As such, Putin shows that Russia is determined to protect Abkhazia, which it recognized as an independent state on Aug. 25, 2008. Putin also noted that Moscow is making contributions to Abkhazia's budget and paying retirement pensions. Most Abkhaz people are also now recognized as Russian citizens. Georgia, however, declared this visit to Abkhazia, which it sees as part of Georgian territory, as an attempt to destabilize and provoke the region.Moscow wants to build a large military base in Ochamchira, a small town south of Sukhumi, the capital of Abkhazia. Analysts note that this will be an alternative for the Russian fleet in the Black Sea. Considering the fact that the agreement on the base in Sevastopol will expire in 2017 and that Ukraine is moving towards the Euro-Atlantic world, Russia now wants to have a safer naval base in the Black Sea. Russian eagerness to build a naval base in Ochamchira and the presence of another base in Gudauta bears great importance for Turkey given that Abkhazia is close to its eastern Black Sea coasts. For this reason, an increase in the military might of Russia in Abkhazia will provoke NATO's interest in the coasts of both Turkey and Georgia.
It is expected that 30 cooperation agreements will be signed between Moscow and Sukhumi. Abkhaz people are opposed to the conclusion of the agreements between the two states on the recognition of dual citizenship and the freedom to buy real estate in both countries. In case of the adoption of these two agreements, Abkhazians are concerned that the Russian Federation will establish domination over their country.
Despite the fact that the Russian Federation has pursued different policies vis-à-vis Georgia since Aug. 8, 2008, both the US and the European Union have failed to address and deal with the aggressive moves by Moscow. The US has still been unable to renew its policy regarding Georgia during Barack Obama's term. The new president, who is proving to be inadequate in generating new policies, is still following neoconservative policies via Joe Biden. In other words, he keeps ignoring Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He is even opposed to social and commercial relations. He only supports the pro-American government in Tbilisi. The president also sees Georgia as the aircraft carrier of the South Caucasus. In this way, the eagerness of the Georgian people to integrate with the EU and the dream of Georgian intellectuals for a democratic Georgia are overlooked. In other words, he wants the presence of a pro-American government instead of a design in the minds of the intellectuals. The US insists on the pursuit of neoconservative policies that serve the interests of the Russian Federation in the region while the EU seems to be passive in Georgia. It only watches what the US has been doing in the region. Even though European actors criticize the US behind closed doors, they leave the fate of Georgia to the neocons.
The EU's special representative for the South Caucasus, Peter Semneby, was in Abkhazia in July. Sukhumi welcomed this visit even though it was upset by the overall EU stance. It is asserted that Semneby is opposed to direct relations between Sukhumi and the EU; in the meantime, like the US and the EU, Turkey has also failed to renew its policies on Abkhazia. Despite the presence of a huge Abkhaz population in Turkey, Ankara fails to appreciate the importance of establishing commercial and humane ties with Abkhazia. It even fails to ensure safe transportation. While it maintains good ties with northern Iraq despite clear accusations of supporting terrorism, Turkey is hesitant to introduce a bold policy vis-à-vis Abkhazia because of its concerns over the probable reaction by the US.
The US, EU and Turkey have all failed to create a new policy in Abkhazia whereas Iran is seeking to smooth its relations with this country. A high-level diplomatic mission of the Iranian Foreign Ministry paid an official visit to Moscow and subsequently to Sukhumi. It is argued that the mission asked for Iranian involvement in the Caucasian Cooperation and Stability Platform in Moscow; the same delegation allegedly expressed its readiness to maintain commercial ties between Iran and Abkhazia during their stay in Sukhumi.
There is a growing need for the development of new policies in the South Caucasus. It is time for Obama to pursue change in the region.
