Abkhaz president hopeful disagreements between opposition and authorities to be resolved through dialogue
SUKHUM. Dec 16 (Interfax) - Abkhazia has managed to resolve its internal political crisis in a dignified manner, the republic's President Raul Khadjimba said.
Khadjimba made these remarks following an opposition protest, his press service said on Friday.
"Thanks to the results of our negotiations, supporters of the opposition have dispersed. We have an opportunity to continue our dialogue, but I think that our disagreements will end. The direction of our work is correct, and I am confident that supporters of the authorities' policies outnumber [those who disapprove of them]. Your support is directed at the future of the coming generations," Khadjimba told his supporters near the Abkhaz presidential administration building.
The resignation of the president and the government was not on agenda of the talks with the opposition, he said.
"We can agree or disagree on something as far as other issues are concerned, but I am convinced that it will benefit our people," he said.
"I know that as long as I stay president, this will irritate certain members of the opposition. But the number of those who positively assess our work is larger. It is necessary to speak to everyone, to conduct dialogue," the president said.
Khadjimba also thanked his supporters for protecting statehood and stopping the development of events according to the worst-case scenario.
"It will be said about you outside of Abkhazia that the Abkhaz people once again managed to resolve their internal problems. I thank you all," he said.
Khadjimba told Interfax earlier that he was waiting for opposition leaders to sign documents aimed at settling the political crisis in the republic.