International Efforts under Way to Diffuse Adjara Crisis

Following interventions by Washington, Moscow, Ankara and a visiting chair of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Georgian President said on March 15 that international community expressed support to Georgia’s territorial integrity.

“[U.S.] Secretary [of State Colin] Powell has been in touch with President Saakashvili. He spoke with him on Sunday evening. He has also spoken with Russian National Security Advisor Ivanov today. He – Secretary Powell urged President Saakashvili not to allow this situation in Adjara to escalate,” Adam Ereli, a deputy spokesman of the Department of Sate said on March 15.

Georgian President Saakashvili said on March 15 that he has spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin as well. “Premier Zurab Zhvania held phone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul,” Saakashvili said.

Turkish Foreign Minister said on March 15 that Turkey supports Georgia’s territorial integrity. He said “Adjara is part of Georgia and stability in the Caucasus is in the interest of Turkey and the region.”

Earlier on March 15 Georgian Resident met with visiting OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Solomon Passy.

“They all expressed support to country’s territorial integrity and the right of the central government to exercise its legitimate duties throughout Georgia,” President Saakashvili said.