Shevardnadze, Abashidze Pledge Cooperation

Shevardnadze and Abashidze greet supporters at the Batumi Stadium.

During his visit to the capital of Adjara Autonomous Republic Batumi on November 10 President Eduard Shevardnadze said Georgian authorities do their best to maintain Georgia’s integrity, adding “Adjara will always be an integral part of Georgia.” 

“This meeting confirms that nothing will separate us, we will stand together,” Shevardnadze said while addressing his and the Adjarian leader’s supporters gathered at the Batumi Stadium.

Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze spoke about the opposition’s protest rally in Tbilisi, saying this may trigger civil confrontation in the country.

“If the National Movement [opposition party] comes to power, this will be a disaster. We will not permit this. We should stand by the legitimate authorities and protect democracy in the country,” Aslan Abashidze said at the meeting and pledged to support President Shevardnadze.

After addressing the meeting in Batumi Aslan Abashidze and Eduard Shevardnadze held bilateral talks.

Shevardnadze visits Batumi after the unsuccessful talks with the opposition leaders late on November 9. The protest rally in the center of Tbilisi demands President Shevardnadze’s resignation.