Exit Alexander Ankvab
Eastern approaches 2014-06-04
Summary:
UNRECOGNISED by most of the world, and increasingly unloved by his own people, Alexander Ankvab (pictured) occupied a lonely position as president of the Georgian breakaway-republic of Abkhazia. But he did not lack company on May 27th, when a crowd of angry protesters stormed his palace in Sukhumi. On June 1st, after sheltering for several days in Russian army barracks in Gudauta, north-west of Sukhumi, Mr Ankvab resigned, blaming the opposition for a “coup d'état”.
Events had already overtaken him. The day before, Abkhazia’s 35-member strong parliament appointed Valeri Bganba, the speaker, as interim president, and set the date for new presidential elections for August 24th. Leonid Lakerbaia, the prime minister, also stepped down on June 2nd. The finance minister, Vladimir Delbahas, filled his shoes.
Russia, which is Abkhazia’s chief sponsor, patron and protector, was quick to respond, Continue reading