Ardzinba Thanks Russia, Urges Reopening of Border

On December 8 outgoing President of the unrecognized Republic of Abkhazia Vladislav Ardzinba expressed gratitude to Russia for ?its important role? in overcoming the recent crisis in Abkhazia, which erupted after the October 3 presidential elections.
 
?Russia?s efforts helped us avoid dangerous developments,? RIA Novosti quotes Ardzinba as saying.
 
Ardzinba also asked Russia to render economic aid to the republic and reopen its border with Abkhazia, including the railway link, which was closed on December 2.
 
RIA Novosti also quotes Assistant of Russian Prime Minister Genady Bukaev as saying that Moscow has already made a decision over reopening the border with breakaway Abkhazia.