Abashidze Refuses to Visit Tbilisi

Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze declined President Mikheil Saakashvili’s demand and said that he will not arrive in the capital city Tbilisi.

President Saakashvili reiterated on February 18 the necessity of the arrival of Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze in Tbilisi, saying that if Abashidze wants to establish good relations with the central authorities he should arrive in the capital.

Abashidze has not visited Tbilisi for last decade under the pretext of lack of security guarantees. Abashidze said on February 18 that the central authorities should investigate the alleged failed terrorist acts which have been plotted in Tbilisi against his life.

President Saakashvili warned Abashidze that his refusal to arrive in Tbilisi would be regarded as disobedience. “Any disobedience will be responded by relevant reaction,” Saakashvili added.