Saakashvili in Batumi

President Saakashvili arrived in Adjarian capital Batumi in few hours after ex-Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze fled to Russia on May 6.

“You are heroes,” Mikheil Saakashvili told a crowd from the window of Aslan Abashidze’s former residence.

“You have demonstrated to the whole world your striving for democracy,” he added

Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze also arrived in Batumi.

Mikheil Saakashvili has imposed direct presidential rule in the Adjarian Autonomy. The region will be run by a interim council, before the snap local elections.