BATUMI, February 20, 2004 (RIA Novosti) - A thousands-strong rally is under way in Batumi. Protesters are demanding that Aslan Abashidze, President of Adzharia (self-proclaimed republic within Georgia) should resign. The rally has been arranged by the opposition Our Adzharia movement.
People are rallying in central Batumi, reports the Novosti-Georgia news agency. Protesters are waiting for Walter Schwimmer, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, who is visiting the city, to meet them.
Rallymen say they are seeking a peaceful change of power in Adzharia.
Mr Schwimmer arrived in Batumi in the morning on February 20 as part of his four-day visit to Georgia. President Abashidze met the European official at the airport. They are currently holding a meeting at the president's residence.
Several hundred supporters of President Abashidze have gathered at the opera and ballet theatre.
