A group of representatives of Georgian civil society is offering the government to once again reaffirm its commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts with the Abkhaz and the Ossetians.

At the end of February, the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine, the destruction of civilians and critical infrastructure, was met by unified support for Ukraine from the free world. The unprecedentedly strict sanctions imposed will inflict irreparable, long-term damage on Russia’s economy and technological sector.

At a time when Georgian society is expressing strong support for Ukraine, Abkhaz and South Ossetian communities are alarmed by the deeply rooted belief that, under favorable circumstances, Georgia might attempt to restore its territorial integrity by force. Although Tbilisi has repeatedly provided guarantees at the highest level regarding the non-use of force, Sokhumi and Tskhinvali have remained consistently skeptical of such reassurances. This is especially true now, as aggressive and provocative calls by certain groups in the media and social networks, as well as irresponsible statements from politicians, are adding fuel to the fire.

At the same time, the inevitable decline of Russia’s economy will inevitably lead to a sharp deterioration in the socio-economic conditions of the populations in Abkhazia and the South Ossetia/Tskhinvali region, since their economies are heavily integrated with Russia’s and, in practice, depend on it.

It is noteworthy that officials of the Russian Federation have already announced that subsidies intended for Sokhumi and Tskhinvali will be significantly reduced in the near future.

Given these circumstances, it is not surprising that Abkhazians and South Ossetians are anxiously observing current events and worrying about their future.

We, representatives of Georgian civil society working on conflict transformation, peacebuilding, and trust-building, believe that official Tbilisi should immediately respond adequately to the concerns expressed by Sokhumi and Tskhinvali.

Specifically, it is important that:

• Tbilisi, despite potential challenges facing the Georgian economy and business sector, express a firm readiness to support the population of Abkhazia and South Ossetia within its capabilities, in order to alleviate upcoming social and economic difficulties;
• The Government of Georgia work with international partners and organizations to ensure that readiness to ease the economic and social hardships of the Abkhaz and South Ossetian communities becomes part of their agenda;
• At this decisive moment, when the tensions in international relations caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine have not yet reached their peak, the Government of Georgia actively work with the international community, political groups, media, and Abkhaz and South Ossetian elites to strengthen their confidence that, regardless of how events unfold in the region, Tbilisi will remain committed solely to peaceful means of achieving compromise and reconciliation.

Signatories:

Ivane Abramashvili
Archil Gegeshidze
Nino Kalandarishvili
Giorgi Modebadze
Vakhtang Tcharaia
Paata Zakareishvili
Marina Elbakidze
Giorgi Kanashvili
Eliko Bendeliani
Ucha Nanuashvili
Mamuka Kupharadze
Yulia Kharashvili
Tamta Mikeladze
Rusiko Marshania
Misha Jakhua
Natia Tchankvetadze
Ketevan Murusidze
Vakhtang Kolbaia
Ekaterine Gamakharia
Rodam Tzomaia
Nino Kobakhidze
Nanuli Ramishvili
Davit Jishkariani
Irakli Chikhladze
Nukri Milorava
Marina Potchkhuа
Kristina Kilanava
Alu Gamakharia
Margarita Akhvlediani