Moscow concerned about escalation of domestic political situation in Abkhazia
MOSCOW. May 28 (Interfax) - Moscow said it was concerned about the events in Abkhazia and thought it is important they develop solely in the legal field.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin and Abkhaz Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Chirikba talked on the telephone on Wednesday.
"Russia is closely watching with alarm the events in the friendly republic and thinks that it is important that the public and political processes there develop solely in the legal field," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"Karasin expressed concern due to the escalation of the domestic political situation in Abkhazia, where demonstrations organized by the opposition occurred on May 27," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
"Immediate stabilization of the domestic political situation in Abkhazia is in the interest of the gradual development of Russian-Abkhaz relations," the statement said.
An anti-government demonstration in Sukhumi demanded a meeting with the president on May 27 and then tried to break into the presidential administration building. Mediators of the opposition forces headed by opposition leader Raul Khadzhimba were sent to Abkhaz President Alexander Ankvab.
Without waiting for the completion of the talks with Ankvab a group of opposition activists started to storm the building. During the negotiations Ankvab agreed on the resignation of the government but was forced to leave after the group entered the building.
Opposition protests against corruption and administrative and command management style also demanded that reforms be held in Abkhazia.
