Opposition Leaders, State Minister Hold Talks Over CEC

(Tbilisi, June 2, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Mikheil Saakashvili of National Movement, Zurab Zhvania of United Democrats and Davit Gamkrelidze of New Rights Party hold talks beyond the closed doors today with the State Minister and the leader of the pro-Presidential election bloc Avtandil Jorbenadze over the composition of the Central Election Commission (CEC).

Jorbenadze offers the opposition to compose the CEC with by representatives of the political parties which that cleared 7% barrier in 1999 Parliamentary elections and 4% barrier in 2002 local elections, also with the representative of the Adjarian and Abkhazian (in exile) Autonomous Republics.

According to the proposal the chairman of the CEC will be appointed by President Shevardnadze. The opposition parties protest against this and demand election of the CEC chairman by the members of the CEC.

In case the sides fail to reach an agreement, opposition threatens with the protest rally in front of the Parliament on June 3.