State Minister Comments on Abkhaz Elections
Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues Goga Khaindrava said on October 27 that in the even that opposition candidate Sergey Bagapsh takes over the Abkhaz presidency, the Georgian population in the Gali district might avoid further pressure from the Abkhaz side.
Khaindrava said that the votes cast in favor of Bagapsh in the Gali district of Abkhazia largely determined the opposition candidate?s success in the October 3 presidential elections. Results of the polls are still disputed among the two main contenders ? Sergey Bagapsh and pro-governmental candidate Raul Khajimba.
Goga Khaindrava, who was speaking during a meeting with representatives of the Georgian non-governmental organizations, said that authorities in Tbilisi ?have very detailed information about the developments in Abkhazia.
He said, the results of the elections have demonstrated the attitude of the Abkhaz people towards Russia, by not supporting ?Russian President Putin?s favorite Raul Khajimba in the elections.?
The Central Election Commission (CEC) of unrecognized republic declared Bagapsh president-elect; however, Raul Khajimba appealed the Supreme Court demanding cancellation of the CEC?s decision. The Supreme Court has not yet ruled the final verdict.
Goga Khaindrava said, opposition candidate Sergey Bagapsh is now pressed to reject the post of the President. ?Raul Khajimba, Sergey Bagapsh and Abkhaz de facto Prime Minister Nodar Khashba were even convened to Moscow recently,? the State Minister added.
