Publication: N57 / Review period: September 1-30, 2023 / Author: Arsen Araqelov
Review of the Kremlin Policy in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region is being prepared within the framework of the project - Roadmap to Kremlin's Policy in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali Region. The purpose of the publication is to review important developments related to Russia’s policy in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region. The review is a monthly publication and will be useful for everyone – decision-makers, public employees, media representatives and other people who are interested in the Kremlin policy in the occupied regions of Georgia.
“Victory Day” in the De Facto Republic of Abkhazia
On September 30, the de facto Republic of Abkhazia solemnly marks the day of Victory and Independence of the Republic of Abkhazia. On this date, three days after the fall of Sokhumi, Georgian units left the territory of Abkhazia, and separatists raised the “state” flag of Abkhazia on the bank of the Enguri river. This year, Abkhazia celebrated the 30th anniversary of “victory” and held a military parade. Guests arrived from Russia to participate in the ceremonial events in the de facto republic.
The de facto President of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, personally met delegations from the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania, Bashkortostan, the Leningrad region, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, Adygea, Chechnya, the breakaway Republic of Transnistria and the occupied Tskhinvali region.
On September 30, the small missile ship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet – Cyclone, which entered the port of Sokhumi the day before, participated in the ceremonial events.
The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, congratulated Bzhania on “Victory Day.”
Small Missile Ship Cyclone in the Port of Sokhumi
Speaker of the De Facto Parliament of Abkhazia Meets with the Deputy of the Russian Duma
On September 13, the speaker of the so-called parliament, Lasha Ashuba, met with the Deputy of the Russian Duma, Anastasia Udaltsova, who is also a member of the State Duma Committee on Nationalities Affairs, in the de facto parliament of Abkhazia. Other deputies of the de facto parliament also attended the meeting which discussed the issues of “inter-parliamentary” cooperation.
Visits to Russian “Sister” Cities
On September 16, the de facto Deputy Mayors of Sokhumi, Avtandil Surmanidze and Leon Kvarchia, visited Rostov-on-Don and took part in events related to the City Day. Sokhumi and Rostov are sister cities.
In addition, other members of the de facto Administration of Sokhumi visited the city of Bryansk to mark the City Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Bryansk from the “German-fascist invaders.” Sokhumi and Bryansk have been sister cities since July 13, 2022.
Dmitry Volvach's Visit to the Occupied Tskhinvali Region
On September 15, the Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia, Dmitry Volvach, and the Deputy Director of the Department for Special Programs and Projects of the Ministry, Anton Melnik, visited the de facto Republic of Abkhazia. In the ministry, Volvach supervises the direction of the occupied regions.
During the long visit, Volvach held meetings with representatives of the de facto government and inspected construction and repair works which are ongoing under the investment program developed by Russia to promote the socio-economic development of the occupied regions of Georgia.
Volvach also met with the de facto President, Alan Gagloyev. At the meeting, Volvach focused on the importance of finding private investors for economic development.
Dmitry Volvach's Visit to the Occupied Region
Meeting of the Russian-Tskhinvali Region Demarcation Commission
On September 26-29, the ninth meeting of the joint demarcation commission of Russia and the de facto republic of the Tskhinvali region was held in Moscow. The meeting discussed the issue of delimitation and demarcation of the “border” between the de facto republic and Russia.