Georgian-Abkhazian border ‘stable but tense’

As Russia plans to boost co-operation with Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, tensions with Georgia grow. This might be one of the signs that Russia is moving towards recognition of these de-facto independent states, with Georgia a

In everyday life traces of Georgian influence are hard to find in Abkhazia’s capital, Sukhumi. The rouble is the official currency, the majority of the population speak Russian and many hold Russian passports.

These ties are likely to become closer as Moscow announces plans to intensify co-operation with the republic. Russia says it wants to give more economic and legal support to Russian citizens in Abkhazia.

Tbilisi insists Russia’s decision to have closer links with Abkhazia is a violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and is calling for the decision to be reversed.

“Everything that's going on in the region is closely connected with so-called humanitarian decisions that were taken by Russia,” stated Georgian Minister for Reintegration, Temur Yakobashili.

While movement on the Russian-Abkhazian border seems to be relaxing, the situation on the crossing with Georgia is heating up, with both sides reporting an increase in military troops.

Abkhazians say they want to avoid any military conflict.

“According to the official information we’ve received, the situation on the border is stable but tense,” if it is possible to say so. We really hope that Georgia will refrain from any acts which may bring us to armed confrontation," said Maksim Gungia, Vice Foreign Minister of Abkhazia.