At inauguration, Ankvab proclaims unity of public institutions and branches of power as priority

In Sukhumi, the inauguration of the president-elect of Abkhazia for first time took place without official invitation of foreign guests. In his inaugural speech, Alexander Ankvab said that he sees country's successful development in highly skilled work of the government, effective actions of legislators and close cooperation of the civil society with the authorities.

The modesty of the ceremony had to do with the recent death of the second president of the republic Sergey Bagapsh, which caused the early election.

Also today, Mikhail Logua, elected together with Alexander Ankvab, took the position of Vice President.

In his speech, President Ankvab enumerated the priorities of his policy: economy and social policy, public health system and demography, education and youth policy, armed forces, foreign policy, repatriation and civil society.

For the first time the honour guard of state security service was dressed in the Abkhaz national costumes.

The inauguration began at 1:00 p.m. Moscow time and broadcast live on the Abkhazian television.

The ceremony was opened by the Speaker Nugzar Ashuba, who congratulated Alexander Ankvab on the election the head of the state.

Then, president Ankvab took his oath to the multinational people of Abkhazia with his hand on the text of the Constitution of the Republic.

Then the Speaker of the Parliament officially passed over the attributes of presidential power to Alexander Aknvab - the seal with the State Emblem of the Republic of Abkhazia and inscription "President of the Republic of Abkhazia" and the presidential standard.

After that, greetings were pronounced by Valentina Matvienko, Chair of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, and Robert Kokoity, Ambassador of South Ossetia to Abkhazia.

As noted by Ms Matvienko, "Abkhazia can always rely on full support of Russia."

"I am very pleased to represent our country at this ceremony on behalf of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev," she said, and congratulated the new President of Abkhazia "on his convincing victory at the election." "A high appreciation to the presidential election held in Abkhazia was also given by international observers, who confirmed that the procedure was completely under international standards," added the Speaker of the Russian Federation Council.

Robert Kokoity, Ambassador of South Ossetia to Abkhazia, conveyed congratulations to Alexander Ankvab from President of South Ossetia Eduard Kokoity.

In conclusion, President Alexander Ankvab pronounced his inaugural speech.

Having noted that a lot had been done over the recent time, and important goals had been achieved, President Ankvab expressed his belief that "the objective or subjective circumstances cannot be eternal explanation of many country's unsolved problems; and the explicit claims of the Abkhaz society to the authorities on quite many matters are entirely reasonable."

According to his story, successful progress towards solution of accumulated problems should be ensured not only through highly skilled work of the executive power, but also through efficient legislation. "In many cases it needs to be improved," - said Ankvab. "We are going in the same constructive spirit, but at a more accelerated pace, to cooperate with the legislature."

"The active position and participation in the country's sustainable development both of the parliamentarians and public institutions is equally important. If it will be the case - our success will be guaranteed," said the President.