Abkhazia is mourning the death on Sunday of the president of the breakaway Georgian region.
Officials said Sergei Bagapsh, 62, died from complications following lung surgery in a Moscow hospital.
He was in the middle of his second 5-year term as president.
Abkhazia declared independence from Georgia in 1992, but it is only recognized by Russia and a few other countries.
Abkhazia officials say Vice President Alexander Ankvab will be acting president until elections for a new president are held in three months.
Abkhazia's Security Council is meeting Sunday to decide on the official days of mourning as funeral arrangements are finalized.