Raul Khadjimba and Chernomorenergo head Sergei Bagapsh met in Moscow...
RIVAL ABKHAZ PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES MEET IN MOSCOW Former Abkhaz Prime Minister Raul Khadjimba and Chernomorenergo head Sergei Bagapsh met in Moscow on 2 November in a bid to resolve the deadlock surrounding the outcome of the 3 October Abkhaz presidential ballot. On 11 October, the Central Election Commission declared Bagapsh the winner with 50.08 percent of the vote, a figure that Khadjimba challenged. On 28 October, the Abkhaz Supreme Court upheld the CEC ruling but less than 24 hours later reversed that decision under pressure from Khadjimba's supporters and declared the poll invalid. Bagapsh nonetheless continues to assert that he is the legitimately elected president. Khadjimba stated on 2 November that "everything depends on Sergei Bagapsh, his supporters and myself." He added that he is confident that a solution to the standoff can be found but did not suggest what form it might take. A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman denied on 2 November that any meeting between the two Abkhaz officials and ministry personnel is planned. "Nezavisimaya gazeta" on 3 November quoted an unnamed Kremlin official as likewise denying that Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Khadjimba and Bagapsh. That official said the two men may meet either with presidential administration head Dmitrii Medvedev or with Security Council Secretary Igor Ivanov. (Agency Caucasus)