Russia Reiterates Neutrality in Adjara Crisis

Russia, which has a military base stationed in Adjarian capital Batumi, reiterated on April 15 that it will not interfere in a standoff between the Georgia’s central government and leadership of the Adjara Autonomous Republic. 

“Situation in Adjara is Georgia’s internal affair. We think that the tensions should be defused only with peaceful means,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters in Moscow on April 15.

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili spoke with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on April 14. Details of talks were not disclosed; however, it is most likely that recent tension in Adjara was discussed.