Beslan Butba: human resource investment as top priority
2009-10-26 23:24 I said Bagapsh's actions could contribute to the growth of anti-Russian sentiment. Personally for me, for our party members, for our followers and Abkhazia on the whole - anti-Russian sentiment is essentially out of question. We are loyal to Russia in Caucasus not because it's gainful, but because we feel Russia with our hearts. It was our conscious choice immediately after the collapse of the Union. Already then we were part of the Russian civilization. I'm completely sure that our relations with Russia must remain transparent and straightforward.There is no question that we need investments for railway and airport rehabilitation. It's totally clear that Abkhazia can't restore its facilities without assistance of Russian investors. The problem is different: the president's statements on the subject displayed his incompetence. Besides they made me think that using Moscow as a disguise somebody was going to take advantage of the funds for private purposes. We objected that such large-scale and important facilities could turn into a money-laundering mechanism. It's the authorities that made us think so. In our view the Russian stand on Abkhazia is clear and effective. And we constantly see attempts at misappropriation of Russian support on the part of the Abkhaz authorities. It's time to put a halt to it.
-Which candidate will have Moscow's support? Is it possible that the 2004 situation will repeat?
-How can I speak for the Russian leadership? As for the 2004 situation - we will do our best for it not to happen. That is why we proposed unification of all political forces and signing the Public Treaty. As far as I understand Moscow's strategy is to stay away from Abkhazia's domestic processes and deal with the authorities the people will elect. I don't believe the 2004 situation is likely to repeat with Russia's active support of one candidate. I think Moscow understands now that there is no political force in Abkhazia that would pursue an anti-Russian policy.
-This is a question to you as a businessman: how feasible is it to come to economic prosperity given other countries' reluctance to recognize Abkhazia's independence?
-As a businessman I wouldn't raise political issues. I would simply be unable to see the whole picture of Abkhaz politics. I reply as a politician. There is no serious problem here. Certainly it is important for Abkhazia to get integrated into the world economy. But at least in terms of economy we are quite well off with Russia's recognition. Russia is our natural and established partner. Surely the world community will recognize us one day. It is a matter of time and a well-considered foreign policy.
-Is Abkhazia a democratic state?
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