Committee on International Affairs

The State Duma is actively involved in legislative and informational support of the Kremlin’s policies in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region. Members of the State Duma often host the de facto leaders of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region, as well as their representatives and also visit the occupied Georgian regions themselves.

Of those established in the State Duma, the most active Committees with regard to Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region are: the Committee of CIS, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots, Committee of Defence and International Affairs Committee (Комитет Государственной Думы по международным делам).

The work of the Committee is connected to the issues of formation and implementation of Russia’s foreign policy. The Committee is responsible for international relations of the State Duma, as well as developing relations with the Parliaments of other states. The Committee also prepares international agreements signed by the Russian Federation for ratification. After the 2008 Russia-Georgia War, it was the Foreign Affairs Committee that gave the State Duma recommendation to ratify Agreements on Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance signed between Russia, Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region. One of the important functions of the Committee is preparing statements on pressing matters of international politics as well as organizing various types of meetings.

Members of the Committee often make statements on the issues regarding Georgia and are involved in exercising policies against Georgia on the international arena, including the international organizations.