Saakashvili Dismisses Calls for Immediate Lift of Emergency Rule

President Saakashvili brushed off western pressure and said he would lift the state of emergency only when he considers it appropriate to do so and not upon ?instruction from foreign friends.?

Speaking at a meeting with a group of business people on November 10, Saakashvili, however, also stressed that it would happen ?in a few days.?

?I understand our friends’ impatience and that they do not like this state of emergency,? he said. ?Of course, it will be lifted in a few days. But it will happen when we decide it is appropriate to do so and not when someone tells us to do it. It will happen only when I, as the leader of this country, am absolutely sure that all the risks are totally removed. I am sure this will happen in the next few days.?

?But we will not do that under anyone?s instructions. I want to tell both our friends and ill-wishers ? I will not do that under someone?s instruction. Because I have responsibility not towards a foreign minister of any foreign country, but I am responsible for Georgia?s future historical legacy for the next thousand years.?

He said that the Georgian government would not sacrifice the country?s long-term interests at the expense of short-term gains.

?Because our duty is not to make others like us; we are responsible for the country?s future. And that is my answer to everyone. We know much better what is good for Georgia in both the short and long terms.?

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