Ardzinba Congratulates Bagapsh on Election Victory

Ailing outgoing Abkhaz President Vladislav Ardzinba issued a statement on January 14 congratulating Sergey Bagapsh on his victory in January 12 presidential election in the breakaway region, Abkhaz news agency Apsnipress reported.

Sergey Bagapsh received more than 91% of votes, according to the Abkhaz Central Election Commission. His former rival and now running mate Raul Khajimba will take over the Vice-President?s position.

?I am satisfied that January 12 elections were held, which helped to put an end to the political crisis [in Abkhazia]? I hope that united team of Sergey Bagapsh and Raul Khajimba will be effective and solve domestic, as well as foreign problems of the state,? Vladislav Ardzinba, who was the President of the unrecognized republic for past decade, says in his statement.