On February 25, the press service of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini issued a statement expressing "concern" about the planned closure of the two crossing points Bgoura (Otobaya) and Bataiguara (Nabakevi) at the state border on the Ingur River.
The statement noted that the closure of crossing points "would entail disastrous consequences for the freedom of movement of the population, including, for school-age children on both sides of the administrative boundary line," and "increase the risk of incidents." It is argued that "such a unilateral decision is contrary to the commitments that involve work towards enhancing security and improving living conditions for the population affected by the conflict." Authors of the statement believe that "it is contrary to efforts to normalize the situation, as there is atmosphere that is not conducive to long-term settlement of the conflict and overall stability in the region."
Such statements by the EU looks very cynical taking into account the fact that in December last year, the Abkhaz side through the Co-Chairs of the Geneva discussions, sent an official letter addressed to Ms. Mogherini dedicated to limitations and obstacles faced by the citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia in the implementation of the whole complex of humanitarian rights, and in particular, the right to travel. It was noted that the mastermind of such a discriminatory approach towards the citizens of Abkhazia are Georgian authorities, who use all ways and means for international isolation of Abkhazia.
The letter asked for clarifications on the possibility to recognize the national passports of the Republic of Abkhazia as travel documents, giving the right to freedom of movement, including to EU countries. It was pointed out that in international diplomatic practice there are examples of use of national passports of partially recognized countries, which are not UN members as travel documents.
However, no official response from Ms. Mogherini was received that eloquently demonstrated the attitude of official European bodies to the problems of the Republic of Abkhazia.
Regarding the adoption by the Government of Abkhazia of the decision to close the two checkpoints, it should be recalled that this decision is fully consistent with the laws of the Republic of Abkhazia and the requirements to ensure reliable security of its citizens. At the same time in order to facilitate the border crossing appropriate measures are taken - increased capacity of the main checkpoint "Ingur", comfortable bus run, repaired roadway.
In view of the foregoing, the cries of European officials about human rights violations in the Gal district look quite unconvincing. It would be more reasonable if the EU authorities could look at the problem of international isolation of Abkhaz citizens in a broader context, not just in relation to the Gal district of Abkhazia.
The statement noted that the closure of crossing points "would entail disastrous consequences for the freedom of movement of the population, including, for school-age children on both sides of the administrative boundary line," and "increase the risk of incidents." It is argued that "such a unilateral decision is contrary to the commitments that involve work towards enhancing security and improving living conditions for the population affected by the conflict." Authors of the statement believe that "it is contrary to efforts to normalize the situation, as there is atmosphere that is not conducive to long-term settlement of the conflict and overall stability in the region."
Such statements by the EU looks very cynical taking into account the fact that in December last year, the Abkhaz side through the Co-Chairs of the Geneva discussions, sent an official letter addressed to Ms. Mogherini dedicated to limitations and obstacles faced by the citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia in the implementation of the whole complex of humanitarian rights, and in particular, the right to travel. It was noted that the mastermind of such a discriminatory approach towards the citizens of Abkhazia are Georgian authorities, who use all ways and means for international isolation of Abkhazia.
The letter asked for clarifications on the possibility to recognize the national passports of the Republic of Abkhazia as travel documents, giving the right to freedom of movement, including to EU countries. It was pointed out that in international diplomatic practice there are examples of use of national passports of partially recognized countries, which are not UN members as travel documents.
However, no official response from Ms. Mogherini was received that eloquently demonstrated the attitude of official European bodies to the problems of the Republic of Abkhazia.
Regarding the adoption by the Government of Abkhazia of the decision to close the two checkpoints, it should be recalled that this decision is fully consistent with the laws of the Republic of Abkhazia and the requirements to ensure reliable security of its citizens. At the same time in order to facilitate the border crossing appropriate measures are taken - increased capacity of the main checkpoint "Ingur", comfortable bus run, repaired roadway.
In view of the foregoing, the cries of European officials about human rights violations in the Gal district look quite unconvincing. It would be more reasonable if the EU authorities could look at the problem of international isolation of Abkhaz citizens in a broader context, not just in relation to the Gal district of Abkhazia.