Press Scanner
Compiled by Londa Mindiashvili
Friday, April 17
Students entertained
Sakartvelos Respublika writes that children from Saingilo have been entertained at Tbilisi State University. The entertainment was organized by the Ministry for Diaspora Issues.
A literary competition has also been held in twelve Georgian language schools in Balaqani, Zaqatala and Kakhi on the Ministry’s own initiative. The winners have been awarded personal computers and other gifts. The purpose of this project was to encourage, and improve the level of, Georgian language studies and demonstrate children’s creative skills.
The students said they were very happy with the initiative and thanked the organizers. They also said that no one will prevent them studying the Georgian language.
Koba Davitashvili threatens to picket Ministry of Internal Affairs
Sakartvelos Respublika reports that Koba Davitashvili, a leader of the Georgian Peoples Party, has appealed to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to stop beating protestors at the rallies currently taking place. If this does not stop, he says the Ministry headquarters will be picketed by the demonstrators.
This statement was made in response to an incident which occurred in front of President Saakashvili’s residence. “This attack was organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Government is attempting to provoke the protestors, however, we have strong nerves and will not buy their provocation. We will picket the building of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, if they do not stop these provocations,” said Davitashvili.
Zura Manjavidze beaten
Sakartvelos Respublika reports that Zurab Manjavidze, a Georgian singer, was attacked by armed and masked people as he and his brothers returned home from the protest actions in front of the Georgian Public Broadcaster.
Manjavidze said his car was attacked by ten people on Lesia Ukrainka Street. They broke the windscreen and windows of the car and assaulted him and his brothers. After the incident he returned to the protest.
Levan Berdzenishvili: We will listen to Saakashvili if he meets us and makes specific offers
Kvela Siakhle writes that Levan Berdzenishvili, one of the leaders of The Alliance for Georgia, has said: “The Government only wants to talk to attempt to gain time. They might make concessions only concerning the Prime Minister or Parliament. We are ready to meet the Government, but our agenda and demands are already well known to everyone. They do not have an agenda. Let them sit down with us and give us their plans.
“David Bakradze’s statement about coalition Government does not mean anything. Likewise Gigi Ugulava has stated that the rules for electing the Tbilisi Mayor should change but that is not his business. We must meet the President and find out what he thinks he means by all this. Only the President can create a coalition Government, but we have said he should go. Only if Saakashvili meets the opposition and makes specific offers will we listen.
“The Government’s actions are irresponsible and do not address the economic situation. It is said that Saakashvili wants to resign but his circle won’t allow him to. I do not believe this. Saakashvili showed us eloquently what he wants - he went skiing in Gudauri. I am sure that the protest of the Georgian people will force Saakashvili to resign,” added Berdzenishvili.
Sakartvelos Respublika writes that children from Saingilo have been entertained at Tbilisi State University. The entertainment was organized by the Ministry for Diaspora Issues.
A literary competition has also been held in twelve Georgian language schools in Balaqani, Zaqatala and Kakhi on the Ministry’s own initiative. The winners have been awarded personal computers and other gifts. The purpose of this project was to encourage, and improve the level of, Georgian language studies and demonstrate children’s creative skills.
The students said they were very happy with the initiative and thanked the organizers. They also said that no one will prevent them studying the Georgian language.
Koba Davitashvili threatens to picket Ministry of Internal Affairs
Sakartvelos Respublika reports that Koba Davitashvili, a leader of the Georgian Peoples Party, has appealed to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to stop beating protestors at the rallies currently taking place. If this does not stop, he says the Ministry headquarters will be picketed by the demonstrators.
This statement was made in response to an incident which occurred in front of President Saakashvili’s residence. “This attack was organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Government is attempting to provoke the protestors, however, we have strong nerves and will not buy their provocation. We will picket the building of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, if they do not stop these provocations,” said Davitashvili.
Zura Manjavidze beaten
Sakartvelos Respublika reports that Zurab Manjavidze, a Georgian singer, was attacked by armed and masked people as he and his brothers returned home from the protest actions in front of the Georgian Public Broadcaster.
Manjavidze said his car was attacked by ten people on Lesia Ukrainka Street. They broke the windscreen and windows of the car and assaulted him and his brothers. After the incident he returned to the protest.
Levan Berdzenishvili: We will listen to Saakashvili if he meets us and makes specific offers
Kvela Siakhle writes that Levan Berdzenishvili, one of the leaders of The Alliance for Georgia, has said: “The Government only wants to talk to attempt to gain time. They might make concessions only concerning the Prime Minister or Parliament. We are ready to meet the Government, but our agenda and demands are already well known to everyone. They do not have an agenda. Let them sit down with us and give us their plans.
“David Bakradze’s statement about coalition Government does not mean anything. Likewise Gigi Ugulava has stated that the rules for electing the Tbilisi Mayor should change but that is not his business. We must meet the President and find out what he thinks he means by all this. Only the President can create a coalition Government, but we have said he should go. Only if Saakashvili meets the opposition and makes specific offers will we listen.
“The Government’s actions are irresponsible and do not address the economic situation. It is said that Saakashvili wants to resign but his circle won’t allow him to. I do not believe this. Saakashvili showed us eloquently what he wants - he went skiing in Gudauri. I am sure that the protest of the Georgian people will force Saakashvili to resign,” added Berdzenishvili.