COMMUNISTS, REPRESENTATIVES OF ABKHAZIA'S COUNCIL OF ELDERS CONGRATULATED SERGEY BAGAPSH ON ELECTION AS PRESIDENT
23/12/2009 19:00 ABKHAZIA, SUKHUM
Communists and representatives of the Council of Elders of Abkhazia congratulated Sergey Bagapsh on election as the President.
"We appreciate your contribution to struggle of our nation for freedom and independence. Communists of Abkhazia apprehended with satisfaction the results of the elections. We support your initiatives aimed at strengthening of the state, maintenace of national security, development of the economy and agrarian sector, solution of social problems", the meeting participants said.
The Chairman of the CPRA Central Committee Lev Shamba said that the people of Abkhazia had passed the state maturity test with dignity. "The fact that international observers who were monitoring the elections, gave a high estimate to the elctions is of great significance", he emphasized. On behalf of the communists L. Shamba congratulated the President with the coming New Year and wished him success in work for the welfare of the Abkhaz nation.
President Sergey Bagapsh expressed gratitude to all for participation in the elections and the support rendered to him. "The most important thing is that elections were held peacefully. People need stability. We managed to avoid civil confrontation", the head of the state said.
Bagapsh does not agree with those who consider that the authorities failed to unite the nation. "We have shown patience and haven't done anything to separate people. We haven't campaigned actively, haven't hung out portraits and banners everywhere. All candidates were worthy people, but the nation decides who will take the post of the head of the state", he said.
According to him, "our people are wise, they cannot be cheated by impracticable promises or money".
"We didn't call to vote for us, but only called people to come to the polling stations and make the choice. We haven't said any dirty word about the opponents. Besides presenting our program for the next five years, we had to report on the work done", the President said.
He stressed the importance of developing political culture, culture of polemics, responsibility for published materials.
Among the problems the authorities will have to solve S. Bagapsh marked out development of small and average businesses, agrarian sector (tea industry, citrus growing, vegetable growing, poultry production), support to private initiative in rural areas, "Today to attract resources is not a problem, the problem is scarcity of labor", the head of the state mentioned.
According to him, in 2010 "we'll have to draw over 4,5 billion rubles, solve social problems, increase pensions, increase salaries to teachers and doctors first of all". "People must have an opportunity to be treated in normal conditions; we need modern diagnostic equipment, and we will be solving all these problems little by little", Bagapsh promised. "Our schools need proper attention. We have no prospects without providing quality education for young people.
The head of the state said that a public reception would function in the Presidential Administration; the Council of the Patriotic War of the Abkhaz nation veterans was created. "We will meet more often with parties and social movements representatives", he said.
There will be changes in the government structure, a number of ministries will be amalgamated. "It is necessary to combine experience of the older generation with energy and new knowledge of young people", the President emphasized.
Sergey Bagapsh congratulated all with the coming New Year and wished success.
