Prepared by Messenger Staff
Abkhazia's De Facto Authorities Dismiss Georgia's Objections Over Sokhumi Airport
The de facto "foreign ministry" of Russia-occupied Abkhazia has condemned Georgia's aviation agency for calling the operation of Sokhumi Airport illegal, urging Tbilisi to "abandon confrontational rhetoric" and engage in constructive dialogue.
In a statement, the separatist authorities called on Georgia to sign a legally binding agreement on the non-use of force, arguing that Tbilisi must recognize the "political and legal realities" that emerged after the wars of 1992-1993 and 2008.
The statement also referenced the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party's past declarations of openness to dialogue with Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia). In particular, it pointed to Bidzina Ivanishvili's 2024 pre-election promise of an apology to Abkhazians, suggesting that Georgia is now contradicting its own commitments.
"Instead of adopting a pragmatic approach aimed at resolving relations, the Georgian authorities continue to make stereotypical, politicized, and unrealistic statements, which have already become tiresome and only create additional tensions," the de facto "foreign ministry" stated, adding that Tbilisi's position seeks to obstruct "irreversible" processes.
The dispute over Sokhumi Airport comes as Russia prepares to launch regular flights to occupied Abkhazia starting May 1. A Russian passenger plane already landed in Sokhumi on February 7, marking the first such arrival since the 1990s.
Georgia has strongly opposed any international air traffic to or from Abkhazia, asserting that it violates international law and Georgia's sovereignty.
Zourabichvili Meets Latvian Leaders on Baltic Tour
Georgia's fifth president, Salome Zourabichvili, met today with Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics as part of her Baltic tour, which focuses on strengthening ties and securing support for Georgia's European aspirations.
Following her meeting with Rinkevics, Zourabichvili expressed gratitude for Latvia's continued support, writing on X (Twitter):
"Met President Edgars Rinkevics. He reaffirmed Latvia's unwavering support for Georgia and the Georgian people. Thank you for standing by Georgia on this path!"
During her visit, Zourabichvili also held discussions with Deputy Speaker of the Saeima Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica and members of the Latvian Saeima's Foreign Relations Committee, including Inara Murniece, Irma Kalnina, Juris Vilums, and Edmunds Cepuritis. She thanked them for backing Georgia's European integration, emphasizing:
"Met with the Deputy Speaker of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia, Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica, and distinguished members of the Latvian Parliament. Thank you for supporting Georgia's European path!"
Zourabichvili's stop in Latvia follows her March 25 visit to Lithuania, where she met with top Lithuanian officials, including President Gitanas Nauseda, Parliament Speaker Saulius Skvernelis, and Deputy Speaker Radvile Morkunaite. She also held discussions with Lithuanian MPs, such as Laurynas Kasciunas, Zygimantas Pavilionis, and Ingrida Simonyte, and addressed Lithuania's Seimas (parliament).
