APPEAL TO THE POPULATION OF ABKHAZIA REGARDING TWO-YEAR OLD TRAGIC EVENTS OF 15-16 JULY 1989

The time again reminds the unfortunate date. These two hot summer days will remain in the minds of all nations living in Abkhazia as the symbols of senseless bloodshed, victory of rivalry over the rational. 15-16 July of 1989 made not only bloody wound in the hearts of each dwellers of Abkhazia. This is the warning for each of us – not to pursue emotions while discussing the difficult issues relating to the national-state arrangement of the Republic, not to step over the edge where the disaster starts from. Today the public-political situation in Abkhazia is far from being calm. There are many discussions, disputes about signing the Union Treaty by the Abkhaz ASSR. Unfortunately, at the same time, we still fail to avoid thoughtless, abusive phrases, which cause tension between people. The memory of those perished two years ago calls upon us to be careful, not to forget that extremism, chauvinism and totalitarianism are our common enemies, whatever cloths they are disguised with.

The people will reach agreement in any case, if they do not obey to the irresponsible statements and in deciding any kind of issues push forward mutual respect, human attitude and the care for future generations and their happiness.

The Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Abkhaz ASSR

(Newspaper “Abkhazetis Khma” /Voice of Abkhazia/, # 118, 12 July 1991)