Abkhazian parliament accepts Bzhania's resignation as president

The Parliament of Abkhazia has accepted the resignation of Aslan Bzhania from the post of the country's president. This was reported by Izvestiya correspondent on Tuesday, November 19.

The decision was supported by 28 deputies in a secret ballot. One more opposed it, and two ballots were recognized invalid.

Vice President Badra Gunba will perform the duties of the head of state until early elections are held.

Bjania tendered his resignation earlier in the day as part of an agreement with the opposition amid protests. Prime Minister Alexander Ankvab is also expected to resign, while other members of the cabinet will continue to fulfill their duties. In response, the demonstrators should leave the territory of the complex of government buildings.

Earlier, on November 11, it was reported about clashes near the building of the State Security Service of Abkhazia. Later, the country's Prosecutor General Adgur Agrba reported that operatives detained several people, who were later released.

On November 15, a truck of protesters broke down the gates of the parliament fence and part of the protesters ended up on the internal territory. Abkhazian media noted that the opposition protesters were on their way to clashes with the police. The next day, Bzhania announced his readiness to resign if the protesters left the parliament building in Sukhum.