Shevardnadze Calls Opposition for Dialogue

In his televised statement President Shevardnadze commented on the opposition’s protest rally scheduled for November 8 and said that he is “ready to hold dialogue with the opposition parties regarding the recent developments in the country.”

“I am not afraid even if the people will come to Tbilisi from the regions and hold a rally. I am ready to meet each of them,” Eduard Shevardnadze said.

“Maintenance of the stability is our primary goal. We must not sacrifice stability for the interests of several political parties. I will not permit it,” Shevardnadze added.

He called on the students not to participate in the protests.

Responding to the opposition demands hold re-elections President Shevardnadze said it would be inadmissible. He also stated “there were some irregularities and violations during the elections. I have reviewed the report of the international observers, however I do not agree with many of the statements made by them,” Eduard Shevardnadze said.

OSCE and other international observers said Georgia’s election was marred by numerous irregularities.