Georgian Leadership Visits Kodori

President Saakashvili, accompanied by Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze and Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili, arrived in upper Kodori Gorge in Abkhazia on September 27.

Reports say that that Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava, Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church Ilia II, and a group of parliamentarians are also visiting Kodori Gorge.

Saakashvili said on September 26 that the area will be officially renamed Zemo (Upper) Abkhazia. Kodori Gorge is a geographical area where the Kodori river runs north-east from Sokhumi, the Abkhaz capital.

The opening of an office for the Tbilisi-backed Abkhaz government-in-exile in Upper Abkhazia is planned on September 27.

Also on September 27, the secessionist authorities in Abkhazia are celebrating the 13th anniversary of the ousting of Georgian troops from Sokhumi.

?Today the legitimate government starts its activities in Upper Abkhazia, which means the launch of the return of Abkhazia,? Deputy Foreign Minister Valery Chechelashvili said on September 27.

?This day will turn into a day of hope? September 27 will be the day [marking the] start of the return of Abkhazia,? Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli said at a government session on September 27.

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