Shamba: No Plans for a Russian Naval Base in Abkhazia
Sergey Shamba was appointed Foreign Minister for the third time on August 6th.
SUKHUM / AQW'A — The establishment of a Russian naval base in Ochamchira is not planned; only border patrol boats are stationed there, stated Sergey Shamba, the Foreign Minister of Abkhazia, in an interview with TASS.
The creation of a Russian naval base in the city of Ochamchira is not planned, where only border patrol boats are stationed, Sergey Shamba, the Foreign Minister of Abkhazia, told TASS.
"There are no plans for a Russian naval base in Ochamchira. There is a border outpost where border patrol boats are stationed. We are prepared for any turn of events," he said.
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According to the Foreign Minister, the Black Sea is once again becoming a region of tension, with increasing appearances of NATO ships and reconnaissance flights by American and NATO aircraft. "This situation is concerning to us. The ongoing military actions in the Black Sea area are also troubling," he said.
Shamba also mentioned that elections will be held in Georgia in the fall, and it is uncertain who will come to power. "If supporters of Saakashvili, the current opposition, come to power, we do not rule out some kind of adventurism on their part, but the outcome will be disastrous for them. No one wants to ignite a new war; it would mean new casualties. We certainly do not need that," Shamba emphasised.