MOSCOW, June 2 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has described the current political crisis in Georgia's former republic of Abkhazia as a domestic issue that was entirely in the hands of its people and the government who were both able to rise above their partisan interest.
"We regard the situation in Abkhazia as a domestic issue that is up to the Abkhaz people and the Abkhaz government," Lavrov said Monday.
"It's important that the existing dispute be settled between the authorities and the opposition without violence and through dialogue. They both showed a great degree of responsibility in that they put the interests of their country above those of separate politicians, as well as showed genuine political wisdom," he explained.
Russia's top foreign official said he hoped that Moscow and Sukhum would maintain strong diplomatic relations. "I'm sure that relations between Russia and the Republic of Abkhazia will grow in strength, at least we haven't heard any political force, political party in Abkhazia make different calls," Lavrov said.
A political conflict broke out last week between the ruling administration and opposition movements in the Caucasian republic after crowds of anti-government protesters seized administrative buildings in the Abkhaz capital Sukhum.
On Thursday, the Abkhaz parliament passed a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Lakerbaia and offered President Ankvab to resign voluntarily. The next day, it appointed Speaker Valery Bganba as the acting president and set an early presidential election for Aust 24.
Alexander Ankvab announced Sunday in an address to the nation that he had submitted his resignation. The Abkhaz leader 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.
