SUKHUM, November 15. /TASS/. The actions of Abkhazia's opposition are not targeted against Russian-Abkhazian relations, its representatives stated in a message circulated by the Respublika Telegram channel.
"The actions of the protesters are not aimed at Russian-Abkhazian relations. On the contrary, as the opposition, we have always emphasized the importance of brotherly and strategic ties between our countries," the statement reads.
The protesters, who gathered in front of the parliament building earlier on November 15, spoke out in defense of national interests and advocated for a policy of preserving Abkhazia's natural resources, the statement specified.
On November 15, Abkhazia’s parliament was scheduled to consider the ratification of an agreement with Russia on the implementation of investment projects by Russian legal entities on the territory of the republic. The opposition announced a protest rally and called on the residents of Abkhazia to take an active part, as they consider the agreement a threat to the country’s economic sovereignty. The parliament postponed its session because the deputies could not approve the agenda. Thirteen deputies voted in favor of approving the agenda, four voted against, and two abstained. The opposition demanded that the parliament be reconvened to exclude the issue from the agenda.
After several attempts to tear down the gates, the protesters breached the fence and advanced to the square in front of the parliament building, completely encircling the government complex. The Abkhazian Security Council described the situation as volatile.
Earlier, Abkhaz President Aslan Bzhania called the intimidation of MPs unacceptable. He also advised residents not to fall victim to provocations.