Abkhazian Parliament Withdraws Apartment Law

SUKHUM / AQW'A — The draft law on apartments ("On Measures to Improve the Socio-Economic Development of Ochamchira, Tquarchal, and Gal Districts of the Republic of Abkhazia") has been withdrawn from the parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia. This decision was formalised by Lasha Ashuba, the speaker of the Abkhazian parliament.

The document envisaged the construction of up to 10,000 apartments in the eastern part of Abkhazia.

The press service of the legislative body stated that the request to withdraw the document came from the initiators of the draft law - deputies Rezo Zantaria, Beslan Emurkhba, Almas Akaba, and German Kacharava.

"In accordance with the Regulations of the People's Assembly - the Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia, the document on returning this draft law to the deputies who initiated its consideration was signed by the Speaker of the People's Assembly - the Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia, Lasha Ashuba. Thus, the draft law has been removed from the parliamentary process," the statement said.

The press service of the Abkhazian parliament indicated that the decision to withdraw the apartment draft law was made "to ease tensions and maintain stability."

"As a result of lengthy consultations and active intra-parliamentary dialogue, considering and taking into account public opinion, particularly the Council of Elders, Heroes of the Patriotic War of the people of Abkhazia (Georgian-Abkhazian War of 1992-93 -Ed.), representatives of the scientific community, intelligentsia, and other concerned citizens, it was decided by the initiators of the draft law to withdraw the submitted draft law from consideration and to halt the legislative process on it further to relieve tension and preserve stability."

Deputies of the People's Assembly - the Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia thanked their colleagues - the initiators of the draft law for their responsible approach to resolving the complex situation. The deputies expressed their gratitude to the people of Abkhazia for their active civic position and reminded them of the importance of maintaining harmony and stability in our country," the statement noted.

Previously, information about the withdrawal of the draft law spread on social networks. The youth movement ҲараҲПицунда (Our Pitsunda) stated that the withdrawal of the draft law is a dangerous step.

"Withdrawal is a temporary solution. Under no circumstances can we accept it. The mere existence of this draft law shows that the current government cannot be trusted. WE DEMAND GUARANTEES. We need a full stop on this issue, and we need it right now. WE NEED A MORATORIUM. If the government decides to withdraw the issue now, it means they want to raise it again. We cannot allow them," representatives of the movement said.

Some parliamentarians, during meetings with their constituents, stated that they would vote against the initiative proposed by the Abkhazian authorities and President Aslan Bzhania. The opposition and public representatives opposed the construction of apartments, claiming that it was a covert form of real estate sale that would lead to a demographic shift.