A group of Georgia‘scivil society representatives has proposed to the authorities to reaffirm their commitment to a peaceful solution to the conflicts with Abkhazians and Ossetians.
The entire free world has responded with unanimous support for Ukraine after the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine in late February and began destroying civilians and destroy vital infrastructure.
Unprecedentedly severe international sanctions will cause irreparable and long-term damage to the Russian economy and its technological industry.
While Georgian society expresses firm support for Ukraine, Abkhazian and South Ossetian societies are growing concerned, there is a widespread opinion that in the current situation, Georgia may try to restore its territorial integrity by force.
Tbilisi has repeatedly given guarantees of the non-use of force at the highest level. Yet, Sukhumi and Tskhinvali have always been skeptical about Tbilisi’s repeated guarantees of the non-use of force issued at the highest level. Such an attitude is especially evident now, when some aggressive or provocative groups in the media and social media, as well as statements by irresponsible politicians, are stirring the pot.
Meanwhile, the upcoming recession of the Russian economy will inevitably lead to a sharp deterioration in the socio-economic situation of the population of Abkhazia and South Ossetia/Tskhinvali region, as they are largely integrated into the Russian economy and in fact, are its appendage.
It is noteworthy that officials in the Russian Federation have already stated that subsidies for Sukhumi and Tskhinvali will be significantly reduced in the near future.
Thus, it is not surprising that the Abkhazians and South Ossetians are watching the ongoing events with concern for their own future.
We, the representatives of Georgia’s civil society, who are working towards transforming the conflict, building peace and confidence, believe that official Tbilisi should immediately and adequately respond to the concerns of Sukhumi and Tskhinvali.
The following is particularly important:
• Although the economy and business in Georgia may face some difficulties, Tbilisi must express its strong willingness to help the people of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in mitigating future social and economic problems.
• The Government of Georgia should work with international partners and international organizations, so that readiness to help the Abkhazian and South Ossetian societies to alleviate their economic and social problems becomes part of their agenda.
• The Georgian authorities should actively work with the international community, political groups, media, Abkhaz and South Ossetian elites to reaffirm their unconditional commitment to achieving compromise and reconciliation by peaceful means only. This is especially important at this critical, fateful time, when the international tension, caused by the war unleashed by Russia in Ukraine, has not yet reached its peak.
