Secretary of the National Security Council Vano Merabishvili called on the law-enforcement agencies to eradicate “the violence in the streets of Batumi [Adjarian capital] caused by the clashes between the opposition and supporters of Aslan Abashidze.”
“All those persons, who are behind this violation, will be severely punished,” Vano Merabishvili told reporters on February 20.
He expressed hope that the Adjarian leadership will take the necessary measures to settle the situation.
The clashes between the supporters and opposition of the Adjarian leader took place, while the Secretary General of the Council of Europe (CoE) Walter Schwimmer, who arrived in Batumi this morning, was holding talks with Aslan Abashidze. Later he met with the opposition leaders in Adjara.