TV Anchor Denies Going into Politics

Giorgi Targamadze, an anchor and director of political programs at Imedi TV, has denied rumours that he intended to quit journalism and enter politics.

Speculation about Targamadze?s possible political comeback – Targamadze was head of ex-Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze?s party until March 2003 – has been rife in recent days. The release by the General Prosecutor?s Office on December 24 of a covertly recorded video tape has only served to intensify the speculation. MP Valery Gelbakhiani is heard to tell an Interior Ministry official that the decision on Targamadze going into politics ?is already decided.? ?He is slated to chair a new political party we are going to establish,? Gelbakhiani, head of presidential candidate Badri Patarkatsishvili?s campaign office, said in the tape. Patarkatsishvili is a co-owner of Imedi TV.

?I am working in Imedi TV and I am going to continue working in Imedi TV,? Targamadze told journalists on December 24. ?And I want to continue my journalistic career.?

He also said that Imedi TV?s editorial policy remained unchanged and as such, he said, the station would continue to adhere to the principle of unbiased reporting.

?We will not be engaged in anything that may cause tension,? he said. ?We distance ourselves from any attempt to forment violence.?

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