Georgian politician, teacher and economist. Aslan Abashidze was born on the 20th of July 1938 in Batumi. He is a direct descendant of the Abashidze family which has a long history and which, since 1463, has been heading Ajara. He is the grandson of a well-known statesman and public man Memed Abashidze, the first Chairman of the Ajar Parliament (1918-1921). In 1962, he graduated from the historical-philological faculty of Batumi State Institute named after Shota Rustavely with the specialty of «teacher of Russian and English languages» and in 1984 he received a second, higher education at the economical faculty of the Tbilisi State University and obtained another specialty of «economist». He began working in 1962. Throughout the years, he has worked as a teacher, participated in komsomol work, was a principal of vocational colleges ¹ 44 and ¹ 105, was the Deputy Chairman of Executive Committee of Batumi Council of Representatives. In 1984-86 he was the Minister of Public Utility Ministry of the Ajar Autonomous Republic. After that he became the First Deputy of the Minister of Public Utility Ministry of Georgia. In 1989, by the initiative of A. Abashidze, on the basis of this Ministry, a completely new commercial Company of Public Utility was founded for the first time in the Soviet system in Georgia, the President of which he was elected. From 1991 he was the Chairman of the Supreme Counsel of Ajar Autonomous Republic; in 1998 he became the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Ajar Autonomous Republic, Head of the Autonomous Republic. In 1999-1995 he was simultaneously occupying the post of the Deputy of Chairman of Georgian Parliament. In 1991 Aslan Abashidze founded the political party called «The All-Georgian Union of Revival», which was, during the elections to Georgian Parliament in 1992 and on the 5th of November 1995, a great success and created a strong parliamentary group. In December 1997, at the IVth Congress of «The All-Georgian Union of Revival», it was decided to rename it «The Union of Democratic Revival». On the 10th of July 1999, five parties of Georgia: «The Union of Democratically Revival», «The People's party», «The Union of Georgian Traditionalists», «The XXI Century» Bloc and the «Socialist Party of Georgia» signed the Declaration about the political alliance in Batumi. Political debates were over, an agreement was reached. Batumi political alliance will take part in parliamentary elections in 1999 as an elective bloc named «The Revival of Georgia». Aslan Abashidze was elected leader of the bloc. On the 21st of July 1999, Mr. Aslan Abashidze was awarded the certificate of gratitude of the International Fund of juvenile drug-abuse prevention and was given the honorable title the «Hero of anti-drug movement» for the contribution to anti-drug awareness and the upbringing of the growing generation. After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Aslan Abashidze was one of the leaders on the post-Soviet territory who preserved complete peace and stability on the territory within his jurisdiction. At the same time, he pays great attention to preserving the individuality of national culture and traditions. On his initiative and his immediate guidance in Ajara, the Opera and Ballet Theater, the National Art Gallery, the film studio «Ajara», and the Institute of Fine Arts have been founded. The Center of Cultural Ties with Foreign Countries has been opened. The followers of different religions have been given back churches and places of worship. Much attention has been payed to the development of science and education in Ajara; on the basic of the corresponding educational establishments, the Marine Academy, Agricultural Institute, Ajar Scientific Center of Academy of Sciences of Georgia, and the Ajar Scientific Center of Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia have been founded. First-rank banks, numerous industrial establishments, 144 new bridges, including the biggest Georgian bridge in Gonio on the Chorokhi river (476 meters long), have been and are still being built, 42 bridges have been reconstructed; a free economical area was announced in Batumi. Aslan Abashidze was elected a member of the Council of the International Independent Bureau on the humanitarian issues of Europarliament in Geneva. He is the honorable president of the Association of Orientalists of Georgia, honorable academic of the Georgian Academy of Political Sciences, honorable member of the Georgian Academy of National and Social Relations, academician of the International Academy of Informational Technologies, and a member of the Bureau of Assembly of European Regions. He was awarded the orders «Sign of Honor», «Friendship», the Honorable Sign of Russian Federation «For Service in the Caucasus» and medals. He was awarded Norwegian reward named after the great humanist, Nobel Prize winner in the field of peace keeping, Fritjiof Nansen for active charity activities, for pursuing international policy; faithfulness to all-human ideas of humanism. He has got a military rank of Major General. His wife Maguli Gogitidze (1951), is a musician by profession. She is Chairperson of Fund of Culture of Ajara and Chairperson of the regional Ajara organization «Georgian Women for peace and life». He has got a daughter Diana (1970), a son Georgiy and a grandson. His hobby is painting and sculpture. Home Address: Apt. 24, 4, Gogebashvili street, Batumi, Ajar Autonomous Republic, Georgia, 385003.

	Aslan Abashidze possesses an acute sense of justice, political foresight, courage, nobility, persistence, and aristocratic bearing. Abashidze impresses an interlocutor with the sharpness of mind, with extremely logical thinking. As he is always sure of being right, he agrees to meet his opponent halfway very rarely but he never neglects the opinion of the latter. He has immense creative energy and remarkable efficiency. Aslan Abashidze is a leader whom the people follow. His personality influences others in the process of common work. His aim is to satisfy people's needs, he has useful ideas. The society trusts him with the decision of the tasks that are set before him. So this is the leader Aslan Abashidze, outstanding Georgian politician, head and leader of modern Ajara who carries on the work of his great ancestor.

	Aslan Abashidze... Head of Ajara, politician, economist, and teacher. Aslan Abashidze... Builder, art connoisseur, aesthetician with fine taste. Aslan Abashidze... Good family man, father and grandfather... Aslan Abashidze is much spoken of by all of Georgia. Most people admire his activities, the depth of his political foresight, rely on him and believe in him. Having a great love of his native land, all of Georgia, using his great life experience, and with all his heart he works creatively for the benefit of the entire nation. The genuine greatness and foresight of Aslan Abashidze can be clearly seen in the fact that he has managed to master time. He knows perfectly well: not to understand his times means to lose and to know how to handle it, means to work all of life, to work effectively not sparing any spiritual and physical efforts. As real life is hard work, but reasonably hard work. The reality of life, which Aslan Abashidze follows, is hard work – sufferings, anguish and pain only for the sake of his own people. But life is life: for some people local problems are only a means of amassing material values, for the others it is the heart and body searinganguish. That's why sometimes during the conversations with Aslan Abashidze some emotions can be traced in his words. He can be excessively strict and adamant. He always reveals the problem so that he can put his finger on it. Perhaps this straight forwardness sometimes does him harm as a politician but the thing is that he is fully sincere and who eversaid that sincerity shouldn't be the necessary feature of a politician? It's quite the other way around. This strict, flat and sometimes even emotional sincerity (which is related not only to the above-mentioned problems) should be regarded as one of the virtues of Aslan Abashidze. Sincerity and truthfulness of soul are typical of people with strong character. He knows that life is a struggle and he also knows that «He who would eat the nut must first crack the shell». Having become head of the state, Aslan Abashidze relies on the experience of his ancestors and the strong roots of his family; he has changed the attitude to religion, and he has put an end to the confrontation of religions which took place in the region earlier. It has never even occurred to him to give preference to any individual religion. That is his viewpoint, which originates from historical traditions of Ajara and religious tolerance. Being guided by these principles, he is convinced that religious tolerance in Georgia has evolved during the long history of the country and pertains to Georgian religious politics and serves the mightiness of the country. Ajara basically reflects the present difficulties of our country and can be by no means separated from the socially and politically burdened life of today's Georgia. As Aslan Abashidze points out, «In the time of hardships, a man pulls himself together in search of the way out and if he is weak and lacks willpower, he'll give up and go with the flow. So does a nation. It is during hard times that its strength and life power spring up to the surface and its wisdom and prudence are revealed». Judging by these words one can define a person's character. Going with the flow leads to inevitable death. Aslan Abashidze has got a creative personality. It is his strong inner power that inspires him and gives his charity truthfulness and dignity, ability to crave for beauty. That's why no matter what he does, whether in town or in the country or on the seashore – everything must be attractive and elevated at the same time, as beauty can't exist without kindness. Kindness in this world is the supreme truth and the source of joy. He is also very well aware of the fact that a man always perceives beauty with love. And this is the fundamental principle of his great aim to let people live in a better esthetic environment. In solving a problem, he doesn't only scrutinize its separate facet but strives to find an overall answer to satisfy the esthetic needs. He takes it for granted that beauty is the fruit of the free spirit of a creator and that all this is worth fighting for. Everybody, the old and the young, must do their humble stint. Everybody must attend to his own duties properly and the country will revive. This is the standpoint, the principle of Aslan Adashidze and that is what he requires from the others. Sometimes we can hear people saying that the steering wheel of any machine is in hands of one person. But it's necessary to note here that the possession of this wheel is basically characterized by the fact that «one person takes the responsibility for the work of any part of this machine, thus ridding Ajara of aimless political debates that serve the realization of the egoistic aims of certain individuals or officials in politically immature countries». Aslan Abashidze returned to Ajara in a most difficult political period. By the way, he was the only one among the local officials who was promoted to a high rank in the public service sector and who left a certain trace in the sector entrusted to him. Having come to power, first of all, he laid great emphasis on the restoration of the undermined state structures, reinforcement of order and discipline. It was a necessary and a most complicated process, as at that time the observers of the law themselves – militia, security service, attendants of post offices and major water-keeping centers – were disarmed. The employees of state establishments found themselves in an uncertain position. Because of a breakdown in the functioning of state power and personal vulnerability, the experienced stuff on the background of the influx of new people did practically nothing. Incompetent military forces ran the Autonomous Republic. They were supported by the people who were then the first leaders of the corresponding central political structures and who nowadays stand aside from power. The population was extremely politically conscious. The forces involved in politics were, as a rule, trying to get to power by unacceptable ways. Each of them tried to use common people, who were completely at a loss, as a blind weapon. Emotionally tense confrontation meetings attracting crowds of people became the norm of life. Reckless, illogical steps led the country to evident tension. But all that was to be done was first, to do away with political tension and second, to transfer the emphasis from «politics» to the decision of social-economical problems. Purposeful steps made by Aslan Abashidze to strengthen law and order, and to reinforce economy, industrial, and agricultural life caused a violent reaction of the part of certain forces running riot because of the obvious lack of punishment. And consequences presented themselves in no time. Late at night on the 29th of April 1991, an armed group of 16 people attacked Aslan Abashidze. A machine gun shot seriously wounded him. That attack, whose aim was to assassinate Aslan Abashidze and to stand their ground, resulted in a disaster for the attacker. In spite of the seriousness of the wound Aslan Abashidze didn't leave the post and with great resolution took thepower in the Autonomous Republic in his hands. On the same morning, all the legal and illegal military groups functioning in Ajara were disarmed according to his order. Since that very day the establishment of order and stability began with new vigor, which made the basis for the process of revival in the Autonomous Republic. The scared population sighed with relief. The governmental power began to gradually be established. In a short period of time, services maintaining law and order were equipped with appropriate devices. Discipline and order were reinforced. One shouldn't forget that if a state exists, it inevitably contains the restricting signs of violence that are reflected in the legitimate norms. If the restrictions on violence are abolished, anarchy is established automatically in the state and unruly chaos is created. These maximum dimensions of violence can turn into dictatorship in case when the existing power suffers from the shortage of trust of the better part of population. Aslan Abashidze points out: «Dictatorship is needed only by those regimes which stand in awe in front of the rage of their own people. As for our power, it is supported in every way by the population which is sure that the existing power takes care of its well-being». The country, which finds itself in a transition period, needs a strong power, not in the sense of a military or dictatorial regime, but in the sense of modifying the policy of the renovation of the country. That's why taking into account the real situation existing in Georgia, the leader of Ajara demands that every state official has personal responsibility before the people and for this very fact he has been unjustly blamed for deviating from democracy. But it is groundless. One thing is the strengthening of personal responsibility and it's quite an opposite thing to deny all democratic principles. It's also obvious that taking into consideration our situation of today, a lot of problems require an immediate decision and don't need useless talks and senseless endless promises. Aslan Abashidze is deeply convinced that high morality must be the foundation of man's every aim. He is sure that people with high morals, with a rich spiritual world can build a truly democratic, highly developed country, protect the rights and dignity of every single citizen paying no attention to his nationality and religious views. It is common knowledge that Ajara has survived the political storms of recent years with dignity. And this very fact has made the foundation for radical modifications and development. The achieved aims strengthen faith, give grounds not only for dreams but also for real thoughts, for progressive activities in the name of a better future. In this regard, we can easily say that a great, wise policy, brilliant mind, high morale in combination with strong will power, and fearless character have saved Ajara and not only it. Similar sensible actions have saved all of Georgia. Aslan Abashidze's activity in the name of the motherland has shown to the world what a true patriot is capable of. Every day of his activity lays the foundation of Georgia and strengthens it. Figuratively speaking, the architecture of his life is very dynamic, humane with lively feelings, emotional sufferings, great everyday thirst for knowledge with a brightly expressed individuality. That's why we can say that he is considered one of the best architects andbuilders of the new Georgia. Not only does he shape the public opinion, but he can also confront alone what he doesn't believe in, what he isn't convinced of and what is lifeless as he stands for real things in politics and eternal values in life. The protection of the state interests should be seen most of all in the relationships with the representatives of foreign countries. In the eyes of a foreigner, Aslan Abashidze is first of all – Georgian citizens who carries the burden of state responsibility entrusted to him by the people. He knows perfectly well that politics and economy are something indivisible for the country and that the multi-faceted interests of the nation entirely depend on this unity. Aslan Abashidze is a leader whom people trust, love and believe. Many people who find themselves in need, in trouble, who are down and out, with sick children, refugees who seem to have lost their last hope, desperate people, want Aslan Abashidze to hear them. They are confident that Master Aslan will save them, Master Aslan will help them and this assurance is not groundless, otherwise there wouldn't be such an assurance. Aslan Abashidze always finds an opportunity to give a helping hand to those who are in a predicament and tries to help as many people as he can. Aslan Abashidze stands firm on his native ground. He has enough force and abilities. All this accounts for the fact that a nameless star that is in the constellation of Sagittarius was named after Aslan Abashidze according to the decision of the Russian stock-company «Kosmos», whose director is the formerly famous cosmonaut Herman Titov. The exact time of the appearance of the star in the evening sky is 18.30 and 11,84 seconds.