Bagapsh ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ over Abkhaz Recognition by Ukraine, Belarus

Abkhaz leader, Sergey Bagapsh, said on April 29 that he was “cautiously optimistic” about possible recognition of Abkhazia by Ukraine and Belarus, Abkhaz news agency, Apsnipress, reported. 

“Of course, it is important for us that Ukraine recognizes Abkhazia, that Belarus finally closes this issue, especially if we take into consideration that we had already held negotiations with them. I understand well that each country has its own problems, [each governments has] its opposition, there is influence of the West, financial structures… If it [recognition] happens we will be very happy, because Belarus, Russia and Ukraine as well as other CIS countries are our friendly states. We do not ask unconditional recognition, we offer to build relations,” Bagapsh was quoted by Apsnipress. 

He said for gaining international support, Abkhazia would require to build “a real democracy.”

Speaking at a news conference, Bagapsh also hailed border guard forces of the Russian Federal Security Service, which were deployed in the breakaway region a year ago.

“Russian border guards protect not only the borders of Abkhazia, but also Russian borders. We have invited them to ensure peace and stability here. It is not only about Abkhazia;  it is about how the situation will develop in the entire Caucasus.”

He also added that Russian border guard service in Abkhazia “is ready to recruit Abkhaz citizens, who are willing to serve in Russian border guard troops.”

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