Protests in Abkhazia - President offers to resign
Photo: Aslan Bzhania (facebook.com/aslanbzhaniya)
The so-called "president" of occupied Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, announced his readiness to resign. This statement came after protests against the agreement with Russia, reports Echo of the Caucasus.
The "leader" of the self-proclaimed republic of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, stated that he is ready to step down once protesters leave the so-called "government" buildings in Sukhum.
"They say I have left Abkhazia, but I am here. We are not here to preserve my power, but to preserve the statehood. Those currently in the president’s administration must leave. After that, I will announce elections and resign," said Aslan Bzhania.
He also mentioned that he is ready to run in the upcoming "elections." Until then, Abkhazia will be led by the current vice president, Badra Gunba.
Protests in Abkhazia
On November 15, large-scale protests broke out in Russian-occupied Abkhazia. Demonstrators gathered at the "parliament" building in Sukhum to oppose the approval of an "investment agreement" with Russia.
In late October, Russian and Abkhazia officials signed a so-called "agreement" granting unprecedented privileges to Russian businesses in the region. Due to the protests, the "parliament" postponed the discussion of the proposal, but demonstrators are demanding it not be ratified at all.
Clashes erupted between the protesters and security forces.
It is worth noting that in 2008, the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia were occupied by Russia. Moscow recognized the "independence" of these regions, though most countries in the world consider them to be occupied.
