Interim President Nino Burjanadze and Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze held six-hour long talks today, however it seems no agreement has been reached.
“There are many problems between the central regional authorities, which can not be solved immediately. We, both Mr. Abashidze and me think that it is very import that this dialogue has been launched. I am ready to further continue talks,” Nino Burjanadze told reporters after the negotiations.
“I think Mr. [Zurab] Zhvania [the State Minister] will also visit Batumi to hold talks with the Adjarian leader. If it becomes necessary I will arrive here again,” she added.
“The most important is that we understand each other. Now it is time to make our positions closer,” Aslan Abashidze told reporters after the talks.
“The two sides have a different positions regarding the problems. It is important that the dialogue has been launched. It would be also important to restore trust between the sides,” Abashidze said.
“If the current de facto authorities [Abashidze denounced country’s new leadership as illegitimate] want to make something positive, they should prove this at first,” Abashidze added.
There were no further comments made. It is anticipated that Nino Burjanadze will comment regarding talks with Abashidze after arrival in Tbilisi. She has already left Batumi.
Aslan Abashidze demands from the central authorities to postpone presidential elections until June, otherwise he threatens with boycotting elections, scheduled for January 4.