Abashidze Says Adjara Needs Security Ministry

Head of Adjara Autonomous Republic Aslan Abashidze said on March 7 that Adjarian Security Ministry will not be disbanded according to the demand voiced earlier by President Saakashvili.

?[Adjarian Security Ministry?s] functioning is envisaged by the Adjarian constitution. The Ajarian parliament creates and abolishes agencies as necessary,? Aslan Abashidze said.

Abashidze responded to a statement of President Saakashvili, who said speaking at the Tbilisi Technical University on March 7 that there is no need for Adjarian Security Ministry.

?There is one nation, one country and one security ministry in Georgia, and I do not understand the purpose of another security service. Any security service other than the Security Ministry of Georgia is an enemy service and will be liquidated,? Saakashvili said.

He warned that if the Adjarian authorities defy this demand ?severe repressive measures will be taken.?

This is a latest salvo in a confrontation of the new Georgian authorities with independent-minded Adjara leadership.