Adzharia is free, and the reunification of Georgia has started, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili declared at a news briefing, commenting on Adzhar leader Aslan Abashidze’s departure from Georgia. This is the first example of successful containment of separatism in the former USSR, and it is a remarkable day in the history of Georgia and the beginning of a new era for the country, the Georgian President pointed out.

Later Saakashvili arrived in Batumi (Adzharia) to personally congratulate the people of Adzharia on the end of the crisis. Saakashvili has instructed his envoys in Adzharia to take strategic sites under firm control and to prevent any armed people from entering the territory of this autonomous republic. Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania pointed out that two more planes with Abashidze’s closest supporters were to depart for Russia soon.

Abashidze’s resignation was preceded by talks between the Adzhar leader and the Russian Security Council secretary. It was reported at some point that the Georgian side also took part in the talks.