SUKHUM, November 16. /TASS/. The opposition in Abkhazia halted talks with government officials and plans to build up its forces, opposition lawmaker Kan Kvarchia said.
"We are shutting down all negotiation processes. We are holding our ground. We will build up our forces," the lawmaker said.
Protesters seized control of key government buildings in the country’s capital earlier on Friday. Abkhaz President Aslan Bzhania, in an address to his supporters, refused to resign. He said cabinet members and himself are staying in the country and will continue to discharge their duties. Bzhania asked his supporters not to give in to provocations, and pledged that efforts will be made to eliminate the consequences of the events that are unfolding in Abkhazia. The opposition issued an ultimatum to Bzhania, giving him one hour to resign.
On November 15, the parliament of Abkhazia was to consider the ratification of an agreement with Russia on investments by Russian companies. The session was canceled because the legislators failed to approve its agenda. The opposition disagreed and demanded that the parliament be reconvened to remove the question from the agenda altogether.
Several hundred people gathered in front of the parliament for a rally. They then surrounded the entire government compound and seized it. Abkhazia’s Security Council said the situation is tense. Bzhania condemned pressure on parliament members.