Abkhazia Residents Protest Transfer of Territory to Russia
Locals in the Russian-occupied region of Abkhazia have voiced opposition against the transfer of the Bichvinta residency to Russia.
Alex Carter
- 2023-12-28
- Updated 06:07 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - In a public letter, residents from the Russian-occupied Abkhazia expressed discontent with the recent territorial changes following the transfer of the Bichvinta residency to Russia. The letter outlines the community's concerns, indicating Abkhazia has effectively lost jurisdiction over a significant portion of its land due to the transfer. Prior to the agreement, delimited boundaries encompassed a total area of 345 hectares that included a valuable mix of coastal and inland zones comprising sea aquatory, a pine grove, and residential quarters.
Impact on Access to Strategic and Cultural Sites
The controversy stems from the region's loss of access to critical areas following the change in jurisdiction. Notably, residents are set to lose access to uniquely important graveyards, crucial parts of the country's sea borders, and, significantly, the region's sole deep-water area, which provided the best conditions for navigational access for ships. These areas were enclosed within the previously established 345-hectare territory that is now under dispute.
Lack of Transparency in the Decision-Making Process
Adding to the controversy is the lack of public communication regarding the new territorial coordinates agreed upon with the Russian Federation. Deputies of the region, it appears, have not disclosed pertinent details of the arrangement to the public. Meanwhile, the so-called Parliament of occupied Abkhazia, which exercises de facto control over the region, has confirmed the deal for the land transfer. This agreement was signed by the region's so-called President Aslan Bzhania, further legitimizing the transfer of the territory to Russian jurisdiction.
The response to the transfer from the inhabitants of Abkhazia signals a substantial local concern over the implications of losing control over pivotal territories. As the situation develops, the ramifications of this territorial adjustment, both in terms of local access and wider geopolitical impacts, remain to be fully observed and understood.
