The parliament of the self-proclaimed Caucasian republic of Abkhazia voted on Tuesday against the ratification of an investment agreement with Russia, which had sparked protests and unrest a month ago, leading to the resignation of President Aslan Bzhaniya.
Opposition leaders opposed the agreement, fearing it would allow wealthy Russian companies and individuals to acquire land and property along the attractive Black Sea coast.
Twenty-one deputies voted against the ratification of the document, while two abstained. A total of 23 out of 35 deputies were present at the parliamentary session.
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The investment agreement with Russia was signed on October 30 in Moscow by the Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov and the Minister of Economy of Abkhazia Kristina Ozgan.
Abkhaz authorities emphasized that the agreement aims to attract Russian investments to the republic's economy, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. It also included the development of infrastructure, including gas supply, water supply, and transportation.
The opposition believes that certain provisions of the document put local businesses at a disadvantage and undermine Abkhazia's interests.
On November 11, following the detention of several opposition representatives, mass protests erupted in the republic, calling for Bzhaniya's resignation. Elections for a new head of Abkhazia are scheduled for February 15.
Russia recognized Abkhazia and another breakaway region from Georgia, South Ossetia, as independent states in 2008. It maintains troops in both regions and supports their economies.
The majority of countries worldwide recognize Abkhazia as part of Georgia, from which it seceded during the wars in the early 1990s.