12 August 2009 - Premier.gov.ru Transcript of the joint news conference: Sergei Bagapsh: I
want to express my thanks to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and
other members of the Russian Government for their visit to Abkhazia.
We have discussed a wide range of essential partnership issues at today's restricted and extended attendance meetings. Mr
Putin's visit attests to the dynamic development of mutually beneficial
Russian-Abkhaz relations. As you already know, we have signed another
pivotal bilateral agreement today. It envisages aid to Abkhazia to
promote its social and economic progress. We
are assured that the agreement will open new opportunities for
Abkhazia. Other agreements are being drafted. Mr Putin and I have
discussed them in detail today. We have come to a mutual understanding
on them. | |
I
have said this to the Prime Minister and now I want to reiterate it
here: Abkhazia remains Russia's reliable ally in strategic and other
respects, especially considering its geography and, what matters even
more, its entire population's reverence for the great power named
Russia. Thank you. Vladimir Putin: Mr Bagapsh, ladies and gentlemen, A
year has past since the tragic events in the Caucasus. Much has changed
within that time. The recognition of Abkhaz and South Ossetian
independence became a natural event following the aggression by the
present Georgian regime. I say "natural" because the Georgian
authorities came to this result by themselves. They began with the
well-known decision to deprive their republics of their rights to
autonomy and in effect completed with their own hands the collapse of
Georgia's territorial integrity. They did this themselves. This is the
result of their own doing first and foremost. We
are fully aware of the Abkhaz nation's striving for sovereignty and
independence. After last year's tragedy, Russia made the only decision
it could make-to recognise Abkhazia's sovereignty and independence. The
situation has changed cardinally since then. Russia has made its
strategic choice, and there is no return to the situation of previous
years. Now we have other objectives standing before us- the goal to
develop the social and economic sphere of Abkhazia, a country I am glad
to be in today. I want to once again thank the Abkhaz President for his invitation. We
have drafted a plan for joint work in developing infrastructure,
tourism, transport, communications and the energy industry. And of
course, Russia is ready to offer what might be figuratively called
start-up capital. It will give Abkhazia the opportunity to make the
first steps independently, and strengthen its economic and social
basis. No doubt, the Abkhaz people are a
gifted, industrious and valiant nation. They withstood a blockade and
permanent warfare, whose aftermath is felt even today, as reflected in
the Gagra events. They can certainly revive their economy with Russia
recognising their independence and determined to render them all-round
economic and political support and, if need be, military assistance.
The Abkhaz nation is of course in a position to realise this goal. I
want to thank once again the Abkhaz leadership for their invitation, as
well as the public for their very warm and hospitable welcome. Thank you very much for your attention. Question:
Mr Bagapsh, only a few countries have recognised Abkhaz independence
within the past year. What do you think of your nation's political
future in this context? Will it retain independence? Also,
if political recognition is in deadlock, it might be worthwhile to take
another road and promote economic recognition through investors. What
do you think? My question to Mr Putin continues
from the previous one. What else can Russia do to promote the
international recognition of Abkhazia? Would you advise investors to
buy in Abkhazia or take their time? Thank you. Sergei Bagapsh: Mr
Putin, the initial question is addressed to me, so I think I should
start, if you don't mind. A great power, the Russian Federation, has
recognised us, and it matters most. No country has ever been recognised
quickly and smoothly. Neither will Abkhazia be. To be recognised soon
does not matter so much as what your second question concerns-a
question I am grateful for: how soon will Abkhazia achieve political
and, even more important, economic rejuvenation? We
need to create conditions and give an impetus for everyone to see that
Abkhazia is a genuine democratic, law-abiding state which deserves to
be accepted by the international community. It is our duty to avoid
errors during the emergence of Abkhaz statehood because, by recognising
us, Russia and other countries assume obligations for our compliance
with international conventions and pledges to the world. We
have chosen a difficult path. We want to attract investments to
Abkhazia because no country can develop rapidly without them. Abkhazia
is integrating with Russia in a process that is gaining pace. I approve
such integration, and it will develop. Thank you. Vladimir Putin:
As for reluctant recognition of Abkhazia, we never thought it would be
otherwise when we determined to recognise the sovereignty of Abkhazia
and South Ossetia. We proceeded from that point. Remember who
recognised Soviet Russia, and how long it took them to do so? Real
life will put everything in its place. If I may be frank, Abkhazia
needs only Russian recognition. As for Russian investors, they of
course should acquire all Abkhaz property. As for business
representatives from other countries, who are marking time, they will
come to the Abkhaz market later and buy at higher prices. That is all
there is to it. Question:
Caucasian Television. I have a question addressed to both Mr Bagapsh
and Mr Putin. Prospects for stationing international observers in
Abkhazia have been discussed lately. How do you assess those prospects?
Do you think it would be worthwhile in the current situation? Thank
you. Vladimir Putin: You know,
I have not followed the relevant negotiations very closely, but Mr
Bagapsh and I have discussed the problem just now. Abkhazia has no
objections to the presence of foreign observers representing the most
diverse international organisations, be it the United Nations or OSCE.
Abkhazia, a beautiful seaside country, is large enough to receive them.
However, everyone should proceed from the
available situation, recognise Abkhazia as a sovereign state and
international legal entity, and conclude relevant agreements with it. Sergei Bagapsh: I
agree, naturally. As you may know, we had no objections to the
establishment of a United Nations mission in Abkhazia. The time has
come now to recognise our independence and sovereignty instead of
basing relations with Abkhazia on old dogmas. As
for the European Union and the military observers you imply, we can
discuss the theme while only taking into consideration the fact that
they find themselves in an independent state, Abkhazia. We are willing
to enter negotiations on these terms. Thank you. |