Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said today he will impose control over the Adjara Autonomous Republic.

Saakashvili responded to the Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze who said on March 4 that the central authorities seek for “total control” over the Autonomous Republic.

“He [Aslan Abashidze] said that central authorities want to control Adjara. Yes, I do and I will impose control over Adjara,” Saakashvili told reporters before departure from Azerbaijani capital Baku.

“The times when the central authorities were unable to control Autonomous Republic are gone. Of course I will impose control over Adjara,” President Saakashvili added.