Tbilisi, 21 March 2006 (Civil Georgia - website) - President Saakashvili appointed Irakli Alasania, Chairman of the Tbilisi-based Abkhaz government-in-exile, as his assistant for the Abkhazian conflict issues, the President’s spokesman Gela Charkviani said on March 20.

New appointment paves way for Alasania to participate in official talks with the breakaway Abkhaz authorities.

Despite good personal relationship between Alasania and some representatives of the breakaway Abkhaz authorities, the latter always refused to hold official talks with Alasania, as Sokhumi denounces Tbilisi-based Abkhaz government-in-exile as illegitimate.

The President’s spokesman said that new appointment was made in an attempt “to increase level of coordination” over Abkhaz conflict settlement.

He did not say who will replace Irakli Alasania on the position of Chairman of the Tbilisi-based Abkhaz government-in-exile.

Irakli Alasania also served as the Georgian President’s personal representative for the Abkhaz conflict settlement. Gela Charkviani said that Alasania will retain this position.