Caucasus: Abkhazia

Muslim statelet seeking independence from Georgian Orthodox rule. Conflict could re-ignite.

Conflict dates back to the 19th C Russian invasion of the region, boiling over in 1992 on the fall of USSR: Abkhazia (a Muslim Turkic autonomous region in the former USSR) sought independence from Georgia (Christian Orthodox).

Ceasefire in 1994, after 10,000 deaths and displacement of 250,000 Georgians from Abkhazia, many of whom remain unresettled. A further short war occurred in 1998. Extensive minefields.

The region remains sensitive, with Georgia refusing independence and Russia, since August 2008, in de facto control. Russia quietly supports Abkhazia for strategic reasons. Abkhazia is self-declared as independent, but recognised only by Russia. Still officially ruled by Georgia. International-aided reconstruction. Conflict with Georgia could revive.

LINKS:

OneWorld: Georgia
Reuters Alertnet
BBC: Abkhazia
Wikipedia: Abkhazia
UNPO: Abkhazia