Is Russia preparing to annex Abkhazia? The appointment of the Governor of Krasnador as special envoy for Abkhazia raises questions.

The Russian President Dimitri Medvedev has just appointed Alexander Tkachyov, the Governor of Krasnador Kray, a Russian region bordering Abkhazia, as his special representative to the territory. Tkachyov wrote on his blog that he is ready to do everything to get Abkhazia and Russia closer together, according to a report by the Russian News Agency Itar Tass.

Abkhazia seceded from Georgia in the aftermath of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Russia recognised it as an independent country in 2008. Most of the international community still sees Abkhazia as part of Georgia.

Commonspace.eu political editor said in a comment:

"This is a strange appointment and one that raises questions about Russia's long term intentions in Abkhazia. Krasnador Kray is the Russian region closest to Abkhazia and giving a special role in Abkhazia for its Governor would be diplomatically problematic in any situation, but in this context definetly sends very negative signals and increases speculation about Russia's ambitions. Krasnador Kray was used as a conduit for Russian support for Abkhazia before the Kremlin recognised it as independent in 2008. This appointment further blurs Russian intentions and is likely to prove controversial, opening Russia to accusations that it has intentions to annex the territory."

source: commonspace.eu

photo: The Governor of Krasnador Kray Alexander Tkachyov (picture courtesy of Itar-Tass).

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Turkiye to host COP31 in 2026

Turkiye to host COP31 in 2026

A consensus has emerged during COP 30, currently being held in Belan, Brazil, that COP 31 will be held in the Turkish city of Antalya, in 2026. In 2026 Turkiye will host another global event, the NATO leaders summit. Turkiye is set to host COP31 after reaching compromise with Australia.  The COP31 climate meeting is now expected to be held in Turkey after Australia dropped its bid to host the annual event. Under the UN rules, the right to host the COP in 2026 falls to a group of countries made up of Western Europe, Australia and others. A consensus must be reached but neither country had been willing to concede. Australia has now agreed to support the Turkish bid in return for their minister chairing the talks following negotiations at COP30, currently being held in Brazil. This unusual arrangement has taken observers by surprise. It is normal for a COP president to be from the host country and how this new partnership will work in practice remains to be seen. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the compromise with Turkey an "outstanding result" in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), noting Pacific issues would be "front and centre". He added that he had spoken to Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Prime Minister Rabuka of Fiji. There will be relief among countries currently meeting at COP30 in the Brazilian city of Belém that a compromise has been reached as the lack of agreement on the venue was becoming an embarrassment for the UN.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Turkiye to host COP31 in 2026

Turkiye to host COP31 in 2026

A consensus has emerged during COP 30, currently being held in Belan, Brazil, that COP 31 will be held in the Turkish city of Antalya, in 2026. In 2026 Turkiye will host another global event, the NATO leaders summit. Turkiye is set to host COP31 after reaching compromise with Australia.  The COP31 climate meeting is now expected to be held in Turkey after Australia dropped its bid to host the annual event. Under the UN rules, the right to host the COP in 2026 falls to a group of countries made up of Western Europe, Australia and others. A consensus must be reached but neither country had been willing to concede. Australia has now agreed to support the Turkish bid in return for their minister chairing the talks following negotiations at COP30, currently being held in Brazil. This unusual arrangement has taken observers by surprise. It is normal for a COP president to be from the host country and how this new partnership will work in practice remains to be seen. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the compromise with Turkey an "outstanding result" in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), noting Pacific issues would be "front and centre". He added that he had spoken to Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Prime Minister Rabuka of Fiji. There will be relief among countries currently meeting at COP30 in the Brazilian city of Belém that a compromise has been reached as the lack of agreement on the venue was becoming an embarrassment for the UN.