Adgur Ardzinba Criticizes Parliament's Ratification of Pitsunda Dacha Agreement
Adgur Ardzinba, the head of the 'Abkhazian People's Movement' and a leader of the opposition political groups.
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― Adgur Ardzinba, the leader of the opposition Abkhazian People's Movement, has expressed strong opposition to the decision of the parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia, which ratified an agreement to transfer the state dacha in Pitsunda to Russia. This statement was made during an interview with the "Aiashara" news agency.
Ardzinba critiqued the timing of the parliamentary decision, stating, "One should only convene at 6 or 7 in the morning if there is a national emergency. In such grave circumstances, the time of day should be of no concern." He was referring to the decision made by the deputies in the early hours of December 27.
He confirmed that prior to the approval of the document, he had sought advice from lawyers within the presidential administration and the Minister of Justice. However, he insisted that he had proposed delaying the discussion of the matter.
Ardzinba remarked, "Had there been a consensus, as mentioned by the esteemed Speaker of Parliament, Lasha Ashuba, then our organisation’s parliamentary representative, Erik Rshtuni, wouldn’t have felt compelled to leave the parliament in protest and would have engaged in the review of these legislative measures."
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The politician acknowledged that the law, which prioritises the Abkhazian Constitution and Constitutional Laws over internationally ratified agreements, is commendable. Nonetheless, he pointed out a legal inconsistency that, according to him, emerged following the deputies' decision.
"The agreement (concerning the state dacha) states that the jurisdiction does not belong to the Republic of Abkhazia, but our Constitution clearly declares that the territory of the Republic of Abkhazia is indivisible, with sovereignty extending throughout. Therefore, according to our Constitution, our laws apply across the entire republic. Consequently, based on this principle, it appears that the jurisdiction of the Republic of Abkhazia over this territory is still maintained," explained Ardzinba.
It was previously reported that two parliamentarians, Naur Narmania and Inar Gitsba, voted against the ratification of the agreement. Meanwhile, Adgur Khazaria, Demur Gogia, and Erik Rshtuni left the session in protest.