Bagapsh Speaks of Conflict Resolution Process

Abkhaz leader Sergey Bagapsh said that the lifting of economic sanctions against Abkhazia would foster progress in the conflict resolution process, Apsnypress news agency reported. Sergey Bagapsh addressed the Parliament of breakaway Abkhazia with an annual report on February 15.

He expressed concern that Tbilisi has recently changed its position over the Abkhaz-Georgian draft agreement over non-resumption of hostilities.
 
“[Tbilisi’s] position has changed against the background of recent developments in Georgia, which aim at ousting the Russian peacekeeping contingent from the conflict zone… We are categorically against the changing of this format,” Sergey Bagapsh said.
 
He said that against the background of a lack of security guarantees and “constant threats of using force by the Georgian side,” the Abkhaz army should take the central place for ensuring security in Abkhazia.
 
The Abkhaz leader expressed his readiness to hold “a civilized dialogue” with the Georgian side “but not about the political status” of Abkhazia.