18:23, 18 May 2004

Georgian parliament wants nation-wide discussion about status of Adjaria

The Georgian parliament has adopted a resolution today to arrange a nation-wide discussion about the status of Adjaria. In conformity with the document, amendments to the Constitution of Georgia concerning the division of power between the center and Adjaria will be proposed this week. The matter does not concern the cancellation of Adjaria's status as an autonomous unit, it concerns Adjaria's status within Georgia.

It is expected that the power of Adjarian authorities will be reduced considerably. It is already known that there will be no post of head of Adjaria.

The Adjarian cabinet will be created. It will consist of 5 ministries instead of 18. A special commission is being found to consider all the proposals that will be presented by experts, politicians, and people concerning the draft document on the status of Adjaria.

The adoption of constitutional changes will have to be over by June 29 since elections for the Supreme Council of Adjaria are set for this day. It is possible that the elections will be put off.

Source: RosBusinessConsulting News Agency