Shamba's resignation 'not connected with activity of foreign ministry'

The Abkhazian information agency Apsnipress has published an interview with Sergey Shamba, who sent in his resignation from the post of Abkhazian Foreign Minister on June 14.

- Sergey Mironovich, you've handed in your resignation from the post of foreign minister. Does it mean that you will not engage in politics any longer at all?

- I simply can't leave politics. I've been directly involved in the political life of our people since I was 24. My resignation from the post of the minister isn't connected with the activity of the foreign ministry.

As a cabinet member, as a man who considers himself responsible for everything that happens in the country, I've found it impossible to work in the government that rouses only censure in society because it is unable to provide people's safety.

- Can internal political contradictions affect the foreign policy of our republic?

- Our social, political, and economic situation is complicated. At the same time, the change of the government or voluntary resignations of some ministers show adherence to constitutional and democratic norms. Governments often change in the countries with developed democracy too. It is no small wonder. And the fact that our government reacts to the society's indignation shows that we are able and act by constitutional, legal methods. It doesn't mean our weakness at all. On the contrary, it is evidence of our strength. I think one shouldn't have the temptation to test our strength as a state.

There is no political force in Abkhazia that proceeds form principles other than independence.

- What way out of the situation that has arisen do you see?

- I think that the only way out of the growing crisis is the resignation of the entire government and forming of a new cabinet, which will be approved by the country's parliament and leading political forces.