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ABKHAZIA APPEALS TO THE WORLD COMMUNITY FOR RECOGNITION OF ITS INDEPENDENCE
GHIA NODIA,
Political Scientist, Director of the Caucasian Institute for Peace, Democracy and Development, Tbilisi, Georgia
Abkhazia, an unrecognized republic of Georgia, held December 6 a “national gathering” to express its will to gain independence.
It is not the first time that Abkhazia asks the Russian authorities, other countries and international organizations to recognize its independence. So, this very request is of no particular interest.
What counts most is Russia’s reaction. Recently, the top Russian officials have expressed their views that the recognition of Abkhazia’s independence is a realistic scenario.
I believe that the Russian authorities will recognize Abkhazia if the international community recognizes Kosovo. The Russian authorities will have to do that. All of Abkhazia’s requests made before this event should be considered to be a part of the psychological pressure upon the Georgian authorities.
As regards Georgia’s position, it is well-known. Tbilisi has repeatedly proposed to grant Abkhazia wide autonomy. Tbilisi is unlikely to propose something else. Since Russia believes that it is possible to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Sukhumi and Tskhinvali will be asking Russia to recognize them.
December 6, 2006
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