In May 2019, compared to previous months, number of military exercises conducted on the occupied regions of Georgia has been decreased. However, in connection with Slavic Writing and Culture day and May 9, number of solemn events have been held in Sukhumi and Tskhinvali Region. You will be able to learn about important developments of May 2019, connected to the Kremlin’s policies in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region.
May 2019 Important Developments Shortly:
Important Visits
Anatoly Bibilov, de facto President of Tskhinvali Region, was especially active in relations with Russia in May. Bibilov’s frequent meetings with Russian high-rank officials might be explained by illegitimate parliamentary elections scheduled on June 9 in Tskhinvali Region. Visits to Moscow might be result of Bibilov's desire to obtain the Kremlin's support for his political team. On March 6, Bibilov has already met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On My 27-28, Bibilov visited Moscow and met with Sergey Shougu, the Minister of Defence of Russia. Parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation in military field. Bibilov also met with Sergey Chebotarev, Minister of North Caucasus Affairs of Russian Federation. At the meeting parties discussed issues of socio-economic cooperation with Tskhinvali Region and implementation of investment program promoting socio-economic development of Tskhinvali Region in 2019.
Military Exercises
In May, compared to previous months, number and immensity of military exercises has been decreased. From the prospect of immensity noteworthy were joint exercises of antiterrorist divisions and military police of Southern Military District of Russian Federation. Joint Exercises took place in Armenia, Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region.
“Border“ Demarcation
On May 16, 2019, the 2nd session of joint so-called border demarcation committee of Russia and Tskhinvali Region was held in Tskhinvali. According to Anatoly Bibilov, de facto President of Tskhinvali Region, the committee has almost completed its task. According to Vadim Postnov, leader of the Russian delegation in the committee, signing of number of instructions and rules is already planned, that will enable to create demarcation map, determine location of the border marks.
Russian Financing
On May 31, 2019, at the session of de facto government of Abkhazia was discussed the issue of applying changes to the budget of 2019. According to Jansugh Nanba, de facto Minister of Finance, part of 2019 budget income will increase with 470 million and 900 thousand RUB, including 360 million RUB allocated by Russia as financial support for socio-economic development of Abkhazia, 69 million and 500 thousand RUB – assistance from Russia for implementation of investment program promoting socio-economic development of Abkhazia in 2017-2019.
Cooperation in the Field of Healthcare
Ongoing general medical check-ups for the population of Abkhazia, which started from Gali district, are conducted by the group of doctors of Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia. Medical check-ups will be conducted in all regions of Abkhazia and be completed by June 10. 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 advent of Spring Russia increased its support to Abkhazia in fight against Asian Bug. In April, de facto Ministry of Agriculture of Abkhazia has received more than 4000 L medicines from Russia to fight against Asian Bug, in May specialists from the representation of the Russian Agricultural Center (rosselhoscenter) taught the population of Abkhazia how to safely use chemicals against Asian Bug. In addition, Russian Federation will allocate 133 million RUB to support Abkhazia in fight against Asian Bug. The issue is mentioned in Russian Budget for 2019-2021,
Cooperation with the Regions of Russia
Bitarov visited Tskhinvali
On May 29, 2019, Vyacheslav Bitarov, Head of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, visited Tskhinvali. Bitarov participated in the event dedicated to the 27th anniversary of the declaration of independence of so-called “South Ossetia Republic“. Bitarov is the guest of honor at all important events held in Tskhinvali.
Bibilov visited Donbas
Relations between Tskhinvali Region and the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics is being enhanced with Russian support. On May 10, 2019, Anatoly Bibilov, de facto President of Tskhinvali Region visited Donetsk to celebrate the 5th anniversary of declaration of independence of self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic. On May 12, Bibilov visited self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic as well. Before that, de facto and self-proclaimed Leaders of Tskhinvali Region and Lugansk exchanged Instruments of Ratification of the agreement on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance, signed back in 2018. There is an opinion that Tskhinvali region was formed as a mediator in the financial and economic relations between Russia and Ukraine's separatist regimes. Moscow is trying to disguise relations with separatists in Ukraine, with the support of such relations.
Religion
The year 2019 is outstanding for active cooperation between the Muslims of Abkhazia and Adygea. On May 2, 2019, at the mosque of Maykop city, Muftis of the Spiritual board of Abkhazian Muslims and the Spiritual board of Adygea Republic and Krasnodar Krai Muslims signed an agreement on cooperation. Later, Spiritual board of Adygea Republic and Krasnodar Krai Muslims paid charity visit to Abkhazia. At Gudauta and Sukhumi mosques the guests had fast dinner – iftar. Spiritual board of Adygea Republic and Krasnodar Krai Muslims has already visited Abkhazia in March.
Russian Soft Power
In May 2019, representations of the Federal Agency for CIS States, Compatriots Residing Abroad and International Humanitarian Affairs, were actively celebrating World War II Victory and Slavic Writing and Culture Day in Sukhumi and Tskhinvali. At the same time, on May 22, master class in Russian language and concert took place at the Culture House in Gali district.
May 9 Celebration
Number of events took place in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region celebrating World War II Victory. For example, chess tournament was held in Tskhinvali and Sukhumi. On May 7, like the whole Russia, "Victory Dictation" was conducted in Tskhinvali. 84 people checked self-awareness on World War II. On May 9, the "Ribbon of Saint George" march took place throughout Tskhinvali Region. Various events were held in Abkhazia as well: the immortal regiment, bicycle race, festive march, demonstrations and speeches, voluntary working on weekend.
In connection with May 9 celebrating event, at the 4th Military Base of the Russian Federation in Tskhinvali Region, 30 schoolchildren joined National Military Patriotic Social Movement Association “Yunarmiya“. Organization was established under the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation initiative and with the support of the President of Russia.
Slavic Writing and Culture
On May 24, Slavic Writing and Culture day was celebrated in Tskhinvali. At so-called South Ossetia State University, within the ceremonial events, scientific-practical conferences were held dedicated to the 160th anniversary of Kosta Khetagurov and 220th anniversary of Pushkin. Slavic Writing and Culture day was celebrated by mass events in Abkhazia as well .