Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania has resigned following widespread protests against an investment deal, which opponents claim would increase Russian influence in the region. Demonstrators in the capital, Sukhumi, stormed government buildings on 15 November, forcing Bzhania to flee and plunging the self-declared republic into political turmoil. Protesters occupying government buildings have been given until Tuesday to leave the premises under the terms of a deal negotiated between the government and the opposition. President Bzhania has warned that he will retract his resignation if the protesters do not comply with the agreement. He also made his participation in the upcoming presidential elections a condition for his resignation. Prime Minister Alexander Ankvab has also confirmed that he will leave office alongside Bzhania. Following the resignations, Vice President Badra Gunba will assume the role of acting president, while former parliamentary speaker Valery Bganba will take over as interim prime minister. The unrest was sparked by opposition to a "property agreement" between Abkhazia and Russia, which would allow Russian companies to invest in the region. The deal was due to be discussed in parliament on Friday. Opponents of the agreement argue that it would inflate property prices and increase Moscow's influence in the region. Most of Abkhazia broke away from Georgia in fighting that ended in 1993, and Georgia lost control of the rest of the territory in the short war with Russia in 2008. Russia recognises Abkhazia as an independent country, but many Abkhazians are concerned that the region of about 245,000 people is a client state of Moscow. — Euronews
