SUKHUM, December 3. /TASS/. Members of the Abkhazian parliament have voted against ratifying the Russian-Abkhaz intergovernmental agreement that would have allowed Russian companies to implement investment projects in Abkhazia, a TASS correspondent reported.

An extraordinary session of parliament was convened at the initiative of 19 MPs. "The bill on ratifying the agreement between the Abkhazian and Russian governments on the implementation of investment projects in Abkhazia by Russian legal entities did not pass," Parliament Speaker Lasha Ashuba said. The session was attended by 23 out of 35 MPs; of these, 21 voted against ratification, and two abstained.

Member of the Abkhazian Parliament Kan Kvarchia proposed preparing a motion for a no-confidence vote in Abkhazian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Kristina Ozgan. She signed "a damaging agreement for the republic," Kvarchia said.

By the end of the session, about 300 protesters had already gathered outside the Abkhazian parliament. "Since November 15, this issue has been causing concern among our people. Today, the parliament voted against ratification of this agreement. None of the 23 deputies present raised a hand in favor of ratification. This is a necessary measure, which is not directed against Russia — this damaging agreement simply could not be ratified. The parliament asserted its authority and rejected the agreement," Kvarchia told the protesters.

According to the MP, the next parliament session will consider the issue of Kristina Ozgan's eligibility for the post of Minister of Economy. "This does not contradict the agreement between the government and the opposition reached on November 19. Parliament can declare a vote of no confidence in any minister," he said.

The situation in Abkhazia

On November 15, the Abkhazian parliament was scheduled to consider the issue of ratifying the agreement with Russia regarding the implementation of investment projects by Russian legal entities on the republic’s territory. However, the session was canceled because the MPs were unable to approve its agenda. Representatives of the opposition called for a moratorium on the agreement's ratification, as well as the resignation of President Aslan Bzhania. After protests erupted, the president's press service announced that a document for withdrawing the agreement from parliament was being prepared, but it was ultimately not signed. Later, protesters managed to seize control of the entire complex of government buildings. After hours of negotiations between the authorities and the opposition, both Bzhania and Abkhazia's Prime Minister Alexander Ankvab resigned.

Following this, Abkhazia's Vice President Badra Gunba assumed the duties of head of state. He appointed Valery Bganba as acting prime minister. Heads of city and district administrations, as well as ministers, will continue to perform their duties until a new president is elected. An early presidential election in Abkhazia is set for February 15, 2025.