Date    : 12 March 2008
Issue   : 2008/034
Subject: Abkhazia’s Independence

THE CAUCASIAN-ABKHAZIAN SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE’S CALL TO TURKISH AND INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC OPINIONS

The Caucasian-Abkhazian Solidarity Committee invites the world community to recognize the basic right of self determination of Abkhazian people and independence of Abkhazian state under the extraordinary circumstances caused by the sudden attack of Georgia to Abkhazia.

The Committee was established in August 1992 by the representatives of 7 million Caucasian people living in Turkey as a Caucasian Diaspora to support Abkhazia. This committee is the highest body representing the Abkhazian population in Diaspora, which has been acting as a link between Abkhazia and Diaspora during the war, establishing coordination and information flow between the official agencies, and continues to perform its task since the end of the war, as well. It also informs the governments, relevant ambassadors and representations, international NGOs, and other official organizations on the problems of Abkhazia. We, therefore, would like to bring the view of the Abkhazian Diaspora with reference to the Abkhazian-Georgian conflict and especially the latest developments to your attention.

Unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo on 17 February 2008 with the support of the Western countries –especially the US and the EU- apparently has worldwide consequences challenging the traditional structure of the international system. The world’s attention is currently directed towards Abkhazia which has already declared its independence and made a progress in becoming a democratic and modern state. Under those circumstances it is undoubtedly inconsistent double standard to claim that the independence of Kosovo was a sui-generis procedure that cannot serve as an example for Abkhazia. Abkhazia’s history, realities, political and economical course of actions is obvious for anyone. All Abkhazians regardless of whether living in Abkhazia or at the Diaspora is eventually expecting the recognition of independent Abkhazian state internationally.

The Abkhazian people have a living tradition of freedom. The roots of today’s Abkhazian Republic are based on the experience and traditions of the Abkhazian State of the 8th century. It has hitherto been playing a vital role in political and economic structure of the Caucasus. The relentless fighting of the Abkhazians since then is the genuine history of not only today’s independent Abkhazia but the Caucasus. We, the Abkhazians faced with the threat of extinction like many nations became barred from the history on many occasions and currently this is a struggle of a nation for survival. Customs, fortitude, identity and very well known commitment for freedom of Abkhazians are the historically tested assurances of Abkhazia’s independence. Furthermore, Abkhazians’ confidence in tolerance, democratic attitudes, humanistic values and eagerness for peace, self-respect and self-confidence are the guarantees of Abkhazia’s prospect. Caucasians in general and

Abkhazians in specific, equipped with such values have always had an obvious weight on the regions from Middle East to Europe and from Mediterranean Basin to Caucasus.

The current political situation that Abkhazia is subject to despite this historical, cultural and political accumulation is an obvious injustice. The fact that the international community does not pay enough attention to Abkhazia’s right of self-determination has created disappointment in Abkhazians living in both homeland and Diaspora. We could not understand the blockade exercised to Abkhazia for the sake of the continuation of the world order and international security. Worse than that, in the name of regional and global stability and peace Abkhazia has been the target of sanguinary executions of Georgia with evident support of the Western world. These are unacceptable and inconceivable attitudes against the basic human rights of Abkhazians.

Abkhazia is an indispensable reality of contemporary world, it exists and will exist. History is irrefutable testimony of this reality. Most of the Abkhazian population was exiled and confronted with bereavement as a result of the colonialist policies of the Russian Empire in the 19th century. The immediate political reflection of this policy was the abolishment of the Abkhazian state.  Nevertheless, those policies have never caused the loss of Abkhazians’ national consciousness, language, culture, or history. Political conditions following the collapse of the Russian Empire gave Abkhazia a chance once again to revive on the scene of history in 1921 as the Abkhazian Soviet Socialist Republic which ended up in an oppressive and bloody process. With the order of Stalin, Abkhazia status was lowered to an Autonomous Republic within the Georgian SSR. The deeds of the Georgian communist/nationalist leaders in this period such as execution of leading members of Abkhazian intelligentsia, conscious distortion of demographic structure, and closing down the schools will never be removed from Abkhazians’ memories. However, these people have never submitted to such actions and continued their struggle at the expense of their lives.

In the process of dissolution of the Union, all the former Soviet Republics declared their independence one by one, which was appreciated by the Western World without any hesitation. In line with the objective of defending its legal status, The Higher Council of the Autonomous Abkhazian Soviet Socialist Republic adopted the Sovereignty Declaration of the Abkhazian Republic as the legal guarantee of the conservation of the state structure of Abkhazia on 25 August 1990. On the other hand, Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic’s Higher Council re-adopted the 1921 Constitution in 1991. This step paved the way for Abkhazia’s independence leaving out the option of “the attachment of Abkhazia to Georgia and its inclusion to the unitary state structure”. Consequently, based on 1925 Constitution, Abkhazian Higher Council declared to be a sovereign state equipped with international rights on 23 July 1992.

However, Georgia that has unrightfully and illegally gained a unitary status as a result of its initiatives at OSCE realized its mistake and started the war to pursue its dream. Georgian assault to Abkhazia without any legal basis leading to a war between 14 August 1992 and 30 September 1993 that has destroyed all of its lands and turned out to be the War of Independence of Abkhazia. This war having a very heavy burden, also indicated that there was no return for Abkhazia. Consequently, based on the fundamental principle of self-determination, the Abkhazian Parliament adopted the new Constitution on 16

October 1994 declaring that it is thereby an independent and democratic state respecting the rule of law. On 3 October 1999, a referendum was held and 97,7% of the population
voted in favor of Abkhazia’s independence and the Independence Declaration was adopted which is in accord to the UN regulations, the international agreements regarding to economic, social and cultural rights, and the Vienna Convention.  With this decision Abkhazia is expected to get respect from the international community that value human rights. The Diaspora shares the same feelings, as well.

Recently Abkhazia possesses all the organs and bears all the qualifications that are necessary for being recognized as an independent and sovereign democratic state by the UN. It is a state where the rule of law is prevailed and democratic institutions such as a consolidated civil society, free media, legitimate opposition and efficient legal system are in place. Fifteen years that have passed after the war have confirmed the aptitude of Abkhazia that has not yet internationally recognized. Now the expectations have risen for the recognition of Abkhazia’s sovereignty according to the UN laws and regulations by the Kosovo’s declaration of independence.  Abkhazian Diaspora stands behind this demand, as well, and is determined to support this struggle with all the means it has.

With this regard, the Abkhazians rightfully expect from the World to appreciate the reality of Abkhazia and respect it as a democratic, social, independent, and equal member of the international community.

Yours Sincerely,
On behalf of the Caucasian- Abkhazian Solidarity Committee
President