Abkhazia Seeks ‘Associated Relations’ with Russia

Parliament of the unrecognized Abkhaz Republic appealed Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 16, urging to support the creation of so called “associated relations” between Abkhazia and Russia, the Abkhaz news agency Apsnipress reported.

“We consider Russia as the only guarantor of security and economic welfare for Abkhazia… establishment of associated relations will be the legalization of Russia’s protection over Abkhazia,” the text of appeal reads.

The appeal also outlines those provisions that might be used as a founding basis for an agreement over “associated relations.”

According to these provisions, Abkhazia agrees to carry out “coordinated foreign policy which will not be in contradiction to Russian interests.”

“Abkhazia grants Russia the right to deploy its military bases on Abkhaz soil… Russia provides security and protection of the Abkhaz territory… Abkhazia will enter into the monetary and customs union with Russia,” the appeal reads.

Abkhazia has appealed to Russia for “associated relations” twice already – in 2002 and 2003.

“Abkhazia will not change its foreign policy course, regardless of the presidential elections outcome: Russia was and remains our main guarantor of stability and security and we will never change this course,” says the appeal by the Abkhaz Parliament.

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