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Number of Georgian internet users increases

Rezonansi reports that the number of internet users in Georgia is increasing every day, and that people are spending more time online than ever before. Those whose work requires them to use a computer spend a large part of their lives surfing the internet. Worldwide, the average person spends 4-8 hours each day on the internet.

Also increasing is the number of people diagnosed with internet addiction. They admit that their morning starts with the computer, with some people checking their email first, others Facebook, while many just use the internet to read the latest news. All together, they note that they "depend" on access to the internet, and spend most of their time online.



Burjanadze criticizes Saakashvili, supports union of opposition parties

Nino Burjanadze, leader of Democratic Movement-United Georgia, discussed Georgia's political atmosphere, harshly criticizing President Mikheil Saakashvili in an interview with Kviris Palitra.

"Saakashvili will take a risk even when it is regarding Georgia's well being; he even said that [if he were] in the opposition, he would take down the government in three months. I agree with him, he would do it using those methods that he accused me of using. Saakashvili would join the Russian government and guide their tanks in order to take down the President and get [back] on his seat," Burjanadze claimed. "Don't expect that someone will come from the West or from Russia and away Saakashvili. If we don't unite, the National Movement will stay in government for a long time. Not only Saakashvili has to leave, but also all the members of his crew. Today, Saakashvili is not the only one to blame; all the representatives must pay for their acts against this country and society."

KP: Whom do you blame for tearing apart the opposition?

NB: Mikheil Saakashvili always tried to do this by bribing, threatening, or lying. Today, the success of winning is in the powers of a united opposition, who are not members of today's authority. There must be a big union, which will include all the ideological parties, and the only criteria should be the fight with the government. Saakashvili's authority should be defeated by unification. If there is a big gathering during October's parliamentary elections, which will bring some chance to start free and democratic elections in six months, we do not want any seats in this Parliament and we will refuse all offered positions."

KP: The fact that Bidzina Ivanishvili did not meet you yet, is it his own decision?

NB: I think Bidzina Ivanishvili is acting independently, and he does not listen to surrounding people. It's not a tragedy that Ivanishvili is not meeting with me; but it was disappointing that in order to defend his behavior and the fact that he is not meeting with me, he used Saakashvili's method. He used those cliches which the government and its members use. It is the wrong move. We are neither pro-Russia and nor the supporters of street rallies; but when we state that the street is an important element of Saakashvili's battles, this is proved by long time experience and qualifications. We are a pro-Georgian force and not pro-Russian or pro-American. I have not even mentioned during my time in government that I am a pro-American. I do not want to come out in October and tell the public that I told them so."