Sergei Matosyan

Matosyan participated in the 1992–1993 war with Georgia, holding the rank of colonel and heading three battalions. In 1994, Matosyan headed the Bagramyan Battalion during the Lata operation in the Kodori Valley. He was the only Armenian to command Abkhaz troops during the war. For his achievements, Matosyan was awarded the title Hero of Abkhazia. After the war, Matosyan became head of the republican border guard. ==Political career==

Matosyan was first elected to the People's Assembly of Abkhazia in 1996, which he left in 2000 to become Deputy Minister for the Interior responsible for staffing. 12 days after Sergei Bagapsh was sworn in as President on 12 February 2005, he repealed Ardzinba's decree and Matosyan did not return in the new cabinet. Matosyan was again elected to the People's Assembly in the 4 March 2007 election, winning a first round victory in the Pshap constituency no. 22. Matosyan was subsequently nominated by Adgur Kharazia for the post of third Deputy Speaker, but lost out to Albert Ovsepyan. On 24 September 2010, Matosyan was nevertheless elected Deputy Speaker, after Albert Ovsepyan had retired. At the 11 May 2007 founding congress of the opposition veterans' organisation Aruaa, Matosyan was elected into its supreme council. ==Administrative and later career==

On 12 February 2015, Matosyan was appointed head of the Housing Department of the Sukhum City Administration by Acting Head of Administration Adgur Kharazia. Kharazia noted that his reputation as a veteran made him a respected choice for the role. He challenged the Supreme Court of Abkhazia to deliver a verdict based strictly on the law. ==References==