Georgian PM: resolving Abkhazia’s humanitarian problem part of trust-building efforts

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday defended the government’s decision to allow fuel deliveries to Abkhazia, saying the move helped resolve an important humanitarian problem and would contribute to rebuilding trust.

Responding to questions about fuel entering the Russian-occupied region, Kobakhidze said the initiative had originated from the occupied territories and that the government approved the request after being approached by businesses.

“The only motive behind our supportive decision was a vision aimed at restoring trust. Everything was done within the framework of the Law on Occupied Territories”, Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister dismissed criticism of the decision, describing it as an “hysterical campaign” by political opponents who, he claimed, opposed efforts to rebuild trust.

Addressing allegations that the fuel deliveries amounted to supplying Russia, Kobakhidze said the volume involved was negligible compared to Russia’s fuel consumption.

“As for supplying Russia - you can check Russia’s consumption figures. The fuel entering Abkhazia accounts for 0.001% of it. It is absolutely unserious to talk about Russia being supplied with fuel that enters Abkhazia. The volume of fuel that entered our region, Abkhazia, is irrelevant to Russia”, he continued.

Kobakhidze also criticised opposition figures Nika Gvaramia and Giorgi Baramidze over their statements on the issue, accusing them of making what he described as absurd claims about the destination of the fuel.

He said the lack of access to fuel and empty petrol stations had a direct negative humanitarian impact on the population of Abkhazia, accusing the Government’s opponents of attempting to politicise the issue despite its humanitarian implications.

“When they see that certain steps may contribute to restoring trust, our opponents become hysterical. When people do not have access to fuel and petrol stations are empty, this has a direct negative humanitarian impact on the population. Even here, they managed to engage in speculation”, Kobakhidze said.

“Thanks to us, an important humanitarian problem in Abkhazia was resolved, which will ultimately become evident to everyone. Accordingly, we can have absolute confidence that such steps contribute to restoring trust”, the PM concluded.