Baker Met with Opposition Leaders

(Tbilisi, July 5, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Before the talks with the President Shevardnadze US former Secretary of State James Baker met with the leaders of the Georgian opposition parties today.

After the meeting opposition leaders said that the upcoming Parliamentary elections were the top issue discussed during the meeting.

?It is clear, that Georgia?s international political and financial support will be greatly depend on fair and democratic elections,? Zurab Zhvania, leader of the United Democrats party said after the meeting with James Baker.

?The west will watch elections closely and will not turn a blind eye on violations, like it happened in regard of some other countries of this region,? Mikheil Saakashvili, Chairman of Tbilisi City Council and the leader of National Movement party said after the meeting.

?James Baker emphasized that the role of OSCE should be increased during the upcoming elections,? Shalva Natelashvili of Labors Party said.

James Baker arrived in Tbilisi this morning. The White House said in a news release on July 3 ?Bakers mission?s primary objective will be to discuss with Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze ways to advance political and economic reform in Georgia through free and fair Parliamentary elections this fall.?

Elizabeth Jones, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, accompanies James Baker.

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