Saakashvili Downplays Calls for Interior Minister’s Resignation

President Saakashvili hailed, on July 1, the Interior Ministry?s riot police for, as he said, ?professionalism while restoring order? on Rustaveli Avenue overnight on June 30-July 1.

When asked about the opposition parties? demand to sack Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili, Saakashvili said: ?What else do they [opposition parties] want??

?I can say for sure that now we have one of the most professional and non-corrupt police force in the post-Soviet space and I am ready to thank them everyday,? he told reporters.

He also commented on a fist-fight that erupted in the Parliament between legislators from the opposition parties and the ruling National Movement party, describing it as ?comic.?

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)