National Movement, Government Supporters Clash in Gori

(Tbilisi, May 27 2003, Civil Georgia) A conflict between the supporters of the pro-governmental alliance and the members of the National Movement grew into the fist-fighting incident, which coincided with the visit of State Minister Avtandil Jorbenadze to Gori today.

The National Movement members rallied in the center of Gori, demanding the government resignation. Koba Bekauri, member of the Tbilisi City Council National Movement faction accused the government of inactivity, while Jorbenadze advised Bekauri to perform his duties in the City Council better.

Later in Tbilisi, leader of the National Movement party Mikheil Saakashvili accused the supporters of the pro-governmental parties of organizing a provocation and said the party had planned to hold a peaceful rally only.

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)