Parliament demands Abashidze’s Resignation

The Georgian Parliament approved on May 4, statement with 134 votes to 0, demanding from Head of Adjara Autonomous Republic Aslan Abashidze “unconditional resignation.” 

“The Parliament is ready to support President Saakashvili’s proposal over holding of snap elections [of local parliament] in Adjarian Autonomous Republic,” the Parliament’s statement reads.

President Saakashvili has given Abashidze until May 12 to disarm the region’s militias or have his government dissolved, after the Adjarian leadership blew up key bridges linking region with the rest of Georgia.

“If holding of the democratic elections in Adjara are hindered, the Parliament calls the President to use all the constitutional measures in order to restore rule of law in Adjarian Autonomy,” the Parliament’s statement reads.

The Parliament approved the statement in the wake of disbanding protest rally in Adjarian capital Batumi on May 4 by the security forces of Aslan Abashidze. Dozens of protesters were reportedly injured.