15 January 2008, 14:50
United Opposition of Georgia starts its protest rally in Tbilisi
A protest action of the United Opposition of Georgia has been launched in Tbilisi, in front of the Public Television building; the participants demand to hold the second round of early presidential election in the country.
The opposition action that has started at 2 p.m. (1 p.m. Moscow time) has already attracted several thousands persons, and their number is growing, the IA "News-Georgia" reports.
The "Gazeta.Ru" reports that Levan Gachechiladze, leader of the opposition, has addressed the audience and congratulated them on the fact that "the national Public TV has passed over to the Georgian people."
We remind you that according to Acting President of the country Nino Burdzhanadze, the government of Georgia is ready to make concessions to the opposition and form the membership of the Supervisory Board of Public TV on parity terms.
We remind you that the opposition of Georgia threatens the authorities with the "Tbilisi Maidan" and declares to make protest actions in Tbilisi permanent should the second round of the presidential election not be appointed. This statement was made on January 14 by the National Council of Opposition of Georgia, which includes 9 opposition parties.
Oppositionists have already promised to disrupt Mikhail Saakashvili's inauguration appointed on January 20, having stated that the United Opposition will hold peaceful protest actions on the inauguration day of President of Georgia.