The article reports on the controversy surrounding the reconstruction of Sokhumi airport in occupied Abkhazia, a region disputed between Georgia and Russia. The Kremlin-backed regime has signed an agreement with a Russian company to rebuild the airport, but the project has been plagued by financial disputes and delays.
The article also mentions that Georgia’s Civil Aviation Agency has stated that no airline can legally operate international flights to or from the airport until Georgia makes a decision in accordance with international civil aviation norms. This suggests that the reconstruction of the airport may be a way for Russia to bypass sanctions and maintain its influence in the region.
Furthermore, the article reports on the visit of Badra Gunba, the former “acting president” of Abkhazia, to Moscow, where he met with Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Transport Minister Roman Starovoit. During his visit, Russia vowed to resume financial aid to Abkhazia, pledging to transfer $3.6 million to Sokhumi to cover salary payments for public sector employees.
Overall, the article highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the reconstruction of Sokhumi airport and the efforts by the Kremlin to maintain its influence in occupied Abkhazia despite international sanctions.
Key points from the article:
* The reconstruction of Sokhumi airport has been plagued by financial disputes and delays.
* Georgia’s Civil Aviation Agency has stated that no airline can legally operate international flights to or from the airport until Georgia makes a decision in accordance with international civil aviation norms.
* Russia has vowed to resume financial aid to Abkhazia, pledging to transfer $3.6 million to Sokhumi to cover salary payments for public sector employees.
* The visit of Badra Gunba to Moscow suggests that Russia is attempting to maintain its influence in occupied Abkhazia despite international sanctions.
