State Duma deputy Konstantin Zatulin considered the massive opposition protests in Abkhazia, which broke out in the context of the planned ratification by parliament of an investment agreement with Russia, as an intention to shake up the situation in the republic before the next presidential elections. .
“Russia proceeds from the fact that Abkhazia is its ally, a country that we recognized and supported. If the agreement is not ratified, the ability to provide assistance to Abkhazia will be significantly reduced. And, let’s face it, she depends on this help. The opposition does not take this into account, because the logic of those who organize demonstrations is: the worse, the better before the elections. And then we, they say, will come to power and agree on everything. I would warn you against such adventurism.” – NSN quotes Zatulin.
The deputy believes that abandoning the investment agreement is not in the interests of Abkhazia.
“The people who came to parliament are representatives of the opposition who are looking for any reason to disrupt the stability of the republic on the eve of the future presidential elections and create a negative image of the government. They don’t care what reason to use. For some time now they have found nothing better than trying to torpedo certain Russian-Abkhazian agreements. They suspect something of both Russia and those who negotiate with it. “I see nothing good in the fact that the opposition in Abkhazia has chosen that method, neither for the republic nor for the opposition itself.” – said Zatulin.
According to him, the majority of the inhabitants of Abkhazia calmly accept or support investments from Russia, as demonstrated when the opposition “conducted a test” on Monday, November 11, by blocking bridges. Ordinary citizens were very outraged by this. As a result, these bridges and roads had to be unblocked, Zatulin said.
He hopes that the protesting opposition will reach an agreement among themselves and stop the protests.
“In the opposition there are different people, including angry people. There are also quite worthy people who criticize the authorities, have their own point of view, but at the same time understand their responsibility. I hope that some reason with others and that there is absolutely no illegal action. Abkhazia is a small country and I would not recommend anyone to take risks. I really hope that the deputies will evaluate objectively and not under the influence of emotions the agreement that will not bring any harm to Abkhazia. On the contrary, it will only eliminate issues that have been building up for years.” – Zatulin added.
EADaily reported that since the morning of November 15, opposition forces demanded that deputies vote against the ratification of the investment agreement with Russia, but then they changed their demands. Protesters occupied the government complex buildings in Sukhum and are demanding the president’s early resignation. Aslana Bzhania. According to the latest information, Bzhania told opposition negotiators that he would not accept their conditions.
The Russian Foreign Ministry advised its citizens to refrain from traveling to Russia and stay away from places of unrest. The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, in turn, recommended that tourist companies suspend the sale of trips to Abkhazia.
