Ardzinba, Vladislav Grigoryevich

Politician, President of the Republic of Abkhazia.

Born May 14, 1945, in the village of Eshera, Sukhumi County, Abkhazia. Graduated from Sukhumi Pedagogic Institute, Department of History, in 1966. Later, graduated from Graduate School of Moscow Institute of Orient Studies. In 1971, defended a Master's thesis; in 1986, defended a Doctor's thesis.

Until 1988, worked in the Institute of Orient Studies of the USSR Academy of Sciences. In 1988-1989, was the director of Abkhaz Institute of Language, Literature, and History named after D. Gulia. In 1989-1991, was the people's deputy of the USSR and member of the Supreme Council of the USSR. In 1990-1994, chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Abkhazia. The Abkhazian Parliament under its guidance set a course for independence from Georgia. Starting 1994, the president of the Republic of Abkhazia. Initiator of reinstatement of Abkhazian Soviet Republic Constitution of 1925 that declared the national sovereignty of Abkhazia. In October 1999, re-elected the President of the Republic of Abkhazia; according to official data, received 99.9% of votes.

Vladislav Ardzinba's principle in politics has always been: what matters most is not spoiling the relations with Moscow. In his entourage there have often been awe talks of some Moscow protectors and advisors, and it is no secret that still in early 1992 one of Russia's supreme officials encouraged Ardzinba, "You just make some noise, and we'll support [you]". The names of A. Rutskoy, Y. Kalmykov, and some generals were mentioned among the "helpers". (Interfax-AIF, 1997).

Ardzinba is often approached for unskillful staff policies and protection to his relatives.

Vladislav Ardzinba is married, and his daughter Madina is a Moscow State University, Department of History, graduate.