Russia Blockades Abkhazia

Assistant to the Prime Minister of Russia Gennady Bukaev stated that Russia is closing the railway communication with Georgia’s breakaway province of Abkhazia starting on December 2, Russian news agencies reported.

He also said the “regime of border protection is being strengthened, including the maritime border.”

Bukaev added that Russia is ready to fully close the border with Abkhazia “in case of further unconstitutional actions by Sergey Bagapsh.” The leadership of Russia supports the actions of President Vladislav Ardzinba to stabilize the political situation in Abkhazia, said Russian official.

This is the highest-profile statement regarding a possible economic blockade of Abkhazia from the Russian authorities. A similar statement was made last week by the governor of the Russian region bordering Abkhazia. This toughening of official Moscow’s stance follows the Abkhaz parliament backing of the opposition candidate Sergey Bagapsh’s claims for victory in a contested presidential election. Russia openly backed pro-government candidate – Raul Khajimba.