Questioning the Embargo on Abkhazia: Turkey's Role in Integrating Into the Black Sea Region, Winter 2009

Friday, February 5, 2010 | Download PDF in English

There is a pressing need for engagement policies towards Abkhazia andl for pragmatic approaches to open up channels of communication for people and trade. Georgia has a stake in a policy of pro-active engagement with Abkhazia. Past efforts at isolating Abkhazia politically and economically had not gotten Georgia any further in negotiations. Turkey can play a major role in overcoming the isolation of Abkhazia. However it is unthinkable that Turkey unilaterally decide to resume direct transportation links with Abkhazia. The connection has to be legalized, or at least formalized. Pragmatism and willingness to cooperate should guide Georgian and Turkish efforts to resume communications to and across Abkhazia.

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Burcu Gultekin Punsmann

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