Whose right, and who pays?
Abkhazia was proclaimed an independent republic in 1921 when the Soviets arrived... Later on the Soviets incorporated it into the Georgian Soviet Republic and 
encouraged thousands of Georgians to go and settle in the region. During Gorbachev’s leadership, the Abkhaz people began demanding more autonomy. At the same time, Georgians became more nationalistic--with demonstrations and declarations. In 1992 conflict broke out. Georgian soldiers occupied the capital Sokhumi (where I was), claiming to protect the railway link. Later that year the Abkhaz began an offensive. There was serious fighting for a year. It is quite clear that the Abkhaz were supported by the Russians. In mid-1993 the Abkhaz attacked Sokhumi, violating a truce, driving the Georgians from Abkhazia. The entire Georgian population was forced to leave, resulting in the 250,000 Internally Displaced Persons that are now spread throughout Georgia, living in collective centers, abandoned hotels, and with families.
The question now is: will Abkhazia be recognized as independent? They have their own flag and their own government… But only according to themselves. Georgia demands that the IDPs should return safely to the region before settling the question of independence. The Abkhaz want no such thing until the question of
independence is settled. One thing is clear: the Abkhaz will not give up their quest for being called a nation—indeed, they will continue as they are. But they are blocked from trade, they have no rights as a country… There are few jobs and great devastation. Each side feels righteous in their claims, begging the question of whether they do indeed have the right to independence, and if they do, at what cost… They are clearly a “different people”, with their own language and customs which are overridden in being attached to Georgia. But when you look around and see the homes of Georgians who had to flee, it leaves a bad taste. Why is it so hard to just live together, in harmony? Why does land matter? Perhaps those questions are useless. It matters to them. They want their own space and will not give it up. The Georgians want to retain what was perhaps the most beautiful part of the country…
So we are left with the question: who has the right to be “free”, and who is to pay the price of freedom? Perhaps we should instead be looking for new ways of defining freedom?
encouraged thousands of Georgians to go and settle in the region. During Gorbachev’s leadership, the Abkhaz people began demanding more autonomy. At the same time, Georgians became more nationalistic--with demonstrations and declarations. In 1992 conflict broke out. Georgian soldiers occupied the capital Sokhumi (where I was), claiming to protect the railway link. Later that year the Abkhaz began an offensive. There was serious fighting for a year. It is quite clear that the Abkhaz were supported by the Russians. In mid-1993 the Abkhaz attacked Sokhumi, violating a truce, driving the Georgians from Abkhazia. The entire Georgian population was forced to leave, resulting in the 250,000 Internally Displaced Persons that are now spread throughout Georgia, living in collective centers, abandoned hotels, and with families.The question now is: will Abkhazia be recognized as independent? They have their own flag and their own government… But only according to themselves. Georgia demands that the IDPs should return safely to the region before settling the question of independence. The Abkhaz want no such thing until the question of
independence is settled. One thing is clear: the Abkhaz will not give up their quest for being called a nation—indeed, they will continue as they are. But they are blocked from trade, they have no rights as a country… There are few jobs and great devastation. Each side feels righteous in their claims, begging the question of whether they do indeed have the right to independence, and if they do, at what cost… They are clearly a “different people”, with their own language and customs which are overridden in being attached to Georgia. But when you look around and see the homes of Georgians who had to flee, it leaves a bad taste. Why is it so hard to just live together, in harmony? Why does land matter? Perhaps those questions are useless. It matters to them. They want their own space and will not give it up. The Georgians want to retain what was perhaps the most beautiful part of the country… So we are left with the question: who has the right to be “free”, and who is to pay the price of freedom? Perhaps we should instead be looking for new ways of defining freedom?
posted by Kristel at 1:19 AM
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