The President of Abkhazia has announced his readiness to resign due to mass protests
Protests continue in the self-proclaimed Republic of Abkhazia, which began due to the planned ratification of an investment agreement with Russia. On November 15, protesters in Sukhum broke into the parliament building, demanding the resignation of President Aslan Bzhania, as well as the appointment of an interim leadership and early elections.
In response to what is happening, Bzhania announced his readiness to resign from the presidential post after the protesters leave the government building complex in the capital. At the same time, he plans to put forward his candidacy in new elections.
"The legally recognized president of Abkhazia is on the territory of Abkhazia. The 2014 scenario will not be repeated. Enormous pressure is being exerted on members of parliament so that the parliament makes an unlawful decision to resign the president. Firstly, this decision will not be made. Secondly, even if it is made, it will not be implemented. I don’t want you to get the impression that I’m clinging to power. No, I want to say the following: if there are no constitutional forms of development, if we don’t comply with the Constitution, our state will not withstand it. Therefore: those who seized [the buildings], those who attempted a coup d’etat, must vacate the complex of buildings, after which I am ready to call elections, ready to resign and go to the elections. The vice president will govern the country. And let the people say who they support. Let the truth be the result of the expression of will,” the head of the self-proclaimed republic said.
It is noteworthy that earlier, in his address to supporters, Bzhania made it clear that he did not plan to resign. After that, the opposition issued an ultimatum, giving him an hour to change his mind.
Earlier, the Abkhaz Portal reported that Bzhania had moved to the territory of the Russian military base. The President's press service responded to the information by stating that he is in his native village of Tamysh, located 40 km from Sukhumi.
Currently, people are gathering at the building of the Presidential Administration at the call of the Coordination Council, which promised to put an end to the political crisis. According to the statement of its representatives, Aslan Bzhania must resign in order to stabilize the situation in the country.
