Bagapsh Speaks of his Presidential Agenda

At a news briefing in Sokhumi Abkhaz frontrunner presidential candidate Sergey Bagapsh reiterated that Abkhazia?s relations with Georgia will be ?similar to those of two countries with equal rights,? Regnum news agency reported on December 28.

Bagapsh added that after his election as the President of Abkhazia, Sokhumi will further boost its ties with Russia. ?We know how much Russia has done for Abkhazia during the war [armed conflict between the Georgian and Abkhaz forces in early 90s] and in the post-war period,? he said. 

Bagapsh also spoke about his priorities and said that he will invite people of all nationalities living in Abkhazia to participate in the government.

He stressed the necessity of fostering freedom of speech, since ?it is impossible to establish a legal state without free media.?
 
New presidential elections in the unrecognized republic are scheduled for January 12, 2005.  The Central Election Commission (CEC) has already registered two candidates – Sergey Bagapsh and leader of the Abkhaz People?s Party Iakub Lakoba.