UNDP and MFA Abkhazia Exchange Statements on Resilience Programme
UNDP Addresses Abkhazian FM's Requests, Reaffirms Sustainable Goals
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has issued a statement in response to the demands of Inal Ardzinba, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia, for clarification on the objectives of projects funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and for a list of Abkhazian informational resources supported by the UNDP. These demands emerged following Ardzinba's meeting with a UNDP representative, urging action by 7 March, 18:00.
In its response, the UNDP articulated its position regarding the request for additional information on the Partnering for Resilience Programme. Issued by the Sukhum office on 7 March, the statement underscores the UNDP's commitment to its foundational goals and principles:
"In reference to the public request of 29 February 2024 to UNDP for additional clarification about the Partnering for Resilience Programme, we wish to convey a message that UNDP, as an international organisation, is not in a position to comment on content published by other international organisations or agencies on their own websites. We confirm that programme activities of UNDP strictly follow the global mandate of our organisation in order to achieve the purposes of the UN as laid out in the Charter and the set goals to build a more sustainable world.
The Partnering for Resilience Programme supports conflict-affected communities on the ground and its achievements contribute to enhanced human security and resilience, notably: the improved access to essential social services, including education, healthcare; the improved capacity of youth and women in business education and increased demand for production and trade; improved socio-economic conditions, community resilience, and self-reliance; enhanced capacity and expertise of civil society organisations, research institutions, and think tanks."
Inal Ardzinba had previously labelled entities such as the U.S. State Department, USAID, and the European Union as agents of Abkhazia's "aggressive isolation," citing the removal of content from the USAID website that discussed reducing Kremlin's influence and the so-called "de-occupation of Abkhazia". In reaction, the Abkhazian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has suspended the approval of new UNDP projects and the issuance of related certifications, declaring John Pennell, head of the USAID mission in the South Caucasus, persona non grata in Abkhazia.
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MFA Abkhazia Responds to UNDP with a Statement
This evening, the Foreign Ministry of Abkhazia released a statement on their official website in response to the UNDP's recent communication. The statement elucidates the ministry's stance and concerns following the UNDP's details on the objectives and outcomes of its Partnering for Resilience Programme, as well as its position regarding the inquiries made by Inal Ardzinba, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia expressed its dissatisfaction with the UNDP's failure to fulfil the request for the publication of a list of information resources funded by the UNDP, allegedly attempting to destabilise the internal political situation in the Republic of Abkhazia. Highlighting this omission as a deliberate concealment of information, the ministry maintains its right to take adequate and timely measures in response, as part of its imperative to protect the national interests of the Republic of Abkhazia. Moreover, the ministry underscored concerns over projects significantly funded by USAID that purportedly conflict with Abkhazia's national interests, specifically those aimed at the so-called "de-occupation of Abkhazia". Furthermore, the Foreign Ministry criticised the term "community" used by the UNDP in reference to the Republic of Abkhazia, affirming Abkhazia's status as a sovereign and independent state.
As the leading agency of the United Nations focused on eradicating poverty and fostering sustainable economic expansion and human development, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is committed to building and enhancing local capacities to ensure long-term self-reliance and prosperity. Headquartered in New York City, the UNDP stands as the UN's most extensive development aid entity, operating across the worldwide.