04.06.09 Rally in Rustavi

“I am convinced that more people will join in our common struggle for our country’s better tomorrow.

We promise you that we will not retreat in the struggle for freeing the country from the existing Government. Needless to say, at various stages of the struggle, there will be different tactics used. We act differently in various situations. This is one of the first rallies in Rustavi. We are planning to hold such actions in many other cities and provinces.

I would like to note that the presence of each of you at the rallies is of crucial importance. You should make those people overcome their fears who sincerely want to stand by your side, but are scared to do so. Unless we overcome this fear, turn our blind eye on the numerous problems which exist in every family, it will be difficult to change the existing situation any time soon.

I am convinced that with the help of each of you as well as “Maestro” TV, who the Government fears more than a fired bullet (otherwise it would not have blocked its broadcasting in Rustavi) more people will have information about the state of affairs in the country.

Today the Government stands on two things – small Police units, so called Sonderbattalions and part of Special Task Forces and media  controlled by the Government.

On 16 May, 80 thousand people gathered at the National Stadium and once again loudly told the President to resign, while our country’s President left for Italy to attend a football match. Even if it was 10 thousand instead of 80 thousand people protesting against ones’ actions, should not it make one think and question himself, what one did wrong?
There is nothing to be surprised about this Government. They involved the country into the war which was pre-destined for failure, lost the territories without even having apologised to the people.

Mr. Vakhtang Kolbaia is a General Secretary of my party, who lived in Gali and now is an IDP. Since 1991 Gali residents were taking care of his living premises. Several days ago I asked him why he looked upset. He told me that couple of days earlier they gave him a call from Gali, that his house was occupied by Russians.

People are looking forward to returning to Gali, Ochamchire, Gagra, Tskhinvali, the entire Abkhazia and Samachablo. For the displaced population their native land is the most precious part of their country. Due to unwise policy of this Government we have been distanced from the perspective of returning the territories lost for our country.
The Government cannot be forgiven for the numerous crimes it has committed.

I am convinced that more people will join us, though we are many of us already. Through our joint effort, struggle and progress we will achieve our goal – the President will resign and you will elect the Government which you deserve!”