Abkhazia
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226027497
2008-07-16T14:33:19Z
Iberieli
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[[WP:UNDO|Undid]] revision 226027070 by [[Special:Contributions/194.85.148.66|194.85.148.66]] ([[User talk:194.85.148.66|talk]])
{{Infobox Country <!----Non-political information---->
|native_name = <span style="line-height:1.33em;">{{unicode|Аҧсны}}<br/>'''აფხაზეთი''' <br/>''Абхазия''<br/>''Apsny / Apkhazeti / Abhazia ''</span>
|conventional_long_name = <span style="line-height:1.33em;">Abkhazia</span>
|common_name = Abkhazia
|image_map = Abkhazia detail map4.jpg
|image_map2 = LocationAbkhazia2.png
|map_caption2 = Location of Abkhazia (dark green, circled)<br/>within [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] (lighter green)
|area_rank =
|area_magnitude =
|area_km2 = 8,432
|area_sq_mi = 3,256
|percent_water = negligible
|population_estimate = 157,000-190,000 ([[International Crisis Group]])<br>177,000 ([[Encyclopædia Britannica]])
|population_estimate_rank =
|population_estimate_year = 2006
|population_census = 216,000 (disputed)
|population_census_year = 2003
|population_density_km2 = 29
|population_density_sq_mi =
|population_density_rank =
|time_zone = [[Moscow Time|MSK]]
|utc_offset = +3
|time_zone_DST =
|utc_offset_DST =
}}
<!-------------------------Republic of Abkhazia-------------------------->
{{Infobox Country or territory
|conventional_long_name = Republic of Abkhazia
|common_name = Abkhazia
|image_flag = Flag of Abkhazia.svg
|image_coat = Abkhazia COA.svg
|national_motto =
|national_anthem = {{lang|cy|"''[[Aiaaira]]''"}} <br><small>([[English language|English]] "Victory")</small>
|official_languages = [[Abkhaz language|Abkhaz]], [[Russian language|Russian]]{{smallsup|1}}
|capital = [[Sukhumi]]
|latd=43 |latm=00 |latNS=N |longd=40 |longm=59 |longEW=E
|government_type =
|leader_title1 = [[List of Presidents of Abkhazia|President]]
|leader_name1 = [[Sergei Bagapsh]]
|leader_title2 = [[List of Prime Ministers of Abkhazia|Prime Minister]]
|leader_name2 = [[Alexander Ankvab]]
|sovereignty_type = ''De facto'' independence from [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]
|established_event1 = Declared
|established_date1 = [[23 July]] [[1992]]
|established_event2 = Recognition
|established_date2 = none
|currency = [[Russian ruble]]
|currency_code = RUB
|footnote1 = Russian has [http://www.abkhaziya.info/GOS/GOS3.htm co-official status] and widespread use by government and other institutions.
}}
<!--------------------Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia-------------------->
{{Infobox Country or territory
|conventional_long_name = Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia
|common_name = Georgia (country)
|image_map = Georgia Abkhazeti map.png
|map_caption = Location of Abkhazia <br/>within [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]
|image_flag = Flag of Georgia.svg
|image_coat = Coat of arms of Georgia.svg
|national_anthem = "[[Tavisupleba|თავისუფლება]]"<br><small>"Freedom"</small>
|capital = [[Sukhumi]] (''de jure'')<br> [[Chkhalta]] (''de facto'')
|latd= |latm= |latNS= |longd= |longm= |longEW=
|official_languages = [[Abkhaz language|Abkhaz]], [[Georgian language|Georgian]]
|government_type =
|leader_title1 = Chairman,<br/>Cabinet of Ministers
|leader_name1 = <br/>{{nowrap|[[Malkhaz Akishbaia]]}}
|leader_title2 = Chairman, Supreme Council
|leader_name2 = [[Temur Mzhavia]]
|sovereignty_type = [[Autonomous republic]] of [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]
|established_event1 = Georgian independence<br/>{{nowrap|from the [[Soviet Union]]}}<br/><div align="right">Declared</br>Recognised</div>
|established_date1 =
[[9 April]] [[1991]]<br/>[[25 December]] [[1991]]
|currency = [[Georgian lari]]
|currency_code = GEL
}}
'''Abkhazia''' ({{pronEng|æbˈkeɪʒə}} or {{IPA|/æbˈkɑːziə/}}, {{lang-ab|Аҧсны}} ''Apsny,'' {{Lang-ka|აფხაზეთი}} ''Apkhazeti'' or ''Abkhazeti, ''{{Lang-ru|Абха́зия}} ''Abhazia'') is a region in [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] that is a ''[[de facto]]'' independent<ref>Olga Oliker, Thomas S. Szayna. Faultlines of Conflict in Central Asia and the South Caucasus: Implications for the U.S. Army. Rand Corporation, 2003, ISBN 0833032607</ref><ref>[http://www.c-r.org/resources/occasional-papers/abkhazia-ten-years-on.php Abkhazia: ten years on.] By Rachel Clogg, Conciliation Resources, 2001</ref><ref>Medianews.ge. [http://www.medianews.ge/Politics/841.html Training of military operations underway in Abkhazia], August 21,2007</ref><ref>Emmanuel Karagiannis. Energy and Security in the Caucasus. Routledge, 2002. ISBN 0700714812</ref> republic<!-- references mentioning the word republic together with the words de facto independent -->,<ref>GuardianUnlimited. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/russia/article/0,,2143104,00.html Georgia up in arms over Olympic cash]</ref><ref>International Relations and Security Network. [http://www.isn.ethz.ch/news/sw/details.cfm?id=15265 Kosovo wishes in Caucasus]. By Simon Saradzhyan</ref> with no international recognition. It is located within the internationally recognized borders of [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] on the eastern coast of the [[Black Sea]] and borders the [[Russia|Russian Federation]] to the north. Under Georgia's official subdivision, it is an [[autonomous republic]] ({{lang-ka|აფხაზეთის ავტონომიური რესპუბლიკა}}, [[Abkhaz language|Abkhaz]]: {{unicode|Аҧснытәи Автономтәи Республика}}), with [[Sukhumi]] as its capital, bordering the region of [[Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti]] to the east.
A secessionist movement of the [[Abkhaz people|Abkhaz]] [[Minority group#Racial or ethnic minorities|ethnic minority]] in the region led to the [[declaration of independence]] from Georgia in 1992 and the [[Georgian-Abkhaz conflict|Georgian-Abkhaz armed conflict]] from 1992 to 1993 which resulted in the Georgian military defeat and the [[Ethnic cleansing of Georgians in Abkhazia|mass exodus and ethnic cleansing]] of [[Georgians|Georgian]] population from Abkhazia. In spite of the 1994 [[ceasefire]] accord and the ongoing [[United Nations|UN]]-monitored and Russian-dominated [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]] peacekeeping operation, the sovereignty dispute has not yet been resolved and the region remains divided between the two rival authorities, with over 83 percent of its territory governed by the Russian-backed Sukhumi-based separatist government and about 17 percent governed by the [[Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia]], recognized by Georgia as the legal authority of Abkhazia, located in the [[Kodori Valley]], part of Georgian-controlled [[Upper Abkhazia]]. This dispute remains a source of serious tension between Georgia and Russia.
==Political status==
The [[international organization]]s such as [[UN|United Nations]] ([[United Nations resolutions on Abkhazia|28 Security Council Resolutions]]), [[European Union|EU]], [[OSCE]], [[NATO]], [[WTO]], [[Council of the European Union]], [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]] as well as most [[state|sovereign states]] recognize Abkhazia as an integral part of Georgia and support its [[territorial integrity]] according to the principles of the [[international law]]. The United Nations are urging both sides to settle the dispute through [[Diplomacy|diplomatic]] dialogue and ratifying the final status of Abkhazia in the Georgian [[constitution]].<ref name="hrwreport">[http://www.hrw.org/reports/pdfs/g/georgia/georgia953.pdf Full Report by Human Rights Watch. Human Rights Watch. Georgia/Abkhazia. Violations of the laws of war and Russia's role in the conflict] Helsinki, March 1995</ref><ref> Chervonnaia, Svetlana Mikhailovna. Conflict in the Caucasus: Georgia, Abkhazia, and the Russian Shadow. Gothic Image Publications, 1994. </ref> However, the Abkhaz de-facto government considers Abkhazia a sovereign country, even though it is not recognized by any party in the world and is still populated with ethnic [[Georgians]] (who live in the [[Gali district|Gali District]] and the [[Kodori Gorge]]). In early 2000, then-U.N. Special Representative of the Secretary General [[Dieter Boden]] and the Group of Friends of Georgia, consisting of the representatives of Russia, the United States, Britain, France, and Germany, drafted and informally presented a document to the parties outlining a possible distribution of competencies between the Abkhaz and Georgian authorities, based on a core respect for Georgian territorial integrity. The Abkhaz side, however, has never accepted the paper as a basis for negotiations.<ref>[http://www.state.gov/p/eur/rls/fs/53745.htm The Abkhazia Conflict.] [[U.S. Department of State]] Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. [[July 28]], [[2005]].</ref> Eventually, Russia also withdrew its approval of the document.<ref>[[Vladimir Socor]] ([[February 7]], [[2006]]), [http://jamestown.org/edm/article.php?volume_id=414&issue_id=3610&article_id=2370748 Moscow kills Boden paper, threatens to terminate UNOMIG in Georgia.] ''Eurasia Daily Monitor'', Volume 3, Number 26.</ref> In 2005 and 2008, the Georgian government offered Abkhazia a high degree of [[autonomy]] and possible [[Federal republic|federal structure]] within the borders and [[jurisdiction]] of Georgia.
However, the Russian [[State Duma]] is urging to take into consideration the appeal made by the Abkhaz Republic of Abkhazia which calls for recognition of its independence,<ref> BBC News, [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6216822.stm Abkhazia rallies for independence], 7.12.2006</ref> and the Russian state media has produced numerous materials in support of the unrecognized state.<ref> Amy McCallio, Rise of Abkhaz Separatism, YATT Publications, 2004. </ref>
During the [[Georgian-Abkhaz Conflict|Georgian-Abkhaz conflict]], Russian authorities and [[Russian military|military]] supplied logistical and military aid to the separatist side.<ref name="hrwreport"/>
Today, Russia still maintains a strong political and military influence over separatist rule in Abkhazia.<!--<ref>http://mosnews.com/news/2006/07/21/luzhkabkhaz.shtml</ref> --> Russia has also issued passports for the citizens of Abkhazia since 2000 (as the Abkhazian passports cannot be used for international travel) and subsequently paid retirement pensions and other monetary benefits. More than 80% of the Abkhazian population received Russian citizenship by 2006; however, Abkhazians do not pay Russian taxes, or serve in the Russian Army.<ref name="Today">[http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?l=1&id=4377 Abkhazia Today.] ''The [[International Crisis Group]] [[Europe]] Report N°176, 15 September 2006, page 10''. Retrieved on [[May 30]], [[2007]]. ''Free registration needed to view full report''</ref><ref>[http://www.mk.ru/blogs/idmk/2006/07/13/mk-daily/79039/ Press conference] of [[Sergey Shamba]], [[Moskovskiy Komsomolets]], July 6, 2006 {{ru icon}}</ref> About 53,000 Abkhazian passports have been issued as of May 2007.<ref>[http://www.abkhaziagov.org/ru/president/press/news/detail.php?ID=5972&phrase_id=12832/ "К концу 2007 года 90 процентов граждан Абхазии должны получить "национальные" паспорта — Президент"], abkhaziagov.org, May 29, 2007 {{ru icon}}</ref>
On [[October 18]], [[2006]], the [[People's Assembly of Abkhazia]] passed a resolution, calling upon Russia, international organizations, and the rest of the international community to recognize Abkhaz independence on the basis that Abkhazia possesses all the properties of an independent state.<ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/D1CBBFA0-4833-4AA5-B13D-7065DE6A769F.htm ''Breakaway Abkhazia seeks recognition''], [[Al-Jazeera]], October 18, 2006.</ref> The United Nations has reaffirmed "the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders" and outlined the basic principles of conflict resolution which call for immediate return of all displaced persons and for non-resumption of hostilities.<ref>[http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2008/sc9299.doc.htm UN Security Council Resolution 1808]. [[April 15]], [[2008]].</ref> Of about 200,000-240,000, some 60,000 Georgian refugees spontaneously returned to Abkhazia's [[Gali district]] between 1994 and 1998, but tens of thousands were displaced again when fighting resumed in the Gali district in 1998. Nevertheless from 40,000 to 60,000 refugees have returned to the Gali district since 1998, including persons commuting daily across the ceasefire line and those migrating seasonally in accordance with agricultural cycles.<ref> [http://www.unhcr.org/publ/RSDLEGAL/43a6878d4.pdf UN High Commissioner for refugees. Background note on the Protection of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Georgia remaining outside Georgia], [http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:8_NwjspePQIJ:www.unhcr.org/home/RSDLEGAL/43a6878d4.pdf+UNHCR+Gali+district+site:www.UNHCR.org&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=10 cached version] </ref> The human rights situation remains precarious in the Georgian-populated areas of the Gali district. The United Nations and other international organizations have been fruitlessly urging the Abkhaz de facto authorities "to refrain from adopting measures incompatible with the right to return and with international human rights standards, such as discriminatory legislation... [and] to cooperate in the establishment of a permanent international human rights office in Gali and to admit United Nations civilian police without further delay."<ref>[http://www.brook.edu/fp/projects/idp/200603_rpt_Georgia.pdf Report of the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons – Mission to Georgia]. United Nations: 2006.</ref> Key officials of the Gali district are virtually all ethnic Abkhaz, though their support staff are ethnic Georgian.<ref name="Today"/>
Georgia accuses the Abkhaz secessionists of having conducted a deliberate campaign of [[ethnic cleansing of Georgians in Abkhazia|ethnic cleansing]], a claim supported by the OSCE (Budapest, Lisbon and Istanbul declaration), United Nations (General Assembly Resolution 10708) and many Western governments.<ref> [http://www.osce.org/documents/mcs/1994/12/4048_en.pdf Resolution of the OSCE Budapest Summit], ''[[OSCE]]'', [[1994-12-06]]</ref> <ref>[http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2008/ga10708.doc.htm General Assembly Adopts Resolution Recognizing Right Of Return By Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons To Abkhazia, Georgia<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The UN Security Council has avoided use of the term "ethnic cleansing" but has affirmed "the unacceptability of the demographic changes resulting from the conflict".<ref>[http://www.c-r.org/our-work/accord/georgia-abkhazia/profiles.php Georgia-Abkhazia: Profiles]. Accord: an international review of peace initiatives. Reconciliation Resources. Accessed on [[April 2]], [[2007]].</ref> On May 15, 2008 [[United Nations General Assembly]] adopted a non-binding resolution recognising the right of all refugees (including victims of reported “ethnic cleansing”) to return to Abkhazia and their property rights. It "regretted" the attempts to alter pre-war demographic composition and called for the "rapid development of a timetable to ensure the prompt voluntary return of all refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes."<ref>[http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2008/ga10708.doc.htm GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING RIGHT OF RETURN BY REFUGEES, INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS TO ABKHAZIA, GEORGIA], 15.05.2008</ref>
On [[March 28]] [[2008]], the [[President of Georgia]] [[Mikheil Saakashvili]] unveiled his government's new proposals to Abkhazia: the broadest possible autonomy within the framework of a Georgian state, a joint free economic zone, representation in the central authorities including the post of [[vice-president]] with the right to veto Abkhaz-related decisions.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=17473 Saakashvili Outlines Tbilisi’s Abkhaz Initiatives]. ''Civil Georgia''. 2008-03-28.</ref> The Abkhaz leader [[Sergei Bagapsh]] rejected these new initiatives as "propaganda", leading to Georgia's complaints that this skepticism was "triggered by Russia, rather than by real mood of the Abkhaz people."<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=17477 Burjanadze: Russia Behind Sokhumi’s No to New Proposals]. ''Civil Georgia''. 2008-03-29.</ref>
Moscow, at certain times, had hinted that it might recognize Abkhazia and [[South Ossetia]] when the Western countries recognized the independence of [[Kosovo]] suggesting it created a [[Controversy over Kosovo independence#As a precedent in the Former Soviet Union|precedent]]. Following Kosovo's declaration of independence the Russian parliament released a joint statement reading: "Now that the situation in Kosovo has become an international precedent, Russia should take into account the Kosovo scenario...when considering ongoing territorial conflicts."<ref>[[UNOMIG]], [http://www.unomig.org/media/headlines/?id=10173&y=2008&m=02&d=21 RECOGNITION MAY COME "THIS YEAR", SOUTH OSSETIA'S LEADER SAYS - REPORT], 21.02.08</ref> So far Russia has not recognised either of these republics. On [[April 16]] [[2008]], the outgoing Russian president [[Vladimir Putin]] instructed his government to establish official ties with counterpart agencies in breakaway South Ossetia and Abkhazia, leading to Georgia's condemnation of what is described an attempt at "de facto annexation"<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7350442.stm Georgia angered by Russian move]. BBC News. 16 April 2008.</ref> and criticism from the [[European Union]], [[NATO]], and several Western governments.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/detail.php?id=17617 In Quotes: International Reaction to Russia’s Abkhaz, S.Ossetian Move]. Civil Georgia. [[April 19]] [[2008]].</ref>
Later in April 2008, Russia accused Georgia of trying to exploit the NATO support to solve the Abkhazia problem by force, and announced it would increase its military in the region, pledging to retaliate militarily to Georgia’s efforts. The Georgian Prime Minister [[Lado Gurgenidze]] has said Georgia will to treat any additional troops in Abkhazia as aggressors.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7374546.stm Georgia-Russia tensions ramped up.]. [[The BBC News]]. [[April 30]] [[2008]].</ref>
On July 3, 2008, the [[OSCE Parliamentary Assembly]] passed a resolution at its annual session in [[Astana]], expressing concern over Russia’s recent moves in breakaway Abkhazia. The resolution calls on the Russian authorities to refrain from maintaining ties with the breakaway regions “in any manner that would constitute a challenge to the sovereignty of Georgia” and also urges Russia “to abide by OSCE standards and generally accepted international norms with respect to the threat or use of force to resolve conflicts in relations with other participating States.” <ref> [http://www.civilgeorgia.ge/eng/article.php?id=18673 OSCE PA Concerned over Russian Moves] Civil Georgia. [[July 3]] [[2008]]. </ref>
==Geography and climate==
[[Image:Ridge view from pitsunda cape.jpg|thumb|left|250px|View from Pitsunda cape.]]
{{Main|Geography and climate of Abkhazia}}
Abkhazia covers an area of about 8,600 km² at the western end of Georgia. The [[Caucasus Mountains]] to the north and the northeast divide Abkhazia from the [[Russia|Russian Federation]]. To the east and southeast, Abkhazia is bounded by the Georgian region of [[Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti]]; and on the south and southwest by the Black Sea.
Abkhazia is extremely mountainous. The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range runs along the region's northern border, with its spurs – the Gagra, [[Bzyb Range|Bzyb]] and Kodori ranges – dividing the area into a number of deep, well-watered valleys. The highest peaks of Abkhazia are in the northeast and east and several exceed 4,000 meters (13,120 ft) above sea level. The [[landscape]]s of Abkhazia range from coastal forests and citrus plantations, to eternal snows and [[glaciers]] to the north of the region. Although Abkhazia's complex topographic setting has spared most of the territory from significant human development, its cultivated fertile lands produce [[tea]], [[tobacco]], [[wine]] and [[fruit]]s, a mainstay of the local agricultural sector.
[[Image:Ritsa1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Lake Ritsa]]]]
Abkhazia is richly irrigated by small [[river]]s originating in the Caucasus Mountains. Chief of these are: [[Kodori River|Kodori]], [[Bzyb River|Bzyb]], [[Ghalidzga River|Ghalidzga]], and [[Gumista River|Gumista]]. The [[Psou River]] separates the region from Russia, and the [[Inguri River|Inguri]] serves as a boundary between Abkhazia and Georgia proper. There are several [[periglacial]] and [[crater lake|crater]] [[lake]]s in mountainous Abkhazia. [[Lake Ritsa]] is the most important of them.
Because of Abkhazia's proximity to the Black Sea and the shield of the Caucasus Mountains, the region's climate is very mild. The coastal areas of the republic have a subtropical climate, where the average annual temperature in most regions is around 15 degrees [[Celsius]]. The climate at higher elevations varies from maritime mountainous to cold and summerless. Abkhazia receives high amounts of precipitation, but its unique micro-climate (transitional from subtropical to mountain) along most of its coast causes lower levels of humidity. The annual precipitation vacillates from 1,100-1,500 mm (43-59 inches) along the coast to 1,700-3,500 mm (67-138 in.) in the higher mountainous areas. The mountains of Abkhazia receive significant amounts of snow.
There are two border crossings into Abkhazia. The southern border crossing is at the [[Inguri]] bridge, a short distance from the Georgian city of [[Zugdidi]]. The northern crossing ("Psou") is in the town of [[Gyachrypsh]]. Owing to the ongoing security situation, many foreign governments advise their citizens against travelling to Abkhazia.<ref>[http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618385947 Travel advice by country: Georgia]. The [[United Kingdom]] [[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]]. Retrieved on [[July 2]], [[2007]]; [http://www.allsafetravels.com/linkdetailspage.aspx?linkid=3677 Consular Information Sheet: Georgia]. The [[U.S. Department of State]]. Retrieved from ''Allsafetravels.com'' on [[July 2]], [[2007]]; [http://www.allsafetravels.com/linkdetailspage.aspx?linkid=2324 Travel advisories: Georgia]. Ministry of Foregin Affairs and Trade, [[New Zealand]]. Retrieved from ''Allsafetravels.com'' on [[July 2]], [[2007]]; [http://www.allsafetravels.com/linkdetailspage.aspx?linkid=708 Travel advice: Georgia]. [[Australian Government]], Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Retrieved from ''Allsafetravels.com'' on [[July 2]], [[2007]]; [http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=414 Travel advice: Georgia], [[Ireland|Irish]] Government, Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved on [[July 2]], [[2007]].</ref>
===Administrative division===
{{main|Administrative divisions of Abkhazia}}
In Soviet times [[Abkhaz ASSR]] was divided into 6 [[raion]]s named after their centres: [[Gagra district|Gagra]], [[Gudauta district|Gudauta]], [[Sukhumi district|Sukhumi]], [[Ochamchira district|Ochamchira]], [[Gulripsh district|Gulripsh]] and [[Gali (town)|Gali]]. The ''de jure'' division of Abkhazian Autonomous Republic of Georgia remained the same (see [[Georgia (country)#Regions.2C republics.2C and districts|here]]).
The administrative division of the unrecognised Republic of Abkhazia is the same with one exception - a new [[Tkvarcheli]] raion was carved from the Ochamchire and Gali raions in 1995.
==Economy==
[[Image:Ge-money-lari-200-rev.jpg|250px|thumb|Georgian [[Georgian lari|Lari]] depicting Sukhumi in Georgian and Abkhaz languages]]
The economy of Abkhazia is heavily integrated with Russia and uses the [[Russian ruble]] as its currency. Tourism is a key industry and the Abkhaz de facto authorities claim that the organized tourists (mainly from Russia) numbered more than 100,000 in recent years, compared to about 200,000 in the 1990 before the war.<ref>Civil.ge, [http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=4807 Abkhazia’s Beauty out of Sight], 22.08.2003</ref> The number of visitors in 2006 was estimated by Abkhazian authorities to have been approximately 1.5 million.<ref>Rosbalt.ru, [http://www.rosbalt.ru/2006/09/01/265769.html Багапш: Все больше туристов приезжает в Абхазию] (''Bagapsh: More and more tourists come to Abkhazia''), 01.09.2006 {{ru icon}}</ref> Although Russia has established a visa regime with Georgia, Russian passport-holders do not require a visa to enter Abkhazia. Holders of European Union passports require an Entry Permit Letter issued by the de facto Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sukhumi, against which a visa will be issued upon presentation of the Letter to the MFA.<ref>[http://www.mfaabkhazia.org/Eng/Consular%20Service.htm Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia :: Consular Service<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Abkhazia's fertile land and abundance of agricultural products, including [[tea]], [[tobacco]], [[wine]] and [[fruit]]s (especially [[tangerine]]s), have secured a relative stability in the sector. Electricity is largely supplied by the [[Inguri Dam|Inguri hydroelectric power station]] located on the Inguri River between Abkhazia and Georgia proper and operated jointly by Abkhaz and Georgians.
The exports and imports in 2006 were 627.2 and 3270.2 mln. [[Russian ruble|rubles]] respectively (appx. 22 and 117 mln. [[US dollar]]s) according to the Abkhazian authorities.<ref>[[National Bank of the Republic of Abkhazia]], [http://www.nb-ra.org/pdfdoc/Survey2006.pdf Основные показатели развития экономики и банковского сектора Республики Абхазия за 2006 год] (''Main indicators of the economy and banking industry of the Republic of Abkhazia, 2006'') {{ru icon}}</ref>
Many Russian entrepreneurs and some Russian municipalities have invested or plan to invest in Abkhazia. This includes the [[Moscow]] municipality after the Mayor of [[Moscow]], [[Yury Luzhkov]], signed an agreement on economic cooperation between Moscow and Abkhazia. Both Abkhaz and Russian officials have announced their intentions to exploit Abkhazia's facilities and resources for the Olympic construction projects in [[Sochi]], as the city will host the [[2014 Winter Olympics]]. The Government of Georgia has warned against such actions, however <ref>[http://www.osce.org/documents/eea/2008/05/31182_en.pdf Statement of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia]. OSCE Economic and Environmental Summit, Prague, May 2008.</ref>, and has threatened to ask foreign banks to close accounts of Russian companies and individuals that buy assets in Abkhazia.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=15404 Moscow Mayor Pledges More Investment in Abkhazia], Civil Georgia. July 9, 2007.</ref>
According to the U.S.-based organization [[Freedom House]], the region continues to suffer considerable economic problems owing to widespread corruption, the control by criminal organizations of large segments of the economy, and the continuing effects of the war.<ref>[http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=22&country=7313&year=2007 Country Report 2007: Abkhazia (Georgia)]. The [[Freedom House]]. Accessed on [[October 3]], [[2007]].</ref>
The [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]] economic sanctions imposed on Abkhazia in 1996 are still formally in force although Russia announced on [[March 6]], [[2008]] that it would no longer participate in them, declaring them "outdated, impeding the socio-economic development of the region, and causing unjustified hardship for the people of Abkhazia". Russia also called on other CIS members to undertake similar steps,<ref>{{cite web
| title = Russian Federation Withdraws from Regime of Restrictions Established in 1996 for Abkhazia
| publisher = [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia]]
| url = http://www.ln.mid.ru/Brp_4.nsf/arh/79C58F476CAEC4E8C32574040058934C?OpenDocument
| date = 2008-03-06
| accessdate = 2008-03-06}}</ref> but met with protests from Tbilisi and lack of support from the other CIS countries.<ref>[http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=12565744 Russia expands economic ties with Abkhazia, Georgia angry, CIS idle]. [[Itar-Tass]], 09.04.2008.</ref>
The [[European Union]] has allocated more than €20 mln. to Abkhazia since 1997 for various humanitarian projects, including the support of civil society, economic rehabilitation, help to the most vulnerable households and confidence building measures. The single largest EU's project is the repair and reconstruction of the [[Inguri Dam|Inguri power station]].<ref>The European Commission's Delegation to Georgia, [http://www.delgeo.ec.europa.eu/en/programmes/rehabilitation.html Overview of EC Assistance in Abkhazia & South Ossetia]</ref>
==Demographics==
According to the Family Lists compiled in 1886 (published 1893 in Tbilisi) the Sukhumi District's population was 68,773, of which 30,640 were Samurzaq'anoans, 28,323 [[Abkhaz people|Abkhaz]], 3,558 [[Mingrelian people|Mingrelians]], 2,149 [[Greeks]], 1,090 [[Armenians]], 1,090 [[Russians]] and 608 [[Georgians]] {{Fact|date=May 2007}} (including Imeretians and Gurians). Samurzaq'ano is a present-day [[Gali district]] of Abkhazia. Most of the Samurzaq'anians must be thought to have been Mingrelians, and a minority Abkhaz.<ref>Cornell, Svante E. (2001), Small Nations and Great Powers: A Study of Ethnopolitical Conflict in the Caucasus, p. 156. Routledge (UK), ISBN 0700711627)</ref><ref> Müller, D, 1999. ''Demography: ethno-demographic history, 1886-1989'' in The Abkhazians: A handbook. Richmond: Curzon Press.</ref>
According to the [[Russian Empire Census|1897 census]] there were 58,697 people in Abkhazia who listed Abkhaz as their mother tongue.<ref>1-я Всеобщая перепись населения Российской Империи 1897 г. Кутаисская губерния. Спб: 1905. С. 32б retrieved from "АБХАЗИЯ-1992: ПОСТОКОММУНИСТИЧЕСКАЯ ВАНДЕЯ" by Svetlana Chervonnaya</ref> The population of the Sukhumi district (Abkhazia) was about 100,000 at that time. Greeks, Russians and Armenians composed 3.5%, 2% and 1.5% of the district's population.<ref>[http://gatchina3000.ru/brockhaus-and-efron-encyclopedic-dictionary/098/98427.htm Sukhum, Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedia]</ref>
According to the 1917 agricultural census organized by the [[Russian Provisional Government]], Georgians and Abkhaz composed 41.7% (54,760) and 30,4% (39,915) of the rural population of Abkhazia respectively.<ref>[http://sisauri.tripod.com/politic/doc1.html Ментешашвили А.М. Исторические предпосылки современного сепаратизма в Грузии.] - Тбилиси, 1998.</ref> At that time Gagra and its vicinity weren't part of Abkhazia.
The following table summarises the results of the other censuses carried out in Abkhazia. The Russian, Armenian and Georgian population grew faster than Abkhaz, due to the large-scale migration enforced especially during the rule of [[Stalin]] and [[Lavrenty Beria]], who himself was a [[Georgian people|Georgian]] born in Abkhazia.<ref>[http://www.cdi.org/russia/johnson/8226.cfm JRL RESEARCH & ANALYTICAL SUPPLEMENT ~ JRL 8226, Issue No. 24 • May 2004. SPECIAL ISSUE; THE GEORGIAN-ABKHAZ CONFLICT: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE]</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Total
!Georgians
!Abkhaz
!Russians
!Armenians
!Greeks
|-
|1926 Census
|186,004
|67,494
|55,918
|12,553
|25,677
|14,045
|-
|1939 Census
|311,885
|91,967
|56,197
|60,201
|49,705
|34,621
|-
|1959 Census
|404,738
|158,221
|61,193
|86,715
|64,425
|9,101
|-
|1970 Census
|486,959
|199,596
|77,276
|92,889
|74,850
|13,114
|-
|1979 Census
|486,082
|213,322
|83,087
|79,730
|73,350
|13,642
|-
|1989 Census
|525,061
|239,872
|93,267
|74,913
|76,541
|14,664
|-
|2003 Census<big>{{rf|1|***}}</big>
|215,972
|45,953
|94,606
|23,420
|44,870
|1,486
|}
<big>{{ent|1|***}}</big> -<ref name = "2003 Census statistics (in Russian)">[http://www.ethno-kavkaz.narod.ru/rnabkhazia.html 2003 Census statistics] {{ru icon}}</ref> Georgian authorities did not acknowledge the results of this census and consider it illegitimate. Several international sources also consider these figures unrealistically high. The [[International Crisis Group]] (2006) estimates Abkhazia's total population to be between 157,000 and 190,000 (or between 180,000 and 220,000 as estimated by [[UNDP]] in 1998),<ref>The [[International Crisis Group]]. ''Abkhazia Today. Europe Report N°176'', p. 9. [[15 September]] [[2006]].</ref> while [[Encyclopædia Britannica]] puts it at 177,000 (2006 est.).<ref>"Georgia." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2007. [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9433195 Encyclopædia Britannica Online]. 30 April 2007.</ref> The State Department of Statistics of Georgia estimated, in 2005, Abkhazia's population to be approximately 178,000.<ref>[http://www.statistics.ge/Main/Yearbook/2005/05Population_05.doc Statistical Yearbook of Georgia, 2005: Population] (607kb, ''[[Microsoft Word|Microsoft Word Document]]''). The State Department of Statistics of Georgia. Retrieved on [[April 30]], [[2007]].</ref> About 2,000 people (predominantly [[Svans]], a subethnic group of the Georgian people) live in Georgia-controlled Upper Abkhazia.
{{Demographics of Europe}}
==History==
{{main|History of Abkhazia}}
===Early history===
In the 9th–6th centuries BC, the territory of modern Abkhazia became a part of the ancient [[Georgia (country)|Georgian]] kingdom of [[Colchis]] (''Kolkha''), which was absorbed in 63 BC into the Kingdom of [[Egrisi]]. Greek traders established ports along the Black Sea shoreline. One of those ports, Dioscurias, eventually developed into modern [[Sukhumi]], Abkhazia's traditional capital.
The [[Roman Empire]] conquered Egrisi in the 1st century AD and ruled it until the 4th century, following which it regained a measure of independence, but remained within the [[Byzantine Empire]]'s sphere of influence. Although the exact time when the population of Abkhazia was converted to [[Christianity]] is not determined, it is known that the Metropolitan of Pitius participated in the First Œcumenical Council in 325 in Nicea. Abkhazia was made an autonomous principality of the Byzantine Empire in the 7th century — a status it retained until the 9th century, when it was united with the province of [[Imereti]] and became known as the [[Abkhazian Kingdom]]. In 9th–10th centuries the Georgian kings tried to unify all the Georgian provinces and in 1001 King [[Bagrat III]] Bagrationi became the first king of the unified Georgian Kingdom.
In the 16th century, after the break-up of the united Georgian Kingdom, the area was conquered by the [[Ottoman Empire]], during this time some Abkhazians converted to [[Islam]]. The Ottomans were pushed out by the Georgians, who established an autonomous [[Principality of Abkhazia]] (''abxazetis samtavro'' in Georgian), ruled by the [[Shervashidze]] dynasty (aka Sharvashidze, or Chachba).
===Abkhazia within the Russian Empire and Soviet Union===
[[Image:ccpa-flag.svg|thumb|right|Flag of Abkhazia in 1925.]]
[[Image:Flag of Abkhazian ASSR.svg|thumb|right|Flag of Abkhazia in 1978.]]
The expansion of the [[Russian Empire]] into the Caucasus region led to small-scale but regular conflicts between Russian colonists and the indigenous Caucasian tribes. Eventually the [[Caucasian War]] erupted, which ended with Russian conquest of the [[North Caucasus|North]] and [[Western Caucasus]]. Various Georgian principalities were annexed to the empire between 1801 and 1864. The Russians acquired possession of Abhkazia in a piecemeal fashion between 1829 and 1842; but their power was not firmly established until 1864, when they managed to abolish the local principality which was still under [[Shervashidze]] rule. Large numbers of Muslim Abkhazians — said to have constituted as much as 60% of the Abkhazian population, although contemporary census reports were not very trustworthy — emigrated to the [[Ottoman Empire]] between 1864 and 1878 together with other Muslim population of Caucasus in the process known as ''[[Muhajir (Caucasus)|Muhajir]]ism''.
Modern Abkhazian historians maintain that large areas of the region were left uninhabited, and that many Armenians, Georgians and Russians (all Christians) subsequently migrated to Abkhazia, resettling much of the vacated territory. This version of events is strongly contested by some Georgian historians<ref name = "Lortkipanidze">Lortkipanidze M., ''The Abkhazians and Abkhazia'', Tbilisi 1990.</ref> who argue that Georgian tribes (Mingrelians and Svans) had populated Abkhazia since the time of the Colchis kingdom. According to these scholars, the Abkhaz are the descendants of [[North Caucasian]] tribes ([[Adygey]], [[Apsua]]), who migrated to Abkhazia from the north of the [[Caucasus Mountains]] and merged there with the existing Georgian population. This theory has little support though among Georgian academics.<ref name="Today_second">[http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?l=1&id=4377 Abkhazia Today.] ''The [[International Crisis Group]] [[Europe]] Report N°176, 15 September 2006, page 4''. Retrieved on [[April 21]], [[2007]]. ''Free registration needed to view full report''</ref><ref name="causes_and_visions">
[http://repositories.cdlib.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1015&context=iseees/bps Causes and Visions of Conflict in Abkhazia]. ''Ghia Nodia, 1997, page 27''. Retrieved on [[August 5]], [[2007]].</ref>
[[Image:Soviet Caucasus SSRs ASSRs and AOs 1989.jpg|left|200px|thumb|[[Soviet]] [[Caucasus]] 1989 political divisions and subdivisions showing the Abkhazian [[ASSR]] (''Abkhazskaya ASSR'' in [[Russian language|Russian]]) of [[Georgian SSR]]]].
The [[Russian Revolution of 1917]] led to the creation of an independent Georgia (which included Abkhazia) in 1918. Georgia's [[Menshevik]] government had problems with the area through most of its existence despite a limited autonomy being granted to the region. In 1921, the [[Bolshevik]] Red Army invaded Georgia and ended its short-lived independence. Abkhazia was made a Soviet republic with the ambiguous status of ''Union Republic'' associated with the [[Georgian SSR]]. In 1931, [[Stalin]] made it an autonomous republic within [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] Georgia. Despite its nominal autonomy, it was subjected to strong central rule from central Soviet authorities. Georgian became the official language. Purportedly, [[Lavrenty Beria]] encouraged Georgian migration to Abkhazia, and many took up the offer and resettled there. Russians also moved into Abkhazia in great numbers. Later, in the 1950s and 1960s, [[Vazgen I]] and the Armenian church encouraged and funded the migration of Armenians to Abkhazia{{Fact|date=May 2007}}. Currently, Armenians are the largest minority group in Abkhazia.
The repression of the Abkhaz was ended after Stalin's death and Beria's execution, and Abkhaz were given a greater role in the governance of the republic. As in most of the smaller autonomous republics, the Soviet government encouraged the development of culture and particularly of literature. Ethnic quotas were established for certain bureaucratic posts, giving the Abkhaz a degree of political power that was disproportionate to their minority status in the republic. This was interpreted by some as a "divide and rule" policy whereby local elites were given a share in power in exchange for support for the Soviet regime. In Abkhazia as elsewhere, it led to other ethnic groups - in this case, the Georgians - resenting what they saw as unfair discrimination, thereby stoking ethnic discord in the republic.
===The Abkhazian War===
{{Citations missing|date=April 2008}}
[[Image:abjasia1989.png|thumb|right|Flag of the Abkhazian SSR in 1989.]]
{{main|Georgian-Abkhaz conflict}}
As the [[Soviet Union]] began to disintegrate at the end of the 1980s, ethnic tensions grew between the Abkhaz and Georgians over Georgia's moves towards independence. Many Abkhaz opposed this, fearing that an independent Georgia would lead to the elimination of their autonomy, and argued instead for the establishment of Abkhazia as a separate Soviet republic in its own right. The [[1989 Sukhumi riots|dispute turned violent]] on [[July 16]] [[1989]] in Sukhumi. Sixteen Georgians are said to have been killed and another 137 injured when they tried to enrol in a Georgian University instead of an Abkhaz one. After several days of violence, Soviet troops restored order in the city and blamed rival nationalist paramilitaries for provoking confrontations.
The Republic of Georgia boycotted the [[March 17]], [[1991]] all-Union referendum on the renewal of the Soviet Union called by [[Mikhail Gorbachev]] - but 52.3% of the Abkhazia's population (virtually all the ethnic non-Georgians) took part in the referendum and voted by an overwhelming majority (98.6%) to preserve the Union.<ref>Conciliation Resources. [http://www.c-r.org/our-work/accord/georgia-abkhazia/chronology.php Georgia-Abkhazia, Chronology]</ref><ref>Парламентская газета (''Parlamentskaya Gazeta''). [http://www.pnp.ru/archive/18870125.html Референдум о сохранении СССР. Грузия строит демократию на беззаконии.] Георгий Николаев, March 17, 2006 {{ru icon}}</ref> Most ethnic non-Georgians later boycotted a March 31 [[Georgian independence referendum, 1991|referendum on Georgia’s independence]], which was supported by a huge majority of Georgia's population. Within weeks, Georgia declared independence on [[9 April]] [[1991]], under former Soviet dissident [[Zviad Gamsakhurdia]]. Under Gamsakhurdia, the situation was relatively calm in Abkhazia and a power-sharing agreement was soon reached between the Abkhaz and Georgian factions, granting to the Abkhaz a certain overrepresentation in the local legislature.
Gamsakhurdia's rule was soon challenged by the armed opposition groups which, under the command of [[Tengiz Kitovani]], forced him to flee the country in a military coup in January 1992. Former [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] foreign minister and architect of the disintegration of the USSR [[Eduard Shevardnadze]] replaced Gamsakhurdia as president, inheriting a government dominated by hardline Georgian nationalists. He was not an ethnic nationalist but did little to avoid being seen as supporting his administration's dominant figures and the leaders of the coup that swept him to power.
[[Image:Abkhazia War Monument in Tbilisi (President of Poland visit).jpg|200px|thumb|''Monument to the Heroes who Fell Fighting for the Territorial Integrity of Georgia'', Tbilisi.]]
On [[21 February]] [[1992]], Georgia's ruling Military Council announced that it was abolishing the Soviet-era constitution and restoring the 1921 Constitution of the [[Democratic Republic of Georgia]]. Many Abkhaz interpreted this as an abolition of their autonomous status although the constitution did provide a provision for the region's autonomy. On [[23 July]] [[1992]], the Abkhaz faction in the republic's Supreme Council declared effective independence from Georgia, although the session was boycotted by ethnic Georgian deputies and the gesture went unrecognised by any other country. The Abkhaz leadership launched a campaign of ousting Georgian officials from their offices, a process which which was accompanied by violence. In the meantime, the Abkhaz leader Ardzinba intensified his ties with the hardliner Russian politicians and military elite and declared he was ready for a war with Georgia.<ref>[[Svante E. Cornell]] (2001), Small Nations and Great Powers: A Study of Ethnopolitical Conflict in the Caucasus, pp. 345-9. Routledge, ISBN 0700711627.</ref>
In August 1992, the Georgian government accused Gamsakhurdia's supporters of kidnapping Georgia's interior minister and holding him captive in Abkhazia. The Georgian government dispatched 3,000 troops to the region, ostensibly to restore order. The Abkhaz were relatively unarmed at this time and the Georgian troops were able to march into Sukhumi with relatively little resistance<ref name=mirsky1/> and subsequently engaged in ethnically based pillage and looting.<ref name="hrwreport">[http://www.hrw.org/reports/pdfs/g/georgia/georgia953.pdf Full Report by Human Rights Watch. Human Rights Watch. Georgia/Abkhazia. Violations of the laws of war and Russia's role in the conflict] Helsinki, March 1995. p. 22</ref> The Abkhaz units were forced to retreat to [[Gudauta]] and [[Tkvarcheli]].
The Abkhaz military defeat was met with a hostile response by the self-styled [[Confederation of Mountain Peoples of the Caucasus]], an umbrella group uniting a number of pro-Russian movements in the [[North Caucasus]], including [[Circassian]]s, [[Abaza people|Abaza]]s, [[Chechen people|Chechen]]s, [[Cossacks]], [[Ossetians]] and hundreds of volunteer paramilitaries from Russia, including the then little-known [[Shamil Basayev]], later a leader of the anti-Moscow Chechen secession, sided with the Abkhaz separatists to fight the Georgian government. Regular Russian forces also reportedly sided with the secessionsts. In September, the Abkhaz and Russian paramilitaries mounted a major [[Battle of Gagra|offensive against Gagra]] after breaking a cease-fire, which drove the Georgian forces out of large swathes of the republic. Shevardnadze's government accused Russia of giving covert military support to the rebels with the aim of "detaching from Georgia its native territory and the Georgia-Russian frontier land". The year 1992 ended with the rebels in control of much of Abkhazia northwest of Sukhumi.
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Zshartava1993sukhumi.jpg|180px|thumb|[[Zhiuli Shartava]], Head of Abkhazian Autonomous Republic, hours before his murder by the separatist militants on September 27, 1993.<ref>Vakhtang Kholbaia, Labyrinth of Abkhazia, 1999 </ref><ref>Conflict in the Caucasus: Georgia, Abkhazia, and the Russian Shadow (App Labour History Series; No. 3) by Svetlana Mikhailovna Chervonnaia </ref> ]] -->
The conflict remained in stalemate until July 1993, when Abkhaz separatist militias launched an abortive attack on Georgian-held Sukhumi. They surrounded and heavily shelled the capital, where Shevardnadze was trapped. The warring sides declared a truce at the end of July, but it collapsed in mid-September 1993 after a renewed Abkhaz attack. After ten days of heavy fighting, Sukhumi fell on [[27 September]], [[1993]]. Shevardnadze narrowly escaped death, after vowing to stay in the city no matter what. He was forced to flee when separatist snipers fired on the hotel where he was staying. Abkhaz, North Caucasian militants and their allies committed numerous atrocities<ref name="hrwreport"/> against the city's remaining ethnic Georgians, in what has been dubbed the [[Sukhumi Massacre]]. The mass killings and destruction continued for two weeks, leaving thousands dead and missing.
The Abkhaz forces quickly overran the rest of Abkhazia as the Georgian government faced a second threat: an uprising by the supporters of the deposed Zviad Gamsakhurdia in the region of Mingrelia (Samegrelo). In the chaotic aftermath of defeat almost all ethnic Georgians fled the region, escaping an [[ethnic cleansing]] initiated by the victors. Many thousands died — it is estimated that between 10,000-30,000 ethnic Georgians and 3,000 ethnic Abkhaz may have perished — and some 250,000 people (mostly Georgians) were forced into exile.<ref name="hrwreport"/><ref>Chervonnaia, Svetlana Mikhailovna. Conflict in the Caucasus: Georgia, Abkhazia, and the Russian Shadow. Gothic Image Publications, 1994, Introduction </ref><ref name="hrwreport"/>
During the war, gross human rights violations were reported on the both sides (see [[Human Rights Watch]] report<ref name="hrwreport"/>). In the first phase of the war, Georgian troops have been accused of looting<ref name=mirsky1>On Ruins of Empire: Ethnicity and Nationalism in the Former Soviet Union, pg 72, by Georgiy I. Mirsky, published by [[Greenwood Publishing Group]], sponsored by the [[London School of Economics]]</ref> while Georgia blames the Abkhaz forces and their allies for an intentional [[ethnic cleansing of Georgians in Abkhazia]], which has also been recognized by the [[Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe]] (OSCE) Summits in [[Budapest]] (1994),<ref name = osce1>[http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/osce/new/Regional-Issues.html CSCE Budapest Document 1994, Budapest Decisions, Regional Issues]</ref> [[Lisbon]] (1996)<ref>[http://www.osce.org/documents/html/pdftohtml/4049_en.pdf Lisbon OSCE Summit Declaration]</ref> and [[Istanbul]] (1999).<ref>[http://www.osce.org/documents/mcs/1999/11/4050_en.pdf Istanbul OSCE Summit Declaration]</ref>
==Politics==
{{main|Politics of Abkhazia}}
{{Politics of Abkhazia}}
[[Image:Shartava sukhumi93.jpg|200px|thumb|[[Zhiuli Shartava]] in Sukhumi, day before he was killed by the militants on [[September 27]], [[1993]].]]
Much of the politics in Abkhazia is dominated by the territorial dispute with [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]], from which the territory seceded, and by the fight over the presidency in 2004/2005.
On [[3 October]] [[2004]] presidential elections were held in Abkhazia. In the elections, Russia evidently supported [[Raul Khajimba]], the prime minister backed by the ailing outgoing separatist President [[Vladislav Ardzinba]]. Posters of Russia's President [[Vladimir Putin]] together with Khajimba, who like Putin had worked as a [[KGB]] official, were everywhere in Sukhumi. Deputies of Russia's parliament and Russian singers, led by [[Joseph Kobzon]], a deputy and a popular singer, came to Abkhazia campaigning for Khajimba.
However [[Raul Khajimba]] lost the elections to Sergey Bagapsh. The tense situation in the republic led to the cancellation of the election results by the Supreme Court. After that a deal was struck between former rivals to run jointly — Bagapsh as a presidential candidate and Khajimba as a vice presidential candidate. They received more than 90% of the votes in the new election.
The President appoints districts' heads from those elected to the districts assemblies. There are elected village assemblies whose heads are appointed by the districts heads.<ref name="Today"/>
The People's Assembly, consisting of 35 elected members, is vested with legislative powers. The last [[Abkhazian parliamentary election, 2007|parliamentary elections]] were held on [[March 4]], [[2007]]. The ethnicities other than Abkhaz (Armenians, Russians and Georgians) are believed to be under-represented in the Assembly as the number of the parliamentarians of these ethnicities is less than their share in the republic population.<ref name="Today"/>
About 250,000 ethnic Georgian residents of Abkhazia are restricted from settling in the region by the Abkhazian separatist regime and cannot participate in the elections.<ref>* {{cite book | first=Milica | last=Zarkovic Bookman | year=1997 | title=The Demographic Struggle for Power: The Political Economy of Demographic Engineering in the Modern World | isbn=0714647322 }}</ref>
===Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia===
{{main|Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia}}
The Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, formerly known as The Council of Ministers of the Abkhazian Autonomous Republic, is the only government that [[Georgia(country)|Georgia]] recognizes as the legal government of [[Abkhazia]].<ref name="civil20060727"> [http://207.44.135.100/eng/article.php?id=13197 Tbilisi-Based Abkhaz Government Moves to Kodori], ''Civil Georgia'', July 27 2006. URL accessed on [[2007]]-[[July 28|07-28]].</ref> After the [[2006 Kodori crisis|Kodori crisis of 2006]], the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, along with its ministers, relocated to the north-eastern part of Abkhazia (known as [[Upper Abkhazia]]) in [[Chkhalta]].<ref>[http://www.unpo.org/article.php?id=6219 Abkhazia: UN Reports Progress], 26.01.2007</ref>
The Council of Ministers of the autonomous republic was created during the Soviet period which included the Presidium where representatives (elected) from all regions in Abkhazia governed the affairs of the republic. The members of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Presidium included ethnic Georgians, Abkhaz and Armenians.
[[Zhiuli Shartava]] was elected as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers just before the outbreak of the war. When the hostilities reached their climax in 1992, the separatist wing of the government left the Presidium and moved to [[Gudauta]]. From Gudauta they started to arm militia groups (allegedly supplied by the Russian military base in Gudauta) which were used during the conflict.<ref name = "xguier">Conflict in the Caucasus: Georgia, Abkhazia, and the Russian Shadow, S. A. Chervonnaia </ref>
The Council of Ministers remaining in Sukhumi still maintained its ethnic Abkhaz representatives, who rejected the separatist call for secession.<ref name = "xguier"/> Two of them, leading Abkhaz politician [[Raul Eshba]] and [[Sumbat Saakian]], a representative of the ethnic Armenian Diaspora, refused to leave Sukhumi and stayed along with Zhiuli Shartava, [[Guram Gabiskiria]] and other members of the government in Sukhumi until the tragic events of September 27th 1993, when Shartava, Eshba, Gabiskiria, Saakian and other members of the government were tortured and killed by the separatists and their allies (see [[Sukhumi massacre]]). The remaining survivors of the government fled to the capital Tbilisi where they organized the headquarters of the Abkhaz government in exile headed by [[Tamaz Nadareishvili]] (great grandson of Abkhaz Prince [[Shervashidze]]).<ref> Federal practice: exploring alternatives for Georgia and Abkhazia, Coppieters, Bruno </ref> In 1998, Georgians in the [[Gali district]] (populated mainly by ethnic Georgians) of Abkhazia launched partisan activities against the de facto authorities in Sukhumi. The Abkhaz government in exile allegedly supported the rebel movement known as The White Legion. However, as a result of this insurrection, the Abkhaz separatist authorities launched a full scale attack on the Gali region, killing and expelling its ethnic Georgian inhabitants.<ref>Inheritance of history: ethnic conflicts in Soviet and Post-Soviet Central Asia Mohapatra, Nalin Kumar.</ref> In 2004, Nadareishvili died leaving the government in a disorganized state. After the [[Rose Revolution]] and [[2006 Kodori crisis|Kodori events]] of 2006, the ''de jure'' Abkhaz government was revived and reorganized. [[Malkhaz Akishbaia]], a Western-educated Abkhaz politician was elected in April 2006 and is the current head of the ''de jure'' Government of Abkhazia. Akishbaia appointed ethnic Abkhaz ministers [[Temur Mzhavia]] and [[Ada Marshania]] to key positions and included former members of Council of Ministers in his government. The government moved to Upper Abkhazia (within the administrative borders of the autonomous republic) with its headquarters in [[Chkhalta]].
On [[September 27]], [[2006]] President [[Mikheil Saakashvili]], [[Nino Burjanadze]], [[Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia]] [[Ilia II]] and others members of the central government visited Kodori Valley and officially changed the name and designated the area as "Upper Abkhazia".<ref>Civil.ge, [http://civil.ge/eng/detail.php?id=13654 Tbilisi Turns Kodori into ‘Temporary Administrative Center’ of Abkhazia], 27.09.2006</ref>
The NGO the [[International Crisis Group]] has urged Georgia to lower the Abkhaz government in exile’s profile in the Kodori Gorge significantly and refrain from holding alternative elections for local government or parliamentary representatives in Abkhazia. <ref>[http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=4619 Abkhazia: Ways Forward], International Crisis Group, Europe Report N°179, 18 January 2007</ref>
==International involvement==
The UN has played various roles during the conflict and peace process: a military role through its observer mission ([[UNOMIG]]); dual diplomatic roles through the Security Council and the appointment of a Special Envoy, succeeded by a Special Representative to the Secretary-General; a humanitarian role ([[UNHCR]] and [[UNOCHA]]); a development role ([[UNDP]]); a human rights role ([[UNCHR]]); and a low-key capacity and confidence-building role ([[UNV]]). The UN’s position has been that there will be no forcible change in international borders. Any settlement must be freely negotiated and based on autonomy for Abkhazia legitimized by referendum under international observation once the multi-ethnic population has returned.<ref>Resolutions 849, 854, 858, 876, 881 and 892 adopted by the UN Security Council</ref> According to Western interpretations the intervention did not contravene international law since Georgia, as a sovereign state, had the right to secure order on its territory and protect its territorial integrity.
[[OSCE]] has increasingly engaged in dialogue with officials and civil society representatives in Abkhazia, especially from NGOs and the media, regarding human dimension standards and is considering a presence in Gali. OSCE expressed concern and condemnation over ethnic cleansing of Georgians in Abkhazia during the 1994 [[Budapest]] Summit Decision<ref>From the Resolution of the OSCE Budapest Summit, [[6 December]] [[1994]] [http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/oscelisb.htm]</ref> and later at the Lisbon Summit Declaration in 1996.<ref>Lisbon Summit Declaration of the OSCE, 2-3 December 1996 </ref>
The USA rejects the unilateral secession of Abkhazia and urges its integration into Georgia as an autonomous unit. In 1998 the USA announced its readiness to allocate up to $15 million for rehabilitation of infrastructure in the Gali region if substantial progress is made in the peace process. [[USAID]] has already funded some humanitarian initiatives for Abkhazia. The USA has in recent years significantly increased its military support to the Georgian armed forces but has stated that it would not condone any moves towards peace enforcement in Abkhazia.
On [[August 22]], [[2006]], Senator [[Richard Lugar]], then visiting Georgia's capital Tbilisi, joined the Georgian politicians in criticism of the Russian peacekeeping mission, stating that "the U.S. administration supports the Georgian government’s insistence on the withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers from the conflict zones in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali district."<ref>[http://mosnews.com/news/2006/08/22/lugarspeaks.shtml ''U.S. Senator Urges Russian Peacekeepers’ Withdrawal From Georgian Breakaway Republics.'' (MosNews)].</ref>
On [[October 5]], [[2006]], [[Javier Solana]], the [[High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy]] of the [[European Union]], ruled out the possibility of replacing the Russian peacekeepers with the EU force."<ref>[http://www.isn.ethz.ch/news/sw/details.cfm?ID=16756 ''Solana fears Kosovo 'precedent' for Abkhazia, South Ossetia.'' (International Relations and Security Network)].</ref> <!-- However, the Georgian parliament prepared for the vote in October of 2006 which will demand the complete withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers from Abkhazia.<ref> http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=13827 </ref> --> On [[October 10]], [[2006]], EU South Caucasus envoy [[Peter Semneby]] noted that "Russia's actions in the [[2006 Georgian-Russian espionage controversy|Georgia spy row]] have damaged its credibility as a neutral peacekeeper in the EU's Black Sea neighbourhood."<ref>[http://euobserver.com/24/22622 ''Russia 'not neutral' in Black Sea conflict, EU says''], EUobserver, [[October 10]], [[2006]].</ref>
On [[October 13]], [[2006]], the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution, based on a Group of Friends of the Secretary-General draft, extending the [[UNOMIG]] mission until [[April 15]], [[2007]]. Acknowledging that the "new and tense situation" resulted, at least in part, from the Georgian special forces operation in the upper Kodori Valley, urged the country to ensure that no troops unauthorized by the Moscow ceasefire agreement were present in that area. It urged the leadership of the Abkhaz side to address seriously the need for a dignified, secure return of refugees and internally displaced persons and to reassure the local population in the Gali district that their residency rights and identity will be respected. The Georgian side is "once again urged to address seriously legitimate Abkhaz security concerns, to avoid steps which could be seen as threatening and to refrain from militant rhetoric and provocative actions, especially in upper Kodori Valley". Calling on both parties to follow up on dialogue initiatives, it further urged them to comply fully with all previous agreements regarding non-violence and confidence-building, in particular those concerning the separation of forces. Regarding the disputed role of the peacekeepers from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Council stressed the importance of close, effective cooperation between UNOMIG and that force and looked to all sides to continue to extend the necessary cooperation to them. At the same time, the document reaffirmed the "commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders."<ref>[http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2006/sc8851.doc.htm ''SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS GEORGIA MISSION UNTIL 15 APRIL 2007''], The UN Department of Public Information, October 13, 2006.</ref>
The [[HALO Trust]], an international non-profit organisation that specialises in the removal of the debris of war, has been active in Abkhazia since 1999 and has completed the removal of land-mines in Sukhumi and Gali districts. It plans to finish its operations in 2007/2008 and to declare Abkhazia a "mine impact free" territory.<ref>[http://www.halotrust.org/abkhazia.html The HALO Trust. Abkhazia]</ref>
==Religion==
{{Main|Religion in Abkhazia}}
The population (including all ethnic groups) of Abkhazia are majority [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox Christians]] (approx. 75%) and [[Sunni Muslims]] (approx. 10%).<ref>[http://www.flashpoints.info/countries-conflicts/Abkhazia-Georgia/Abkhazia-Georgia_briefing_main.htm Flashpoints Site Directory. Abkhazia-Georgia]</ref> Most of the ethnic [[Armenians]] living in Abkhazia belong to the [[Armenian Apostolic Church]]. However, most of the people who declare themselves Christian or Muslim do not attend religious services. There is also a very small number of [[Judaism|Jews]], [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] and the followers of [[New religious movement|new religions]].<ref>[http://www.portal-credo.ru/site/print.php?act=fresh&id=188 Александр Крылов. ЕДИНАЯ ВЕРА АБХАЗСКИХ "ХРИСТИАН" И "МУСУЛЬМАН". Особенности религиозного сознания в современной Абхазии.]</ref> The Jehovah's Witnesses organization has officially been banned since 1995, though the decree is not currently enforced.<ref name="state">[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2005/51553.htm Georgia: International Religious Freedom Report 2005.] The [[United States]] [[Department of State]]. Retrieved on [[May 24]], [[2007]].</ref>
According to the constitutions of Georgia, Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia and de facto Republic of Abkhazia the adherents of all religions (as well as atheists) have equal rights before the law.<ref>[http://dp.abhazia.com/konstitut.html Constitution of the Republic of Abkhazia, art. 12] {{ru icon}}</ref>
Abkhazia is recognized by the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox world]] as a [[canonical territory]] of the [[Georgian Orthodox Church]], which has been unable to operate in the region since the War in Abkhazia. Currently, the religious affairs of local Orthodox Christian community is run by the self-imposed "Eparchy of Abkhazia" under significant influence of the [[Russian Orthodox Church]].
== Gallery of Abkhazia ==
<center>
<gallery>
Image: Novoafonsky monastyr.jpg| New Athos monastery
Image: GagraColonnade.jpg| Gagra
Image: Gegsky1.jpg| Geg waterfall
Image: Sukhum1.jpg| View of Sukhumi 1
Image: Aloisi_villa_Sukhumi.jpg| View of Sukhumi 2
Image:On_quay._Sukhum.jpg|Sukhumi quay
Image:Botanical garden.Sukhum.jpg|Sukhumi botanical garden front entrance
Image:Dramatic theatre Chanba.jpg|Chanba Dramatic theatre in Sukhumi
</gallery></center>
==See also==
*[[Law enforcement in Abkhazia]]
*[[Military of Abkhazia]]
*[[Sport in Abkhazia]]
*[[Abkhaz literature]]
*[[South Ossetia]]
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
==External links==
{{wikiatlas|Abkhazia}}
{{commons|Abkhazia}}
{{Wiktionary}}
{{wikisource|Special:Search/Abkhazia|Abkhazia}}
*{{en icon}}/{{ru icon}}/{{ka icon}} [http://www.abkhazia.gov.ge/ Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia. Official web-page]
*{{en icon}}/{{ru icon}}/{{tr icon}}/{{ab icon}} [http://www.abkhaziagov.org/en/ President of the Republic of Abkhazia. Official site]
*{{en icon}}/{{ru icon}}/{{tr icon}} [http://www.mfaabkhazia.org/Eng/index.htm Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia. Official Site]
*{{en icon}} [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3261059.stm BBC Regions and territories: Abkhazia]
*{{en icon}} [http://www.nplg.gov.ge/ic/library_e/gabeskiria/20.htm The Autonomous Republic of Abkhazeti - from Georgian National Parliamentary Library]
*{{en icon}} [http://www.abkhazia.com/ Abkhazia.com Official website of the refugees from Abkhazia]
*{{ru icon}} [http://www.apsnypress.info/index.htm State Information Agency of the Abkhaz Republic]
*{{en icon}} [http://numismondo.com/pm/abz Abkhazia Provisional Paper Money]
*{{ru icon}} [http://www.abkhazian-churches.ru/index.html Orthodox Churches of Abkhazia]
*{{en icon}} [http://www.newsgeorgia.org/conflicts/ Abkhazia and South Ossetia: Georgia's rebel regions] news portal
*{{ru icon}} [http://kolhida.ru/ Archaeology and ethnography of Abkhazia. Abkhaz Institute of Social Studies. Abkhaz State Museum]
{{Template group
|title = Geographic locale
|list =
{{Administrative divisions of Georgia}}
{{Countries and regions of the Caucasus}}
{{Non-sovereign territories of Europe}}
}}
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[[af:Abkasië]]
[[ab:Аҧсны Аҳәынҭқарра]]
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