Breakaway Region Holds Vote for President
- Share via
From Times Wire Reports
The breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia defiantly voted for a new president, adding tension to already strained relations between Georgia and Russia.
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has pledged to bring the strip of land bordering Russia back under central rule. But candidates and voters proclaimed their unrecognized Black Sea state independent.
“Abkhazians are voting ... so the country can be independent and the people can be free,” said Sergei Bagapsh, main rival to Russian-backed candidate Raul Khadzhimba. Results were expected today.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
