Disagreement Between Parliament and President

(Tbilisi, August 28 2002, Civil Georgia) President Eduard Shevardnadze does not approve the resolution of the Parliament. “Parliament may give President  recommendations, but the ultimate decision is made by the President. Today, leaving CIS is inadmissible”, told the President reporters during his visit to Akhmeta region on August 27.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Irakli Menagarishvili shares this view. In an interview with “Rustavi 2” late on August 27, Menagarishvili said Georgia should assess the expediency of the issue, “whether it suits to our interests or not”.

Opposition parties in the Parliament reacted immediately to the statement of Shevardnadze. They accused president of violation of constitution.

“The Ultimate decision should be made by the President, but both international community and Russia have to know the attitude of Georgian Parliament”, stated Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze.

August 26 Georgian Parliament adopted resolution according to which Parliament supports leaving CIS.