**Air Travel between Russia and Abkhazia to Begin as Planned**
Despite Georgia’s efforts to stop Russian airlines from flying to Sokhumi Airport, air travel between the two countries will start on schedule. This was announced by Alkhaz Kvitsinia, Abkhazia’s “ambassador” to Russia, in an interview with Russian media.
**Georgia’s Concerns Ignored**
Kvitsinia views Georgia’s actions as attempts to interfere with a process that is already inevitable. He believes that Abkhazia and Russia have already agreed on air travel, and it will begin as planned. Kvitsinia called on Tbilisi to abandon its confrontational rhetoric and sign an agreement on the non-use of force. Despite Georgia’s protests, residents of Abkhazia and Russia will be able to travel freely between each other.
**Georgia Takes It to ICAO**
The Civil Aviation Agency in Georgia appealed to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to ban Russian airlines from operating flights to Sokhumi Airport. Kvitsinia explained that Georgia considers Sokhumi Airport to be operating illegally, as it lacks certification from Tbilisi. However, he believes that attempts to use ICAO to isolate Abkhazia are futile.
**Safety Concerns Dismissed**
Kvitsinia dismissed concerns about the safety of the planned Moscow-Sokhumi flights. He emphasized that these flights pose no threat to anyone’s safety and will continue as planned. The official start date for air travel between Russia and Abkhazia is May 1.
**Commentary**
This development is likely to exacerbate tensions between Georgia and Abkhazia. While Abkhazia sees this move as a step towards greater autonomy, Georgia views it as an attempt by Russia to consolidate its control over the breakaway region. The international community will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.
**Analysis**
The planned air travel between Russia and Abkhazia is a significant development that highlights the deepening divide between these two countries. Despite Georgia’s efforts to stop Russian airlines from flying to Sokhumi Airport, it seems unlikely that air travel will not go ahead as planned. This move by Abkhazia is likely to further isolate it from the international community, which has refused to recognize its independence. The situation on the ground in Abkhazia remains tense, with human rights groups continuing to express concerns about the safety and well-being of residents in the region.
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