United Democrats Ready for Compromise on Minimal Salary Issue

(Tbilisi. March 12, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Leader of the United Democrats Zurab Zhvania called the government to hold consultation with the opposition to reach the consensus regarding the law on increase of minimal salary to the subsistence level ? 115 Lari per month.

At the news briefing today Zhvania said he understands that the implementation of the law would be extremely difficult for the government on the background of the existing budgetary problems.

?That is why we are ready for the compromise. We are ready to agree on increase of salary even step-by-step, but all these need be discussed; however the authorities refuse to negotiate on the issue, that is inadmissible,? Zurab Zhvania said.

He said that the President tries to evade from vetoing the law adopted by the Parliament on February 28, because the government has no ?realistic and credible arguments against the law.?

According to the Georgian constitution President should sign, or veto a law within the two week after the law is approved by the Parliament, thus the final decision regarding the controversial law should be made before March 14.

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