20:27, 12 November 2003

Georgian ruling bloc ready for concessions to opposition to stabilize situation in Georgia

Today Vakhtang Rcheulishvili, one of the leaders of the ruling For New Georgia bloc and the vice speaker of the parliament, made a declaration to journalists. He said, "I think that the first place in the November 2 parliamentary elections may be given to the opposition Saakashvili - National Movement bloc if it is the only matter." "If the tragedy - I mean civil confrontation and Shevardnadze's resignation - can be averted by re-counting the votes, let it be so," Rcheulishvili explained his position.

Tonight Eduard Shevardnadze is to meet representatives of the radical opposition blocs: Mikhail Saakashvili of Saakashvili - National Movement, Georgian parliament speaker Nino Burdjanadze of Burdjanadze - Democrats, and former parliament speaker Zurab Zhvania. According to Shevardnadze, he "will try to find a constructive solution with the opposition at the meeting so that to get over the internal political crisis in the county."

Source: RosBusinessConsulting News Agency