Artists, scientists and sportsmen discuss crisis in Georgia

“As Mikheil Saakashvili’s unbalanced and adventurous policy has created a crisis of world importance in Georgia and in the whole Caucasus region, and has enabled Russia to return the civilized world to the conditions of the Cold War, the Georgian people has taken the intelligent and only proper decision, to unconditionally remove Saakashvili from his post,” a resolution adopted by representatives of the arts, science and sports field says. The meeting which drafted this resolution, initiated by the Georgian Academy and Society Hall, the name the group of representatives has adopted, was held on April 24 in the Courtyard Marriott Hotel.

The resolution says that only after Saakashvili’s resignation should free and fair elections be held. “In conditions of political diversity and transparency civilized institutional reforms should start and the civil society which the wise and patient Georgian people deserve should be created,” the resolution notes.

Speaking at the meeting, the poet David Maghradze said responsibility for creating the crisis in Georgia lies with the Georgian Government, adding that the only way out of the situation is “fair elections.” Maghradze said that the authorities had “stolen freedom of speech, the court system and private property. Russia stole the Georgian territories and the Georgian Government stole all the rest.” He added that the Georgian people do not deserve “such an indifferent attitude” from Government officials.

The participants of the meeting said that the dialogue now being proposed by the Government is not the solution to the crisis. According to the actor Otar Meghvinetukhutsesi, starting a dialogue with the Government which has led Georgia to disaster is “absolutely unacceptable.” “Starting negotiations with the people who have ruined Georgia means giving them another chance,” Meghvinetukhutsesi said, adding that “we should support the Georgian people and their legitimate demand. I have never hidden the fact that I am in favour of taking more seriousl steps to remove this person, however let it be how the people want it.”

The actor Baadur Tsuladze said Saakashvili has abrogated his contract with the voters and should resign. “There is no need for dialogue, Presidential elections should be called,” Tsuladze stated.

Director Giga Lortkipanidze said that the President should resign but everyone should avoid confrontation and dividing society into two parts, supporters and opponents of Saakashvili. “We experienced this kind of confrontation in 1990s and it remains an unhealed wound for us,” Lortkipanidze noted.

After adopting the resolution, the participants of the meeting joined the rally on Rustaveli Avenue.