Georgian gov’t, int’l partners ensure 4 mln GEL in aid for Russian-occupied Abkhazia during the pandemic

The central Georgian government and international partners have ensured four million GEL in financial support for Georgia’s Russian-occupied Abkhazia region during the pandemic, Georgian State Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality Tea Akhvlediani stated earlier today, during a presentation of the 2020 report.

The financial support was ensured via the status-neutral coordinating mechanism,” Akhvlediani said.  

She stated that 250 Covid-19 patients have been transported from Abkhazia region to the Tbilisi-controlled territory for treatment so far, while the de facto authorities of Georgia’s another Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region still deprives locals of crossing the occupation line to receive treatment. 

• 89-year-old Georgian man with home divided by occupying forces in critical condition, not allowed to enter Tbilisi-controlled territory

Tea Akhvlediani replaced Ketevan Tsikhelashvili in the post in August 2020. Photo: State Ministry for Reconciliation and Civil Equality press office. 

Akhvlediani said that 14 joint business projects with individuals living in the occupied regions have been funded. 

To support trade-economic relations with the individuals living behind the occupation line 14 best business projects have been funded (starting from 2021),” Akhvlediani said, adding that the Peace Fund for the Better Future has already been launched for this. 

Akhvlediani said that carrying out the people-oriented policy is among the key priorities of the government, along with the policies of non-recognition of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions as independent states and the de-occupation of the country. 

She said that Russia does its best to spark tension on the ground and disturb the efforts of the Georgian government to communicate with the local population.