Moscow  - The deputy interior minister of the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia was shot dead Monday in the regional capital Sukhumi, the Abkhazian President Sergey Bagapsh reported.

In a statement carried by the Interfax news agency, Bagapsh said the minister was in a cafe when he was shot in the head and chest by two masked assailants, who escaped on foot.

"This murder is aimed at destabilizing the situation in Abkhazia," Bagapsh said.

No information as to the motive behind the attack was available.

Abkhazia has repeatedly accused Georgia of being behind similar attacks in the past. Abkhazia's independence from Georgia was recognized by Russia in August, while George accuses Russia of occupying its territory. (dpa)