Abkhazia's independence

Abkhazia became part of the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Despite nominal independence, the Central Soviet authorities retained tight control of Abkhazia over the next 60 years. But the republic pushed for independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and a civil war erupted after Georgia sent in troops. The declaration came at a high price, with a harsh economic embargo impoverishing a once thriving region. In 2004, Georgia's new president vowed to bring Abkhazia back into the fold. But as Jonah Hull reports, most Abkhazians say they will never be part of Georgia again.

AlJazeera | June 2, 2008

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