The President of the self-proclaimed Republic of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania and Prime Minister Alexander Ankvab resigned after hours of negotiations with the opposition.
Vice President Badra Gunba will become acting president, and former Prime Minister Valery Bganba will become head of the cabinet.
Bzhania's statement noted that he is resigning "in order to maintain stability and constitutional order in the country." Protesters must leave the territory of the Abkhazia government building complex today, otherwise the president will withdraw his resignation.
The speaker of parliament also announced early elections. The current ministers will continue to serve until the newly elected president takes office.
Protests against the ratification of the investment agreement with Russia took place in Abkhazia. The protesters demanded the resignation of Bzhania and his government. They occupied the government building complex in Sukhumi and said that they do not intend to leave until their demands are met.
