SOCHI, March 27, 2004. (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has positively assessed Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov's trip to Adzharia on March 16.
Mr. Luzhkov's presence in Adzharia was a restraining factor, the head of state told journalists.
"I am convinced that his [Luzhkov's] presence played a positive role there," he said.
Yuri Luzhkov took part in the talks between Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili and Adzharian leader Aslan Abashidze in Batumi during the recent crisis in their relations.
According to Vladimir Putin, Yuri Luzhkov played "a very important role in the arrangement of the meeting between Georgian and Adzharian leaders." "We should thank him for this," the Russian president said.
