Following a heated debates between the Georgian cabinet members and parliamentarians over the 2005 draft budget, both executive and legislative authorities agreed on October 22 to continue the discussion of the next year’s budget in “a constructive manner.” A Meeting between the cabinet members, including Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania and representatives from the parliamentary majority was held in an attempt to defuse speculations over the rift in the ruling coalition.
“I am satisfied with the talks with the parliamentary majority,” Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania told reporters. He reiterated a readiness to take into account the Parliament’s remarks over the draft budget.