COMMUNIQUE  On Russian-Abkhaz Consultations

On 5-6 May 1993, the Russian-Georgian consultations on the issue of settlement of the armed conflict in Abkhazia took place in the town of Maykop.

The Russian Delegation was headed by Mr. B.N. Pastukhov Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Abkhaz Delegation was headed by Mr. S.R.Jinjolia – Deputy Chair of the Supreme Council of Abkhazia.

Participants of the consultation meeting were welcomed by Mr. A.A.Jamarov – President of the Republic of Adigea.

Carrying out the functions of mediator, the delegation of the Russian Federation informed the representatives of Abkhazia about results of negotiations between the representatives of Russian and Georgian delegations, that took place on 6-9 April in the city of Sochi. At the negotiations, the Russian delegation was headed by Mr. P.S.Grachev- Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, and the Georgian Delegation was headed by Mr.T.I.Sigua- Prime Minister of the Republic of Georgia.

The Abkhaz side, expressing on principal issues agreement with provisions of the Sochi Agreement on necessity to put an end to hostilities and to find lasting and comprehensive solution to the conflict, at the same time presented withdrawal of military formations of the Republic of Georgia from the conflict zone as a necessary precondition for any peaceful settlement, except for minimum number of military forces necessary for protection of strategically important utilities, as a part of tripartite forces that would act within the jurisdiction of the Control Commission on Abkhazia.

Participants of the meeting emphasized the necessity for a new meeting at the highest level within the format of Final document adopted in September 1992. Such a meeting should be preceded by intensive work and consultation of experts. The participants touched upon those issues that might be reflected in such a meeting.

Representatives of Abkhazia expressed their satisfaction with regard the readiness of the Russian side to offer humanitarian aid to the starving and suffering population, irrespective of their ethnic origin and religious affiliation, trapped in the conflict zone. An agreement has been reached on necessity to take immediate and concerted steps aimed at removal of threat of explosion of gas methyl hydride in the Tkvarcheli mines.

Participants of the meeting expressed their gratitude to the leadership of the Republic of Adigea for providing good conditions for the meeting.

Maykop, 6 May 1993

(Personal Archive of the Author)