Adjarian Minister: Situation Tense

Interior Minister of the Adjara Autonomous Republic told reporters late on February 21 that situation in the region is tensed and added “opposition is responsible for aggravated situation.”

“We are witnessing extremely negative developments in Adjara and I do not know a way out of this situation,” Jemal Gogitidze said, while commenting recent violence in Adjara caused by the clashes between the opposition and supporters of Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze.

Opposition movement’s offices were violently raided on February 20 and two activist of Kmara anti-Abashidze movement were severely beaten up in Adjara on February 21.

President Saakashvili condemned the violence in Adjara and demanded from the law enforcers to investigate the incident.