Georgian politician's visit provokes political conflict in Abkhazia

Abkhazian opposition demands the resignation of the presidential adviser, who organized the trip of Irma Inashvili, the leader of the "Alliance of Patriots of Georgia" Party, to the Gali District. The politician's visit was coordinated with Russia, Georgian political analysts suggest.

The opposition "Aruaa" Party claims that on August 18, Irma Inashvili illegally crossed the border and visited Abkhazia and that her trip was organized by Lasha Sakaniya, the advisor to the President of Abkhazia.

"It was a purely humanitarian action, which my friends from Russia asked me about without any political aspects," Lasha Sakaniya claimed. The advisor to the President of Abkhazia explained that he was asked for help in transferring an icon to the Ilori Church in Abkhazia, the "Apsadgyl-info" reports.

The visit of Irma Inashvili to Abkhazia caused discontent in Georgia as well. The opposition "United National Movement" (UNM) Party claimed that the politician's visit had been coordinated with Russia and the "openly pro-Russian" ruling "Georgian Dream" Party.

Paata Zakareishvili, the former State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality of Georgia, saw no problem in the Irma Inashvili's visit to Abkhazia.

"I maintain direct contacts with the Abkhaz and Ossetian people in the Tskhinvali District. Moreover, Irma Inashvili did not violate any laws and did not cross the Georgian border," said Paata Zakareishvili, having in view that Georgia considered Abkhazia as a part of its territory.

"Most likely, it was a PR move, supported by Russia," Paata Zakareishvili concluded.

Political analyst Mamuka Areshidze believes that the Irma Inashvili's trip may lead to a drop in the rating of the "Alliance of Patriots of Georgia" Party before the parliamentary elections.

However, political analyst Nika Chitadze suggests that the politician's visit to Abkhazia can attract refugees from Abkhazia and residents of the Gali District, who worship the Ilori Church, to the side of the "Alliance of Patriots of Georgia" Party.