President of the Republic of Abkhazia Raul Khajimba appealed to the people of Abkhazia

<i>"As a guarantor of the Constitution, it is my duty to preserve the sovereignty of the state and the unity of our society," - says the President's address.</i><br>
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<b>Sukhum. December 13. Apsnypress. </b>President of the Republic of Abkhazia Raul Khajimba appealed to the people of Abkhazia:
 
 "Dear citizens of Abkhazia!
 
 Difficult 2016 is coming to an end. Thanks to your support, we are not broken by the global financial and economic crisis, and we have completed all the higher social commitments. We pay hundreds of millions of rubles left us a legacy of internal and external debts. Restore order in the financial and tax fields, fought against the shadow economy. We were able to definitely and conclusively prove our ability to seek our own financial reserves to convince the public that our well-being is in our own hands. We have certain achievements in the tourism and banking sectors. Introduction of the treasury budget execution systems provide a new level of transparency in use of public finances.
 
 We all know the real situation and understand that there is still much to be done to significantly improve people's lives, strengthen the state. We are ready for this work.
 
 In recent years, opposition forces have sharply intensified, they have chosen the path of uncompromising criticism of our work. Mostly, this criticism is unfair, even offensive, although there is no right to deny the people to express their opinions, but under the law.
 
 In any developed country political struggle should be carried out on the basis of competition programs and ideas. We have proposed such a program, it is stated in my Address to the People's Assembly of the Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia and the other documents, which contain specific proposals for the necessary changes to society.
 
 The need for reforms, including constitutional, was declared by the NGO "Aitaira" and other political associations long before they came to power. However, these good intentions have remained on paper, despite the fact that our opponents have the capacity to implement them for 10 years.
 
 Together with legislative power we made the first real steps to reform the judiciary, establishing the necessary legal framework and the beginning of formation of the Constitutional Court. We managed to improve the whole system of judges, selection and periodic evaluation.
 
 Adopted and implemented legislative solutions to increase the rights and powers of local governments. I presented to Parliament specific proposals for changes in the election legislation. There are opening more opportunities for joint activities and cooperation of all political forces to improve the legislative framework on initiated reforms.
 
 I sincerely regret that instead of a coherent and constructive response to these proposals, the opposition made only actions and statements aimed at strengthening confrontation.
 
 Any extreme forms of politics and confrontation only weaken us all, reduce the creative energy of society, deprive people of faith in tomorrow. On March 12, 2017 appointed the elections in the People's Assembly. Opposition and other political forces rather should focus on participation in elections, than to continue destructive activities. Normal political competition should not replace the attempts of destabilization.
 
 Of course, there are many unresolved questions today. We never have hidden it, we are ready for a frank conversation. At the same time, I am sure that together we will achieve significant changes in the economic, social and other spheres of life. The key to this - sincere desire to make a better life in Abkhazia. There is no other way.
 
 Most importantly, we must not allow the destabilization out of legal action. We have too much work ahead. Nationwide objectives can not be achieved in conditions of instability and confrontation. It is obvious that any destabilization directly harm economic relations with Russia, this was also noted by the Russian President Vladimir Putin at our recent meeting.
 
 That is why I appeal to you, our dear citizens, asking not to succumb to provocations, to remain calm, not to support illegal activities, no matter where they come from.
 
 The State will protect the stability and legal order, rights and freedoms of our citizens. We will not allow the irreversible deterioration of the situation in the country, depriving us prospects. There is no other way for us. Only together and only respecting each other, we will build a prosperous future for our people.
 
As a guarantor of the Constitution, it is my duty to preserve the sovereignty of the state and the unity of our society, restored at great sacrifice,. Therefore, I do everything necessary to maintain law and order in the country, ensure the safety and security of our citizens".