Bagapsh Claims Pro-Russian Course

Bagapsh addressing supporters in Sokhumi

An all-Abkhaz National gathering (Convent) in support of Sergey Bagapsh, who was declared president-elect by the Central Election Commission (CEC) of the unrecognized republic, addressed the Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 14, claiming that Sergey Bagapsh is keen to strengthen ties with Moscow.

Recently Sergey Bagapsh has intensified his pro-Russian statements in an attempt to respond his opponents’ accusations that Bagapsh is a pro-Georgian politician.

“Abkhazia’s pro-Russian orientation is the choice of the Abkhaz people… Russia is the guarantor of our statehood and stability,” the appeal reads.

In an interview to the RFE/RL Sergey Bagapsh said that relations with Russia is a top priority for Abkhazia. “Russia has been on our side when we went through the darkest moments of our history and when we recovered our sovereignty. Russia has peacekeepers along the Inguri River that separates the Gali region from Georgia. The only country that helps Abkhazia today is the Russian Federation. So we will continue to strengthen our ties with Moscow,” he said.

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian)