Georgia's economic blockade on its rebel region of Adzharia is being lifted after crisis talks. "From midnight tonight, we are lifting the blockade," said President Mikhail Saakashvili. "The questions that led to our misunderstanding have been resolved." The president met the Adzharian leader, Aslan Abashidze, whom he earlier accused of hindering free campaigning for elections due later this month. After the talks, Saaksashvili said they had resolved their differences and had been given assurances about the conduct of the elections. The president finally managed to cross a border checkpoint into the region, after earlier being turned away by armed militia. The blockade on the autonomous region had shut down the Black Sea oil exporting port of Batumi. **PHOTO CAPTION*** Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili gestures to reporters after talks with Adzharian leader Aslan Abashidze, center background, in Batumi, Georgia Thursday, March 18, 2004. (AP Photo/Pool)