Abashidze Calls for Dialogue

Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze called on the central authorities to settle the crisis between Tbilisi and Batumi through dialogue.
 
In his televised address on April 28 he stated the existing problems should be solved “at a negotiating table.” Abashidze also said that military rhetoric and threats coming from the central authorities further increase gap between Tbilisi and Batumi.

Earlier on April 28 Interior Minister Giorgi Baramidze said the police operation in Adjara was possible “in case of necessity.”

The last attempt to solve the crisis through talks failed on April 13, when Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze refused to disarm his paramilitary groups during negotiations with Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania in Batumi.