Opposition 8 meets with trio of ambassadors

Members of the opposition 8, striving for change in the election environment in the country, met with the diplomatic corps’ representatives, on April 20. The meeting was attended by US Ambassador to Georgia, John Bass, Ambassador of France, Eric Fournie and Swiss Ambassador, Geunther Baechler.

As the oppositional representatives have mentioned, the ambassadors have promised them assistance concerning election reform, “as they have stated they support quick continual of negotiations concerning the issue and that they would actively observe it, “member of Our Georgia-Free Democrats, Irakli Chikovani, said.

According to fellow opposition member, representative of New Rights, Mamuka Katsitadze, the Diplomatic corps acting in Georgia support the negotiations, “the Ambassadors have stated that they would confirm their assistance regarding election reform with a statement. They are waiting for concrete results from the negotiations.”

As the leader of Our Georgia- Free Democrats, Irakli Alasania, said, Mikheil Saakashvili has two options, “either really support election reform, or share the fate of Mubarak, “Alasania mentioned and stated that Saakashvili might try to use radical opposition, “he would blame the radical opposition in pro Russian activities and with this step would try to decrease the authority of all oppositional groups. He would try to show to the international community that he is the only pro west leader and that things would be better if he stayed in charge.”

Representative of Parliamentary minority, vice- speaker, Paata Davitaia considers that the opposition and the Government will manage to agree on the issue, “ democratic development of the country is very important for our partners, thus holding 2012 elections in the frames of democratic election reform, would be paid much attention.”

Based on psychologist, Marina Chitashvili, “in this reality it would be better for more forces to be gathered around the oppositional 8; there would always be an attempt from the authorities to make its opponent weak, it is very natural. If you are in the leadership, you would try to lengthen your term, as long as possible,” Chitashvili said and added that at present she can’t see any great desire from the authorities' side to resume negotiations.