The government of Abkhazia is implementing an intensive coordination of repatriation of compatriots from the Syrian Arab Republic to their historical homeland.

The Abkhazian Foreign Ministry is in constant contact with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is making a significant contribution in addressing emerging issues, particularly related to obtaining Russian transit visas by a large group of our fellow citizens in Damascus. The Embassy of the Republic of Abkhazia in the Russian Federation has provided serious organizational and communication support.

Colonialist politics of the Russian Empire during the Russo-Caucasian war (1817-1864) and following period cause great irreparable destruction to the Abkhazian (Abaza) people, its genofund. During the war of liberation for the independence of their country part of the people was physically destroyed, and 80% of the survivors were exiled into Ottoman Empire.

During the Russian-Caucasus war, multiple retaliatory measures, exile of Abkhazians (Abaza) from the historical Motherland totally had cleansed north-western and central parts of the Abkhazia.

Incalculable disasters and sufferings fell upon the deported people, dozens of thousands people became the victims of famine, exposure to the severe weather conditions and epidemics. Abkhazians (Abaza) were unreasonably alleged by the Tsar regime in committing the "betrayal”. They were denied to return to the Motherland. Thousands of the Abkhazians went through the extreme hardships on the way from Turkey. Abkhazians who could stay in Abkhazia were announced "guilty” and "temporary” population of the country. They were deprived the right to settle in the central and coastal Abkhazia and any miserable anti-government manifestation could be a reason for total exile.

On Friday, April 19, 2013 is a day of happiness, of a great event! Our compatriots returned to their historical motherland. They were delivered by buses to the special flight destination. Coming back to motherland Abkhazia has become a recovery of their immediate relatives’ losses. Abkhazia warmly meets its brothers and sisters, lending a helping hand during the hard, critical period of life.

At the boarder the boarder our compatriots were met by people (from aged men to infants), namesakes and officials. Everyone was anxiously expecting them.

Hopefully more compatriots will come back home. Because as Abkhazians say: 

“Once you lose motherland-you lose everything”.

Together we will never lose our Abkhazia!