Abkhazian president’s office says investment agreement with Russia not revoked

World November 16, 3:53

Aslan Bzhania has not signed the document

SUKHUM, November 16. /TASS/. Contrary to previous reports, Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania has not signed papers to revoke the Russian-Abkhazian investment agreement undergoing ratification in the republic’s parliament, his press service said.

"The president has not signed the document," the press service said.

Earlier, the press service said that Bzhania made the decision to revoke a corresponding ratification bill from the parliament in a bid to appease protestors and stabilize the situation in his country amid unrest in the capital.

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.

Protesters seized control of key government buildings in the country’s capital on Friday. 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.

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