SUKHUM. Nov 18 (Interfax) - A group of unknown persons has tried to take over the Abkhaz state television, the Abkhaz presidential information center said.
"An incident happened near the building of the Abkhaz State Television and Radio Company after midnight on November 18. A group of persons, presumably representing opposition forces, came to the television premises in order to take control of broadcast," the center said.
Security guards "had to fire warning shots," it said.
"The situation stabilized after that, and television personnel continued to work as usual," the center said.
"The administration of the Abkhaz State Television and Radio Company is grateful to the security guard services for their rapid response and ensuring security of the facility. It underlines the inadmissibility of such actions, which jeopardize stability in Abkhazia," the center said.
The presidential press service said that the group of persons who came to the television building in 15 cars fired into the air, thus creating tensions.
"Those actions aimed to intimidate television personnel and to pressure television editors," the press service said.
"In order to prevent such incidents and to ensure security of television personnel, the authorities should take immediate measures to enhance protection of the television company," it said.
In turn, opposition representatives who took control of government buildings said that, besides security guards, the Abkhaz State Television and Radio Company is being protected by the incumbent president's supporters carrying firearms.