119 observers from 27 countries monitor elections in Abkhazia

SUKHUM, August 26 (Itar-Tass) —— One hundred and nineteen representatives from 27 countries are monitoring the Abkhazian presidential elections, Foreign Minister Maxim Gvindzhia told a press conference at the inform-centre of the Central Election Commission.

The minister expressed regrets that not all whom the parliament had sent invitations came. "We waited for more people, since the parliament sent invitations practically to all the leading international organisations and all the CIS parliaments," Gvindzhia said.

The minister expressed the hope that international observers who often spoke about the events in Abkhazia would more responsibly treat such issues as democratization and election processes .

Gvindzhia thanked all who had come despite of the pressure on many European Parliament members. "The Georgian Foreign Minister made efforts to prevent observers from coming here, and many could not do it. I thank those who have come. Today, there are representatives practically from all the regions of the world," the foreign minister noted.