Monday, October 22, 2007, #201 (1468)

Press Scanner
Prepared by Diana Dundua

“Gia Maisashvili: ‘Neither the opposition nor the government is right!’”
On October 19, Gia Maisashvili, a former economic adviser to President Mikheil Saakashvili and leader of the new opposition movement Party of the Future spoke out against both the government and the opposition at large, according to Sakartvelos Respublika.
“Currently there is a serious political crisis in Georgia. The ruling party has no suitable plan to solve it and the opposition offers only criticism. Despite this, we express solidarity with the opposition and we hope to rescue Georgia from Saakashvili and protect our country’s interests,” Maisashvili explained.
He added that representatives of the new party would attend the November 2 opposition rally at parliament.
“However we will stand next to the people as opposed to any other political movement. Our policy will be pro-Georgia and our country’s Western orientation will not affect a straight, honest and fair relationship with the Russian Federation. We think that the key aim of any state should be to neutralize the aggressive threats from its neighbors and to adopt reasonable, wise policies,” stressed Maisashvili.

“United National Council holds protests in Sachkhere and Chiatura”
On October 19 the United National Council organized protests in Sachkhere and Chiatura, in western Georgia, according to Akhali Taoba.
According to Koba Davitashvili, leader of the oppositional People’s Party, around 1000 people gathered in Sachkhere and more than 2000 turned out in Chiatura.
“The locals came out into the streets to welcome us. Everyone is ready to come to Tbilisi on November 2 for the protest rally,” Davitashvili said.
Protests were also held in Zestaponi, Kutaisi and Terjola in western Georgia.

“Murder in Zugdidi region”
Zhora Kvaratskhelia was tortured and killed by fellow villagers in Ingiri, in western Georgia’s Zugdidi district, according to Akhali Taoba.
The perpetrators apparently demanded GEL 300 from Kvaratskhelia, alleging he stole the money while selling hazelnuts several days ago.
After killing Kvaratskhelia they took the money and the hazelnuts.

“Top official arrested for the drug dealing”
Giorgi Gudushauri, head of an anti-corruption commission, was arrested on suspicion of drug dealing on October 19, writes Sakartvelos Respublika.
Police reportedly found heroin on Gudushauri’s person.
If convicted he could face up to 20 years in jail.



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