Abkhazia–Russia Relations

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Abkhazia

Abkhazia approves agreement on enforcing economic rulings with Russia

by Shota Kincha

•2 min read

The Abkhazian Parliament has ratified an agreement with Russia on recognising and enforcing court rulings in economic cases. The draft law ‘on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Abkhazia and the Russian Federation on the Recognition and Enforcement of Judicial and Arbitration Decisions in Economic Cases’ was introduced to the parliament by Batal Ayba, the parliamentary secretary of Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhaniya. ‘Ratification will contribute to the development of

1992–1993 War in Abkhazia

Russia demands removal of Shamil Basayev photo from Abkhazian museum

by OC Media

•3 min read

Abkhazia’s State Museum has closed its modern history wing after the Russian Embassy reportedly demanded the removal of a photo of Chechen rebel commander Shamil Basayev. On Tuesday, the Russian Embassy in Abkhazia told RBK that they had submitted a complaint to Abkhazia about the photo, and that the museum intended to ‘rectify the current situation as soon as possible’. The complaint comes at a low point of relations between Abkhazia and Russia, and follows Russia’s decision to cut fundi

Abkhazia

Russia cuts financial support to Abkhazia in ‘serious blow’ to relations

by OC Media

•3 min read

Abkhazia’s Foreign Minister has confirmed that Russia has cut financial support to Abkhazia for failing to enact pro-Russian reforms. Sergei Shamba told reporters on Tuesday that Russia had suspended the Socio-Economic Development Programme for Abkhazia two days earlier, on Sunday. Russian financial aid makes up a large proportion of Abkhazia’s government budget. The move comes amidst a growing rift between Abkhazia and Russia, with widespread public backlash over a number of measures push

Abkhazia

Russia ‘to halt support to Abkhazia’ until it complies with demands, leaked document suggests

by OC Media

•3 min read

An as yet unverified document published by an opposition Telegram channel has suggested that Russia informed the government in Sukhumi that they would halt budgetary support to Abkhazia until a number of pro-Russian reforms were enacted, including lifting restrictions on the purchase of real estate in Abkhazia by Russian citizens. The document published by the opposition Telegram channel Abkhaz Portal on Thursday is purported to be the minutes of a meeting on 19 August between Abkhazian Presid

The port in Ochamchira, including recently constructed facilities. Image via Airbus, CNES.

Abkhazia

Abkhazia’s Shamba backtracks on plans for Russian naval base in Ochamchira

by Shota Kincha

•2 min read

Abkhazia’s newly reappointed Foreign Minister, Sergey Shamba, has said there are currently ‘no plans’ to establish a Russian naval base in Abkhazia, despite earlier claims by officials to the contrary. ‘As for the Ochamchira port, there are no plans to establish a naval base there’, Shamba claimed, after emphasising at length the significance of Abkhaz-Russian security cooperation. Shamba made the comments in an interview with the Russian state-run news agency RIA Novosti published on Thurs

A crowd in Ochamchira protesting against the bill's passing in its first committee hearing on 19 July. OC Media.

Abkhazia

Abkhazian Parliament withdraws apartments bill following public anger

by OC Media

•2 min read

Abkhazia has dropped controversial legislation that could have opened Abkhazia’s real estate market to Russian buyers amidst widespread opposition to the bill. On Thursday, the Speaker of Parliament, Lasha Ashuba, signed a document withdrawing the draft law at the request of the four MPs who initiated it. None of the four have spoken publicly about it. Amidst mounting public opposition, it became increasingly clear that the bill would not be passed by parliament, with a majority of MPs havin

A crowd in Ochamchira protesting against the bill's passing in its first committee hearing on 19 July. Still from video, OC Media

Abkhazia

Tensions flare in Abkhazia as parliament pushes ahead with ‘pro-Russian’ law on apartments

by OC Media

•3 min read

Tensions have continued to flare in Abkhazia, as parliament continues to push ahead with controversial legislation that could open Abkhazia’s real estate market to Russian buyers. The law on apartments, since officially renamed to the draft law ‘on measures to improve the level of socio-economic development of eastern Abkhazia’, would amend regulations surrounding the construction, operation, and sale of apartments in Abkhazia. The sale of real estate to foreigners in Abkhazia has long been