Georgian Government Responds to Reports About Russian Military Base Establishment in Occupied Abkhazia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, October 6, 2023
Russia is planning to establish a new permanent military and naval base in the occupied region of Abkhazia, along the Black Sea coast. An agreement for this purpose has already been signed between Russia and the separatist regime of Abkhazia. Aslan Bzhania, the de facto president of occupied Abkhazia, revealed this during an interview with the Russian publication 'Izvestia', following his meeting with Vladimir Putin on October 4.
According to Bzhania, the naval base will soon be established in Ochamchire.
"On our national holiday, a small missile ship arrived, and we boarded it; it's a highly modern vessel with significant combat capabilities. We've signed an agreement, and in the near future, there will be a permanent Russian navy base in the Ochamchire region," stated Bzhania.
Bzhania also noted, "Military-technical cooperation between Moscow and Sokhumi aims to enhance the defense capabilities of both Russia and Abkhazia."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has responded to the upcoming establishment of a Russian military base in occupied Abkhazia by calling on the Russian Federation to respect its international obligations, fulfill the cease-fire agreement concluded on August 12, 2008, and cease the illegal occupation of the integral regions of Georgia.
"We express concern regarding the statements made by the Russian occupation regime in Sokhumi about the placement of an additional Russian military base on the occupied territories of Georgia and the inclusion of the indivisible Abkhazia region of Georgia in the integration processes initiated by Russia.
These actions represent a gross violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and constitute another provocative attempt to legitimize the illegal occupation of the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions.
The international community strongly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. We call on the Russian Federation to respect its international obligations, fulfill the cease-fire agreement concluded on August 12, 2008, through the mediation of the European Union, and cease the illegal occupation of Georgia's indivisible regions," The Foreign Ministry's statement reads.
Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, also addressed the establishment of a Russian military base in occupied Abkhazia. According to him, this is a continuation of the occupation.
"I briefed European leaders on the information reported this morning. As you are aware, it has been revealed that Russia is planning to construct a third military base on our territory, specifically a naval base, without our consent. This constitutes a direct result of the ongoing occupation and is unquestionably a continuation of that occupation.
Naturally, we perceive this decision as illegal. I told them that it makes this situation even worse, which comes with the occupation. Everyone knows very well that Georgia is, and I described our situation strongly, that we are in a very specific situation, since a significant part of the country's territory is occupied, and taking into account all this, the country is able to develop, advance, and reform in such a way as to maintain peace and stability. It really needs flexibility and we really have something to say in this direction," Prime Minister said.
