Exactly in a week, on December 6, inauguration of the self-proclaimed republic of Abkhazia’s president should be held. Sergey Baghapsh diligently strives towards the cherished goal. He made a rather significant step in this regard several days ago: parliament of the unrecognized republic adopted a decree, according to which Baghapsh is declared “head of the state.”

“Elected president Sergey Baghapsh must assume office on December 6, 2004 in a solemn milieu and take an oath of loyalty before the populace,” reads the document. According to the decree, the Cabinet, parliament and state security bodies are responsible for organizing the inauguration ceremony. In addition, all reports of the Central Election Commission and the Supreme Curt should be printed in the press, which has never been the case so far.

As is known, the Council of Elders expressed their support to Baghapsh several days before the parliament officially endorsed him.

Such development of events is naturally unacceptable for Raul Khajimba, the Kremlin-favorite presidential contender, who states that his “competitor’s intention to hold the inauguration on December 6 will deteriorate already tense situation.”

As Khajimba enjoys backing of the current President of the unrecognized republic, Vladislav Ardzinba, Sergey Baghapsh’s circle attempt to neutralize the acting president and promises him myriad regalia. The Abkhazian parliament adopted a law on the First President of the Republic, pursuant to which Vladislav Ardzinba will be bestowed a honorary title, the First President of the Abkhazian Republic, after he resigns. In addition, he will remain the honorary deputy of the parliament for the rest of his lifetime, and an advisor to the new president. The first president is also endowed with the right “to appeal to the Abkhazian population, state bodies and officials concerning the issues of state building, domestic and foreign policy, and state security.”

According to the law, Vladislav Ardzinba is to get the guarantees of total immunity. “In parallel to this,” the Abkhazian budget will allocate 50,000 USD per annum to cover his medical treatment. The life of the first president will be insured at the sum which exceeds the presidential salary by 200 times. Also, after Ardzinba’s presidential term expires he will receive a one-off “assistance” amounting to 10-year-long salary of the president. Apart from this, the “state” will pay Ardzinba the monthly salary equaling to the presidential one, for the rest of his life.

The separatist government also takes care of Ardzinba’s rest ands offers him to make a choice: Vladislav Ardzinba can either use the state villa in Bitchvinta or receive a land plot totaling three hectares in a zone adjacent to Bitchvinta. If the first president agrees to the second offer then the “state” will assume the responsibility to build a villa there which then will be granted to Ardzinba and his family members in possession.

The privileges envisaged for Ardzinba and listed above are by far from complete. The first president of Georgia’s breakaway region will be served with three vehicles, drivers included. Also, Ardzinba and his spouse will have the right, “at the budget’s expense, for the rest of their lives, to use halls destined for state officials and delegations in airports, railway stations, vehicle stations, and ports.” Also at the budget’s expense, the first president is to enjoy the right to have the apparatus of aides, equip it with necessary machinery and communication means.

Pursuant to the law, after the first president of Abkhazia dies, his family members will live at the state’s expense and will enjoy many privileges.

In short, Sergey Baghapsh’s camp offers Vladislav Ardzinba “an earthly heaven.” Though the future will show if this will be enough for Ardzinba to refrain from backing Raul Khajimba.