Breakaway Abkhazia’s leader challenges Russia-proposed ‘Alliance and Integration’ treaty

The de facto president of Georgia’s breakaway Abkhazia region is unhappy with a number of paragraphs in the Kremlin proposed ‘Alliance and Integration’ treaty, which aims to bring Russia and Abkhazia closer together.

De facto president Raul Khajimba agreed with the majority of the treaty but he strongly disagreed with some parts of the document, and held a meeting with deputies of the National Assembly yesterday to discuss ways to change the draft document.

Abkhazian online media outlet Apsnypress said the breakaway leader touched on a number of specific points and said the draft ‘Alliance and Integration’ document must comply with the Constitution of the republic and must be based on the treaty of ‘Friendship and Co-operation’ that was signed between Abkhazia and Russia in 2008.

One part of the document envisaged establishing a United Group of Alignment (UGA) – a combined group of Russian and Abkhaz forces that aimed to strengthen borders and establish common defence infrastructure. The draft noted in the case of attacks, the partner side would provide necessary assistance and military support.

When speaking about the possibility of creating the UAG, Khajimba was generally positive however he challenged Russia’s proposal that the UAG would be led by the Russian side. He also noted the Abkhazian side did not plan to include all its armed forces in the UGA.

"We can talk about individual units, which could undergo combat coordination and training within the UGA,” he said.

"The Abkhaz side is also going to make a proposal to Russia for the provision of assistance in the modernisation and equipment with modern material and technical of the Armed Forces of Abkhazia.”.

At the meeting, the breakaway region’s leader emphasized there were no plans to abolish the border between Abkhazia and Russia.

In terms of border control, he said the Abkhaz side only planned gradual facilitation of border-crossing at Psou River. Khajimba explained this process should be carried out alongside the process of strengthening and reinforcing the Georgian-Abkhaz border. He noted the Abkhaz side would soon ask Russia to strengthen the border with Georgia using more modern equipment and technologies.

The Abkhaz side established a working group that will negotiate with the Russian side about the draft treaty. The group will include representatives of the executive and legislative branches of the government.

Meanwhile, full text of the draft ‘Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Abkhazia on Alliance and Integration’ was made public after it was posted on the Apsnipress website on October 13.

The Georgian side were not happy with the proposed treaty and claimed it threatened Abkhazia’s identity.

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said the Moscow-proposed draft treaty with Abkhazia was "alarming” and contradicted Abkhazia's 25 year struggle for identity, recognition and so-called independence”.

Garibashvili commented to Georgian media last night from Batumi, where he attended a reception to welcome the US Navy Command ship Mount Whitney to the Georgian sea port.

After Georgia released its official statement, Russia soon responded. Official spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander Lukashevich said Russia disagreed with Georgia's opinion of the Russia-Abkhazia deal and the deal was not alarming for Georgia-Russia relations.

"Nobody has a right and ability to prevent Russia and Abkhazia from bringing their ties to a new level,” he said.