Batumi-Based Coast Guard Vessel Defies Adjarian Leader

Georgian coast guard vessel, which was stationed in Adjarian Autonomy’s port of Batumi, berth in the port of Poti, near Adjara on April 26 after nine members of crew refused to remain loyal to Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze.

“The local authorities of Adjara tried to hinder vessel to leave port of Batumi, however they failed. The vessel will be temporarily stationed in Poti,” Gigi Ugulava, Georgian Deputy Security Minister told Rustavi 2 television.

He said that two other vessels of the coast guard remain in Batumi; however he added that both of them “are out of order.”