Bagapsh Vows to Keep Close Ties with Moscow, Despite Blockade

Abkhaz opposition leader Sergey Bagapsh condemned Russia?s decision to close its railway connection with Abkhazia, however added that this measure will not negatively affect Russian-Abkhazian relations.

?We still remain oriented towards Russia,? Bagapsh said in an interview to the Ekho Moskvy radio station.

Bagapsh, who intends to be inaugurated as the breakaway region?s President on December 6, said that Russia?s decision to impose restrictions on its border with Abkhazia is a further attempt to pressure the opposition into giving up plans over this inauguration.

?Closure of border will, first and foremost, negatively affect all poor people,? he added.