Restrictions on the movement of ethnic Georgians in and out of Abkhazia have contributed to a rise in tensions both within the breakaway region and with its Georgian neighbour. The recent crisis in South Ossetia, now calmed, shows the potential for escalation. Abkhazia's ongoing election may be considered illegitimate by many countries but it is a good moment for a course correction.

In this commentary, our Analyst for the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood Olesya Vartanyan explains that apparent peace in the region should not be taken for granted. She calls for the Abkhaz de facto government and its Russian partners to encourage the de-escalation of mounting tensions, starting with the removal of travel restrictions.