Abkhazia continues its 'push' for recognition of Independence

Abkhazia’s Independence recognition process will continue despite pressure from the United States and the European Union, said the de-facto Abkhazian Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Chirikba in an interview with Russian news agency RIA Noviosti.

“Diplomatic efforts in this direction are underway, however, taking into consideration the pressure and even threats coming from the US, lavished on those countries which intend to make a diplomatic move in regard of recognition of our independence, it becomes clear that the process will not be easy,” said Chirikba implying the ongoing consultations with Latin American countries.

According to him, the US and their closest allies have declared a crusade against the release of Abkazia and South Ossetia from international isolation and their diplomatic recognition around the world.

“The West has double standards in regard of these two young Caucasian states – especially in light of their recognition of Kosovo’s independence. Unfortunately, the US has plenty of leverages, especially economic ones. However I am convinced that in the 21 century, century of globalization, it is impossible to isolate entire nations even regardless the efforts of Superpowers,” said Chirikba.

“We indeed are interested in the widest possible diplomatic recognition of Abkhazia, we are grateful to Russia for their assistance in this extremely important issue to us. The three countries in this region have recognized Abkhazia’s independence and established diplomatic ties with Us despite huge pressure from the West,” Chirikba added.

Chirikba also denied Vanuatu has recalled its decision to recognize Abkhazian independence. “The Government of the Republic of Vanuatu recognizes the Republic of Abkhazia, and appointed an Ambassador to Abkhazia Ms. Te Moli Venaos-Goiset.”

A fortnight after the cease fire agreement was signed in the August 2008 Russian Georgian war, The Russian Duma voted for recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states. So far only several Russian-bought States have followed Russia in recognizing the independent status of Georgia’s breakaway regions. Among them are Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nauru, Vanuatu and Tuvalu. According to local and international analysts, Russia has failed in the task of having Abkhazia’s independence widely recognized by world, as only few States have recognized it, whereas in the Kosovo's case, the number of countries is constantly growing.