Abkhaz Defense Chief Denies Arms Supply from Russia

In an interview with the Russian daily Kommersant, published on August 17, Defense Minister of breakaway Abkhazia Sultan Sosnaliev denied Georgian authorities? claims that Russia supplies Abkhazia with military equipment, but admitted that Russian retired officers are serving in the Abkhaz army.

Speaking at a news conference in Moscow on August 17 Abkhaz leader Sergey Bagapsh also denied allegations of importing arms from Russia. But he also confirmed that Abkhazia uses Russian military experts to train Abkhaz troops.

?No one helps us. We can deal on our own. We have enough equipment and armament. We can purchase any kind of weapon. It is not a problem? Defense funding has been increased by 60%, salaries for the serviceman has also been doubled. In general, an attitude towards the army has changed in recent six months,? Sultan Sosnaliev said.

The Abkhaz Defense Minister said that many Russian retired officers ?come to Abkhazia voluntarily? No one is sending them,? referring to the Georgian side?s accusations that Russia dispatches its military instructors to train Abkhaz troops. According to the Georgian reports, Russian instructors are also participating in the largest-ever military exercises, which is currently underway in the breakaway region.

Sultan Sosnaliev said that the task of these maneuvers is ?to be ready for repelling enemy?s attack.?

?From the technical and financial point of view we [Georgia and Abkhazia] are certainly non-comparable. But we have a human factor. Abkhazia is completely armed. Every person here is ready to fight,? he said.

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian)