President’s Briefing. Monday, July 23, 2001

On July 22nd, President Shevardnadze held a meting with Governor of Imereti region Temur Shashiashvili, State Security Minister and other Government members regarding the situation in joint stock company “Chiaturmanganum” and Zestafoni Ferrous Alloys Factory (for complete coverage of the theme, see ‘Government’s Meeting’ July 18, 2001). President has previously ordered the Ministry of State Security to investigate this affair.

President stated, that during July 22nd meeting, they have discussed concrete facts and concrete persons who make obstacles in development of these enterprises and try to takeover them through intended bankruptcy. President said: “it is not my function to name these persons. I have given a deadline for investigation to the Ministry of State Security. Chamber of Control and other structures will assist the Ministry as well. I think, this would be a good example to all who tries to fight against the state”.

It must be mentioned, that President’s nephew Nugzar Shevardnadze is connected with the case.President has told the press that “During yesterday’s meeting I have been informed that my relatives have nothing to do with this problem. But if they do, they would get punished as well as enybody else. None of Shevardnadze’s would have any privilege. Most important for me is normal functioning of “Chiaturmanganum” and Zestafoni Ferrous Alloys Factory”.

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President tackled the issue of local self-governance elections at the briefing as well. These elections should be held in autumn. It has been impossible to discuss amendments to the law on local self-governance due to difference in positions in the Parliament. The Opposition thinks, that the Government does not make any compromise, because it wishes to postpone the elections. Under the Constitution, President has to name the date of elections 4 months before the expiration of authority of present local self-governance bodies. Last local self-governance elections have been held in October 1999, however President has not named the date yet. “I have only two or three days in reserve to announce the date. It would not be a violation of law if we hold elections few days later” says President.

President Shevardnadze expressed his concern that parliamentarians could not reach consent and discuss the State Chancellery’s amendments to the law on local self-governance. Under these amendments governors and mayors would be elected not by the local population but by President from the members of local sakrebulos.

President expressed his hope that the Parliament would reach consensus and the elections would be held under the new law. Otherwise the elections would be held under the existing, old law. It should be mentioned, that both old and newer laws are protecting the interests of the central Government since none of them consider direct elections of governors and mayors.

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At July 23rd briefing, journalists asked President whether he would discuss the issue of Gudauta base with Russian President Vladimir Putin during CIS Summit in August at Sochi. President replied, that even his own participation in the summit is under question yet. “Presently there are many problems in the country. We are at a critical point. I mean a fight against the corruption, situation in Pankisi valley, fiscal problems”. Even if President will visit Sochi, he does not think that he would discuss the subject with President Putin in details. “Negotiations on Gudauta base are being continued and nothing dramatic is happening. It is a very common process, which is always accompanied with certain delays in decision-making,” said President.

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Check TV journalists expressed interest in the prospects Georgia-NATO relations and their dependence on Russian military bases problem in Georgia. President Shevardnadze answered, that the process of cooperation with NATO is developing successfully. “I would call relations between Georgia and NATO a ‘partnership’. However, it is impossible to talk about the date of joining into the North Atlantic alliance at this stage. The term that I have named before (Shevardnadze has stated several times, that Georgia would join NATO within 5 years) was nothing more but tentative period.” Said Shevardnadze

President assumes, that the time of joining to NATO will come when there will be no Russian military bases in Georgia. “We are working on this subject and will make decisions according to our country’s interests,” added President.