SUKHUM. May 30 (Interfax) - The leader of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, has refused to bow to the opposition's demands to sack the government, his press service said on Tuesday.
"For all my respect to those assembled here, to all citizens [...] I hereby declare that there will not be a cabinet resignation," President Bzhania said at a meeting with the opposition.
Regarding the other demands of the opposition rally, he said his administration had set up a reform council.
"We discuss issues, hear proposals from parties and public organizations and intend to continue working in this direction. If you join this as well, I will be very grateful to you," Bzhania said.
The decision to scrap an order to liberalize trade with Georgia was "made at the proposal of ministries and government agencies of our republic, in the interest of the citizens of Abkhazia," he said.
"The thesis that we support the Georgian economy is untenable. The republic imports cut-price items that our citizens need. If I, as head of state, offer something, that means I am working exclusively on the basis of the interests of our people, and carefully think everything through," Bzhania said.
The government is working on measures to resolve Abkhazia's energy problem, he also said.
"It is wrong to tie our energy problem to the topic of apartments. These two [issues] are completely different topics. The introduction of modern technologies will considerably reduce the pressure on our country's grid," Bzhania said.
As for the transfer of the Pitsunda state country residence to the Russian government, the agreement to that effect has yet to be ratified, he said.
"This issue will be handled by individuals elected by the people, members of the parliament of Abkhazia," Bzhania said.
In addition, a bill regulating the construction of apartments and apart-hotels is currently being considered in parliament, he said.
"This bill is first of all an economic one, and if it contains some risks or threats, all this will be taken into account during its consideration and acceptance by our legislature," Bzhania said.
Following the talks with the president, the opposition's supporters were addressed by the leader of the Abkhazia People's Movement, Adgur Ardzinba.
Because Bzhania refused to meet the demands set out in the opposition's resolution, "the opposition will continue seeking, within the law, to get the authorities to renounce actions which jeopardize the future of the Abkhaz state," Ardzinba said.
Today's opposition rally has ended, but more will follow in the future, he also said.
"Our mission is to protect the people of Abkhazia from this government. As of today, we announce a series of protests to demand that this government, led by the president, stand down," he said.