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Attempt on the life of Abkhazian president aimed at destabilization

Local observers do not rule out that the incident was aimed at destabilization of the situation in Abkhazia on the eve of the parliamentary election due on March 10

SUKHUM, February 22 (Itar-Tass) — President of Abkhazia Alexander Ankvab survived an armed incident on Wednesday morning when an attempt on his life was made on the Gudauta-Sukhum motorway. Two guards of the president died of wounds.

Local observers do not rule out that the incident was aimed at destabilization of the situation in Abkhazia on the eve of the parliamentary election due on March 10.

Ankvab is a supporter of a close alliance with Russia. He has an irreconcilable firm position on matters of fighting corruption and observing the law. In Abkhazia Ankvab has a reputation of a hardline politician.

On May 21, 2011 Ankwab was appointed Acting president of Abkhazia after his predecessor, Sergei Bagapsh, fell seriously ill and underwent surgery.

After Sergei Bagapsh died on May 29, 2011 Ankvab performed presidential duties for three months. On August 26, 2011 Ankvab was elected President of Abkhazia in the first round of the presidential election, winning 54. 86 percent of votes in his support.

The nomination of candidates for the parliament of Abkhazia was complete on February 9. A total of 156 candidates intend to compete for 35 seats in the local parliament.

There are 129 initiative groups, which nominated their candidates, apart from the political parties, which nominated their candidates. The United Abkhazia party named eleven candidates; the Forum of People’s Unity of Abkhazia, which is an opposition party, nominated eleven candidates as well. The Communist party of Abkhazia and the Party of Economic Development of Abkhazia nominated seven and six candidates, respectively.

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