Comment by the Information and Press Department on the presidential election in Abkhazia

The Republic of Abkhazia held a presidential election on March 22.  According to the Central Election Commission of Abkhazia, a convincing victory was won by prominent politician and Deputy of the Abkhazian National Assembly Aslan Bzhania. Russian observers did not report any violations during the election and noted the efficient organisation.

Moscow welcomes the results of this honest and free expression of will by the Abkhazian people. We believe the results of the election testify to the support of the citizens of the republic for a path towards modernisation and expansion of the multifaceted cooperation between our states.

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin congratulated Aslan Bzhania on his victory in the election. In his message of congratulations, the President reaffirmed his readiness for joint work to further consolidate allied Russia-Abkhazia relations.