Abkhazia's President Sergey Bagapsh (left) is interviewed before a press conference headlined "Abkhazia. The Choice Is Made. What Lies Ahead?" The press conference was held in the AiF-newspaper press centre, Moscow, January 25, 2005.
Photo: Valery Melnikov
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One Should Swap Cars in Midstream
Abkhaz Prime Minister Alexander Ankvab survived the attempted murder Monday. Though the PM’s car was shot from the submachine gun, neither Ankvab nor his driver suffered. The event has triggered an outburst in Abkhazia, as Ankvab is generally believed a core fighter against previous corrupt regime.
At about 10:30 p.m., Monday, Abkhaz Prime Minister Alexander Ankvab left the House of Government, making for Gudauta. He was accompanied by Leonid Lakerbay, his mate and vice premier in Abkhaz government. The officials had a lot to discuss, as a great upheaval took place in the Cabinet last week, with no representatives of the old authorities left. The rumors say certain officials, who might have counted on portfolios through the pro-Kremlin Raul Khadjimba, were left at a loose end. In Abkhazia, they are sure Ankvab stands behind key appointments.
The shooting started when both Volgas were near the bridge across the Gumista-river. The shooters were aiming at the PM’s car which followed Lakerbay’s Volga. It managed to escape by miracle despite the 17 bullet holes found in it next day. The first Volga was luckily ignored, and it was the car where the PM actually was. Ankvab had changed cars in Sukhumi, to have a talk with Lakerbay.
Abkhaz interior officers searched the immediate vicinity of the bridge but failed to spot the shooters. Prosecutors brought in a criminal case.
Until Monday, new top officials of Abkhazia preferred to go with no guards. Even Bagapsh himself was generally accompanied by one or two men, looking more like his team mates.
After winning the elections for the second time, Bagapsh and Ankvab proceeded to fulfilling the promises given to their voters. For instance, they revised all contracts entered into by the previous authorities for selling minerals, scrap metal and coal at cut prices. Khadjimba might be having a grudge too. Though promised enforcement portfolios, he was neglected. Last Friday, Bagapsh sealed an appointment of his mate Sultan Sosnaliev as the minister of defense. Otar Khetsia took over the office of interior minister, Yury Ashuba was appointed to head state security service of Abkhazia. All these moves have triggered split rumors.
In the wake of the accident, Abkhaz President Bagapsh assured reporters the situation is under control with no opposition within the government. Ankvab backed up the president, specifying the attempt could be more linked to the criminal structures, losing their influence and money at large, not to the officials. Both Bagapsh and Ankvab appear counting on at least the outward appearance of a unity with their recent opponent Raul Khadjimba. However, even before the attempt, it was clear the Kremlin-forced alliance had sprung.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Mar. 02, 2005
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