SUKHUM, June 2 (RIA Novosti) – Abkhazia’s Prime Minister Leonid Lakerbaia tendered his resignation on Monday, according to the former Georgian republic’s acting president.
“Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Delba will carry out the premier’s duties,” caretaker President Bganba said Monday.
The surprise resignation came after Lakerbaia’s announcement on Sunday that he wouldn’t go. But the leader of the oppositional Forum of the National Unity, Raul Hajimba, told reporters Sunday that under the law of the land once the president stepped down, the prime minister was to follow.
Hajimba also said the name of Abkhazia’s new prime minister would be revealed today.
Crowds of anti-government protesters seized administrative buildings in the Abkhaz capital, Sukhum, last week.
President Alexander Ankvab announced Sunday in an address to people that he had submitted his resignation. Ankvab noted that his decision to vacate the office was made for the sake of peace and stability in the country after a series of consultations with public members, voters and advisors.
The Abkhaz parliament passed Thursday a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Lakerbaia and offered President Ankvab to resign voluntarily. On Saturday, Speaker Valery Bganba was appointed as the acting president and an early presidential election in the country was set for August 24.
