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Abkhazia’s parliament may hold extraordinary session on November 18

The lawmakers are discussing the issue of holding a session tomorrow, Mikaa said

SUKHUM, November 17. /TASS/. Abkhazia’s parliament may gather for an extraordinary session to discuss the current political crisis in the country on November 18, Levan Mikaa, an opposition leader and chairman of the Abkhazian sovereignty protection committee, said.

"Parliament is holding consultations. The lawmakers are discussing the issue of holding a session tomorrow. We hope they will meet tomorrow and will make the right decision," he told the protesters in front of the presidential administration building.

He noted that "much is being said about Russia’s position" on the situation in Abkhazia. "All of you must have heard that the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman [Maria Zakharova] said that this are Abkhazia’s domestic affairs and that Russia values relations with Abkhazia. Any talk that some officials, in particular [first deputy secretary of the Russian Security Council] Rashid Nurgaliyev is expected to come here. They are keeping a close eye on what is going on the Abkhazia and worried about this, like we are. That is why, don’t trust any rumors. Our brotherly union with Russia is unshakable and everything will be as it should," the opposition leader stressed.

Situation in Abkhazia

Abkhazia’s parliament was expected to consider the ratification of the agreement with Russia on the implementation of investment projects in Abkhazia by Russian legal entities, but the session was canceled after the lawmakers failed to agree upon its agenda. The opposition, meanwhile, demanded that the issue be removed from the agenda entirely.

Later, the opposition demanded President Aslan Bzhania resign. However, Bzhania refused to step down and called on people not to yield to provocations.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Russia had not interfered into Abkhazia’s domestic process and hoped that the situation would be settled peacefully. The ministry warned Russian nationals against trips to Abkhazia. Deputy speaker of Russia’s Federation Council, or upper house of parliament, Konstantin Kosachev, told TASS that Russia supports the constitutional order in the friendly country and stressed that Russia has never supported state coups.

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