports the respect of the rules of international law including

the respect of the territorial integrity of states, of the UN Charter and of the principles of the Helsinki Final Act. Moreover, the Cyprus

Governmentsupports peaceful resolution of international disputes by political means through negotiations, avoiding unilateral actions that could

aggravate the situation in this sensitive region".[151]

Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "this contradicts the principle of territorial integrity, a principle based on the international law of nations and for this

reason it is unacceptable".[162]

Greece

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyannis stated that among the principles of Greek foreign policy is "respect for the independence and territorial

integrity of states". Furthermore, she expressed dismay at the developments and stated that they subscribed to the French Presidency's statement

condemning the decision to recognise the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.[163]

Sudan

On 28 August Sudan's envoy to the UN, Abdel-Haleem Abdel-Mahmood, stated that Sudan's recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is

contingent upon developments on the issue of Kosovo's declaration of independence in the International Court of Justice. As Sudan remains

opposed to Kosovo's independence, their negative view about such declarations may change only if it is declared legal by the ICJ.[206]

Syria

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accused the United States of applying "double standards" toward Abkhazia and South Ossetia, stating that the

West "is ignoring for some reason the rights of the people of Abkhazia and South Ossetia." Assad also added, "In a situation when Georgia started

the war, the position of Russia... was absolutely right."[214] Syria's president also stated that Syria understands the essence of the Russian position

and considers its military reaction a response, to provocation by the Georgian side. [215]

Tajikistan

The Moscow Times reports that the President of Tajikistan, Emomalii Rahmon, expressed his support for Russia's recognition of South Ossetia

and Abkhazia, stating, "Our countries are natural strategic partners... which envisions... support for each other's actions." [216] He also stated, that

Russia and Georgia should solve their conflict through political and diplomatic means.[217]

Turkey

A Foreign Ministry statement on 26 August 2008 declared that "Turkey attaches importance to the independence, sovereignty and territorial

integrity of Georgia and is highly concerned about the recent developments. Turkey is of the opinion that this conflict should be resolved through

peaceful means".[218]

United

States

President George W. Bush condemned the actions taken by Russia and called on them to "reconsider this irresponsible decision." Bush then

stated that in "accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions that remain in force, Abkhazia and South Ossetia are within the

internationally recognised borders of Georgia, and they must remain so."[232] .[241]

Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov, the foreign minister of Uzbekistan, said following a regular session of the Uzbekistan-EU Cooperation Council in Brussels that his

country has not reached a decision on recognition.[242]

The World response on Russian recognion of Abkhazian Republic UN members

Iran

The Ambassador of Iran to Russia, Mahmoud Reza Sajjadi, said in early February 2009 that his nation will not recognise Abkhazia and South

Ossetia's independence in the near future, "as it can cause war in many areas," but on the other hand he did not rule out eventual Iranian

recognition of the independence of the two areas. Sajjadi defended Russia's measures in the 2008 South Ossetia war and its decision to

recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent nations. Sajjadi also said he sympathised with the people of Abkhazia and South Ossetia

and thatTehran will work with Moscow to develop the two areas' economy. [166]

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev said he understood the measures taken by Russia and urged the international community against

raising the prospect of a new Cold War,[171] while also saying he considers that "Russia's actions were directed to protect the residents of long-

suffering regions. In response Russia could either ignore or prevent the bloodshed". [172]

In October 2008, Foreign Minister Marat Tazhin said that "the principle of territorial integrity is key in international law" and that for this reason

Kazakhstan did not recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia or Kosovo. [173]

In December 2008, Prime Minister Karim Masimov stated that "We have an official position. Kazakhstan did not recognise Kosovo and does not

recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We consider that borders are defined and Kazakhstan will not recognise any new states." [174]

Kyrgyzstan

At a Minsk press conference on 27 August 2008, Kyrgyzstan's ambassador to Belarus said regarding South Ossetian and Abkhazian

independence that "(a)ll legal aspects should be measured as the situation is unusual. It is unusual in view of the recogniti on of separate states in

the CIS and Georgia’s withdrawal from the CIS. These issues allow us to approach the topic with due consideration, allow us to study and listen to

analysts, observers, counsellors of state. As the issue is being studied I cannot express an opinion because the issue is too fresh".[175]

Saudi

Arabia

During a meeting with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, the Secretary of the Saudi National Security Council, Bandar bin Sultan, told that King

Abdullahand the whole leadership of the country had full understanding for the actions of the Russian side in South Ossetia. [193]

South

Africa

Dumisani Kumalo, the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, said that his country "had repeatedly stressed the need for

countries to resolve differences through negotiations. A resort to the use of force diminished the chance for a lasting solut ion to a situation and it

increased the suffering of all the people involved".[149]

The World response on Russian recognion of Abkhazian Republic UN members

The World response on Russian recognion of Abkhazian Republic Non UN members

State Position

Kosovo

President of Kosovo Fatmir Sejdiu said that Kosovo cannot serve as an

example for Russia to recognise South Ossetia or Abkhazia. He said, "We

have always stressed that Kosovo has special characteristics; that it is sui

generis and it cannot be used as a precedent for other conflict zones,

areas or regions". He did not comment on Russia’s recognition of South

Ossetia and Abkhazia, but said that Kosovo was "on the side of great

world powers" on that issue.[244]

Northern

Cyprus

President of Northern Cyprus Mehmet Ali Talat said he respected the will

of the people in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. A spokesman for Talat

called for Moscow to review its policy on Cyprus and said there were

lessons in the developments for the Greek Cypriots.[245]

Sahrawi

Arab

Democratic

Republic

On 29 September 2010 the SADR Minister for African Issues Mohamed

Yeslem Beyssat said referring to South Ossetia: “Western Sahara de

facto recognizes the independence of South Ossetia. Now we have to

formalise relations de jure, including the establishment of diplomatic

relations".[246]The two states have had various formal and informal

contacts.[247]

Murat BigvavaSTD- 099297