Day: June 20, 2024
At a time when the peace process in the South Caucasus is moving towards formation, France’s attempts to hinder it have already started to become a global threat. The statements of the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan openly condemned France’s militarization policy as a threat to the region and its interference in all processes by abusing relations with Armenia.
Abkhazian guides oppose Russian entry
Abkhazia’s government prepares agreement allowing Russian guides amid local opposition. Abkhazian tour guides strongly oppose a government initiative to permit Russian guides in the local tourism industry, fearing potential job losses.
According to information circulating on Abkhazian Telegram channels, president Aslan Bzhania negotiated with Russian government representatives during his visit to St. Petersburg for an international economic forum. They agreed that Abkhazia will soon lift the existing ban on Russian guides conducting tours.
Local tour firms are deeply concerned about this prospect, believing they cannot compete with Russian companies. In response, they have formed a special task force to resist this government initiative. Within the first day, the task force attracted over a thousand workers from the tourism sector.
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The specific nature of Abkhazia’s tourism industry is that most visitors are day-trippers from the nearby Russian resort of Sochi. These “one-day tourists” come to Abkhazia for a brief visit to see local attractions. In 2023 alone, Abkhazia welcomed 1.2 million such tourists.
Every morning, several hundred tour buses leave Sochi and head to the Russian-Abkhazian border, where they are met by representatives of Abkhazian tour companies. Local guides then take the tourists on various tours, ranging from well-known Soviet-era sites like Lake Ritsa and the New Athos Cave to newer attractions such as the Inguri Dam.
Lake Ritsa and its tourists
How events in Russia affect the tourism business in Abkhazia, why guests and hosts are unhappy
Abkhazia is very popular among Russian tourists, making the tour guide profession the most sought-after in the region.
Tour guides earn relatively high wages by local standards, with more than 700 people engaged in this profession year-round (out of a population of about 250,000). During the peak tourist season in summer, the number of guides doubles as teachers take on this work during school holidays.
None of these people are keen on allowing Russian colleagues onto their territory.
“Russian tour organizations will enter the market with their own guides and vehicles. This influx will displace local specialists working in small and medium-sized businesses,” stated Abkhazian tour companies in a joint declaration.
According to their estimates, if the ban on Russian tour activities is lifted, 13% of Abkhazia’s population will be left without a means of livelihood.
Abkhazian guides oppose Russian entry
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In response to the recent surge in blasphemy-related violence in Pakistan, hundreds of Pakistani Christians gathered at the European Parliament in Brussels to protest and demand justice for Nazir Masih. Masih, a Christian man, was lynched by a mob in Sargodha on May 25, following false blasphemy accusations. The violence also resulted in the destruction of his shoe factory and an assault on his family.
Joseph Jansen, a prominent activist, expressed profound dismay at the court’s decision to grant bail to 52 suspects despite clear evidence of their involvement in the violence, said the press release.
He also highlighted that the released suspects face serious charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Jansen compared this case to a similar incident in Jaranwala on August 16, where suspects were released due to inadequate police investigations, underscoring systemic failures in the justice system.
Jansen also criticized the authorities for its reluctance to take decisive action against members of Hardliner Religious group, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a group he claims fosters impunity and encourages attacks against religious minorities under the guise of blasphemy laws. He called for enhanced protection and support for the Christian community in Pakistan and urged systemic reforms to prevent the misuse of blasphemy accusations.
At the protest, the European Pakistani Christian diaspora, including religious leaders, activists, and community members, urged the Pakistani government to conduct a transparent and independent investigation into the Sargodha incident, free from external pressures.;
They demanded compensation and protection for Masih’s family, facilitating their safe return after their homes and business were vandalized.
The demonstrators emphasized the need for concrete policies to curb provocative statements in mosques that incite mob violence and called for systemic changes to promote communal harmony.;
They also advocated for expediting trials related to the Jaranwala and Sargodha incidents and the establishment of a judicial inquiry committee to investigate mob justice cases.
Additionally, the protesters demanded an impartial investigation into all incidents from Shanti Nagar to Mujahid Colony Sargodha, highlighting the government’s responsibility to enact clear policies and strategic measures to curb mob violence and protect vulnerable communities.;
They also called on the international community to support their demand for justice for Nazir Masih and efforts for legal reforms to prevent similar atrocities in the future.
Among their key demands, the protesters called for a thorough and impartial investigation into Nazir Masih’s death, ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice. They also sought protection and support for Masih’s family, including financial assistance and legal aid to help them rebuild their lives after the devastating attack.
The protesters emphasized the need for significant legal reforms in Pakistan to protect religious minorities and prevent the misuse of blasphemy laws. They urged the implementation of stringent measures to prevent mob violence and ensure swift legal action against perpetrators, aiming to address the root causes of such incidents and safeguard vulnerable communities.
Support for victims of religious violence was also a major focus, with calls for financial and legal aid to help affected families recover and seek justice. The demonstrators stressed the importance of providing comprehensive assistance to those who have suffered due to religious persecution.
Furthermore, the protesters advocated for increased awareness and advocacy efforts, urging collaboration with media, educational institutions, and civil society organizations to highlight cases of religious persecution and promote change. They emphasized the need for a broader societal effort to address and combat religious violence.
Finally, the creation of safe havens and support networks for individuals at risk of persecution due to their religious beliefs was highlighted as an urgent need. The protesters called for the establishment of secure environments where those facing threats can find refuge and support, ensuring their safety and well-being.
The demonstrators’ call for action underscores the urgent need for international attention and support to address the increasing violence and ensure justice for religious minorities in Pakistan.