National-Democratic Party Goes to Pro-Presidential Election Alliance

(Tbilisi. April 11, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Leader of the National-Democratic Party (NDP) Irina Sarishvili-Chanturia announced today that NDP joins the newly established election Alliance For New Georgia, chaired by President Shevardnadze.

The decision came as a surprise, because last year NDP held consultations with the major opposition parties ? United Democrats, National Movement, New Rights and others to form the opposition alliance.

?The opposition failed to unite. It is still too far from unity among the opposition, which has to overcome too many disagreements to unite. On the other hand I fully support President Shevardnadze?s foreign policy,? Irina Sarishvili-Chanturia said at the briefing today.

Along with the NDP the pro-Presidential election Alliance For New Georgia incorporates the Citizens Union and Socialist parties, as well as the newly created popular movement the Great Silk Road, led by Akaki Chkhaidze – chief of the most profitable enterprises ?Georgian Railroads.?

Several smaller movements, such as the Svaneti province union ?Lemi? and the ?Union of Afghan War Veterans? will also join the alliance.

The NDP was actively engaged in the independence movement of late ’80-ies. The party enjoyed significant power in the middle of ’90-ies, however suffered complete failure in the last parliamentary elections, as well as in local self-governance elections in 2002.