Shamba Comments on Abkhaz Official’s Release

Abkhaz Foreign Minister Sergey Shamba welcomed the release of Pridon Chakaberia, head of the administration of Kvemo Bargebi village, on April 23. However, he ruled out the release of Georgian students, who were arrested by Abkhaz militiamen on March 1, Apsnypress news agency reported.

“The Georgian authorities should also release an employee of the Gali administration, David Sigua, [head of the Gali District’s local election commission] who was abducted on February 3. Only then will we discuss the release of the Georgian students, who are accused of illegally crossing the Georgian-Abkhaz border,” Shamba said.

The Abkhaz side demanded the release of both Chakaberia and Sigua as a precondition for the resumption of talks with the Georgian side.

In a statement issued on April 23 the Office of the Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues expressed hope that the release of Pridon Chakaberia would be followed by the release of the three Georgian students.

“This will have a positive influence on the negotiating process,” the statement reads.

The Georgian side also reiterated its readiness to resume talks with the Abkhaz side over the issues of security and return of internally displaced persons. 

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