Bagapsh Confirms Drive to Establish Control in Gali District

Speaking at a press-confrence on November 10, Abkhaz leader Sergei Bagapsh confirmed his drive to establish firm control of the easternmost Gali district of Abkhazia, mainly populated by ethnic Georgians who voluntarily returned to Abkhazia.

According to Bagapsh, only those Gali residents who abandon their Georgian citizenship will be granted newly introduced Abkhaz passports and, therefore, full rights in the self-proclaimed republic. Earlier, Bagapsh stated that those wanting to maintain their Georgian citizenship should seek it “across the river” – referring to the Enguri river that separates self-proclaimed Abkhaz republic from Georgia proper.

Georgian agencies recently reported that one inhabitant of the Gali district was killed after refusing to be drafted into the Abkhaz army. Calling up of Gali residents to Abkhaz army is one of the elements of the recent drive to firmly tie ethnic Georgian Gali residents to Abkhazia.

Bagapsh also said he plans to “establish control” of the so called “lower zone” of the Gali district, directly bordering Georgia. This confirms claims by the Georgian media of an increased number of Abkhaz police in the area. According to Bagapsh, such control is necessary to resolve “economic issues, fight crime and protect the rights of the inhabitants.”

“The Gali district should work for the economy of Abkhazia,” Bagapsh stressed.

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