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06/05/2004
Georgia resolution results in Ajaria election plan
Following the departure of Ajaria's rebel leader Aslan Abashidze authorities in Georgia have announced plans to hold elections in the semi-autonomous region.
Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell today welcomed the peaceful resolution of the recent tensions in Georgia.
He said: "I welcome Aslan Abashidze's departure from Ajara and am pleased that the tense situation has been resolved without violence. This will help President Saakashvili's attempts to build a democratic and stable Georgia. I also welcome the constructive role played by the Russians in bringing this about. The people of Ajaria may now move forward and enjoy the same rights and opportunities as those in the rest of Georgia."
Relations between the semi-autonomous region of Ajaria and the central Georgian authorities had worsened over recent months. This week Abashidze ordered the destruction of bridges linking the region to the rest of Georgia.
However, following telephone calls between Presidents Putin and Saakashvili on May 5, Russian National Security Secretary Igor Ivanov visited Tbilisi and then Batumi.
Following these visits Abashidze announced his resignation. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the rebel leader, seeking asylum in Russia, subsequently flew to Moscow with Mr Ivanov.
There were widespread protests this week calling for Abashidze to stand down, and the Georgian President has stated that he will not seek his extradition from Russia.
(SP)
Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell today welcomed the peaceful resolution of the recent tensions in Georgia.
He said: "I welcome Aslan Abashidze's departure from Ajara and am pleased that the tense situation has been resolved without violence. This will help President Saakashvili's attempts to build a democratic and stable Georgia. I also welcome the constructive role played by the Russians in bringing this about. The people of Ajaria may now move forward and enjoy the same rights and opportunities as those in the rest of Georgia."
Relations between the semi-autonomous region of Ajaria and the central Georgian authorities had worsened over recent months. This week Abashidze ordered the destruction of bridges linking the region to the rest of Georgia.
However, following telephone calls between Presidents Putin and Saakashvili on May 5, Russian National Security Secretary Igor Ivanov visited Tbilisi and then Batumi.
Following these visits Abashidze announced his resignation. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the rebel leader, seeking asylum in Russia, subsequently flew to Moscow with Mr Ivanov.
There were widespread protests this week calling for Abashidze to stand down, and the Georgian President has stated that he will not seek his extradition from Russia.
(SP)
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