15 June, in front of the Parliament

Nino Burjanadze’s public address

I had several phone conversations today – from Washington, Brussels, France and Germany; we will not remain alone in this struggle. Although we can take care of ourselves even without assistance, it is good when there is a hope for support.

I am joining in the request to the management and owners of “Maestro” and “Kavkasia” TV Channels to restore broadcasting.

The Government has advantage over us because it  controls larger portion of media; because Saakashvili is spending budgetary resources to stop our protest; because he is reckless and impudent; and because he does not care about the future of people and country.

We are responsible people, we love our country, we are trying to avoid civil confrontation and bloodshed. We will succeed in our struggle against the Government, because it is impossible for impartial people, for the desire of the entire nation to be free and dignified, not to be successful.

I would like to stress that continuing our protest actions is extremely important.

I am calling upon everybody, until they imptidon us one by one, until they offend our dignity, come out in the streets and
stand by the side of the Opposition to defend the country. We are not requesting you to stand by our side, we are asking you to defend our dignity together.

It is due to Saakashvili and his shameful Government that Policemen do  not any more distinguish between men and women. During  Police Headquarter raidings young women were pushed down on the ground and beaten by truncheons.

Several hours ago I was told that the Government is enlisting in its “Sonderbattalions” population displaced from Samachablo region. I wish that this information is not true, otherwise shame to them. Your mothers and fathers were killed, your sisters and wives were raped, your houses were burned and your land was taken away – and all this is due to this Government. What else can be inflicted on you due to imprudent policy of Saakashvili?

Absolutely majority of the Opposition leaders could have lived in any country being quite well off, however, we are all standing here, we are standing by our own people, because we cannot image living anywhere else.

The Government has given up Mamisoni mountain pass and neighbouring territories to Russia. This Government has returned Russian troops to Georgia, has strengthened Russia’s positions in Abkhazia and Samachablo. Such Government cannot remain in power for long.

One of the reasons for raiding a peaceful rally at Police Headquarters was to divert attention from the UN Security Council Meeting and Mamisoni handover. Such methods will no more be successful to cover up the issues of crucial importance for the country. The entire Georgia will know who is carrying out anti-Georgia activities.

I would like to note that this Government has only a label of being pro-western, otherwise it has tramped all western values. What this Government is doing now is neither democratic  nor pro-western.

We will achieve that this country becomes normal and truly democratic. This country will be based on the similar values, as the democratic States do.

Representatives of the democratic States, call upon this Government to act like the Governments in your countries act!

I am convinced that we will make the entire world hear our voice. I am convinced that we will change this imprudent Government.

Today Georgia is a State under Police regime. The State where autocratic regime could not grow into dictatorship only because you, people are standing in the street. This country is  heading for dictatorship step by step, and we should be able to stop this process by standing together.

The President met the members of its party. Many were sitting there with their hands down. I am calling upon all of you, raise your heads, come out and stand next to your people. Trust me, standing next to your own people is the greatest happiness.