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Bomb Explodes In Sukhum


Abkhaz Premier Raul Khadjimba (file photo) 11 October 2004 -- A small bomb went off overnight in the capital of Georgia's separatist province of Abkhazia, hurting no one.

The blast occurred near the Sukhum headquarters of the leading contender in last week's disputed presidential polls. In comments made to Associated Press, former prime minister and opposition leader Sergei Bagapsh described the incident as a "sign of pressure" on him.

Partial results released by the Central Election Commission (CEC) show Bagapsh is leading the vote. His main rival, former Prime Minister Raul Khajimba, alleges widespread violations and demands the vote be annulled. But the CEC last week agreed only for a partial revote to be held in the southern Gali region on 17 October.

Khajimba has appealed the decision, saying the Abkhaz Constitution allows only countrywide votes. Abkhazia's Supreme Court is expected to examine Khajimba's appeal later today.

(AP/Rustavi 2 ge/Civil Georgia GE)

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