Russia’s Ivanov Visits Georgia

Secretary of Russian Security Council Igor Ivanov, who paid a brief visit to Tbilisi on May 17th, discussed a “wide range of issues with the Georgian leadership,” disclosed the Russian Ambassador in Georgia, Vladimir Chkhikvishvili,on May 18.

Ivanov met with President Saakashvili, Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania and Secretary of Georgian National Security Council Vano Merabishvili, during his four-hour long visit. He left Tbilisi without making any comment.

“A wide range of issues, including military bases and economic issues were discussed during the visit of Igor Ivanov,” the Russian ambassador said.

He also said that the Georgian Prime Minister, Zurab Zhvania, will visit Moscow on May 24-25 to continue detailed discussions of bilateral ties.

Georgian officials reported that the situation concerning the Abkhaz conflict zone was also discussed with the Russian security chief.

“We discussed the Abkhazian conflict. That is all I can say, no more details,” Secretary of Georgian National Security Council Vano Merabishvili told reporters after his talks with Igor Ivanov.

This was Igor Ivanov’s second visit to Georgia in a matter of weeks. He visited the Adjarian capital of Batumi on May 6th to mediate in the resolution of the crisis in Adjara. The ex-leader of Adjara, Aslan Abashidze, fled Georgia after his talks with Mr. Ivanov.