Adgur Ardzinba's Warning to Potential Investors, Beware!

SUKHUM / AQW'A — Adgur Ardzinba, leader of the Abkhazian People’s Movement, recently unveiled sketches from 2016 that proposed the restoration of the fire-damaged Council of Ministers building in Sukhum. He critically responded to President Aslan Bzhania's intention of turning the site over to an investor. Ardzinba asserts that the leadership, considering turning this historic landmark into a hotel, seems disconnected from the ground reality.

During a recent trip to Moscow, President Aslan Bzhania surprised many by announcing a business proposal: the construction of an apart-hotel on Sukhum’s Freedom Square, precisely where the pre-war Council of Ministers building once stood.

The Council of Ministers building heavily damaged during the 1992–1993 Georgian-Abkhazian War.

The President’s plan has, understandably, caused quite a stir among the populace. Freedom Square is, undeniably, a place of significant historical value. Before the war, it was a gathering place for supporters of the national liberation movement, which represented the vast majority of the Abkhazian populace and all advocates for its independence. This square has been the backdrop for momentous decisions. During the war, the Abkhazian army famously stormed the building, then occupied by soldiers from the Georgian State Council. The fierce battle saw Abkhazian casualties, the building in flames, and concluded with the hoisting of the Victory flag over its ruins, reminiscent of the German Reichstag.

On 27 September 1993, Abkhazian troops reached the centre of Sukhum; by 15:30 the flag of the Republic of Abkhazia fluttered over the building of the Council of Ministers — the capital of Abkhazia was liberated.

Today, an empty pedestal stands on Freedom Square, once bearing a statue of Lenin during the Soviet era. There's a growing voice among citizens to honour the first president, Vladislav Ardzinba, with a statue on this spot. The square has a long history of hosting parades, with the country's leadership often in attendance.

Now, President Aslan Bzhania has publicly voiced his intention to erect an apart-hotel on the grounds where the building once stood before its fiery demise during a military siege. This prompts questions: Is he uninformed about the site's rich historical significance, or is he simply indifferent to both its historical and current context, now aiming to transform it into a backdrop for a hotel?

The envisaged scenario by many on social media is one of incredulity: during parades, imagine hotel guests leisurely observing the proceedings below from their balconies, possibly clad in swimwear, casually sipping beer—a scene reminiscent of what's common on the Sukhum promenade.

At the 'Immortal Regiment' event in Sukhum, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Victory in the Patriotic War of the people of Abkhazia (1992-93), attendees gather in front of the Council of Ministers Building, holding portraits of their fallen relatives.

Numerous individuals have already voiced their objections, pointing out the unsuitability of such a proposition.

Adgur Ardzinba, leader of the Abkhazian People's Movement and former Minister of Economy, has showcased three design sketches from March 2016 that depict potential reconstructions of the former Council of Ministers building. These designs, which can be viewed on the Ministry of Economy’s website, were crafted by Moscow's “Design and Construction Center.”

“Under the directive of President Raul Khajimba, ‘Abkhazstroy’ put forth an initial design highlighting potential restoration approaches for the structure. These were preliminary concepts meant for presentation. Discussions revolved around the possible revival of the building, progressing to the point where experts physically evaluated the site. To be honest, I'm not privy to the subsequent developments, but I was aware of initiatives regarding this edifice. Kazanba, who was at the helm of ‘Abkhazstroy’ at the time, shared these designs with me during my tenure as the Minister of Economy. The deliberations were whether to resurrect the building to its original glory or, given the extent of damage, raze it entirely. However, there was consensus that the building's ownership should remain with the state—a sentiment I wholeheartedly share. After all, it’s a landmark edifice for our nation. And all endeavours were aligned with this perspective.”

One of the designs by the Design and Construction Center.

Back in 2016, the discussion around the building's reconstruction unfortunately did not progress to the point of determining the costs. Adgur Ardzinba remains uncertain about why the matter stalled, but he firmly believes that President Aslan Bzhania's proposal of entrusting the building to an investor for hotel development is entirely misplaced:

“Recent debates have arisen due to the president's comments made during a student meeting in Moscow. Regrettably, we're seeing a pattern where significant decisions are made without our knowledge. During the aforementioned meeting, he indicated an investor’s interest in the location for hotel construction. This proposal, in my opinion, is wholly inappropriate. While we are open to hotel investments given the vast lands we possess, this particular site is sacred and should remain untouched. Can you imagine hosting our Victory Parade or commemorating Constitution Day with a hotel overshadowing a monument to Vladislav Ardzinba? Such a scenario is incongruous, and we are resolutely against it.”

Adgur Ardzinba’s message to potential investors is clear and cautionary; he urges them to be wary of this venture to sidestep potential complications:

“I would like to earnestly warn any interested investors to tread carefully. The representation by our leadership can be misleading, and its credibility is in question, as the overwhelming sentiment of our citizens opposes such a project. Perhaps entrepreneurs outside of Abkhazia are unaware of this sentiment, but within our borders, it’s a well-known fact. Investing based on a misguided perception could lead to unforeseen consequences. We don't want to add to a growing narrative that Abkhazia is not investment-friendly. The last thing we need is an investor lamenting, ‘I was promised, then they reneged.' It's essential to steer clear of this quagmire. My sincere hope is that this message reaches the right ears. This site holds profound significance for our people, and in due course, we will rejuvenate it with utmost respect and consideration. The blueprint for its future should be a collective effort, drawing insights from the public on its architectural features, facade, and overall purpose. It deserves to be treated as a national endeavour.”

Ardzinba is critical of the direction the Abkhazian leadership is taking, particularly their propensity to monetize every asset. He asserts, “The relentless pursuit of foreign investors for short-term gains needs to be reconsidered. Our priority should be bolstering our own economy and improving the living standards of our citizens. This approach would empower us to restore and preserve the nation's significant landmarks without external dependencies.”