Georgian Minister Spoke of Preferences in Abkhazia Elections

Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues Goga Khaindrava said that there are ?no pro-Georgian? candidates in Abkhazian presidential race however added that Raul Khajimba; former Abkhaz de facto Prime Minister, is more preferable for Tbilisi to take over the unrecognized republic?s presidency.

?It makes no difference for authorities in Tbilisi which candidate will win presidential elections in Abkhazia. There are no pro-Georgian candidates in the Abkhaz presidential race,? Goga Khaindrava said at the news briefing in Moscow on October 1, RIA Novosti news agency reported.

However, he added, that it will be better if Raul Khajimba, former Abkhaz de facto Prime Minister, whose candidacy is backed by Moscow, will win the elections.

?When the positions of Georgia and Russia are approached, it will be easier to negotiate with Raul Khajimba, who is Russia?s favorite candidate,? Goga Khaindrava said.

Raul Khajimba?s main contender in the elections is Sergei Bagapsh. The latter is the chief of the Abkhaz power company ChernoMorEnergo, whose candidacy is supported by the leading opposition movements Amtsakhara and United Abkhazia.