"We are closely following the development of the internal political situation in Abkhazia. The severity of the situation after December 21 is gradually declining," RIA Novosti quotes Zakharova's statement at a briefing.

She recalled that "our countries are consistently building and strengthening diverse interstate relations." "The principles of equality, mutual respect, sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs remain unchanged," she said.

As for bilateral cooperation in matters of defense and security, border protection, Russia "reliably ensures peace and stability in the region, in which both our countries are interested," Zakharova noted.

Opposition political forces of Abkhazia held a rally in Sukhum on December 21 to protest the authorities because of their "failed work" in protecting the population from the coronavirus, the energy crisis, and political persecution of opponents. Later, the Abkhaz security forces used smoke bombs to disperse the opposition, which was trying to break through to the parliament building in the center of Sukhum.

The Sukhum prosecutor's office opened a criminal case on the fact of organizing and participating in mass riots, the use of violence against government officials, accompanied by destruction of property as a result of organizing and holding an unauthorized rally by representatives of opposition forces "People's Patriotic Union of Abkhazia".