At the “Georgia Chooses the EU” rally held on October 20 in Tbilisi’s Freedom Square, among tens of thousands of citizens were also forcibly displaced persons, holding a banner: “Returning Abkhazia becomes possible with European integration.”
Maisi News spoke with one of them – Shmagi Samkharadze, founder and leader of the “Civil Consent” movement. Here’s the interview, unedited:
Hello Shmagi. Why are you at the rally today? “Firstly, to affirm our historical choice, the choice of our ancestors – which is the European family. We had a banner saying “Returning Abkhazia becomes possible with European integration,” because recently, as we’ve observed, Russian officials have made numerous statements that they have no intention of reconsidering their recognition policy and speak of relations between three countries. This is absolutely unacceptable. For me, Russia means war and the territorial division of our country, while Europe means peace and our country’s territorial integrity. That’s why I’m here.”
Please clarify, how do you think joining the EU will help with territorial integrity? “Firstly, based on international law, Western countries and the EU recognize our territorial integrity. Additionally, we receive resolutions each year on the return of displaced persons. The EU always emphasizes peaceful policies, and I believe if we follow this line, if we annually intensify our diplomatic mission – a peaceful mission – more doors will open for us to establish direct communication with people living in occupied territories, our brothers and sisters – Abkhazians and Ossetians, to promote joint cooperation. They should also understand that human rights – their rights – will be protected in the EU, and certainly not in Russia.”
What would you say to displaced persons from Abkhazia and Samachablo? “They must go to the elections, express their support for a European future, and together, peacefully and in unity, we should return to Abkhazia, Tskhinvali, all of us together. I think if we become an EU member state, processes will move very quickly – primarily towards restoring territorial integrity. This is inevitable.”
As a citizen, what would you say to our Abkhazian brothers and sisters who are observing events from occupied territories? “Abkhazians have clearly seen Russia’s face, especially over the last two months. They’re being forced to adopt so-called ‘laws’, Russians are forcibly taking away Bichvinta, New Athoni territories, Abkhazians are being forced to accept a law on apartments and settle Russians there – they’re being threatened and oppressed in every way. Therefore, I think Abkhazians have clearly seen Russia’s face and it’s time for us to think jointly about our common future.”
Given the EU’s political and legal system, how do you think the approach to protecting Abkhazian heritage and culture will change? “Of course, we see complete Russification in Abkhazia – everything is taught in Russian from the first grade. There are only a few Abkhazian language lessons, which isn’t enough. Our {Georgian} Constitution recognizes Abkhazian as a state language in the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia. Therefore, I think they will be able to protect their identity and culture much better in our common state and in the EU.”
Shmagi Samkharadze, founder and leader of the “Civil Consent” movement.
From the editor: we would like to remind our readers that the Administrative Border Line (ABL) with occupied territories has been closed ahead of the elections, limiting electoral rights of Georgian citizens, living in occupied Abkhazia.
