30th Anniversary of the State Committee for Repatriation Celebrated at the Abkhaz Drama Theater

SUKHUM / AQW'A ―  The 30th anniversary of the founding of the State Committee for Repatriation of Abkhazia was celebrated with a gala evening at the Abkhaz Drama Theater on Thursday, March 23.

The head of the Administration of the President of Abkhazia, Dzansuh Nanba, read out the president's congratulations to the employees of the State Committee.

"We want our brothers abroad to remember that Abkhazia is our common home and we are always waiting for their return to their homeland. By joining forces, we will be able to build a strong, prosperous state," the president's message read.

Following congratulatory speeches from representatives of state structures and guests who attended the celebrations from Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and the republics of the North Caucasus, the State Choir performed a song about mukhadzhirs [exiles -ed.], "Shish-nani. [The Exile's Lament -ed.] " The concert continued with popular pop artists and dance groups from the republic.

The State Committee's anniversary was celebrated over two days. On the eve of the milestone date, March 22, a scientific and practical conference was held, addressing issues related to the return of the Abkhazian diaspora to their historical homeland, strengthening ties between Abkhazia and the descendants of mukhadzhirs (exiles) living worldwide, as well as conducting scientific expeditions in these states.

On March 23, employees of the State Committee for Repatriation and delegations from Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and the republics of the North Caucasus laid flowers at the memorial for the first president of Abkhazia, Vladislav Ardzinba, at the memorial for the people of Abkhazia who died in the Patriotic War of 1992-1993 in the Park of Glory in Sukhum, and at the monument for the victims of the Russian-Caucasian War on the embankment of the Mukhadzhirs.

The State Committee of the Republic of Abkhazia for Repatriation was established on March 23, 1993, during the Patriotic War of the people of Abkhazia. The main goals of the State Committee are to strengthen and develop relations between the Republic of Abkhazia and the Abkhaz (Abaza), Ubykh diaspora abroad, to provide assistance to repatriates during their adaptation period, and to create conditions for repatriation. In accordance with the constitutional law of the Republic of Abkhazia "On Repatriates," our compatriots, whose ancestors were forced to leave their homeland after the Russian-Caucasian and Russo-Ottoman wars of the 19th century, receive the status of repatriate for five years upon returning to Abkhazia.