On October 20, tens of thousands of citizens from various social groups gathered at the rally “Georgia Chooses the EU”. The event was attended by citizens from different cities, as well as supporters of almost all pro-Western opposition parties.
Among the participants were IDPs from Abkhazia, holding a banner: “Returning Abkhazia is in European integration.” Maisi.News spoke with several of them about why they decided to show support at the rally and what they think about the common future of Abkhazians and Georgians in the EU:
“I’m an IDP from Abkhazia, specifically from Sokhumi. We’re standing here because we believe that restoration of territorial integrity, through peaceful means, is only possible through the country’s European integration. That’s why our banner says exactly this – that returning Abkhazia is in European integration. Today, we, IDPs, are joining this massive rally to show Europe, to make our voice heard, that we want to be in Europe. We want Abkhazia to become European too, and for a united Georgia, with all its territories, to enter the European Union.
For IDPs and Abkhazians, the EU primarily means a strong Georgia. A strong Georgia is a stable Georgia, which will solve social problems for IDPs as a vulnerable group, and as the country moves forward, we’ll also grow stronger economically and return to Abkhazia proud and dignified.” – Inga Akhalaia, IDP from Abkhazia.
“Today, first and foremost, we’re defending a European future, and I personally am defending the idea of a united Georgia. We must unite, we must become whole. Georgia’s unification is in the EU, and now what the current government is offering, I don’t know what they’re planning – they’re probably sneaking in a plan to recognize Abkhazia, and I won’t be able to go to Abkhazia like that. That’s why I want to go to Abkhazia as part of Georgia, where I’ll live normally with my Abkhazian and Georgian relatives.
We are one {says in Abkhazian}, our common homeland is Georgia and we must definitely unite. The development of Abkhazians, like Georgians, is in Europe – there we’ll be able to develop better together.
For both Abkhazians and Georgians, first of all, we have a common value of freedom – this is what connects us to the EU. Secondly, as a part-Abkhazian, I’ll tell you that Abkhazian culture and language are on the verge of extinction thanks to Russia… Protecting Abkhazian heritage is in the EU, in a united Georgia.
The EU has a protection law for minority languages, which of course applies to Abkhazian and all Caucasian languages – including Abaza. Even fewer people speak Abaza than Abkhazian. If they want their language to survive, for Abkhazian culture to survive, first of all, we need to reconcile, and together become an EU member. If we become an EU member before Abkhazia returns, that would be good, and if they return later – they’ll see how good it is to live in the EU.” – Alexander Beraia, IDP from Abkhazia.
