National Security Council Discussed Abkhazian Issue

(Tbilisi, January 11, 2003. Civil Georgia) – In the wake of discussion of situation in Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia by the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Security on January 10, the Georgian National Council (NSC) also discussed the issue late on the same day.

Foreign Minister Irakli Menagharishvili told the reporters after the meeting that the granting of Russian citizenship to the population living in Abkhazia and reopening of the railway connection between Russia and Abkhazia were the top issues discussed by the National Security Council.

The Chief of the Intelligence Service Avtandil Ioseliani said, “NSC also discussed the possible measures that should be implemented in response to the Russia’s unilateral moves towards Abkhazia.”

Authorities stated after the meeting that the criminal situation in the country was also discussed at the meeting.