Acting Batumi Mayor Appointed

Edwards Surmanidze, who was one of the leaders of the Our Adjara movement, a major opposition to Abashidze?s regime, was appointed by the Interim Council of Adjara as acting Mayor of Adjarian capital Batumi.

Ex-Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze?s son Giorgi Abashidze held this position before the peaceful ouster of Aslan Abashidze.

The Interim Council, which will govern the Adjarian Autonomy before the snap local elections, also appointed acting Heads of five other districts of Adjara.

Merab Noghaideli became an acting Head of Kobuleti, second largest town of Adjara. Former Head of Kobuleti Tariel Khalvashi is arrested and faces charges for disobedience to the central government.