The President of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, in an interview with Apsnypress, assessed the opposition’s actions as an attempted coup d’état and called on the population not to succumb to provocations.
“Now is the time when we must take care of our country, our homeland. She is in danger. And our homeland found itself in such a difficult situation as a result of the actions of people who attempted a coup d’état. It is not too late to recant.” – he said, reports RIA Novosti.
The Head of State addressed citizens and urged them not to participate in illegal and unauthorized demonstrations. According to him, the presidential elections could be a way out of the crisis.
“The parties constantly refer to the opinion of the people and say that they have the support of our citizens. The true measure in this matter is the elections. “The elections will show who the multinational people of Abkhazia want as president.” – Bzhania concluded.
The confrontation between the authorities and the opposition in Abkhazia began following the intergovernmental agreement with Russia on investments. The opposition insists that this will lead to Russian companies starting to build apartments in Abkhazia, causing housing prices to rise and creating risks for the economy, which could subsequently harm local small and medium-sized businesses.
Parliament had intended to consider ratifying the document on November 15, but then postponed the meeting until next week. However, protesters gathered near the highest legislative body building and almost immediately announced that they would not disperse until parliament voted against ratification. At the same time, they stated that they were not against Russia.
As a result, clashes began between security forces and protesters, which ended with the assault on the building by opposition supporters. According to the latest data, 14 people were injured.
The protesters also demanded the resignation of President Bzhania. He agreed to leave his position if the opposition abandoned the occupied buildings. But the protesters rejected this proposal and stated that they would only accept Bzhania’s resignation.
