On January 10 a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia, in connection with the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, where our compatriots live.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs V. Chirikba, first Deputy Minister I. Khintba, head of the Regional Department on Turkey and Middle East I. Gitsba, head of the State Committee for Repatriation Z. Adleiba, representatives of repatriates from Syria and Turkey Amer Kudzhba, Yanal Hapysht, Ahmad Marchan, Oktay Chkotua, as well as Member of the Parliament of Abkhazia Batal Kobakhia.

Given the complexity of the events in Syria, we can not remain indifferent to the problems faced by our brothers.

Participants of the meeting discussed concrete ways to assist compatriots who found themselves in a difficult situation due to the development of the political crisis in Syria.

A useful exchange of views and information took place. Issues associated with sending a mission to Syria from Abkhazia to review the situation on the ground were discussed substantively.

A special Department on Turkey and Middle East has been recently created in the Foreign Ministry, which will be directly engaged in the region and dealing with such activities as maintenance of relations with the Diaspora, monitoring the situation and making recommendations for certain political decisions.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Committee for Repatriation are in constant contact with the representatives of the Diaspora in Syria. There are currently no requests for repatriation from Syria.

All participants pointed out the inadmissibility of politicizing the issue, which can prevent possible initiatives of Abkhazia to assist compatriots in Syria.

According to information received, a visit of the representative of the Diaspora in Syria to Abkhazia in near future for consultations with the Abkhaz leadership is scheduled.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again expresses its readiness to assist our brothers in Syria, who wish to return to their historical Homeland.

Source: MFA Abkhazia