Georgia Denounces Opening of De Facto Abkhazian Chamber of Commerce in Berlin

The Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has responded to the news that a “Chamber of Commerce” of de-facto Abkhazia had been opened in Berlin, Germany, stating that all steps made by the Abkhazian Chamber on the occupied territories are illegitimate.

The agency released a statement and stressed that throughout the territory of Georgia, within the boundaries recognized by the international community and organizations and confirmed by the Georgian Constitution, only the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Georgia operates in accordance with the law.

“Under the law, Abkhazia’s Chamber of Commerce belongs to us, the office of which is located in Tbilisi until Georgia’s jurisdiction is restored in the breakaway region,” the statement reads.

“All steps made by the non-recognized agency on the occupied territory are illegitimate,” the agency added.

The agency noted that German partners recognize the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and respect the territorial integrity of Georgia.

The Georgian Chamber of Commerce said that they share the position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia regarding the issue, saying the released information was the initiative of private persons.

They added that information published on the web page of the de facto Abkhazian Chamber of Commerce claiming that it is a member of various international organizations of chambers, is false.

“International Partners of the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry refuse to cooperate with non-legitimate organizations operating in the occupied territories,” the statement reads.

Breakaway Abkhazian information agency Apsnypress reports that the so called delegation of the Abkhazian Chamber of Commerce held meetings in Berlin on September 12-14.

“The purpose of the visit was the opening of the official representation office of the Abkhazian Chamber of Commerce in Berlin,” Apsnypress reports.

“The opening of the representative office of the Abkhazian Chamber of Commerce was preceded by a long-term negotiation process with the state departments of the Federal Republic of Germany and the registration of the Abkhazian mission itself,” the press release reads.

Thea Morrison