New York Times Coverage of Abkhazia Election

Yesterday in the New York Times, Ellen Barry wrote of the Presidential election held on Saturday in Abkhazia. Ms. Barry quoted analyst Nikolai Zlobin on the election and the situation in Abkhazia.  Mr. Zlobin makes the following point:  They know that the only thing they have is land.  It is not a big piece of land, but eventually it will be fantastically expensive."

Mr. Zlobin is spot on.  Abkhazia offers tremendous potential as a tourist destination.  It is probably the most desirable location on the Black Sea.

In general, Ms. Barry wrote a good article.  There is one point of substance that I would disagree on.  President Bagapsh is quoted as saying "We have chosen our path, whether the United States and the European Union like it or not.  Abkhazia will never again be part of Georgia."  Ms. Barry interprets that to mean that western recognition is not important to Abkhazia.  I have to disagree on this.  It is clear from my visits and discussions in Abkhazia that western recognition is very important to Abkhazia.  Because Abkhazia is not widely recognized there are no working ATM machines, it is impossible to view a film and there are no international flights at the moment.  Every citizen is very aware of this.  Also, Abkhazia's leadership knows that with recognition will come money for redevelopment of infrastructure, investment in tourist facilities and increased tourism.  My interpretation is that Mr. Bagapsh is simply stating that Abkhazia is free and independent of Georgia, regardless to the current mood in the west.

The article can be found at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/14/world/europe/14abkhazia.html?_r=1