He said that he had a long talk with Sergei Bagapsh yesterday, "during which we stated that there would not be an inauguration, that the elections would be held in accordance with the legislation and that armed units would be withdrawn from the city. We also discussed the possibility of running together in the elections."
In regard to a preliminary agreement on holding new elections in Abkhazia on December 26, Mr. Khadzhimba told reporters: "I have learned today that there is a document that sets December 26 as the date. This date is unacceptable."
He said the date must be named according to the law, two months after a new Central Election Committee is formed.
"The Central Election Commission must include experienced people who are capable of holding elections up to the mark," Mr. Khadzhimba said.
When asked by reporters about the possibility of joining the supporters of Mr. Bagapsh and himself, Mr. Khadzhimba said it was difficult to say something definite now.
"That could increase the tension," he said.
Mr. Khadzhimba said he hoped to continue a dialogue with Mr. Bagapsh and confirmed his readiness to run for president with Mr. Bagapsh.
Mr. Bagapsh told reporters that in the new elections he would run for president and Mr. Khadzhimba would run as his vice president.
