Abkhazia president resigns in deal with protesters

The president of the Moscow-backed breakaway Georgian republic of Abkhazia resigned Tuesday, his office said, after reaching a deal with protesters who stormed parliament over a Russian investment plan.

Rare demonstrations erupted last week in the republic, nestled between the Caucasus mountains and the Black Sea, over the economic deal with Moscow.

Abkhazia is recognised by most of the world as Georgian territory, but has been under de-facto Russian control since a brief 2008 war between Moscow and Tbilisi.

"In order to maintain stability and constitutional order in the country... I resign from the post of President of the Republic of Abkhazia," Aslan Bzhaniam, leader of the separatist republic, said in a letter posted on Telegram.

His decision to step down hinges on a deal reached with demonstrators, under which they will vacate government premises they stormed on Friday.

Demonstrators started leaving a square outside the presidential administration, while those remaining waved Abkhazian flags, Russia's RIA Novosti news agency reported.

Bzhania's resignation is set to be presented to parliament on Tuesday, with his deputy appointed as acting president, according to the agreement published by the president's office.

The tiny territory of Abkhazia, known for its natural beauty, has been thrown into turmoil over concerns that a proposed investment deal with Moscow could see apartment complexes mushroom in the region.

Protesters have been blocking roads in the main city of Sukhumi.

Russia on Friday advised its citizens not to travel to Abkhazia, a traditional holiday destination for Russians.