It is very risky to stammer on one and the same note like a damaged phonograph. No matter how fine a song may be, the deformed phonograph can spoil the feast once and for all. The owner of the "phonograph" will sooner or later become bored with the repetitive music. In such cases, owners either replace the disk or try to repair the instrument.
Had someone naively decided to express the opinion on the need to legalize contraband from Georgia during the several years after the war, the government would immediately start preaching moral values: "Until Georgia recognizes us, there will be no trade with our enemies".
Such approach made smugglers quite happy. Thanks to guarantees from the government, their business soon grew to such a scale that it is now difficult not to encounter Georgian fruits or vegetables in the marketplace in Sukhumi and bedroom suits imported from Tbilisi in furniture stores; and the big Abkhazian wedding parties are simply unimaginable without turkeys from Zugdidi and wine from Kakheti.
The main thing is that such approach of Sukhumi was convenient not only for smugglers, but also the Georgian government. No customs duties for goods and their unimpeded transportation across Enguri are in full compliance with the concept of Georgia's territorial integrity, as Tbilisi has continued up to now to regard Abkhazia as its own territory.
In the meantime, unregistered goods that filled markets in Abkhazia not only promoted corruption, but was also linked to major human losses. Bloody clashes in Gali District are often indicative of battles for control over contraband.
Vain declarations of important figures, who said that the reinforcement of the border would end illegal trade, have proved to be an illusion. The fact that Russians appeared on the border has had no impact on the flow of smuggled goods. On the contrary, any crossing on Enguri now resembles a well-organized commercial corridor. In general, the "no trade" slogan continues to be in place after the change of the guard. Incidentally, the traders themselves say that roads close to the checkpoints of border guards are the safest. Tariffs are stable there and the observance of the rule of one "window" is also guaranteed. No unexpected charges can be expected there. Caravans are moving in both directions.
One of my friends who works in a power-wielding agency and knows the situation well, jokingly said: "God save us from the closure of the border for one week. There will be commercial crisis in this country". However, no one has ever planned to do so, because not only "traders" but also the "protectors" of the commercial corridors earn their living thanks to contraband. The latter opposed more ardently than others any legalization of trade with Georgia and it was worth the effort. The money that could go to the country accumulated in the pockets of these "patriots". However, it nevertheless seems that this business is going to face a serious test.
Last week President Aleksandr Ankvab has raised the problem of legalizing cargoes coming from Georgia. He pledged to put in place an appropriate system for registering goods and introducing customs duties. Ankvab is setting fire to the summit of the iceberg. However, this will probably be like the saying – if you are unable to influence something, it’s better to lead it.
The terminology used in the article belongs to the author and not “Liberali”.
The article is prepared with support of Heinrich Boell Foundation. The publication statements and ideas do not necessarily express the Heinrich Boell Foundation opinion.