Georgian civil society on developments in Adjaria

We call your attention to the statement issued by a number of Georgian civil society activists concerning the developments in Adjaria:

The so-called "confrontation between the Center and the Region," which has been dramatized for the last decade, has peaked its climax. The issue of Adjaria now has turned into the foothold for all political forces discredited in the aftermath of the revolution.

The malevolence of Adjaria's government goes beyond any limits when launching on manipulations with the absurd ideas of Adjaria's secession from Georgia, using Russian military forces against Georgians, pointing on the threats of Georgia's disintegration and civil bloodshed. Under given circumstances, which predict that the Adjarian criminal regime rules out any "compromise" or "dialogue" in order not to face complete failure and preserve its powers and resources at the expense of national interests, there is only one way out: Aslan Abashidze and his proximate bureaucrats must resign immediately; Adjaria must join countrywide processes of democratic reforms and democratic transformation; Adjarian people must be given opportunity to exercise legitimate right to express their will through free and fair elections. We deem these necessary steps as the only way for conflict regulation. The central government is entitled to apply the rights, granted by the constitution.

We believe that consolidation and expressed support of the whole society to the president and the government of Georgia elected by the people are of crucial importance today.

Avtandil Guruli, Basil Kobakhidze, Beka Mindiashvili, David Darchiashvili, David Zurabishvili, Elene Tevdoradze, George khutsishvili, George Nizharadze, Ghia Nodia, Gigi Tevzadze, Irina Sulkhanishvili, Ketevan Akhobadze, Lado Gogiashvili, Lali Chkhetia, Lela Kartvelishvili, Manana Kutateladze, Manana Macharashvili, Marina Mkalavrishvili, Nikoloz Inasaridze, Nino Gambashidze, Nino Tkeshelashvili, Nino Tsikhistavi, Nino Tsintsadze, Nugzar Papuashvili, Paata Zakareishvili, Ramin Meladze, Sozar Subaru, Tamar Shamili, Temur Radiani, Zaal Tkeshelashvili, Zaza Tevzadze, Zviad Devdariani

Tbilisi, 15 March 2004