The draft law on housing ("On measures to increase the level of socio-economic development of the Ochamchira, Tkuarchal and Gal regions of the Republic of Abkhazia") was withdrawn from the parliament of the self-proclaimed Republic of Abkhazia. The decision was formalized by the Speaker of the Abkhaz Parliament Lasha Ashuba.
The document provided for the construction of up to 10 thousand apartments in the eastern part of Abkhazia.
The press service of the legislative body indicated that the request to withdraw the document came from the initiators of the bill - deputies Rezo Zantaria, Beslan Emurkhba, Almas Akab and German Kacharav.
"In accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the People's Assembly - Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia, the Speaker of the People's Assembly - Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia Lasha Ashuba signed a document on the return of this draft law to the deputies who initiated its consideration. Thus, the bill was withdrawn from the parliament," the statement said.
In a statement by the press service of the Abkhaz parliament on the withdrawal of the draft law on housing, it is said that the decision was made "in order to reduce tensions and maintain stability."
"As a result of lengthy consultations and active intra-parliamentary dialogue, taking into account and taking into account public opinion, primarily the Council of Elders, heroes of the Patriotic War of the people of Abkhazia, representatives of the scientific community, intelligentsia and other concerned citizens, on the consideration of the draft law "On measures to raise the level of socio-economic development of the Ochamchira, Tkuarchal and Gal regions of the Republic of Abkhazia", in order to reduce tensions and maintain stability, the initiators of the draft law decided to withdraw the introduced bill from consideration and further terminate the legislative process on it.
The deputies of the People's Assembly of the Republic of Abkhazia thank their colleagues - the initiators of the draft law for their responsible approach to solving a difficult situation. The deputies thank the people of Abkhazia for their active civic attitude and remind them of the importance of maintaining harmony and stability in our country," the statement said.
Earlier, information about the withdrawal of the bill was spread in social networks. The Hara Pitsunda youth movement said the withdrawal of the bill was a dangerous step.
"The withdrawal is a temporary solution. We cannot accept it under any circumstances. By the very existence of this bill, the current government has shown that it cannot be trusted. We demand guarantees. We need a point on this issue, and we need it now. We need a moratorium. If the authorities decide to withdraw the issue now, it means that they want to raise it again. We cannot allow that," representatives of the movement said.
Some deputies said at meetings with their constituents that they would vote against the initiative proposed by the Abkhaz authorities and President Aslan Bzhania. The construction of the apartments was opposed by the opposition and the public. They stated that it was a hidden form of real estate sales that would lead to a change in the demographic balance.