Adjarian envoy explains Abashidze's mobilization decree

Hamlet Chipashvili, Adjarian envoy to Georgia, has explained the idea behind the mobilization decree issued by the leader of the breakaway region, Aslan Abashidze. This decree deals with drafting reservists in emergency situations, he said.

The aggressive policies of the central government vis-a-vis the constitutional authorities in Adjaria and [notably] the Georgian Parliament's April 24 resolution have sparked tensions in the country, making the threat of uncontrollable processes quite realistic, the decree says, in part.

Given the above, security councils are now being set up in the capital of Batumi and elsewhere in the region, to be led by Batumi Mayor Georgy Abashidze and local administration heads. Adjarian Prime Minister Rostom Dzhaparidze will be responsible for overall coordination of the security councils' operations.

Under Aslan Abashidze's decree, the security councils shall exert strict control over the situation so as to prevent the formation of militants' gangs, destabilization, and civil unrest. In cooperation with local administration heads, the councils shall also organize the mobilization of reservists in accordance with legislation in effect and to provide control over military units deployed in areas under their jurisdiction.

Editors note: See also the article "Abashidze's press service denies statements on total mobilization in Adjaria".