Russian Foreign Minister: Abkhaz Elections Outcome ?Unclear?

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying that the outcome of the presidential elections in breakaway Abkhazia is not yet clear.

?I don?t have the latest news, but I?ve heard that the Central Election Commission has announced its decision, which was followed by the resignation of the Chairman of the commission [Sergey Smir],? the Russian Foreign Minister said.

On October 11 the Abkhaz Central Election Commission (CEC) declared opposition candidate Sergey Bagapsh as the winner of the October 3 presidential elections. Pro-governmental candidate Raul Khajimba, who was also backed by Moscow, protested against the decision and condemned it as ?illegal.?

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also said that ?whoever becomes Abkhazia?s new President, he should continue working on the basis of current agreements and mechanisms.?

?This also refers to the Georgian side, which should follow its commitments,? Sergey Lavrov added.

?We can not remain indifferent towards the developments in this region, as we wish to live in friendship with Georgia and see Georgia as a democratic state, where all ethnic groups and nationalities enjoy equal rights,? the Russian Foreign Minister added.