Speaker Blames Government for Failed Parliamentary Session

(Tbilisi, December 20, 2002. Civil Georgia) – “The executive government and pro-Presidential factions are responsible for failing to start so important issues like the 2003 draft,” Nino Burjanadze, Parliamentary Chairperson stated today.

Parliament was unable to discuss up to 30 issues today at the last session of the legislative body in 2002.

Pro-Presidential factions staged a walk-out on December 19 because the MPs refused to discuss the President’s proposal on restructuring of the ministries, which considers cancellation of the Ministries of State Property Management and Construction and Urbanization.

Giorgi Baramidze of United Democrats opposition faction said today that the real reason of boycott was government’s objection towards the draft law on minimal salary considering increase of the salary to the living wage.

“In case of adoption of this draft corrupted government would not be able to transfer money in its pocket,” another opposition MP Katuna Khoperia said.