Wed, Dec 03, 2003 - Page 7 News List

Georgian regions restive

INTERNAL INSTABILITY Some border regions of the former Soviet republic are effectively autonomous and their links to Russia may weaken Georgia's new leaders

NY TIMES NEWS SERVICE , TBILISI

The most restive and potentially active of the leaders of these regions is Aslan Abashidze, who recently proclaimed himself president of the third secessionist area, Adzharia.

Adzharia has not declared independence but has operated as an autonomous region on the coast of the Black Sea.

Abashidze, who gave last-minute help to Shevardnadze in a failed tactical move, is now struggling to maintain his fief, having closed its border with Georgia and declared a state of emergency.

"There can be no discussion of contacting those who have taken power unconstitutionally," he said after Shevardnadze was ousted.

Abashidze could complicate parliamentary elections if he manipulates Adzharia's vote as he did in the previous election on Nov. 2, when more votes were cast than there were registered voters.

At a news conference last week, Saakashvili, sometimes as intemperate in his words as Abashidze.

"He hates me and I hate his policies," he said.

Burdzhanadze sounded a diplomatic note, saying she would travel to Adzharia to meet with its leader after he returns from Moscow.

"Problems should be sought [out] not only in the regions but also in the capital," she said, sounding a conciliatory note.

"It is not the time now to try to find out who is more to blame but to find the compromise necessary for the country," she said.

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