Tense Talks Bring No Breakthrough

Opposition Calls for Larger Protests, as Shevardnadze Refuses to Compromise

Shevardnadze’s uncompromising  stance increases confrontation

Confrontation increases as talks between President Shevardnadze and opposition leaders – Mikheil Saakashvili, Nino Burjanadze and Zurab Zhvania, late on November 9 end without any results.

“We informed President Shevardnadze regarding all the violations before, during and after November 2 [parliamentary] elections. And the President’s answer was shocking for us. He told us: I am not informed, I am not responsible for these [violations],” Mikheil Saakashvili, the opposition leader said addressing thousands of protesters gathered in front of the Parliament building.

“President Shevardnadze and his policy throw Georgia into civil confrontation,” Saakashvili added.

“I am alarmed. He could not answer any of our questions. He said he is not informed and is not responsible for anything. Unfortunately I have to tell you that we must continue to defend our rights here [in the streets],” Nino Burjanadze, the Parliamentary Chairperson said, while addressing protest rally, after the talks with President Shevardnadze.

“The talks ended without results. The President has no answers on our questions. So we have no reason to go homes. We have to stay and continue the protest rally,” Zurab Zhvania said.

Second night of protest in front of the Parliament building.

Uncompromising stance of the President further increases confrontation, which is caused by mass irregularities during the November 2 parliamentary elections and the tone of protests continues to grow radical.

The protest rallies started in the capital Tbilisi on November 4 after the opposition accused the authorities of manipulating election results.

With more than 95% of votes counted Shevardnadze’s party For New Georgia maintains a narrow lead in the polls with 20,8%, followed by another governmental party the Revival Union with 19,6%. The opposition National Movement is on the third place with 18%.

However the focus of discontent has now shifted to the issue of Shevardnadze’s rule, as his resignation is the main demand of thousands of protesters who are gathered in front of the Parliament building for the second day.

Early this morning President Shevardnadze faced popular dissent personally, as he made an unexpected appearance in the crowd of protesters.

“Go, Go!” “Resign!” – the crowd started chanting as Eduard Shevardnadze walked in front of the Parliament trying to meet the protesters.