Bagapsh Protests Possible Closure of Russian Border

Abkhaz opposition leader Sergey Bagapsh slammed the allegations made by the Governor of Russia?s Krasnodar district Alexander Tkachov over the possible closure of the Abkhaz-Russian border.

?We consider the statement by the Krasnodar Governor blackmail and political provocation,? Abkhaz media quotes Sergey Bagapsh as saying at a news briefing in Sokhumi on November 24.

Russian media reported on November 23 that Tkachov threatened to close the border with Abkhazia if ?the Abkhaz people do not change their  mind and still recognize Bagapsh as President-elect.? Tkachov even threatened to cease granting pensions to the Abkhaz population, reminding them that it is Russia who grants pensions to them.