Opposition Criticizes Proposal of Anti-Terrorism Center

The Rightist Opposition coalition, which is the only opposition faction in the Georgian Parliament, criticized, on July 5, the Georgian government?s proposal to set up a joint, Russian-Georgian, anti-terrorism center in Georgia.

?Creation of an anti-terrorism center would legalize a Russian military presence in Georgia and further hinder Georgia?s accession into NATO,? MP Davit Gamkrelidze, the leader of the Rightist Opposition coalition, said at a news briefing on July 5.

Tbilisi has recently proposed that, together with Moscow, the setting up of an anti-terrorist center in exchange for the withdrawal of Russia?s two military bases from Georgia. The issue was discussed during talks between the Georgian and Russian Presidents in Moscow on July 3.

Davit Gamkrelidze also complained that the discussions over the proposal are not transparent.