Abkhazia's So-Called Foreign Minister Calls for Binding Non-Use of Force Agreement, Affirms Participation in Geneva Talks
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, June 9, 2025
Oleg Bartsits, the so-called foreign minister of occupied Abkhazia, recently spoke in an interview with Russian media about a shift in rhetoric coming from Georgia.
"When high-ranking officials, such as ministers, declare their readiness to apologize, repent, and improve relations with neighboring countries like Abkhazia and South Ossetia, there is nothing wrong with that - in fact, it is positive. However, for these statements not to remain empty, we need to move toward real steps. For example, signing a legally binding agreement on the non-use of military force would be a practical step to help strengthen trust between our countries," Bartsits said.
He also confirmed that occupied Abkhazia will continue to participate in the Geneva talks, though the possibility of transferring the talks to another country is under consideration.
"We will continue to participate in the Geneva format with the support of our Russian colleagues. This is the only platform where we can express our point of view and demand certain actions. This format is important, necessary, and currently the only one. However, the Swiss approach is often biased, so it is possible to transfer the talks to a country that will be more objective," Bartsits explained.
Looking ahead, Bartsits said he expects new states to "recognize" occupied Abkhazia in the future.
"There will be recognitions. We are actively working in this direction with the help of our Russian colleagues. We believe time is on our side. We receive signals from countries in different regions expressing interest in dialogue with us," he added.
