12:21, 20 April 2004

Georgian defense ministry loses control of Batumi brigade

Former commander of the Georgian interior ministry's 25th brigade Major-General Roman Dumbadze told a press conference on April 19 that he "places himself under the full authority of Adjarian head Aslan Abashidze."

He is still in command of the 25th brigade deployed near Batumi, he said.

Roman Dumbadze was discharged by an order of the Georgian defense minister two weeks ago, criminal procedures were instituted against him under the article on treason.

Mr Dumbadze told the press conference he did not take down the defense minister's dictation as he is subordinate to the head of Adjaria in conformity with the Constitution of Adjaria.

There are 557 servicemen in the Georgian interior ministry's 25th brigade. The brigade is armed with several tanks, nine APCs, and artillery mounts.

Source: Interfax News Agency