Some in Opposition Favor Ending Hunger Strike

Despite some internal resistance, the eight-party opposition coalition and the New Rights Party are discussing a possible end to their hunger strike.

MP Manana Nachkebia of the New Rights Party said the hunger strike should be suspended and the opposition should launch its election campaign.

“We are assisting the authorities with such actions [by continuing the hunger strike]. Should these hunger strikers really die? We need to end the hunger strike and begin preparations for the elections,” Nachkebia told Civil.Ge on March 25. “However, there are many against this idea.”

She also commented on President Saakashvili’s March 25 remarks, saying it had “come as no surprise that the authorities would not compromise.”

President Saakashvili accused “the radical part of the opposition” of attempting to thwart the upcoming parliamentary elections and blamed the opposition for failing to reach an agreement with the authorities.

Meanwhile, two lawmakers from the New Rights Party ended their hunger strike after their health condition worsened. MP Zviad Dzidziguri of the Conservative Party was hospitalized on March 25.