Demonstrations have erupted in the post-Soviet state over an investment agreement with Russia
Protests which have erupted in the capital of Abkhazia, Sukhum, are an ‘attempted coup’, President Aslan Bzhania has said. In an exclusive interview with RT aired on Sunday, Bzhania said he is committed to remaining in office, but expressed his willingness to hold early elections.
The unrest began as Abkhazia’s parliament was considering an agreement with Moscow that would allow Russian companies to carry out investment projects in the country. The opposition claimed that the agreement would give significant advantages to Russian businesses and called for the president to resign.
According to Bzhania, opponents of the agreement have resorted to inflammatory rhetoric against Russia. “The day we commemorate as the declaration of Abkhazia’s independence is the day Russia officially recognized us. To a significant extent, Russia plays a vital role in ensuring our security,” he stated. He accused the protesters of engaging in “dirty political battles” aimed at undermining the electoral process.
“They want to impose a forceful option on our voters,” he said. “Is this an attempt at a coup? It is an attempt. It is not over yet.”
On Friday, demonstrators stormed government buildings, demanding Bzhania’s resignation. Several people were injured in clashes with police. In response, his administration announced plans to postpone the ratification of the agreement. The authorities promised to consider the protesters’ demands once the government buildings were vacated, while the president reiterated his intention to remain in office and resolve the issues through dialogue.
On Saturday, the protesters rejected a proposal for early elections and refused to leave the government complex.
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