08 March 2004, 09:53
Saakashvili threatens Ajaria with repressions
President Mikhail Saakashvili of Georgia threatened Ajaria's leadership with tough repressions. "Unless Ajaria's leadership abolishes the republican State Security Ministry, there will be tough repressions," Saakashvili said on March 7. "Georgia has one president - that's me. They will have to submit," he emphasized.
On the night of March 6, Ajarian leader Aslan Abashidze commented on the Georgian State Security Minister's statement that Ajaria's State Security Ministry would be abolished. "This is a very bold statement. Willing does not mean able yet," Abashidze said. "If someone would like to kindle civil war in Georgia, I won't give any grounds for that," the Ajarian leader emphasized. He reminded Ajaria had a Constitution of its own, so its parliament is entitled to establish or abolish some or other ministry on its own, too. He called the center's intention "dangerous games" and a "non-state approach to the matter."
Source: RosBusinessConsulting News Agency
