The de-facto authorities in the Russia-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali have responded to a recent statement by Georgian Dream leader Bidzina Ivanishvili, in which he blamed the 2008 war on external forces and the previous Georgian government. Ivanishvili also expressed his hope that the Georgian people would apologize for their role in the conflict. The de-facto authorities in Sokhumi welcomed the statement, but emphasized the need for concrete actions to back it up. Meanwhile, the de-facto authorities in Tskhinvali linked the statement to Georgia’s upcoming parliamentary elections and called for acknowledgement of Georgia’s guilt in starting the war. The de-facto foreign ministry of Abkhazia also commented on the statement, stating that it could potentially lead to improved relations if accompanied by concrete steps towards reconciliation and a peace treaty. Overall, the de-facto authorities view Ivanishvili’s statement as a positive step, but remain skeptical and call for tangible actions to back up his words.
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