DECREE ISSUED BY THE STATE DUMA OF THE FEDERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION on Humane Treatment of the Needs of the Population of Abkhazia

Considering that the closing of the border of Russian Federation along the River Psou by the Government of Russian Federation, suspension of access to the Russian Federation of non-Russian residents, vehicles and cargoes from the territory of the Republic of Georgia established unbearable environment to the population of Abkhazia, especially those of Russian origin that are suffering with cold and hunger.

Being aware that toughening of border regime justified with internal needs of Russia shall not worsen the living conditions of our countrymen in foreign countries;

Welcoming the progress in negotiations on political settlement of Georgian-Abkhaz conflict,

The state Duma of the federal Assembly of the Russian Federation decrees:

To requests the Government of the Russian Federation to consider the issue on alleviation of border regime along Abkhazia and establish simplified procedures of border-crossing for retired people and women, as well as the humanitarian corridor in order to deliver food and essentials to the population of Abkhazia through the Red Cross Society of the Russian Federation, international and Russian humanitarian charity organizations, public associations and religious organizations.

Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation  I. P. Ribkyn

24 February 1995

(Collection of legislation of the RF, M., 1995, # 7, p. 477-478)