I want you to know that I am stepping down to maintain stability in the country, - reads the statement of Raul Khajimba, former de facto leader of the occupied Abkhazia.

He said he had done everything he could to avoid clashes and vowed to do his best in the future "for the development of the country."

The so-called Vice President of occupied Abkhazia told Russian media that Khajimba had resigned "in order to avoid bloodshed and maintain stability in the country."

De facto President of occupied Abkhazia Raul Khajimba signed a decree on voluntary resignation yesterday. According to the so-called Central Election Commission, the de facto presidential elections will be held on March 22.