Moscow Mayor in Batumi

Reports say Mayor of Russian capital Moscow Yuri Luzhkov, who has  close links with Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze, arrived in Batumi early on March 16.

“We are here not to interfere, but we arrive as people close to Aslan Abashidze. We are friends,” Moscow Mayor told Adjarian television.

President Saakashvili announced late on March 15 that a blockade of Adjara’s railway, Black Sea port and airspace would be used to secure control.

However, he added that after the request of the Russian authorities he expressed “a good will and let arrive” Russian delegation in Batumi.