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MONOCLE

M A

Affairs

November 2008

Issue 18, volume 2

p.36

01 of 02Abkhazia’s leader Sergei Bagapsh (centre right) speaks to Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on his arrival in the Abkhazian capital Sukhumi
02 of 02The Black Sea coast near Sukhumi

Following this summer’s Georgian war, breakaway territory Abkhazia has been recognised as independent by Russia and Nicaragua. Limited diplomatic credibility hasn’t stopped it wanting the trappings of statehood: it hopes to open embassies soon and to start spreading the Abkhaz brand with a state airline.