Publication: N17 / Review Period: February 1-29, 2024

The review is being prepared within the framework of the Roadmap to the Kremlin's Policy in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali Region project. The purpose of the review is to provide readers with information about the main events and trends in the occupied regions of Georgia. The review is a monthly publication and will be useful for decision-makers, public employees, media representatives and other people who are interested in the developments taking place in the occupied regions of Georgia.

Abkhazia

Aslan Bzhania's Visit to Moscow and Meeting with Government Officials

On February 8, the de facto President of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, arrived in Moscow. As part of the visit, he met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov, the Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, Dmitry Kozak, the Minister of Economic Development, Maxim Reshetnikov, the Deputy Chairman of the Government, Alexander Novak, and the Deputy Secretary of the Security Council, Rashid Nurgaliyev. The mentioned officials oversee the direction of the occupied regions of Georgia in the Russian government. In addition, Bzhania met with Ella Pamfilova, the Chairman of the Russian Central Election Commission (CEC), and Daniil Egorov, the Head of the Federal Tax Service. Detailed information about the meetings was not disseminated.

The meeting with Pamfilova was important in the context of the Russian presidential elections which will be held on March 15-17. Upon returning to Abkhazia, Bzhania held an extended session on this issue. A total of 30 election precincts will be opened in Abkhazia, including one in the Gali district. Bzhania instructed the de facto Prime Minister, Alexander Ankvab, to ensure maximum participation in the elections of “state officials” and “budgetary organization” employees who hold Russian citizenship. The decision is due to Bzhania's desire to ensure high support for Russian President Vladimir Putin in Abkhazia.

Foreign Political Activity

• On February 20, Ankvab hosted Yoon Guk Nam, the General Director of the Mangenbon International Trade Corporation of North Korea. The meeting discussed the prospects of opening “trade representations “ in Sokhumi and Pyongyang. The visit of the North Korean delegation is noteworthy in light of the ongoing Russian military aggression in Ukraine. North Korea assists Russia with military equipment, and a similar visit to Sokhumi should be viewed as rapprochement between Pyongyang and Moscow. 

 Alexander Ankvab's Meeting with the North Korean Delegation

• On February 2, the de facto Minister of Foreign Affairs, Inal Ardzinba, held an online meeting with the Ambassadors of Abkhazia in Venezuela and Nicaragua. Ardzinba talked with the ambassadors about ways out of Abkhazia's isolation in the international stage.

Online Discussion

• On February 1, Abkhazia's new Ambassador to Syria, Muhhamad Ali, presented his credentials to the Syrian Foreign Minister, Faisal al-Miqdad.

Presenting Credentials

• On February 2, Ardzinba held an online meeting with the Head of the BRICS Expert Council, Victoria Panova. At the meeting, the parties discussed the issue of Abkhazia's possible participation in various formats of BRICS events. In 2024, Russia is the BRICS Chairman and Kazan will host the summit of heads of states.
• On February 14, in Moscow, Ardzinba met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia and the  representative of the Russian President in the BRICS group, Sergey Ryabkov. Recently, the de facto government has been particularly active in the direction of BRICS and is trying to establish ties with BRICS member countries.

Meeting Between Inal Ardzinba and Sergey Ryabkov

• In an interview with TASS, Bzhania spoke about the issue of joining the Union State of Russia and Belarus. According to him, “Abkhazia is interested in joining the Union State of Russia and Belarus while maintaining its independence, although the work in this direction may take up to 10 years.” Bzhania compared this process to Russia's recognition of Abkhazia, which took years. Recently, relations between Sokhumi and Minsk have intensified, and meetings at the bilateral level have become more frequent.

Renewed Attack Against Non-Governmental and International Organizations

On February 7, Bzhania sent a “draft law” on “non-profit organizations and individuals acting as foreign agents” to the de facto parliament for review. Non-profit organizations of any organizational-legal form can be declared as acting as a “foreign agent” if they receive funds and/or property from foreign sources, and participate in political activities, including for the interests of foreign sources. The same applies to individuals. A foreign source can be a foreign state, state bodies of a foreign state, local self-government bodies, international and foreign organizations and their structural units, foreign citizens, etc. The “draft law” provides for the creation of a register of foreign agents for organizations and individuals, which will be maintained by the de facto Ministry of Justice.

The issue is particularly acute. Opponents of the initiative consider the “draft law” adoption as putting pressure on the activities of international organizations and trying to establish control over the local non-governmental sector. They have been trying to pass the bill for the last two years, but without success. In this regard, recent months have seen the activity of the de facto government, which, apparently, decided to adopt the “draft law” under increased pressure from Russia, despite internal opposition.

On February 20, Bzhania discussed the issue with members of the Public Chamber. The Secretary of the de facto Security Council, Sergey Shamba, the de facto Justice Minister, Anri Bartsits, the de facto Foreign Minister, Inal Ardzinba, and the Chief of the de facto State Security Service, Temur Akhiba, answered questions from the de facto government. The meeting was closed to the media. Non-governmental organizations were not invited to the meeting either.

Ardzinba is the main and most active lobbyist of the bill. He constantly attacks non-governmental and international organizations. e.g. on February 29, Ardzinba summoned the Manager of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Vardon Khoja, to a meeting. Ardzinba spoke to Khoja about the information available on the USAID website about the goals and objectives of UNDP funding, which mentions the issues of the de-occupation of Abkhazia and the fight against the destructive influence of the Kremlin. As Ardzinba stated, such information harms the reputation of UNDP and contradicts the goals of the UN Charter. According to him, the total cost of UNDP projects in Abkhazia total USD 20 million. Ardzinba paid particular attention to the financing of Abkhaz information resources, which are trying to have a destabilizing influence on public opinion. Ardzinba requested UNDP representatives to deny the information published on the USAID website on the UNDP website, as well as to publish the list of information resources financed by UNDP.

The de facto government's and especially Ardzinba's attempt to adopt the “draft law” on time has many opponents. In February, ten members of the “commission on constitutional reform” (2020-2021) requested to withdraw the bill. They consider it is disastrous for Abkhaz society, “violates the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution of Abkhazia, including the right to freedom of expression and the right to participate in public and political life.”

Appeal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia

Recently, there has been an increase in cases when journalists, civic activists and citizens criticizing the de facto government of Abkhazia have been stopped at the so-called border between Russia-Abkhazia for several hours. It is widely believed that Russian border guards carry out such temporary detentions based on lists provided by the de facto government to put pressure on people criticizing the de facto government.

The issue escalated so much that the de facto Ministry of Foreign Affairs appealed to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs asking to pay attention to the incidents recorded at the Adler checkpoint on the so-called Abkhaz-Russian border. The de facto Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia draws attention to attempts to negatively interpret these incidents, to which the de facto Ministry has nothing to do. Such an appeal from Ardzinba’s office looks more like a forced step, which is more like a demonstration of an alleged reaction to a negative attitude in society, since in Abkhazia they suspect that the de facto government is behind such disruptions.

Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia and Sokhumi's Response

On February 16, on its Telegram channel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia expressed bewilderment over the commutation of Edgar Abukhba’s sentence. Abukhba committed a grave crime against a Russian tourist in 2019. In 2021, he was convicted of rape, robbery and causing grievous bodily harm to a Russian citizen and was sentenced to 9 years in prison. He was released after the sentence was commuted by the so-called Supreme Court. The Russian Foreign Ministry evaluated the case as “a manifestation of tolerance on the part of the Abkhaz justice system towards crimes that pose security risks to a large number of foreign guests who vacation in Abkhaz resorts every year.” On February 18, the so-called Supreme Court of Abkhazia explained the reason for reducing the sentence saying that Abukhba committed the crime as a minor.

Why Was Not the Agreement with Rosgvardiya Signed?

In February, the de facto Ministry of Internal Affairs released information about the preparation of a draft of an interagency cooperation agreement with Russia's Rosgvardiya (the internal military force of Russia, comprising an independent agency and is separate from the Russian Armed Forces. It reports directly to the President of Russia). Reportedly, the purpose of the agreement is to share experience, train personnel in Rosgvardiya training centers, conduct joint educational and methodical meetings and exercises, develop information technologies in the direction of ensuring law and order. The disseminated information highly resonated. There were accusations that the de facto government was going to use Rosgvardiya to solve internal problems in Abkhazia.

The de facto Minister of Internal Affairs, Robert Kiut, commented on the issue sayig that “no one is going to surrender our sovereignty and somehow to infringe our interests.” Kiut explained the necessity of cooperation with Rosgvardiya with the fact that in Russia, the functions under the competence of his agency, are distributed between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Rosgvardiya. Kiut emphasized that the signing of the agreement does not envisage Rosgvardiya’s physical presence on the territory of Abkhazia or its involvement in internal political activities. On February 11, Kiut announced that the agreement will no longer be signed.

Murder Case of Vitali Karbaia

On February 12, a criminal case was initiated against three employees of the Internal Affairs Department of the occupied Gali (militia captain Albert Zarakua, militia lieutenant Vianor Abshilava, and junior militia lieutenant Davit Kvekveskiri). They are accused as a group of intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm and abuse of power. As a result of their violence, Vitali (Temur) Karbaia, a Georgian citizen and a resident of the Gali district, died in the Sokhumi hospital on December 9. Zarakua and Abshilava were arrested in Gali on February 10, and Kvekveskiri was arrested in Zugdidi on February 29. He was transferred to Tbilisi. At this stage he is accused of illegal purchase, storage and carrying of weapons.

New Naval Port in Turkey

In Sürmene, Turkey, 150 km from the Georgian border and 40 km from Trabzon, the construction of a naval base is underway. The base will receive frigates, fast attack crafts and submarines. The base will employee about 400 military and 200 civilians. As expected, the Turkish Black Sea Fleet will be stationed in Sürmene. In 2023, the first Turkish military contingent was already stationed here. The opening of the base is important in the context of the opening of the Russian naval base in Ochamchire, which is not only a security challenge for Georgia, but also increases the danger for the NATO member countries in the Black Sea region.

Turkish Fishermen

On February 16, three people died on the Turkish fishing vessel (Eminogullari 4 NºA341388) off the coast of Bichvinta. Four more were taken to Gagra hospital with signs of severe poisoning. According to the de facto Minister of Agriculture, Beslan Jopua, the ship was hired by Abkhaz entrepreneurs and has been in Abkhazia's waters since December 2023. In a few days, the ship returned to Turkey with the sailors discharged from the hospital and the bodies of the three dead crew members. Turkish fishing vessels are often found in the waters of occupied Abkhazia. They are illegally fishing based on “permits” issued by the de facto government.

Dmitry Gulia’s Year

Bzhania announced 2024 as the year of Dmitry Gulia. He has already taken part in events related to the 150th anniversary of Gulia's birth. Gulia is considered the founder of Abkhaz literature, and this year the de facto government is going to celebrate the date in a special way. The de facto government considers the celebration of such dates an important issue for the formation of national identity.

Tskhinvali Region

North Korean Bank Account in Tskhinvali

In February 2024, The New York Times published information according to which North Korea opened an account in a bank operating in the occupied Tskhinvali region. The article does not specify, however, most likely it refers to the „International Settlement Bank“ which was established a few years ago with Moscow’s support. Russia used the bank for economic relations with the occupied regions of Ukraine before recognizing them. The account is expected to be used for the transfer of the sanctioned USD 9 million, which North Korea will use to purchase oil from Russia. Tskhinvali will also benefit from the Moscow-Pyongyang deal, since the “Bank” is one of the major payers to the budget of the occupied region.

Government Official’s Visit to Tskhinvali

On February 1, the de facto President of the Tskhinvali region, Alan Gagloyev, met with Igor Maslov, the Head of the Directorate for Interregional Relations and Cultural Contacts with Foreign Countries of the Russian Presidential Administration. Maslov visited the region on a two-day working visit. He supervises and often visits the occupied regions to inspect the implementation of Russian-funded projects.

Alan Gagloyev's Mmeeting with Igor Maslov

Relations with Belarus

According to the de facto Minister of Foreign Affairs, Akhsar Jioev, joining the Union State of Russia and Belarus is a difficult process in the current situation and requires having relations with all the member states of the Union State. According to Jioev, he met several times with representatives of the Union; Deputies from the region took part in the work of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State; actively communicate with Belarus in the field of economy, culture and sports; The de facto parliament has a permanent observer status in the parliamentary assembly of the Union State. In terms of relations with Belarus, the government of occupied Abkhazia is more active. However, in recent months, the Tskhinvali region has become more active in this regard.

Restrictions Imposed by Russia

The Russian government has banned the export of gasoline for 6 months from 2024. The ban will not apply to members of the Eurasian Economic Union, occupied regions, Mongolia and Uzbekistan. A similar restriction was imposed in the period of September 21-November 17, 2023. The step is important for the occupied regions since fuel is imported only from Russia.

It is also noteworthy that Russia canceled the export tax on several goods for the Tskhinvali region from February 1. This applies to food products, fruits, vegetables, alcoholic products, agricultural goods, etc. They hope in the region that the decision will reduce prices on the mentioned products.

New Textbook of History

As the Director of the “South Ossetian Scientific Research Institute,” Robert Gagloity, stated, a new textbook on the history of “South Ossetia” will be ready by September 2024. According to him, “the book covers the history of Ossetia from the ancient times to the events of the war of August 2008.” The book has already been submitted to the de facto Ministry of Education of the occupied region. The preparation of a history textbook filled with false facts is part of the propaganda policy of the de facto government of the occupied region, the purpose of which is to spread a historical narrative that benefits them.

Warning to Residents of “Border” Villages

The so-called State Security Committee warns the population living near the occupation line about the responsibility imposed for violating “border legislation.” The “committee” instructed the heads of “border” villages to intensify explanatory work with the population. According to the “committee,” cases of violations of “border legislation” have become more frequent, as well as cases of export of domestic animals to the territory controlled by the Georgian side, which increases the risk of transferring biological diseases and pathogens to animals.

The “committee” regarded the fact of damage to the “border” infrastructure by two Georgian citizens on February 15 as vandalism. Both people were arrested and taken to the territory of the occupied region. The incident occurred near the occupation line of the village of Knolevi (Kareli municipality). According to the “committee,” the video recording of the incident by the detainees was carried out on the instructions of their supervisors - pro-Western non-profit organizations.

Comment on Irakli Kobakhidze's Statement

The de facto Minister of Foreign Affairs, Akhsar Jioev, commented on a statement of Georgian Prime Minister candidate Irakli Kobakhidze about the return of the occupied regions. According to him, such a statement is addressed to the domestic audience. “Similar statements have been made before at different levels. It is obvious that this is not relevant for us. The Ossetian people, who have repeatedly experienced the “peacefulness” of their southern neighbor, well understand the true meaning and value of such words. We urge them to abandon such illusions and accept the existing geopolitical reality that emerged in the region after the August 2008 war,” Jioev said.

Meeting in Ergneti

On February 13, the 117th meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) was held in Ergneti. This is the first meeting this year. In 2023, seven such meetings were held. At the meeting, the issue of appointing David Gurtsiev as the prosecutor of the occupied Akhalgori region was raised. Gurtsiev is accused of murdering Archil Tatunashvili in 2018. In 2020, the Mtskheta court sentenced him to life imprisonment. The Georgian side also demanded the punishment of the killers of Tamaz Ginturi (Russian occupation forces killed Ginturi on November 6, 2023), the release of all illegally detained persons and condemned the illegal process of “borderization.” The Tskhinvali side requested the abolition of the Georgian police checkpoint in the village of Chorchana. According to a Tskhinvali representative, since the last meeting, December 13, the number of “border violations,” as well as incidents related to operation of unmanned aerial vehicles near the “occupation line” and the presence of Georgian police, has decreased. The next meeting was scheduled for March 20.

Meeting in Ergneti