Solana Meets Opposition, CSO Leaders

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana held a meeting with Georgian opposition and civil society figures on September 30. 

Along with the parliamentary opposition, the leaders of the Conservative, Republican and Labor parties, as well as the Foundation for Democracy and Development and the Georgian Young Lawyers Association attended the meeting.

Salome Zourabichvili, leader of the opposition Georgia’s Way party, refused to participate, saying that she did not want to attend along with the government’s “satellite” opposition lawmakers. Later she held a brief conversation with Solana.  

Davit Usupashvili, leader of the Republican Party, said that he informed the EU foreign policy chief that on October 15 a group of opposition parties would unveil a plan on how political processes should develop in the country.

“This plan should culminate in elections this spring,” he said.

Kakha Kukava of the Conservatives Party said that the participants discussed formats to allow EU participation in the promotion of democratic reforms in Georgia.

“What Mr. Solana said is very important – he is ready to continue a dialogue with the opposition over this issue,” Kukava told reporters.

Nino Burjanadze, former parliamentary chairperson and now the president of the Foundation for Democracy and Development (FDD), said after the meeting that “the very critical situation” in the country was discussed. 

“In order to allow the country develop normally, it is urgent that we analyze the past and secure the country against any future mistakes,” Burjanadze said. 

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