Georgian media reports that the first direct, about half an hour lasting meeting between President Mikheil Saakashvili and the leader of Georgian Dream coalition, which won the parliamentary elections, Bidzina Ivanishvili, ended at the presidential palace in Tbilisi.
After the meeting, Ivanishvilli first spoke to reporters talking about the unique role of its political power in strengthening democracy in the country.
“Today’s meeting is a continuation of the sound policy that I and my team have brought to Georgian policy. The fact that we could set a precedent for the democratic change of power in Georgia’s history, the fact that we were able to adequately respond to unfair actions of our opponents, will be adequately marked. I encourage everyone to treat our opponents as our country, history and culture deserve,” Ivanishvili told reporters.
Georgian president in his turn said that “historical process” is underway in Georgia, when the power is democratically transferred to the opposition.
“We transfer a major part of government’s functions to the opposition peacefully which a first time in this region. The Georgian people made a choice and we respect it. The Georgian people have defined the political process. Today we held a conversation and there are fundamental differences with our opponents, but we as responsible government and I, as President, will ensure the transition of power without excesses which has never happened in the past. We must preserve democracy and ensure that the elections in the future will be democratic and that the Georgian people have prospects for development. As president I and we, will do everything to protect the rights of our fellow citizens. Said Saakashvilli.
