SHEVARDNADZE THREATENS TO USE FORCE IN ABKHAZIA.

Publication: Monitor Volume: 1 Issue: 85

Age: 29 years

Georgianleader Eduard Shevardnadze told a Tbilisi rally August 30 thatlike Russia in Chechnya, Georgia would use force to retain Abkhaziaif peace talks failed to produce a settlement within the termsof the Georgian constitution, Russian radio reported. Meanwhilein Sukhumi, Abkhaz leader Vladislav Ardzinba said that Russiaand Georgia are trying to impose on Abkhazia an unacceptable settlementof the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict, Respublika Abkhaziya said August30. Ardzinba’s criticism of Moscow is the latest in a series ofAbkhaz statements expressing concern Moscow’s withdrawal of itsearlier support for Abkhaz secession. Russia’s shift reflectsits own problems in Chechnya and its success in extracting otherconcessions from Shevardnadze. This public exchange comes as thetwo sides hold talks in Moscow

Kazakh Voters Approve New Constitution.