SUKHUM. Nov 18 (Interfax) - Western special services financed non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Abkhazia to destabilize the situation in the country, Abkhaz Justice Minister Anri Bartsits said.
"We have been saying for four years that western special services are financing certain representatives of NGOs, the purpose of financing was destabilization of the situation in the country, causing chaos, a negative image of our country on the international scene," Bartsits said in an interview with Abkhaz State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company.
He said he regards the opposition's actions as an attempt to seize power.
Bartsits also said he believes Abkhaz President Aslan Bzhania has suggested an absolutely legal mechanism for solving the political crisis.
He said that "Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili is congratulating" the Abkhaz opposition activists and "Georgian and Ukrainian citizens are conveying their congratulations." One should think about "whether we are on the right path," Bartsits said.
Opposition activists took over government buildings in Sukhum on Friday, demanding the resignation of the president and government.
Bzhania, who left Sukhum for his native village of Tamysh after the protests, said he was ready to step down as president and call an early election if the protesters vacated the government buildings. The opposition leaders declined his offer.
Bzhania said on Sunday he is ready to step down and run in an early election as a presidential candidate.
The Abkhaz Foreign Ministry said the events that have taken place in Abkhazia since November 15 are a coup attempt.
Adgur Ardzinba, leader of the public organization Abkhaz People's Movement, earlier criticized the Georgian president's statement on solidarity with the protesters in Sukhum and said the Abkhaz opposition does not need such solidarity.