CoE Alarmed over Tensions in Adjara

Secretary-General of the Council of Europe (CoE) Walter Schwimmer expressed alarm regarding “escalating tensions between” the central authorities and leadership of Adjara Autonomous Republic.

“I am alarmed at reports of escalating tensions between Tbilisi and Batumi”, Walter Schwimmer said on March 14.

“I appeal to my friends President Mikheil Saakashvili and Head of Adjara Autonomy Aslan Abashidze to refrain from violence and start a genuine dialogue, not a war of words. Georgia is a Council of Europe member state and should abide by the rules of democracy,” he added.

Recalling his visit to Georgia last February, when in Batumi he was caught a scuffle between supporters and opponents of the local Government, the Secretary General of the CoE said, “I told all my interlocutors, both in Batumi and in Tbilisi: we have words to express our opinions – not fists, not sticks and not weapons. And the ultimate verdict must come through the ballot box”.

“I reiterate the proposal I made in February: let Batumi and Tbilisi come out with drafts laws for their relations. The Council of Europe will bring in the best European experts to help establish sound, workable legal basis for the Ajara Autonomy”.