Chirikba Appointed Foreign Minister

Today, Viacheslav Chirikba was appointed Foreign Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia by President Aleksandr Ankvab.  Mr. Chirikba is well-known inside and outside of Abkhazia and is both a diplomat and a linguistics scholar. The appointment was made in Abkhazia's capital, Sukhum

A short time ago, I spoke to Mr. Chirikba and offered my congratulations.  In keeping with Abkhaz traditions of a free press, he mentioned that the Abkhazia government is open and transparent and he is prepared for interviews with western media.