SUKHUM, November 16. /TASS/. The protests that broke out in the South Caucasus republic of Abkhazia on November 15 did not affect the republic’s defense capability, Abkhazian Security Council Secretary Raul Lolua told TASS on Saturday.

"Last Friday’s events have not affected the state’s defense capability as of now," the security official said.

The Abkhazian capital of Sukhum remains the sole place of protest activity in the South Caucasus republic, he added.

"The Abkhazian capital of Sukhum remains the sole place of protest activity in the republic. The situation is stable in other towns and districts, despite people’s psychological strain. Law-enforcement agencies loyal to their duty and the Constitution are doing everything possible to ensure both the country’s external security and the internal security of its citizens," he said.

On November 15, the Abkhazian parliament was expected to consider the ratification of an agreement with Russia on investments by Russian companies in Abkhazia. 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 issue 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 was tense. Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania condemned pressure on parliament members.

Protesters seized control of key government buildings in the country’s capital on Friday. In an address to his supporters, Bzhania refused to resign. He said government members and himself were staying in the country and would continue to discharge their duties. Bzhania asked his supporters not to give in to provocations and pledged that efforts would be made to eliminate the consequences of the events unfolding in Abkhazia. The opposition issued an ultimatum to Bzhania, giving him one hour to resign.