Sukhum/Agency Caucasus – EU, giving full support to the protection of the territorial integrity of Georgia, wants to assume a greater responsibility in the settlement of the Abkhasian-Georgian conflict.
While Tbilisi tries hard to get the EU as well as the UN involved in the issue by weakening the influence of Russia in the process of the Abkhasian and Georgian conflict, Foreign Politics High Representative of EU Javier Solana visited Sukhum today and tried to persuade the Abkhazian government to restart the negotiation process. Solana, meeting with Abkhazia’s Head of State Sergei Bagapsh in the capital city Sohum, drew attention by addressing the Abkhazian leader as “the president of republic” in the joint press conference. Solana, stating that they made a very interesting and sincere meeting with the Abkhazian authorities, expressed his gratitude to Bagapsh for their understanding. Solana, communicating the message that EU wants to take a more influential place in the settlement of the problem, disclosed that the issue cannot be solved without Russia: “I don’t believe that an earnest decision can be taken without the participation of Russia. Russia is a very crucial player and I hope it to assume a constructive role in the region.”
Furthermore, Bagapsh said: “It is not possible to sustain a serious political dialog without Russia.” He noted that they did not avoid from establishing contact with Georgia, but stressed that the following two conditions must be met: “Georgia must sign nonaggression treaty and must withdraw its soldiers from Upper Kodor.”
Abkhazia’s leader stated, to the contrary of Tbilisi, that no other force can replace the Russian peace force, which serves under the roof of Commonwealth of Independent States.
Abkhazia’s Vice President Raul Hajimba, Head of Parliament Nugzar Ashuba, President Aleksandr Ankvab, Secretary of Security Council Stanislav Lakoba and Foreign Affairs Assistant Deputy Minister Maksim Gvindiya attended the meeting with Solana. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Shamba, completing his visit to Turkey, could not attend the meeting since he was on his way back. FT
