Abkhazia wants to join Russia. Will Russia want it?

The unrecognized republic of Abkhazia is preparing documents “about a possibility to set up associate relations with Russia.” This was stated yesterday by the vice-premier of the republic, Anry Jergenia. In his words, this goes about the establishment of closer mutual relations with Russia and this idea was upheld by the majority of the republic’s population.

However, this does not mean that Abkhazia is going to join Russia as a federation unit,” – Jergenia stressed. The premier believes that this does not contradict to the constitution, since Abkhazia will remain a subject of the international right and Abkhazia’s independence, which is fixed in its constitution, will be preserved.

Press-secretary of the representative office of the self-proclaimed republic in Moscow Tatiana Gulia said that the associate membership implied joint legislation, currency, and joint border and customs services. Other questions and issues will be solved by Abkhazia itself.

Therefore, Abkhazia is making its own steps towards Russia, offering associate relations. In other words, the unrecognized republic may become the third member in the union between Russia and Belarus. This news is surely sensational. There is only one question: is Russia going to agree? There are serious doubts in light of the latest events.