Abkhazia announces mobilisation over Georgia threats - the Kosovo effect!!

[Biggs]

this is not good, a Russian supported area of Georgia is now citing Kosovo's independence as a way to get their own full independence, the thing is they have already fought one war about it, and now they could very well fight another.

Except of course this would be a direct war of proxy between the US and Russia, each backing one side in the dispute.

Not good, one to keep an eye on just in case.

Abkhazia announces mobilisation over Georgia threats - the Kosovo effect!!

Abkhazia announces military mobilization over Georgian 'threats'
22:08 | 29/ 02/ 2008
   
http://en.rian.ru/world/20080229/100361020.html
 

MOSCOW, February 29 (RIA Novosti) - Abkhazian President Sergei Bagapsh announced on Friday the partial mobilization of the de facto independent republic's military, citing fears that Georgian troops could cross over into the breakaway region.

"We are coming out with an appropriate response to action on the part of Georgia, which is concentrating its armed forces on the border with Abkhazia," Bagapsh said.

The Abkhazian leader said the situation had escalated following statements by Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who promised to use force to liberate a Georgian journalist detained by Abkhaz police. Tensions have also been raised following a recent incident in the Gali district during which an Abkhazian police car was blown up.

Abkhazian presidential spokesman Kristian Bzhaniya said partial mobilization would take place parallel to a large-scale routine military exercise on February 29 - March 4.

Anatoly Zaitsev, the chief of the General Staff, said up to 2,500 soldiers would be involved in the exercise.

Georgian journalist Malkhaz Basilai was arrested in Abkhazia on Tuesday while reporting on voting planned for the Russian presidential elections in the breakaway republic. Abkhazian authorities accused him of having illegally crossed into the Abkhazia.

Saakashvili subsequently threatened the use of force to liberate Basilai. Abkhazia then warned Tbilisi against issuing ultimatums.

Last week leaders of both Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which saw bloody conflicts after they declared independence from Georgia in 1991, said that Kosovo's independence should be taken into account as far as their sovereignty was concerned.

Abkhazia said on Thursday it would seek recognition from Russia and the European Union.

Russia has repeatedly said the recognition of the Balkan region's independence would set a precedent for other breakaway regions, including in the former Soviet Union.

Political analysts fear that the declaration of independence by Kosovo, and its subsequent recognition by Western powers, will open up a Pandora's Box of separatist issues in Europe and beyond.

[mike E. dangerously]

this is not good, a Russian supported area of Georgia is now citing Kopsovo's independence as a way to get their own full independence, the thing is they have already fought one war about it, and now they could very well fight another.

Except of course this would be a direct war of proxy between the US and Russia, each backing one side in the dispute.

Not good, one to keep an eye on just in case.

Abkhazia announces mobilisation over Georgia threats - the Kosovo effect!!

Abkhazia announces military mobilization over Georgian 'threats'
22:08 | 29/ 02/ 2008
   
http://en.rian.ru/world/20080229/100361020.html
 

MOSCOW, February 29 (RIA Novosti) - Abkhazian President Sergei Bagapsh announced on Friday the partial mobilization of the de facto independent republic's military, citing fears that Georgian troops could cross over into the breakaway region.

"We are coming out with an appropriate response to action on the part of Georgia, which is concentrating its armed forces on the border with Abkhazia," Bagapsh said.

The Abkhazian leader said the situation had escalated following statements by Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who promised to use force to liberate a Georgian journalist detained by Abkhaz police. Tensions have also been raised following a recent incident in the Gali district during which an Abkhazian police car was blown up.

Abkhazian presidential spokesman Kristian Bzhaniya said partial mobilization would take place parallel to a large-scale routine military exercise on February 29 - March 4.

Anatoly Zaitsev, the chief of the General Staff, said up to 2,500 soldiers would be involved in the exercise.

Georgian journalist Malkhaz Basilai was arrested in Abkhazia on Tuesday while reporting on voting planned for the Russian presidential elections in the breakaway republic. Abkhazian authorities accused him of having illegally crossed into the Abkhazia.

Saakashvili subsequently threatened the use of force to liberate Basilai. Abkhazia then warned Tbilisi against issuing ultimatums.

Last week leaders of both Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which saw bloody conflicts after they declared independence from Georgia in 1991, said that Kosovo's independence should be taken into account as far as their sovereignty was concerned.

Abkhazia said on Thursday it would seek recognition from Russia and the European Union.

Russia has repeatedly said the recognition of the Balkan region's independence would set a precedent for other breakaway regions, including in the former Soviet Union.

Political analysts fear that the declaration of independence by Kosovo, and its subsequent recognition by Western powers, will open up a Pandora's Box of separatist issues in Europe and beyond.

So,the next peice falls into place,hey,Biggs Im willing to bet that there is either oil reserves in Abkhazia or some other resource,Russian and the EU won't just recongize them if they were not sitting on anything of value.

[Biggs]

So,the next peice falls into place,hey,Biggs Im willing to bet that there is either oil reserves in Abkhazia or some other resource,Russian and the EU won't just recongize them if they were not sitting on anything of value.

They could well be on Caspian Sea pipeline routes , however, I am not sure the EU will recognise them as Georgia is under the influence of the USA with military trainers and military aid, so if the US does not want inpdendence recognised then I will bet that the EU will do what the US tells them. This will of course increase tensions in the region.

[mike E. dangerously]

They could well be on Caspian Sea pipeline routes , however, I am not sure the EU will recognise them as Georgia is under the influence of the USA with military trainers and military aid, so if the US does not want Independence recognised then I will bet that the EU will do what the US tells them. This will of course increase tensions in the region.

I'm gonna look up that pipeline, I won't be shocked if Abkhazia is sitting on one of the routes. I did not know that about Georgia if this escalates it's a classic war by proxy scenario, but in the end it's the usual suspects who win.

[Biggs]

I'm gonna look up that pipeline, I won't be shocked if Abkhazia is sitting on one of the routes. I did not know that about Georgia if this escalates it's a classic war by proxy scenario, but in the end it's the usual suspects who win.

yes Georgia is bigtime under US influence, much to the annoyance of mother Russia.

[mike E. dangerously]

yes Georgia is bigtime under US influence, much to the annoyance of mother Russia.

Yeah,the province is close to the main route,that's interesting,I guess the elites are wary of having an Russian ally so near that pipeline.

[Biggs]

Yeah,the province is close to the main route,that's interesting,I guess the elites are wary of having an Russian ally so near that pipeline.

many thanks for info, yes this does make sense, especially so that now they are having difficulties with Iraqi oil and Iranian oil looks out of the question (a conflict will clearly destroy the oil production and not fall into US hands intact)

So their Caspian pipeline is top of their list of priorities in terms of access to large oil resources.

[mike E. dangerously]

many thanks for info, yes this does make sense, especially so that now they are having difficulties with Iraqi oil and Iranian oil looks out of the question (a conflict will clearly destroy the oil production and not fall into US hands intact)

So their Caspian pipeline is top of their list of priorities in terms of access to large oil resources.

You're welcome Biggs! I wonder how will the reserves in Albania play into this?

[Biggs]

You're welcome Biggs! I wonder how will the reserves in Albania play into this?

I do not know exactly, but I guess that although far smaller than Caspian Sea oil fields it is a case of "every little helps", it is on Western europe's doorstep and is accessible and can be 'captured' as it were and hence the billions will flow to BP, Exxon et al and not to Gasprom and the other Russian firms. Which at the end of the day in their eyes is what it is all about.

It is a reserve that they KNOW they can capture for themselves, or so they hope, whereas things can go wrong in the middle eats or Caspian basin.

But as we know they can go wrong even in the Balkans, still I guess they prefer to chase up every lead/opportunity and hope that enough such efforts come good to have them keep the power.

[mike E. dangerously]

I do not know exactly, but I guess that although far smaller than Caspian Sea oil fields it is a case of "every little helps", it is on Western europe's doorstep and is accessible and can be 'captured' as it were and hence the billions will flow to BP, Exxon et al and not to Gasprom and the other Russian firms. Which at the end of the day in their eyes is what it is all about.

It is a reserve that they KNOW they can capture for themselves, or so they hope, whereas things can go wrong in the middle eats or Caspian basin.

But as we know they can go wrong even in the Balkans, still I guess they prefer to chase up every lead/opportunity and hope that enough such efforts come good to have them keep the power.

I sense alot of desperation with these various moves,they know the fossil fuels are quickly running out and they are now trying to solidify thier hold.

[Biggs]

I sense alot of desperation with these various moves,they know the fossil fuels are quickly running out and they are now trying to solidify thier hold.

yes it does appear to be the case, I suspect there is more fossil fuel out there than they have admitted to in terms of undiscovered (officially) areas, but the chase for oil that is acknowledged suites them fine as this helsp to spread chaos and fear from which will will BEG for the NWO to rescue us all.

[mike E. dangerously]

yes it does appear to be the case, I suspect there is more fossil fuel out there than they have admitted to in terms of undiscovered (officially) areas, but the chase for oil that is acknowledged suites them fine as this helps to spread chaos and fear from which will will BEG for the NWO to rescue us all.

They,also wanna tighten their circle around Eastern Europe,in case they have to put the squeeze on anyone there who would resist.

[Biggs]

They,also wanna tighten their circle around Eastern Europe,in case they have to put the squeeze on anyone there who would resist.

very true, it is also connected to the missile defence shield planned to outfox Russian and China and give the USA a strategic edge in the game of nuclear chess.

[Biggs]

Abkhazia in independence appeal
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7283192.stm


The breakaway Abkhazia region in Georgia has called on the UN and other international bodies to recognise it as independent.

The appeal was made by the separatist Abkhaz parliament on Friday, a day after Russia said it was lifting trade restrictions on the territory.

Georgia condemned Russia's move, warning that it encouraged separatism.

Tens of thousands of ethnic Georgians were driven from their homes in Abkhazia during a war in the 1990s.

In its appeal, Abkhazia said it had "established itself as an independent, democratic, law-governed state". In addition to the UN, the appeal went to the European Union, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Russian parliament.

On Wednesday, Georgia's other breakaway region, South Ossetia, asked the UN and other international bodies to recognise its independence.

Anti-Russian protest in Georgia
Georgians have protested against Russian support for Abkhazia
Georgia's foreign ministry accused Russia on Friday of an attempt to infringe Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, after Russia said it was lifting the sanctions it imposed in 1996.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Denisov said the situation regarding Abkhazia had completely changed.

He denied the move had anything to do with recognition by some states of Kosovo's independence. Russia says Kosovo remains part of Serbia.

The Russian sanctions were to try to limit Abkhazia's separatist aspirations, but analysts say they have had little effect.

Georgia's foreign ministry said: "This step can only be considered as an undisguised attempt to infringe the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, to encourage separatism".

It said Russia was "abandoning its duty not to supply weapons of all kinds and military equipment to the Abkhaz side".

Mr Denisov said Russia's position on the territorial integrity of Georgia remained unchanged.

But the Russian foreign ministry accused Georgia of "undermining the negotiating process" on the Abkhazia question.

[mike E. dangerously]

Abkhazia in independence appeal
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7283192.stm


The breakaway Abkhazia region in Georgia has called on the UN and other international bodies to recognise it as independent.

The appeal was made by the separatist Abkhaz parliament on Friday, a day after Russia said it was lifting trade restrictions on the territory.

Georgia condemned Russia's move, warning that it encouraged separatism.

Tens of thousands of ethnic Georgians were driven from their homes in Abkhazia during a war in the 1990s.

In its appeal, Abkhazia said it had "established itself as an independent, democratic, law-governed state". In addition to the UN, the appeal went to the European Union, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Russian parliament.

On Wednesday, Georgia's other breakaway region, South Ossetia, asked the UN and other international bodies to recognise its independence.

Anti-Russian protest in Georgia
Georgians have protested against Russian support for Abkhazia
Georgia's foreign ministry accused Russia on Friday of an attempt to infringe Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, after Russia said it was lifting the sanctions it imposed in 1996.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Denisov said the situation regarding Abkhazia had completely changed.

He denied the move had anything to do with recognition by some states of Kosovo's independence. Russia says Kosovo remains part of Serbia.

The Russian sanctions were to try to limit Abkhazia's separatist aspirations, but analysts say they have had little effect.

Georgia's foreign ministry said: "This step can only be considered as an undisguised attempt to infringe the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, to encourage separatism".

It said Russia was "abandoning its duty not to supply weapons of all kinds and military equipment to the Abkhaz side".

Mr Denisov said Russia's position on the territorial integrity of Georgia remained unchanged.

But the Russian foreign ministry accused Georgia of "undermining the negotiating process" on the Abkhazia question.

ABKHAZIA and South Ossetia things just got interesting man,Russia seems to be making a play for the Caucus pipeline!

[Biggs]

ABKHAZIA and South Ossetia things just got interesting man,Russia seems to be making a play for the Caucus pipeline!

yep, I cannot help but feel that this little saga will go on for some time as the two opposing forces squabble over the pipeline route

[mike E. dangerously]

yep, I cannot help but feel that this little saga will go on for some time as the two opposing forces squabble over the pipeline route

I was thinking,Biggs what if Russia is putting the nwo into a stalemate?  saying you continue to support Kosovo Independence we will make you're pipeline impossible to build.They may have just stopped the globalists cold,If they are not on the same side..

[Biggs]

I was thinking,Biggs what if Russia is putting the nwo into a stalemate?  saying you continue to support Kosovo Independence we will make you're pipeline impossible to build.They may have just stopped the globalists cold,If they are not on the same side..

could well be the case, certainly Russia is providing some of the best resistence to the NWO and is looking to obstruct them where ever it can

[mike E. dangerously]

could well be the case, certainly Russia is providing some of the best resistance to the NWO and is looking to obstruct them where ever it can

I hope,they keep fighting them,I'm sad that other than us here in the USA and in others in Europe realise what clearly,Russia has these people are monsters.

[Biggs]

I hope,they keep fighting them,I'm sad that other than us here in the USA and in others in Europe realise what clearly,Russia has these people are monsters.

monsters indeed, but there is resistence both from Putin etc, but also from within the establishments of the US UK and Europe and many other places.

behind the scenes there is an ongoing tug of war between the NWO crazies and people who want sanity and peace.

[goulash]

 seem to me that wasn't this a bond movie  plot ?  no joke  but  quite ironic

[Biggs]

seem to me that wasn't this a bond movie  plot ?  no joke  but  quite ironic

LOL, yes it does ring a bell

[mike E. dangerously]

monsters indeed, but there is resistence both from Putin etc, but also from within the establishments of the US UK and Europe and many other places.

behind the scenes there is an ongoing tug of war between the NWO crazies and people who want sanity and peace.

Biggs,what about this new guy Medev where does he stand? knowing Putin he picked the guy because he shares the same ideas about fighting the NWO.

[Biggs]

Biggs,what about this new guy Medev where does he stand? knowing Putin he picked the guy because he shares the same ideas about fighting the NWO.

I have to confess I do not know much at all about him, but as you say I am sure in all likelihood he will be no different as he still in effect works for Putin. He may look more clean in his image and be a little nicer in his talking, a more presentable face to the world, but hopefully he will still be just as anti-NWO, I do not see as Putin would allow anything else.

[mike E. dangerously]

I have to confess I do not know much at all about him, but as you say I am sure in all likelihood he will be no different as he still in effect works for Putin. He may look more clean in his image and be a little nicer in his talking, a more presentable face to the world, but hopefully he will still be just as anti-NWO, I do not see as Putin would allow anything else.

Very true,Biggs Medev will be the public face and Putin will be playing hardball behind the scenes.

[EUphobic]

Russia is being deliberately antagonised, the world is being set up for WWIII. I agree with Joel Skousen on this.

[mike E. dangerously]

Russia is being deliberately antagonised, the world is being set up for WWIII. I agree with Joel Skousen on this.

EUphobic,this is about Russia's refusal to bend over for the NWO.

[EUphobic]

Russia has been bankrolled by the Western corporatists since 1917 and is part of the NWO strategy: http://www.jbs.org/taxonomy/term/80

[Biggs]

there is a school of thought that says Putin is just false opposition to the NWO, I do not know if this is true or not as he has as far as I can tell thrown out the Rothschild/Rockefeller controlled banks and oil companies, which would make him genuine anti-NWO.

However, I accept that he could just be controlled or token opposition to enable them to play the game of cold war.

I fully accept that Rothschilds did indeed finance the Bolsheviks in 1917ish time and then Stalin during WWII, however, I am not so certain  that this is a continuing situation or if Putin actually has thrown them out.

They may be hugely powerful however, they are not all powerful and it is not beyond the bounds of reason that from time to time they do indeed lose control of a nation.

Anyway, even if they are in control behind the scenes it is still important to understand the strategic situation as it is presented to us with regard to matters such as Georgia, Kosovo, missile defence shield, oil and pipelines etc, for without such knowledge the wider knowledge of the NWO becomes little more than heresay.

[EUphobic]

Putin is part of the evil KGB communist continuum that still rules Russia today, and he launched a terrorism campaign against his own people in 1999 to "justify" the Chechen war - a template for 9/11 which is also being played-down by the Bush administration and Western media.

Here is Alex and Steve Watson on Putin's resurrection of the police state and the Politkovskaya and Litvinenko murders: http://prisonplanet.tv/audio/271106watson.mp3

[Biggs]

I am aware of the apartment bombings he appears to have carried out, the Litvinenko murder is less certainly done by him and his gang and may have been an MI5/6 operation.

HOwever, I am not saying he is a good guy as such however he still does appear to have thrown out the Rothschilds from Russia, if, and I say if, this is true then he is anti-NWO.

[EUphobic]

Yes, MI5/6 colluded in the hit because Litvinenko was an intelligence insider exposing government-sponsored terror and the involvement of senior Western politicians such as Romano Prodi in KGB operations. I was monitoring Litvinenko's whistleblowing long before his death, he was being played down in the mass media and wasn't even regarded as notable enough to merit a Wikipedia entry. There was a two or three week news blackout before anything was said about the poisoning, so they were definitely expecting him to die sooner of "natural causes" and then sweep it all the carpet before the radiation was detected. It was a botched silencing operation, IMO.

Also, the Rothschild-linked oligarchs have been funding Zyuganov's Communist Party, and Mikhail Khodorkovsky has had a political epiphany in his "prison cell", calling for a return to communism in Russia.

[Biggs]

Also, the Rothschild-linked oligarchs have been funding Zyuganov's Communist Party, and Mikhail Khodorkovsky has had a political epiphany in his "prison cell", calling for a return to communism in Russia.

amazing how these 'political epiphany's' can occur, the situation does seem to be that if Putin goes then the Rothschilds and NWO flood back in, either on the back of communism or a deeply racist form of fascism, I guess either way suites them just fine.

[mike E. dangerously]

amazing how these 'political epiphany's' can occur, the situation does seem to be that if Putin goes then the Rothschilds and NWO flood back in, either on the back of communism or a deeply racist form of fascism, I guess either way suites them just fine.

The Rothschilds will back anyone if it suits thier interests.I wolud not be shocked if this is meerly a case of smoke and mirrors.

[EUphobic]

I doubt if KGB Lt. Col. Putin is really running the show, he never looked like a leader to me. He was installed by Boris Berezovsky and his mentor is KGB Gen. Yevgeny Primakov, a friend of Kissinger who is a consultant to the US Homeland Security Dept.

[Biggs]

update on the situation in Abkhazia: -

Abkhazia, the country that doesn't exist, prepares to follow Kosovo's example
 

Independent.co.uk Web

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/europe/abkhazia-the-country-that-doesnt-exist-prepares-to-follow-kosovos-example-799033.html

By Shaun Walkerin Sukhumi, Abkhazia
Friday, 21 March 2008

Underneath the red, white and green Abkhazian flag, border guards check documents on the bridge over the river Psou, just outside the Russian city of Sochi.

"Welcome to Abkhazia," says a hirsute official, wearing military fatigues and smoking a slimline cigarette. "Enjoy your stay in our country."

Abkhazia has a president, a flag, a national anthem and even a visa system for foreign visitors but the country doesn't appear on any maps. Officially, this small piece of sub-tropical Black Sea coastline with a population today of about 170,000, is a province of Georgia.

But since a vicious war in the early 1990s, it has been functioning as an independent state and, in the aftermath of Kosovo's independence, the Abkhazians hope their statehood will be recognised by the international community.

Shortly after Kosovo declared independence, the Abkhazian parliament, located in a seafront building in the capital, Sukhumi, issued a call for international recognition.

"After the recognition of Kosovo by many Western states, the geopolitical situation has significantly changed," read the parliament's statement. "Any legal decision has a universal character... All people have the same rights to freedom and independence."

On the seafront promenade, in the shadow of war-damaged buildings, old men while away the days drinking Turkish-style coffee and playing chess and backgammon. "Why is Kosovo any better than Abkhazia?" asked one. "It's exactly the same situation. We're a small country trying to stand on our own two feet."

The local papers are awash with Kosovo headlines and accusations that the West is engaging in "double standards" by recognising Kosovo but not Abkhazia. Western countries have said that Kosovo is a unique case, voicing support for Georgia's "territorial integrity", and a resolution to the Abkhazian conflict that does not alter Georgia's official boundaries.

Abkhazia's main hope for recognition is Russia. Vladimir Putin has hinted on several occasions that if the West recognised Kosovo, Russia may recognise Abkhazia and three other "breakaway states" on former Soviet soil.

Russian support has been a lifeline for Abkhazia for many years, a fact that has irked Georgia and been a key factor in the poor relations between Moscow and Tbilisi. At the Psou border crossing, Abkhazian women wheel in trolleys of goods from Russia. to sell in Abkhazia. Almost everything on sale in the republic comes from Russia, save a few bootleg goods from Turkey. Russian peacekeepers are stationed in Abkhazia, the rouble is used, and Moscow has issued Russian passports to Abkhazians who want them. In the past two years, Russian tourists have flocked back to the hotels along Abkhazia's palm-fringed beaches.

Immediately after the Kosovo declaration of independence, Russia went one step further and lifted economic sanctions on Abkhazia. In reality, Moscow has long turned a blind eye to cross-border trade with Abkhazia but the full legalisation of trade will make things easier for the Abkhazians.

"I'm planning to build a hotel, and before it would've taken six months to bring the cement across the border in small loads," says Otar Kakalia, a local businessman. "Now, I'll be able to do it in a single day."

In Sukhumi, the hope is now for Russia to go one step further and formally recognise Abkhaz independence. The Russian parliament will vote today on a resolution calling for Russia to recognise Abkhazia if Georgia joins Nato.

"There are different opinions within the establishment," said Sergei Markedonov, a Moscow-based political analyst. "Some want to recognise Abkhazia and others want to keep helping the Abkhaz but stop short of official recognition."

Stanislav Lakoba, a local historian and chairman of the de facto government's Security Council, said: "Russia is behaving like a football team that keeps passing the ball around the penalty area but each time it looks like a certain goal, they make another pass. We have every right to be independent and they should stop being scared of the West and go ahead."

Georgia's President, Mikheil Saakashvili , has long stated that one of the main aims of his presidency is to bring Georgia's two breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia back under Tbilisi's control and allow the thousands of ethnic Georgians who fled their homes in Abkhazia to return.

The Abkhazians fear Mr Saakashvili will attempt a military solution to the conflict, which analysts say would be the only realistic way to return Georgian control. With American backing, the Georgians have pumped vast funds into modernising their army over recent years, and in Sukhumi, Abkhaz officials claim to have information that Georgia is planning an offensive.

"The Georgians have long wanted a military solution, but they are scared of Russia getting involved, and also of the US," says Mr Markedonov. "The Saakashvili government is set on Nato membership and integration with the West and if they start a military conflict they can say goodbye to that."

A plan for Georgia's accession to Nato is on the table for the summit in Bucharest next month, and George Bush promised after meeting Mr Saakashvili this week that he would support the Georgian bid. Russia has strongly opposed Georgian membership of the alliance, and could recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia in retaliation.

In School Number 2 at Gagra, young Abkhazians are in no doubt about where their future lies.

"My father died in the war so that I could grow up in a free country," said 15-year-old Sabina Tsushba.

"We're an independent country because we've made it that way ourselves," said another 15-year-old pupil. "It doesn't really matter whether the rest of the world takes notice of us or not."

[mike E. dangerously]

update on the situation in Abkhazia: -

Abkhazia, the country that doesn't exist, prepares to follow Kosovo's example
 

Independent.co.uk Web

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/europe/abkhazia-the-country-that-doesnt-exist-prepares-to-follow-kosovos-example-799033.html

By Shaun Walkerin Sukhumi, Abkhazia
Friday, 21 March 2008

Underneath the red, white and green Abkhazian flag, border guards check documents on the bridge over the river Psou, just outside the Russian city of Sochi.

"Welcome to Abkhazia," says a hirsute official, wearing military fatigues and smoking a slimline cigarette. "Enjoy your stay in our country."

Abkhazia has a president, a flag, a national anthem and even a visa system for foreign visitors but the country doesn't appear on any maps. Officially, this small piece of sub-tropical Black Sea coastline with a population today of about 170,000, is a province of Georgia.

But since a vicious war in the early 1990s, it has been functioning as an independent state and, in the aftermath of Kosovo's independence, the Abkhazians hope their statehood will be recognised by the international community.

Shortly after Kosovo declared independence, the Abkhazian parliament, located in a seafront building in the capital, Sukhumi, issued a call for international recognition.

"After the recognition of Kosovo by many Western states, the geopolitical situation has significantly changed," read the parliament's statement. "Any legal decision has a universal character... All people have the same rights to freedom and independence."

On the seafront promenade, in the shadow of war-damaged buildings, old men while away the days drinking Turkish-style coffee and playing chess and backgammon. "Why is Kosovo any better than Abkhazia?" asked one. "It's exactly the same situation. We're a small country trying to stand on our own two feet."

The local papers are awash with Kosovo headlines and accusations that the West is engaging in "double standards" by recognising Kosovo but not Abkhazia. Western countries have said that Kosovo is a unique case, voicing support for Georgia's "territorial integrity", and a resolution to the Abkhazian conflict that does not alter Georgia's official boundaries.

Abkhazia's main hope for recognition is Russia. Vladimir Putin has hinted on several occasions that if the West recognised Kosovo, Russia may recognise Abkhazia and three other "breakaway states" on former Soviet soil.

Russian support has been a lifeline for Abkhazia for many years, a fact that has irked Georgia and been a key factor in the poor relations between Moscow and Tbilisi. At the Psou border crossing, Abkhazian women wheel in trolleys of goods from Russia. to sell in Abkhazia. Almost everything on sale in the republic comes from Russia, save a few bootleg goods from Turkey. Russian peacekeepers are stationed in Abkhazia, the rouble is used, and Moscow has issued Russian passports to Abkhazians who want them. In the past two years, Russian tourists have flocked back to the hotels along Abkhazia's palm-fringed beaches.

Immediately after the Kosovo declaration of independence, Russia went one step further and lifted economic sanctions on Abkhazia. In reality, Moscow has long turned a blind eye to cross-border trade with Abkhazia but the full legalisation of trade will make things easier for the Abkhazians.

"I'm planning to build a hotel, and before it would've taken six months to bring the cement across the border in small loads," says Otar Kakalia, a local businessman. "Now, I'll be able to do it in a single day."

In Sukhumi, the hope is now for Russia to go one step further and formally recognise Abkhaz independence. The Russian parliament will vote today on a resolution calling for Russia to recognise Abkhazia if Georgia joins Nato.

"There are different opinions within the establishment," said Sergei Markedonov, a Moscow-based political analyst. "Some want to recognise Abkhazia and others want to keep helping the Abkhaz but stop short of official recognition."

Stanislav Lakoba, a local historian and chairman of the de facto government's Security Council, said: "Russia is behaving like a football team that keeps passing the ball around the penalty area but each time it looks like a certain goal, they make another pass. We have every right to be independent and they should stop being scared of the West and go ahead."

Georgia's President, Mikheil Saakashvili , has long stated that one of the main aims of his presidency is to bring Georgia's two breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia back under Tbilisi's control and allow the thousands of ethnic Georgians who fled their homes in Abkhazia to return.

The Abkhazians fear Mr Saakashvili will attempt a military solution to the conflict, which analysts say would be the only realistic way to return Georgian control. With American backing, the Georgians have pumped vast funds into modernising their army over recent years, and in Sukhumi, Abkhaz officials claim to have information that Georgia is planning an offensive.

"The Georgians have long wanted a military solution, but they are scared of Russia getting involved, and also of the US," says Mr Markedonov. "The Saakashvili government is set on Nato membership and integration with the West and if they start a military conflict they can say goodbye to that."

A plan for Georgia's accession to Nato is on the table for the summit in Bucharest next month, and George Bush promised after meeting Mr Saakashvili this week that he would support the Georgian bid. Russia has strongly opposed Georgian membership of the alliance, and could recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia in retaliation.

In School Number 2 at Gagra, young Abkhazians are in no doubt about where their future lies.

"My father died in the war so that I could grow up in a free country," said 15-year-old Sabina Tsushba.

"We're an independent country because we've made it that way ourselves," said another 15-year-old pupil. "It doesn't really matter whether the rest of the world takes notice of us or not."

Putin,will use the threat of recongnization against the golbalists,Biggs or rather Mediev will.

[EUphobic]

Putin,will use the threat of recongnization against the golbalists,Biggs or rather Mediev will.

This stuff is a Cold War rerun. The Cold War "rivalry" was a Hegelian dialectical hoax, just like this. The communists are not fighting the NWO, they are part of it.

[Biggs]

Putin,will use the threat of recongnization against the golbalists,Biggs or rather Mediev will.

 I am inclined to agree, I am sure he (or rather Medved) will indeed recognise them, he does not like NATO influence in Georgia so will be happy to stir up trouble in any event as punishment for US belligerence.

[Biggs]

This stuff is a Cold War rerun. The Cold War "rivalry" was a Hegelian dialectical hoax, just like this. The communists are not fighting the NWO, they are part of it.

it is certainly possible that it is just a case of Hegellian dailect, however, I do not see the direct funding from Rothschilds and others than the real soviet communists had, especially in 1917 - 21 and 1939- 45+, indeed I see the opposite, however, I admit that Russia benefits greatly from the high oil/natural gas price.