Non-governmental Organizations Discuss Abkhazia Status
On January 5, 2005 the representatives of non-governmental organizations, political and legal experts held a discussion dedicated to the status of Abkhazia. The participants focused on the concept, which foresees the linking of Tbilisi and Sokhumi within a common federal state.
According to the concept, defense and foreign policy, border defense, customs system and the fight against organized crime will fall within the jurisdiction of the central authorities of the federation. All the other issues will be run independently by Abkhazia. The Republic of Abkhazia will not have its own armed forces but it will maintain a police force.
According to the document, Abkhazia will be a parliamentary republic, a majority of the Abkhazian parliament will be made up of ethnic Abkhazians. The concept also allows for the introduction of the post of President of Abkhazia, if the Abkhazians demand it.
The return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to Abkhazia is one of the key points of the document. According to the document, the elections in Abkhazia should be held only after the return of refugees and IDPs.
The concept also foresees the introduction of dual citizenship as well as common monetary system. Lifting of economic sanctions currently in place against Abkhazia and restoration of rail and air links between Tbilisi and Sokhumi is also envisaged by the concept.
After this discussion the concept will be submitted to the National Security Council for consideration. If approved by the NSC, the concept will become the first document reflecting the official view of Tbilisi for the resolution of this conflict.
