Disappointing EU cookie-cutter response to #Abkhazia's elections does not even mention #Coronavirus.
The EU actually has strong interest in Abkhaz having a leader who has legitimacy and can take effective control of territory in its current status. eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/h… 1
Abkhazia claims it is virus-free, but few believe it. It controversially went ahead with elections, prioritizing politics. Aslan Bzhania thankfully won in first round. Now is time to get real about serious threat to a place with degraded health system. eurasianet.org/abkhazia-elect… 2
Through "Non-Recognition and Engagement policy" and UN agencies, EU has capacity to offer direct health assistance to Abkhazia. No longer practicable to welcome Abkhaz to Georgian territory. Russia is poor in its development assistance to clients, unlikely to help properly. 3
On elections, EU better advised to update policy and adopt Greek Cypriot/EU approach on Turkish Cypriot elections, welcoming the "choice" of a “leader of Abkhaz community”-- while maintaining robust non-recognition policy of Abkhazia itself. cna.org.cy/webnews-en.asp… 4
Current EU message suggests indifference to anarchy that has characterized Abkhazia for past year. Who wants that? A pandemic does not respect borders with unrecognized territories. Those running these territories need collaboration and support. Let’s not pretend otherwise. 5
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