Moscow, which heavily backs the de facto republic, called the events an “internal affair” of Abkhazia and appealed for talks between the government and opposition.
Georgia said the plan would be illegal, while Abkhazian authorities tried to pre-empt criticism that it would deepen the territory’s dependence on Russia.
From ancient gold mining to Soviet-era megadams to a contentious border, the Enguri River is witness to some of Georgia's most important history and politics.
Humanitarian aid is one of Georgia's last remaining tools to woo its prodigal Abkhazian citizens. So Tbilisi built a hospital near the breakaway region.
The news of Giorgi Lukava's release took many in Abkhazia by surprise, and some criticized the idea that it was an “act of goodwill,” as the authorities in Sukhumi framed it.
