Prepared by Messenger Staff
Putin Eases Citizenship Rules for Residents of Occupied Georgian Regions
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree simplifying the procedure for granting Russian citizenship to residents of Georgia's Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia.
The new decree removes several standard requirements typically necessary for naturalization, including permanent residence in Russia, knowledge of the Russian language, and familiarity with Russian history. The move significantly streamlines the process for residents of these territories to obtain Russian citizenship.
According to the document, residents of Abkhazia and South Ossetia may now submit their citizenship applications at Russian "diplomatic missions" operating in the regional capitals of Sokhumi and Tskhinvali. Those already residing within the Russian Federation may apply at local offices of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, regardless of whether they are officially registered at their place of stay or residence.
The decree explicitly allows "citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia who are residing in the Russian Federation" to apply at any territorial office of the Ministry, either at their registered place of residence, place of stay, or, in the absence of registration, their actual place of residence.
Kobakhidze Calls for Unity, Pledges to Defend Traditional Values
GD Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called for national unity and reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting traditional values during a public address following the Day of the Sanctity of the Family procession at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Speaking to the gathered crowd, Kobakhidze emphasized the significance of unity in a time of cultural and ideological division. He extended his message not only to the participants of the procession but also to those who chose not to attend due to differing views.
"We must address the people who did not join the procession because of their views, we must address them with love," he said. "We must wish that in the future, tomorrow, they will share the values around which today's unity has gathered."
Kobakhidze expressed hope that in the coming years, more Georgians would unite around the values being celebrated.
"The fight for traditional values continues.. This fight is not easy - there are powerful forces that oppose traditional values, who create false ideologies and false values. It is our duty, our responsibility, to stand side by side with the Mother Church and protect our national values."
