Russia-backed leader of Georgias breakaway republic of Abkhazia announced Saturday that he is ready to resign after protesters stormed the regional parliament, opposing a financial investment deal with Russia.Protests have actually erupted in recent days in the republic over the questionable Russian-Abkhazian financial investment contract, which if ratified by the regional parliament would offer various benefits to Russian financiers in Abkhazia, consisting of an eight-year tax and customs task exemption.
I am ready to call elections, to resign ...
and stand in elections.
Let the people say who they will support, the leader of the separatist republic Aslan Bzhania said.Bzhania stated his condition was that the protesters who went into parliament and a presidential administration building next door must vacate the premises.
Those who took over the presidential administration must leave, he said.The controversial treaty has been championed by Bzhania, who has actually invested the previous 2 years advocating for the so-called apartments bill.
It looks for to raise the regions restriction on foreign ownership of residential property, allowing Russians to acquire realty on the Black Sea coast.The expenses initial approval by parliamentary committees stimulated a wave of protests in the area earlier this year, with opposition arguing that Russias growing presence in the area would undermine regional control.The homes expense waseventually withdrawn from the parliament in July.Russia on Friday encouraged its residents not to take a trip to Abkhazia, a standard vacation destination for Russians.AFP contributed reporting.A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unmatched obstacles.
Russias Prosecutor Generals Office has designated The Moscow Times as an unwanted company, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at danger of prosecution.
This follows our earlier unjustified labeling as a foreign representative.
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia.
The authorities declare our work discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership.
We see things in a different way: we make every effort to offer precise, unbiased reporting on Russia.We, the reporters of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced.
To continue our work, we require your help.Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of distinction.
If you can, please support us regular monthly starting from just $2.
Its quick to establish, and every contribution makes a substantial impact.By supporting The Moscow Times, youre defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression.
Thank you for standing with us.Continue Not all set to support today? Remind me later.Remind me next monthThank you! Your pointer is set.We will send you one pointer email a month from now.
For details on the personal information we collect and how it is utilized, please see our Privacy Policy.