President Gunba meets political leaders to discuss energy crisis and forthcoming elections

SUKHUM / AQW'A — President Badra Gunba met political and civic leaders, including opposition representatives, on Thursday, 24 September, to discuss the energy crisis, the economy and preparations for forthcoming parliamentary elections.

The meeting of the president’s Consultative Council of Political Parties and Public Organisations was also attended by Vice-President Beslan Bigvava.

Participants included Aslan Bartsits, leader of the Forum of National Unity of Abkhazia; Alexei Tsugba, chairman of Amtsakhara; Timur Gulia, head of the veterans’ organisation Aruaa; and Yulian Bobua, deputy chairman of Aitaira.

Opening the meeting, Gunba offered his greetings ahead of Victory and Independence Day. He said national unity had been crucial to victory in the 1992–93 Georgian–Abkhaz war and remained essential to the country’s development.

“It is important to me to take account of the views of political parties and public organisations, regardless of whether they support the country’s leadership or are in opposition,” he said. “The leadership is ready to accept constructive criticism and consider well-founded proposals.”

Opposition representatives stressed that their participation in the council did not mean they were aligning themselves with the government. They said they would maintain their positions, continue to voice criticism openly and stand by their principles.

Discussions covered the preservation and development of the Abkhaz language, preparations for parliamentary elections, crime, the energy crisis, the economy and agriculture.

Gunba gave detailed responses to participants’ questions. The council also discussed its rules of procedure and how it would conduct its future work.

Further details of the meeting are to be published in the media.