Bakradze Welcomes Opposition Politician’s Return to Parliament

Davit Bakradze, the parliamentary chairman, welcomed a decision by leader of opposition Freedom Party, Konstantine Gamsakhurdia, to retake his MP seat renounced together with other eleven opposition politicians following the May 21, 2008 parliamentary elections, citing that the polls were rigged.

“It is a very positive and important decision,” Bakradze told journalists before meeting with Gamsakhurdia on October 29.

“If we want to once and forever put an end to the sense of instability, chaos and unpredictability in the Georgian politics, it is necessary for us, the politicians, to learn not only going out into the streets [for protest rallies], but also to sit in the institutions and political structures together, to work together and to settle problems through a civilized dialogue. Debates will be more important and active,” Bakradze said.

Gamsakhurdia’s decision comes after the Parliament decided to establish an interim parliamentary commission to study the circumstances of President Zviad Gamsakhurdia’s death sixteen years ago. Konstantine Gamsakhurdia is son of the late President.

In September, the Parliament endorsed constitutional amendment allowing ten opposition politicians, including Konstantine Gamsakhurdia, to regain their MP credentials. Other opposition politicians, also eligible to retake their MP seats, have refused to follow Konstantine Gamsakhurdia’s suit.

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