President Against Free Trade Zone

(Tbilisi. April 14, 2003. Civil Georgia) – President Shevardnadze is against of creation of the free trade zone in Georgia, saying ?it might lead to formation of the uncontrolled segment in the country.?

?Creation of the free trade might lead to separatism as well and promote money laundering,? Eduard Shevardnadze said today in his radiobroadcast.

He commented on the draft law submitted to the Parliament by the Revival faction, which is backed by the leader of the Adjarian Autonomous Republic Aslan Abashidze.

The draft law considers creation of the free trade zone in Batumi, capital of the Adjarian Autonomous Republic.

?Formation of the free trade zone in Adjara is inadmissible, when the Autonomous Republic refuses to transfer tax in the central budget,? Georgian President said.

Last week the Revival Parliamentary faction accused the pro-governmental factions in deliberate boycott of the sessions in order to hinder discussion of the draft law.