Sergei Shamba, the de facto Minister of Foreign Affairs of the occupied Abkhazia, reported that Russia has ceased financing Abkhazia as of September 1. He noted that Moscow had repeatedly warned that failure to meet commitments would result in certain sanctions.
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"Starting September 1, their implementation has already begun. You might be aware that some social funding has been suspended for doctors, teachers, security forces, and others. These are clearly the initial steps. Additionally, we now face the issue of having to pay the commercial price for the supply of electricity, which we require every winter," Shamba said during the briefing held today.
The so-called Minister of Foreign Affairs commented on the protocol from the meeting between Dmitry Kozak, Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of Russia, and Aslan Bzhania, the de facto President of Abkhazia. The document, which circulated on social networks, discusses the potential revocation of Russian citizenship for Abkhaz deputies and opposition members who oppose the apartments Law. Additionally, Moscow was planning to suspend financial aid to Abkhazia starting September 1 until several obligations were met. These commitments include lifting restrictions on Russian investors in the commercial real estate market.
Kozak and Bzhania met in Moscow at the Russian Presidential Administration on August 19, and the published protocol is dated August 26. Sergei Shamba stated that the document had not been officially received and that Bzhania could not confirm its authenticity, as he was not present when the protocol was drafted.
"A document that has not officially arrived cannot be considered genuine. However, the issues mentioned have been repeatedly discussed in various meetings. It was noted that failure to meet our commitments might result in certain sanctions," Shamba said.
He also commented on the possibility of revoking citizenship, stating, "It is a feasible sanction. We should not be surprised, as Russian citizenship was removed from deputies in South Ossetia. This is a prerogative of the Russian side and is beyond our influence. If they believe some individuals are hostile to Russia, they will impose sanctions."
When asked why the next session of the Russian-Abkhaz intergovernmental commission, scheduled to take place in Sukhumi on August 26, did not occur, Shamba explained, "Many representatives of the Russian government were expected to attend, but the meeting was canceled. It appears they did not want to announce the suspension of funding on the day of Abkhazia's international recognition."
Regarding Russia-Georgia relations, Shamba said, "It is in our interest to develop relations normally. I do not believe Russia would retract its recognition of Abkhazia's independence."
Shamba also informed journalists that Aslan Bzhania is currently in Moscow and plans to hold meetings to discuss solutions to the current situation.
