Recently, for the second time, the authorities of the self-proclaimed Republic of Abkhazia have denied a visit to the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, Toivo Klaar. In response, the diplomat recalled that the EU not only plays a key role in promoting dialogue between Tbilisi and Sukhumi, but has also financed many programs in Abkhazia in the fields of health, education, culture and agriculture.

“We have received a second refusal in the last six months. Although I have visited Abkhazia several times before, and problems have never arisen before. Today we have reached a situation where the region appears to be closing down,” said Claar.

Legally independent Abkhazia is largely financed from the Russian budget, and there is also a Russian military base there. Georgia and the international community consider Abkhazia to be Georgian territory seized as a result of the 2008 war.