11:00, 8 August 2009

Leaders of non-parliamentary opposition in Georgia start dialogue with Saakashvili

The first enlarged session of the Georgian Security Council was held at the presidential palace on August 6. Members of the parliamentary and non-parliamentary opposition took part in the sitting along with the full members of the Council. A meeting of opposition leaders with heads of power authorities is planned on August 12.

During the meeting, only four representatives of the non-parliamentary opposition were present: Irakli Alasaniya, leader of the block "Our Georgia - Free Democrats", Zurab Tkemaladze, leader of the party of manufacturers, Konstantin Gamsakhurdiya, leader of the "Freedom" party, and Bachuki Kardava, head of National Democrats.

The opinions of the Council members and the opposition on major issues did not diverge. Mikhail Saakashvili has noted that political forces may unite against an external treat, which is a signal of national unification. The president thinks that the meeting has yielded results.

"When we talk without megaphones, we understand each other much better. This session means that a sensitive dialogue has started", concludes the Georgian president.

Author: Beslan Kmuzov

Source: CK correspondent