Russia Calls for Restraint in Abkhazia

In a statement issued on November 6, the Russian National Security Council confirmed that its officials have met with the two main Abkhaz presidential rivals Sergey Bagapsh and Raul Khajimba in Moscow in order to receive ?first hand information? regarding the recent crisis in the unrecognized Abkhazian Republic, which erupted after disputed October 3 presidential elections.

Both opposition candidate Bagapsh and pro-governmental candidate Khajimba, who is also supported by Russia, visited Moscow on November 1-2.

?The Russian representatives expressed their concern over increasing tensions in Abkhazia, which is marked by a split among society. Moscow is watching these developments with alarm and this is quite understandable: lots of Russian citizens reside in Abkhazia and we have a common border,? RIA Novosti news agency quoted the statement of the Russian National Security Council.

The statement reads that the Russian authorities? recommendations to the Abkhazian representatives aimed at overcoming ?confrontation? and ?restoring the unity of [Abkhaz] society.?

The Russian National Security Council denied that it had mounted pressure on opposition candidate Sergey Bagapsh. The latter told supporters upon his arrival in the capital Sokhumi on November 3, that Russian officials, who support pro-governmental candidate Raul Khajimba, mounted pressure on him by threatening economic sanctions against Abkhazia.