Jan 26, 2005

Abkhazia: Return of Georgian Refugees to Abkhazia Impossible


The return of Georgian refugees who left Abkhazia during the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict is impossible, the president of the self-proclaimed republic of Abkhazia, Sergei Bagapsh, said in Moscow
The “return of Georgian refugees who left Abkhazia during the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict is impossible”, the president of the self-proclaimed republic of Abkhazia, Sergei Bagapsh, said in Moscow on Tuesday.

Nevertheless, Sukhumi is ready to begin talks with Tbilisi if the sides establish a trusting dialogue, he said.

“Doubtlessly, meetings should take place, but on the condition that accords are reached,” he said.

Bagapsh added that “making stances closer should be begun with economic questions”.

“When normal economic development in the region allows creating the infrastructure not only in Abkhazia but also in Georgia, one can proceed to solving political problems,” Bagapsh said.

He called on Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili “to recognise the historical fact that the establishment of new states is happening at present in the whole world, and Abkhazia can be recognised as a friendly neighbouring country”.

He said the “future of Abkhazia is an independent state”.

“The Abkhazian people expresses respect for the Georgian people and hopes for the same respect on the part of Tbilisi,” Bagapsh stressed.

He added that he hoped the Georgian president “will not switch settlement of the problem into a military channel”.

As for Saakashvili’s project of settling the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict, Bagapsh said “this document was not seen in Sukhumi as yet”, but “if this material will be appropriate, we are ready to consider proposals of Tbilisi”.

 

Source: Itar Tass