Georgian-Abkhazian conflict

The Georgian-Abkhazian conflict involves ethnic conflict between Georgians and the Abkhaz people in Abkhazia, a de facto independent, partially recognized republic. In a broader sense, one can view the Georgian–Abkhaz conflict as part of a geopolitical conflict in the Caucasus region, intensified at the end of the 20th century with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. The conflict, one of the bloodiest in the post-Soviet era, remains unresolved. The Georgian government has offered substantial autonomy to Abkhazia several times. However, both the Abkhaz government and the opposition in Abkhazia refuse any form of union with Georgia. Abkhaz regard their independence as the result of a war of liberation from Georgia, while Georgians believe that historically Abkhazia has always formed part of Georgia.

Quotes

• Грузинам здесь уже не жить, в Абхазии они могут только умирать.
  • Translation: Georgians can't live here anymore, in Abkhazia they can only die.
  • V. Smir, newspaper "Komsomolskaya pravda" (19 December 1992)