Abkhaz Leader Speaks of Relations with Moscow, Tbilisi
Abkhaz leader Sergey Bagapsh, who is currently visiting Moscow, said on August 17 that he sees no need for a bilateral meeting with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, but added that the Georgian and Abkhaz sides are now close to signing an agreement on security issues, including the non-resumption of hostilities, Russian news agencies Interfax and RIA Novosti reported.
The president of the unrecognized republic was speaking at a news conference in Moscow, where, as Bagapsh said, he discussed only economic issues with Russian leaders. ?We have no problems in political relations [with Russia],? he added.
?[The current] position of the [Georgian and Abkhaz] sides gives hope and we can reach a compromise in this regard, I mean, the agreement on security issues between Abkhazia and Georgia can be signed,? Bagapsh said.
He also said that talks between him and Saakashvili are not currently planned. ?I do not think it is necessary now,? Bagapsh added.
The Abkhaz leader called on the Georgian President once again to recognize Abkhazia?s independence. ?Saakashvili has the reputation of a great democrat in the West. So, he has a chance to make history by recognizing Abkhazia?s independence,? he said.
He said that Abkhazia seeks ?associated membership? in the Russian Federation. ?We are synchronizing our legislation with that of Russia,? Bagapsh added.
He said that by the end of 2005 the entire population of the breakaway region will receive Russian citizenship. ?Presently, 80-82% of our citizens have Russian passports. At this moment we have received 7-8 thousand requests and I think that by the end of this year almost 100% of Abkhaz citizens will have Russian passports,? the Abkhaz leader said.
Bagapsh also stated that the Abkhaz side will rehabilitate the Abkhaz section of the Russo-Georgian border regardless of whether Georgia participates in this process or not.
