 The U.S. State Department and National Security Advisor Sandy Berger became upset, however, when the Rodhams' local business connection in Batumi turned out to be Aslan Abashidze, a major political opponent of Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze, then a key U.S. ally in the region.Moreover, Rodham flew to Rome to become godfather to Abashidze's grandson.After initial resistance, Berger and the Clintons prevailed upon the Rodham brothers to drop the deal.