KRASNODAR. Nov 13 (Interfax-AVN) - The Abkhaz authorities are ready to hold a referendum similar to that held in South Ossetia on Sunday, Abkhaz President Sergei Bagapsh told journalists on Monday in Krasnodar.
"We held a referendum in 1999 and we may choose to confirm it, should it be needed," he said.
The results of the referendum were predictable, he said. "Frankly speaking, we did not expect anything else. I stayed in touch with South Ossetian President [Eduard Kokoity] yesterday and the day before yesterday. South Ossetians decided to be with Russia. Ninety-eight percent of votes cast prove the fact," he said.
Bagapsh said that he is waiting for Georgia's certain reaction to the South Ossetian referendum. "Of course Georgia will react, but South Ossetians, as well as the Abkhaz, are little concerned by this," he said.
Bagapsh arrived in Krasnodar on Monday to meet with Kuban governor Alexander Tkachyov and to exchange experience in the economic and tourist areas.