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Georgian opposition calls on President Mikhail Saakashvili to resign within 24 hours

09 April 2009 15:52 (UTC +04:00)

APAâ€™s Georgia bureau reports that poet David Magradze, the author of Georgian National Hymn, once active supporter of President Mikhail Saakashvili, first addressed the protest action. One of leaders of the united opposition, former presidential candidate Levan Gachechiladze first made a speech. He mentioned that April 9 was a day of tragedy in Georgia and said they demanded Mikhail Saakashviliâ€™s resignation: â€œGo away, Misha!â€

When former speaker of the parliament, leader of Democratic Movement â€“ United Georgia Party Nino Burjanadze was given the floor, some protesters hissed at her. Nino Burjanadze apologized to the people.
â€œI know that you took offence at me. I could not defend you on November 7, 2007. Now I am with you and will be with you till the end,â€ she said.
Nino Burjanadze called on Saakashvili to resign.
â€œSaakashvili has not understood yet that the people have pride and the president losing the war should resign,â€ she said.

Leader of the Movement for United Georgia Party Eka Beselia said Saakashvili was responsible for occupation of the part of countryâ€™s territory and declared their decisive struggle for resignation of Saakashvili.

New rightist leader David Gamkrelidze said 150 thousand people participated in the rally and addressed them: â€œToday all over the world watch Georgia. Foreign journalists ask us whether we prepare to seize power by force or not. We raise arms upward and show that we came to the action with an empty handâ€.

Leader of Alliance for Georgia Irakly Alasania, leader of the Party of Georgiaâ€™s Way Salome Zurabishvili, leader of Peopleâ€™s Party Koba Davitashvili, leader of Labor Party Shalva Natelashvili, famous chess player Nona Gaprindashvili and others addressed the meeting. They asked President Mikhail Saakashvili to pass decision on constitutional change of power in 24 hours. Beselia said if Saakshvili didnâ€™t resign, the opposition would all the people to civil disobedience.