National Security Council Chief Warns Over Bloodshed

Secretary of the National Security Council of Georgia Tedo Japaridze said today that Georgia is on the brink of “civil confrontation and bloodshed.”  

“I have thorough information about what is happening in the country. I want to appeal to the representatives of both pro-presidential and opposition political parties. Recent developments in the country create serious danger to Georgia’s international image and poses a threat to Georgia’s integration into Europe,” Tedo Japaridze said at a special news briefing on November 21.

He admitted that the November 2 parliamentary elections were marred by “serious violations and irregularities.”

“However, I agree with the proposal of the [pro-Presidential election bloc] For New Georgia’s proposal to convene the new Parliament, which will than secure holding of new parliamentary elections,” Japaridze said.

He also said “everybody struggles for retaining, or taking over the power, behind the President Shevardnadze’s back.”

“According to the information provided by our special services, as well as by our foreign partners, certain forces intend to provoke armed clashes in Georgia. I urge every party involved in the current political crisis not to use force,” Tedo Japaridze said.