In April 2019, the Kremlin appointed new curator to Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region. In April several important delegations visited Tskhinvali Region, including delegation chaired by Rashid Nurgaliyev, Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. In Kremlin was also decided the issue of Tskhinvali Region financing for 2020-2022. In this article, you will be able to learn about important developments of April 2019, connected to the Kremlin’s policies in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region.
April 2019 Important Developments Shortly:
New Curator
On April 17, 2019, according to the Directive of the President of the Russian Federation, Aleksey Filatov was appointed on the position of the Head of the Directorate for Cross-Border Cooperation. He substituted Oleg Govorun. The Directorate provides support to the Russian President in direction of cooperation with Abkhazia, Tskhinvali Region and Ukraine (the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics). Filatov, before the assignment on this position, in the rank of the Chief Advisor was the curator to Tskhinvali Region for years. He was responsible for humanitarian issues and was actively involved in 2017 Illegitimate Presidential Elections.
New curator of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region was appointed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well. On April 3, 2019, Russian President signed a decree appointing Aleksey Pavlovski as new Russian ambassador to Australia. From July 4, 2011 to April 2019 he was the Director of the 4th CIS Department. Since April 4, 2019, the Director of the Department is Denis Gonchar.
Important Meetings
On April 1, 2019, in Moscow, Daur Kove, de facto Minister of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia, met with Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. At the meeting was discussed interaction issues within the frame of Geneva International Discussions. The meeting was held within the frame of the memorandum on implementation of coordinated foreign policy, signed in 2015.
Important Visits
Nurgaliyev delegation
On April 22, 2019, Inter-Agency Delegation of the Russian Federation, chaired by Rashid Nurgaliyev, Deputy Secretary of the Security Council, paid three day working visit to Tskhinvali Region. The delegation visit followed the meeting held in Moscow on March 6, 2019, between Vladimer Putin, the President of the Russian Federation, and Anatoly Bibilov, de facto President of Tskhinvali Region.
Nurgaliyev, curator to Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region at Security Council, reviewed two important issues at the meeting: reconstruction of “Transkam“ - the only highway connecting Russia and Tskhinvali Region (reconstruction works already planned) and energy provision for the Region. In this direction, construction of a small hydropower station on the Zonkari reservoir was not approved due to its non-profitability.
Delegation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia
Delegation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia visited Tskhinvali Region. At the meeting Igor Naniev, de facto Minister of Internal Affairs of Tskhinvali Region, stated that priority directions of joint cooperation are to combat against organized crime, protect public order and society legitimate interests. At the meeting was also discussed development of the Joint Coordination-Information Center of the Ministries of Internal Affairs.
Delegation of Russian General Staff
Anatoly Bibilov, de facto President of Tskhinvali Region, hosted delegation of the Ministry of Defense chaired by Sergey Istrakov, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. At the meeting was discussed military-technical cooperation, implementation of signed agreements and “negative“ results“ of the Lugar Lab activities in Tbilisi.
Delegation of Federation Council
On April 12, 2019, delegation of the Federation Council of Russia visited Tskhinvali Region. The delegation was chaired by Sergey Tsekov, member of the International Affairs Committee and the Head of the Inter-Parliamentary Committee between Russia and Tskhinvali Region. Committee regular meeting was held in Tskhinvali.
Military Exercises
Large-scale exercises
Russian motorised infantry participated in tactical exercises in the highland region of Caucasus. Apart of the Republics of Northern Caucasus of the Russian Federation, exercises took place in Armenia, Annexed Crimea and Occupied Regions of Georgia as well. Totally more than 6000 servicemen and 2000 military equipment were involved in the exercises held in the Southern Military District.
Military exercises on the 7th Russian Military Base in Abkhazia
In April 2019, on the background of frequent NATO exercises in Georgia and NATO member states’ owned military vessels visits in the Black Sea, Russian Militants together with units of the de facto Ministry of Defense of Abkhazia conducted Command and Staff exercises. Aviation and the Black Sea fleet ships were involved in the exercises. At the same time, other exercises also took place at military polygons of Russia in Abkhazia.
New military equipment and new servicemen at the 7th military base
The 7th military base infrastructure projects
During the last 4 years, more than 50 infrastructure projects have been implemented at the 7th military base.
Completed projects are: 34 residential houses, 10 service units, including check-point, guard post, cynology settlement, material and technical support warehouses.
Military exercises at the 4th military base of Russia in Tskhinvali Region
Divisions of the 4th military base, using armoured vehicles and artillery, participated in tactical exercises conducted on Dzartsemi military polygon,
Russian Border-Guards
On April 30, 2019, the 10th anniversary of the foundation of Border Division of Security Federal Service, Russian Federation, was celebrated in Tskhinvali Region and Abkhazia. The celebrating event was held in Tskhinvali at Cinema and Concert Hall "Chermen", a solemn demonstration took place in Sokhumi as well. Agreement on “Joint Measures for Protecting State Border between Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia” was signed on April 30, 2009.
Investment Programs
4.5 billion RUB to be allocated for Tskhinvali Region in 2020-2022
On April 19, 2019, the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Commission on socio-economic cooperation between Tskhinvali Region and the Russian Federation was held in Tskhinvali. At the session was approved Investment Program supporting socio-economic development for 2020-2022. According to Vitaly Mutko, co-chairman of the session, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, investment program comprises 52 events and more than 30 projects. 1.5 billion RUB will be spent for program implementation yearly. Inter-Agency Working Group for cooperation in the field of investment was also created at the session.
Cooperation enhancement mechanisms were discussed in Abkhazia
On April 22, 2019, the first session of Inter-Agency working group for cooperation in the field of investment between Abkhazia and Russia was held in Sukhumi. Cooperation enhancement mechanisms were discussed at the session.
Cooperation in the Field of Healthcare
Group of doctors of the Russian Federal Medical-Biological Agency continue medical check-ups for the population of Abkhazia. The general check-ups for the population of Abkhazia started on April 5, 2019, from Gali district, where the group of doctors conducted medical examination for up to 2000 persons. Totally 1700 patients underwent medical examinations in Tkvarcheli District. Check-ups will be conducted in all regions of Abkhazia, planned due date is June 9. Enhancing cooperation in the field of healthcare aims at reducing the number of medical assistance provision for the people living in Abkhazia on the territory controlled by Georgian government. The mentioned trend is negatively assessed by the local de facto government and is considered as a tool of “soft power”, Tbilisi applies against Sukhumi.
Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture
With the coming of Spring fight against Asian Bug is becoming topical. De facto Ministry of Agriculture of Abkhazia has already received more than 4000 L medicines from Russia to fight against Asian Bug
Cooperation with the Regions of Russia
On March 12, 2019, during Gennady Kokoev, de facto Minister of Economic Development of Tskhinvali Region, visit in Saint Petersburg, agreement was signed on cooperation between the “Saint Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and industry“ and the “Tskhinvali Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry“.
Within the frame of the 5th Yalta International Economic Forum, Anatoly Bibilov, de facto President of Tskhinvali Region, signed agreement with Sergey Aksyonov, de facto Leader of Annexed Crimea, on cooperation and the plan of cooperation implementation for 2019-2022. Also, de facto Mayor of Tskhinvali and Chairman of Kerchi City Council, signed the cities commonwealth agreement.
Russian Soft Power
In April 2019, representations of the Federal Agency for CIS States, Compatriots Residing Abroad and International Humanitarian Affairs, were actively celebrating education and Soviet holidays in Sukhumi and Tskhinvali.
Russian Center of Science and Culture announced readers contest for schoolchildren in Tskhinvali, in connection with the 250th anniversary of the birth of Russian fabulist Krylov. The 8th annual festival - “My Beloved Russia“ was also held in Tskhinvali Region.
In Tskhinvali, the 85th anniversary of establishment of the Soviet Union Hero rank was celebrated with the demonstration. Within the framework of the event the thematic exhibition was held with the support of the Center. On Cosmonautics day (April 12), in Tskhinvali was held competition of children’s drawings with the support of the Center. The competition was dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the birth of Yuri Gagarin. Similar events were held in Sukhumi as well.
On April 21-25, at the Representation of the Agency of Abkhazia, was discussed Cultural and Educational events plan for 2019. According to the plan the conference will be held in nearest future and will be reviewed Russia’s contribution to the Socio-Economic development of Abkhazia.
Starting from April, apart of the Agency representation, newly established branch of Russian Foundation “Russkiy Mir“ will also ensure implementation of the Russian Soft Power. The foundation aims to popularize Russian Language and Culture, support education program, maintain and develop Russian language.
In the direction of agency activities for April should be noted successful enrolment of 50 Abkhaz students, who will receive education in Russian universities.