The Council of Elders of the unrecognised Republic of Abkhazia began its meeting at the Sukhumi drama theatre 30 minutes later than initially planned on Saturday.

Abkhazian Prime Minister Nodar Khashba as well as presidential candidates Raul Khadzhimba and Sergei Bagapsh have arrived at the theatre to attend the meeting. Abkhazian parliament speaker Nugzar Ashuba and Abkhazian Vice-President Valery Arshba are also present.

The Council of Elders has one main issue on the agenda – whether it’s going to be possible to unite the teams of Sergei Bagapsh and Raul Khadzhimba. The Council had suggested that both candidates unite in one team in order to take Abkhazia out of political crisis at its previous meeting on November 17.

Bagapsh told reporters that he was going to attend the Council meeting in a good mood. Khadzhimba refused to give any comments.

However, both presidential candidates have said that today’s meeting will not end their dispute about who is going to be president.

Bagapsh had earlier told Itar-Tass that he intended to hold an inauguration ceremony to take the presidential post on December 6. His rival candidate Raul Khadzhimba continues insisting on repeated elections.