Sukhum/Agency Caucasus – Veterans of the 1992-1993 war between Abkhazia and Georgia have voiced their readiness to join an armed resistance to Georgia in case Abkhazia faces a military challenge.
Adyge Khase, a civil organization set up in the Abkhazian capital of Sukhum in April 2007 by volunteers of Abkhazia from Kabardibo-Balkaria, Karachai-Cherkessia and Adygea, issued a statement on April 19 about the growing unrest between Georgia and Abhazia.
Signed by Anzor Goov, Chair of the Adyge Khase of the Abkhazian Republic, it said that Abkhazia would be defended again by volunteers against a possible incursion from Georgia. "Those planning to launch a new war should know that thousands of volunteers will stand shoulder shoulder by their Abkhazian brothers and sisters," it said.
Adyge Khase called in its statement on the Georgian administration to take a common-sense approach to the problem so the region is not hit by instability. "We, members of Adyge Khase, proclaim our support for the sister people of Abkhazia, a country that maintains close ties to Russia while proceeding to its independence; and we call on all Adygeans to supply assistance to Abkhazia in case it has to resist a new, armed attack from Georgia."
Adyge Khase’s description of Russia in its statement was a power that secured regional peace. It was followed by remarks that the Russian administration would doubtlessly take every precaution to save its citizens in Abkhazia.
Two hundred and sixty-eight of the volunteers who came from different parts of Russia, Turkey, Syria, Jordan and Germany to join Abkhazia were killed in the war. Of 12,000 Abkhazians who joined the war, as many as 3,000 were killed and 5,000 left injured.
The Abkhazian administration celebrates its Independence Day on September 30 every year. This year, the 15th anniversary of its victory over Georgia will be celebrated. KU/ÖZ/FT
