Abashidze Refuses to Disarm Paramilitary Forces

Secretary of the Georgian National Security Council Vano Merabishvili, who attended talks between Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania and Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze, said the latter refused to disarm his paramilitary forces.

?Aslan Abashidze is not ready to disarm his paramilitary forces. He thinks he needs these groups and rejects any dialogue,? Vano Merabishvili said after the talks in Batumi on April 13.

?If the local authorities of Adjara refuse to surrender arms, the central authorities will force them to obey the law,? the Secretary of the National Security Council added.

?The existing situation heats up tensions. We will discuss further plan of action upon our return in Tbilisi,? Zurab Zhvania told reporters after the talks.