Armenian community in Abkhazian demands protection from opposition`s  attacks 

ArmInfo. The Armenian community of Abkhazia demanded that the country's authorities protect the community from attacks by opposition political forces.

The statement from the Armenian community was sent to the name of the  acting President of the Republic of Abkhazia Bganba V.R., the speaker  of the People's Assembly - Parliament Ashuba L.N., the acting  Prosecutor General Kvitsinia D.G., the acting Chairman of the State  Security Service Kuchuberia D.G., the acting Minister of Internal  Affairs Kiut R.V., the chairman of the Public Chamber Kichba G.M.,  the election headquarters of the presidential candidate Ardzinba  A.A., the election headquarters of the presidential candidate Gunba  B.Z.

In particular, it draws attention to the fact that audio recordings  are being distributed on the Internet in which citizens Bganba E.Z.  and Vanaba Yu. call for the persecution of citizens of the Republic  of Abkhazia of Armenian nationality for their political choice.

"These materials are direct calls for violence and undermine  interethnic unity in the Republic of Abkhazia.

Since the beginning of the election campaign, pressure has been  exerted on the leaders of a number of villages where citizens of  Armenian nationality live, and threats have been made to support  specific forces.  The Armenian community of the Republic of Abkhazia  has refrained from making public statements, adhering to the  principles of non-interference in the electoral processes. However,  the situation in which open calls for violence and the restriction of  constitutional rights are being made requires an immediate and harsh  response.

The Armenian Community of the Republic of Abkhazia acts in the  interests of the entire country. We call for the implementation of  constitutional principles for the protection of the rights of every  citizen, regardless of their nationality," reads the statement  published by the Chairman of the Armenian Community of the Republic  of Abkhazia, A.A. Minosyan.

Further, expressing concern over the current situation, the Armenian  community, on behalf of all concerned citizens of Abkhazia, demanded  that the authenticity of the audio recordings being distributed be  immediately established.

"If the authenticity is confirmed, give a strict legal assessment to  the statements of Bganba E.Z. and Vanab Yu., initiate appropriate  criminal cases and bring the perpetrators to justice. Guarantee the  safety of citizens of Armenian nationality and all those who are  subject to pressure or threats during the pre-election process.   "Take comprehensive measures to suppress any agitation that incites  discord and hostility on the basis of nationality," the statement  says.

At the same time, a request is made to send a response to this appeal  in writing to the Armenian Community of the Republic of Abkhazia, and  also to publish it in the official state media as soon as possible.

The day before, an audio recording went viral on social networks,  where a supporter of the opposition candidate for the post of  President of Abkhazia Adgur Ardzinba - Yuri Vanab calls for burning  Armenians for supporting the candidacy of Gunba in the elections.

It was previously noted that the opposition candidates for the  presidency of Abkhazia, who have pro- Turkish views, intend to fight  the Armenian community of the Republic.

On February 15, presidential elections were held in Abkhazia. The  voter turnout in the presidential elections was 69% of the total  number of those included in the voting lists. 99 thousand citizens,  out of 134,500 people eligible to vote, took part in the voting.

According to the results of the first round, Vice President of the  Republic Badra Gunba received 46.38%, former Minister of Economy  Adgur Ardzinba - 36.92%, former Chairman of the Control Chamber  Robert Arshba - 7.53%, former Trade Representative of Abkhazia in  Russia Oleg Bartsits - 4.04%, Chairman of the Board of the Black Sea  Development Bank Adgur Khurkhumal - 0.91%.

Since no one received more than 50% of the votes, a second round of  elections has been scheduled in the country.

The head of the Central Election Commission recalled that, in  accordance with Abkhaz legislation, in the second round, for the  elections to be recognized as valid, the turnout must be at least 25%  (in the first round - at least 50%). The candidate who received the  largest number of votes in relation to another candidate and the  number of votes cast "against all" is considered elected.

If "against all" receives a simple majority of votes, new elections  are scheduled, which are held within two months. If both candidates  receive the same number of votes, then, regardless of how many votes  there are "against all", the elections will be considered invalid and  new ones will be called, Interfax reports.