New President of breakaway Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh spoke about the plans of the unrecognized republic?s new leadership in an interview published by the Russian state-owned Rossiyskaya Gazeta on February 14. Bagapsh vowed to carry out reforms and improve the situation in the region within two years. He also warned Tbilisi not to resort to force.
He said that a new cabinet will be formed within the next two weeks, adding that a staff reshuffle will also be carried out in the President?s administration, as well as in other key state agencies.
?Everything will be changed by 90%. New people, who will not tolerate the mess which previously persisted, should come. We will carry out certain measures aimed at strengthening discipline and order. We will change the structure of the Interior Ministry; a new staff will be installed there as well. Reforms will be carried out in the procuracy and judiciary [spheres],? Sergey Bagapsh said.
?The law enforcement agencies turned a blind eye on corruption and scandalous cases of kidnappings. We will put an end to this,? he added.
Sergey Bagapsh said that development of economy will be another top priority for the new leadership.
?I intend to travel to Moscow soon and meet with our [Abkhaz] community there. In addition, I will talks with the representatives of Russia?s big businesses. We are interested in your [Russian] investments in Abkhazia on a mutual beneficial basis and with full guarantees for the investors,? Bagapsh said.
He also said that many Russians have already purchased assents in Abkhazia. ?This is a normal process. We support active involvement of Russian businesses in the processes here [in Abkhazia],? the Abkhaz de facto President said.
He also warned the Georgian side not to use force in resolving the conflict. ?Do not forget that 80% of the residents of Abkhazia are Russian citizens. And Russia, like any other supper power, is obliged to protect the lives of its citizens in cases of threat,? Bagapsh stated.