PM: “Last night we walked a tightrope but we used just the right amount of force to ensure stability”

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili has arrived in Batumi to meet with local authorities and gain firsthand information on the ground regarding last night’s developments in the capital of the western Adjara region.

Kvirikashvili thanked police and other law enforcers for "re-establishing order and averting further escalation”.

He stressed that the state will deal strictly with those who have defied the law and state institutions.

"I thank you for your heroism and patience. Law enforcement officers used as much force as necessary to maintain stability and protect the rights of our citizens”, he said.

"Last night we walked a tightrope, but now we can say proudly that we have used just the right amount of force to maintain stability in the country”.

Kvirikashvili said that the government will provide compensation for those whose property was destroyed during last night’s violence, but added everyone behind the unrest will be identified and held responsible.

Kvirikashvili was accompanied to Adjara by Deputy Prime Minister Kakha Kaladze, Interior Minister Giorgi Mghebrishvili, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Zurab Alavidze and parliamentary majority leader Archil Talakvadze.