Gul Speaks With Georgian Prime Minister Zhvania By Phone

ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has spoken with Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania by phone, sources said on Tuesday.
Sources stated that Gul called Zhvania on the phone following Monday's cabinet meeting after Zhvania asked to talk to Gul and said that they discussed developments escalating tension between Georgia and autonomous Republic of Adzharia.
Zhvania informed Ankara about developments in the region. Gul underlined that sides should act with common-sense and restraint to prevent any undesired developments.
Stressing that Ankara has been monitoring developments between Georgia and autonomous Republic of Adzharia with concern, Gul said that they were pleased with Georgian Foreign Ministry's statement about the issue.
Sources said that Tbilisi's expectation from Ankara was not brought onto the agenda during phone conversation and added that Zhvania was given a message that Turkey was ready to undertake a duty to remove tension, if necessary.
Releasing a statement, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday that Turkey attributed great importance to stability of neighboring Georgia and prosperity of all Georgian people.
(EÖ-AÖ) 04.05.2004