Outgoing Abkhaz President Vladislav Ardzinba described the recent agreement between the former presidential rivals Sergey Bagapsh and Raul Khajimba as an attempt to maintain peace in the breakaway region, Interfax reported on December 6.
?The consultations, which are underway in Sokhumi [capital of Abkhazi], aim at maintaining peace and national accord,? Ardzinba said.
?All the issues over holding repeat presidential elections in Abkhazia should be solved with the full observance of law,? Ardzinba added.
Sergey Bagapsh announced, late on December 5, that a presidential inauguration will not take place on December 6, after he agreed with his opponent Raul Khajimba to hold repeat elections. In the agreed upon new election Bagapsh will run for President and Khajimba for Vice-President.