Sokhumi Protests Against Tbilisi’s Closure of Maritime Border

Defense Minister of breakaway Abkhazia Sultan Sosnaliev said on June 28 that Georgia’s decision to close Abkhaz portion of the maritime border for all forms of maritime traffic is “interference in Abkhazia’s internal affairs,” Apsnipress news agency reported.

He warned that “Abkhaz Defense Ministry will undertake adequate measures in case of necessity.”

The Georgian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on June 28 saying that the Abkhaz portion of the maritime border remains closed since last August. Tensions fueled between Tbilisi and Sokhumi last August after the Georgian coast guard opened fire to a Turkish vessel en route to Abkhazia.

Abkhaz Foreign Ministry described the Georgian Foreign Ministry’s June 28 statement as “a provocation.”

The authorities in breakaway Abkhazia say that Tbilisi tries to spark tensions in the region every summer, when Abkhazia anticipates tourists mainly from Russia.

Abkhaz Interior Minister Otar Khetsia told Apsnipress on June 28, that the law enforcement agencies “will do everything” to ensure security of tourists in Abkhazia.

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