The parliament of the de facto Republic of Abkhazia has recalled the draft law that proposed constructing apartments on an area of 1 500 000 square meters in Ochamchire, Tkvarcheli, and Gali, with the intention of selling them to foreigners. The local population protested against this law.
News
Trending stories
- 1 Protests Erupt in Abkhazia Over Russia-Favored Law, Opposition Members Arrested
- 2 Edison: 13% Discrepancy Between Exit Polls and CEC Results Suggests Manipulation
- 3 Kobakhidze: German Chancellor Should Be More Concerned About His Own Problems
- 4 US-Sanctioned Russian Propagandist Present in Georgia During Elections
- 5 President’s Lawsuit on Elections Registered by Constitutional Court
- 6 Judge of Tetritskaro Annuls Results of 30 Precincts Over Vote Secrecy Violations
The bill was brought back by its initiators, MPs Beslan Emurkhba, Almas Akaba, German Katcharava, and Rezo Zantaria. In a statement from the de facto parliament, it was noted that this decision was made to relieve tension and maintain stability in the "country."
"As a result of long-term consultations and active internal parliamentary dialogue, taking into account public opinion, particularly the opinion of the Council of Elders, the heroes of the Patriotic War of the Abkhazian people, the scientific community, intelligentsia, and other interested citizens, the initiators of the draft law decided to withdraw the introduced draft law from consideration and stop the further legislative process. This decision was made to ease the tension and maintain stability,
The deputies thank the people of Abkhazia for their active civil position and remind them of the importance of maintaining harmony and stability in our country," the statement reads.
On July 17, against the backdrop of the protest, the so-called Economic Policy and Reforms Committee of the parliament supported the introduction of the draft law "On Measures to Raise the Level of Socio-Economic Development of Ochamchire, Tkvarcheli, and Gali Districts" to the parliament session. The so-called president, Aslan Bzhania, an active supporter of the law's adoption, attended the committee meeting and spoke about the need to create jobs and develop the economy.
The Secretary of the Security Council, Sergey Shamba, also supported the adoption of the law. "The regions chosen for this project, such as Ochamchire and Gali, are very attractive. I know these places well: beyond the rivers Ghalidzga and Okum, there are unique dune beaches that are not found in Gagra or Bichvinta. We just need to show them to investors. Trying to interfere with this project and spoiling relations with Russia will lead to irreversible consequences for our history and relations with our strategic ally," Shamba said.
Opponents of the law argue that the construction of apartments will provide Abkhazia with "absolutely nothing" economically, and the real goal of passing the law was to alienate land.
