Ardzinba: “Crawling Coup” Takes Place in Abkhazia
Outgoing president of Abkhazia Vladislav Ardzinba addressed the nation on October 12 and called “absurd” the decision of the Abkhaz CEC to announce Sergey Bagapsh the president-elect.
Russian news agencies quote special address of Ardzinba: “Once again, we see the “law of the fist” applied in Abkhazia, which found vivid expression during so called democratic elections. All of this may lead to bloodshed. Speculation that somebody does not orchestrate these processes is completely groundless. Well thought actions, based on Tbilisi scenario are apparent and there is experienced puppet-master behind them. In essence, we witness a crawling coup in Abkhazia.
Institutions of the legislature and judiciary should give clear legal evaluation to the latest events. This is their function. Our people are facing real danger of losing liberty and independence, but unfortunately, many do no realize this. We are losing unique chance for solidifying our achievements, which were paid for by hundreds of lives of the sons and daughters of Abkhazia, and this tragedy takes place against the background of dances and exhilaration [by Bagapsh supporters – ed.] as if we achieved victory over our enemy.”
“As the president of the country, I am obliged and would do everything possible to protect constitutional order and our independence. This is the wok of my life, this is my obligation to the memory of those who died [during the conflict with Georgia],” wrote Ardzinba.
Some observers tend to interpret these last statements as readiness of the outgoing Abkhaz president to introduce the martial law to prevent presidency of the opposition candidate Bagapsh.
