“After nearly eight hours of intense negotiations between government and opposition representatives, President Aslan Bzhania has agreed to step down. The talks, held this evening at the Ministry of Defense, marked a final effort to resolve the political crisis that has engulfed Abkhazia in recent days,” Abkhaz World reports.
The agreement also states that the protesters mobilized in the complex of so-called government buildings will disperse on 19 November, and if they fail to do so, Bzhania will recall his resignation. The so-called parliament is to consider the resignation the same day. The so-called vice-president Badra Gunba will become the acting president of the Republic of Abkhazia.
The so-called prime minister Alexander Ankvab will also resign, while the acting “ministers” will perform their duties until the newly elected so-called president takes office, the agreement says.
The edition reports that the negotiations followed a 3-on-3 format, with the opposition represented by Leuan Mikaa, Kan Kvarchia, and Adgur Ardzinba, while the government team included Vice President Badra Gunba, Otar Khetsia, and David Pilia.
“As part of the agreement, Bzhania will formally resign, and Vice President Gunba will assume the role of acting president. Protesters occupying the presidential office and surrounding government buildings in Sokhumi are required to leave by November 19. If this condition is not met, Bzhania reserves the right to withdraw his resignation,” reads the article.
Key Points of the Resignation Agreement:
- Presidential Resignation: Aslan Bzhania will formally submit his resignation.
- Dispersal of Protesters: Protesters in and around the government complex must vacate the premises by November 19. If not, Bzhania’s resignation will be annulled.
- Parliamentary Review: The People’s Assembly (Parliament) of Abkhazia will consider Bzhania’s resignation on November 19.
- Interim Leadership: Vice President Badra Gunba will take over as acting president.
- Government Changes: Acting President Gunba will dismiss Prime Minister Ankvab and appoint Valery Bganba as the new Prime Minister. Current ministers will remain in office until a new president is elected.
Signatories:
- Badra Gunba, Vice President of the Republic of Abkhazia
- Lasha Ashuba, Speaker of the People’s Assembly,
- Otar Khetsia, Chairman of the State Customs Committee,
- Adgur Ardzinba, Chairman of the “Abkhaz People’s Movement,”
- Kan Kvarchia, Member of the People’s Assembly
- Leuan Mikaa, Chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Sovereignty
The agreement follows days of unrest that began on 15 November, sparked by a proposed Russian-Abkhazian “investment agreement” widely criticized for jeopardizing local businesses and national security. What started as opposition to the deal quickly grew into a broader movement demanding Bzhania’s resignation.
Related story: Bzhania’s press service: Draft law on agreement with Russia will be withdrawn
