SUKHUM, November 19. /TASS/. Representatives of Abkhazian authorities and opposition signed an agreement, which implies the resignation of President Aslan Bzhania. This decision was made after the negotiations which started on November 18 and lasted for over eight hours.
The Parliament of Abkhazia will review Bzhania’s resignation on November 19; Vice President Badra Gunba has been appointed as the Interim President or the republic.
Here are the key facts about the situation in the country.
About the negotiations
- The negotiations started on the evening of November 18, with mediation of the parliament, at the Ministry of Defense of Abkhazia.
- The authorities were represented by Vice President Badra Gunba, Parliament Speaker Lasha Ashuba, Head of the State Customs Committee Ostar Khetsiya and public figure David Piliya. The opposition was represented by Chairman of the "Abkhazian Popular Movement" Adgur Ardzinba, lawmaker Kan Kvarchiya and Head of the Committee on protection of sovereignty Levan Mikaa.
The agreement
- According to Bzhania’s statement, published by the presidential press office, he resigns "in order to preserve stability and constitutional order in the country."
- The protesters must leave the government buildings complex on November 19. Otherwise, Bzhania will withdraw his resignation.
- Vice President Badra Gunba has been appointed the Interim President of Abkhazia.
- The current ministers will continue their duties until a new president is elected.
- Gunba dismissed Prime Minister Alexander Ankvab, appointing former Prime Minister Valery Bganba in his stead.
Snap elections
- A snap parliamentary election will be held, Parliament Speaker Lasha Ashuba announced.
About the ratification
- On November 15, the Parliament of Abkhazia was supposed to discuss the ratification of an agreement with Russia regarding the implementation of investment projects in Abkhazia by Russian legal entities.
- The session was cancelled, because the lawmakers were unable to approve the agenda.
- The opposition stated its disagreement and demanded another parliamentary meeting to have this issue removed entirely.
- Later, the opposition demanded that President Bzhania resign.
About the agreement
- On October 30, Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Economy of Abkhazia Kristina Ozgan signed an agreement that would authorize Russian companies to carry out investment projects in Abkhazia.
- The document defines the rights and obligations for the sides and defines the measures of support for the legal entities.