February 22, outside the Parliament

I have not slept all night long, because I had a telephone conversation with Nino Burjanadze regarding our demands. I am not a person, who does not answer telephone calls or does not listen to others’ opinions, especially in the situations when responsible approach is needed. I am responsible towards each of you, towards the United Public Movement [the nine-party opposition coalition], to our political partners, as well as to entire Georgia. Therefore, before coming here, for the first time in my life I wrote a text to address you. I wrote a text to be consistent and less emotional.

Georgia is one of the most historical, traditional, beautiful countries with the best geo-political location, with a friendly people. Just therefore Georgia constantly faces dangers. But our friendly nation has properly overcome all those dangers which we faced in the past. I will no more focus on Georgia’s history. I want simply to remind you a history of our latest struggle – starting from September 22 up to now. We have passed through the days of love and support of each other, because our people, you all, have a huge responsibility to your native country, Georgia.

In a terrible weather men and women stood together to defend their dignity and freedom [at the protest rallies]. I will never forget – just this is a responsibility what is called a devotion to your native country.

Today is a historical day for Georgia and I considered it necessary to inform you about what is happening in our country. Our country is being sold and becoming the private property of other people. Two superpowers are constantly fighting to gain influence over this country. Just therefore, we still have lost territories and their fate is still unclear. Many enemies of Georgia are misusing this situation.

We do not have real self-governance. There is not a single city or village, where people can govern through election. Not a single state institution works in the country. There is only one institution - police, which works for one group of people through using dirty methods and tools. This structure works for a small group of people in order to exert pressure on other people.

Georgian culture, science, sport, healthcare and education are on the verge of destruction. There are attempts to split the Georgian Church. There is no economic policy in Georgia. Prices are increasing constantly. Physical existence of each of us has become impossible. We, all, have become captives of this situation and we have chosen the way of uncompromising struggle to save our country.

Just therefore, when I was writing this text, I wanted to put myself in the place of each of you, but I could not do it because of one simple reason. I have a greater responsibility - than you - to our country and to you. Under current conditions, I have the greatest responsibility and I want you to know about it. I cannot avoid it, because you, my voters have laid this responsibility on me. This responsibility envisages faultless walking on the way of saving our country. Just therefore, despite our promises to you - and maybe some will think that I cannot sacrifice myself, although future will show it – I decided to tell you today that we have decided to call off plans to launch the hunger strike.

I have received firm guarantees from the authorities, from Nino Burjanadze that political prisoners will be released; the public TV will have new director general on February 26 and before March 15 new chairman of the Central Election Commission will be appointed. And also [firm guarantees have been received] that all constitutional and legislative amendments will be passed that will bring free elections; free elections in turn will bring the new government.

Today we deliberately avoid escalation of situation. I have found strength in myself to once against and for the last time to trust [the authorities’ guarantees] and to demonstrate to the entire world - together with my friends and political partners, although many of them had different opinions regarding this decision – that it is not only street rallies we can organize, but we are such serious people, who are ready to come to power and rule this country.

We should show entire world that we are not people who want to come into power through only blood and struggle. We can come into power through our experience and skills. Today is the day when I, Levan Gachechiladze, together with my friends have to undertake responsibility towards entire Georgia and I will be held responsible for this decision in the future. I am saying that there will be no hunger strike today, but [possible] hunger strike will remain a powerful weapon in our hands in struggle against these authorities. But at the same time I am also stating that if I am back here [outside the Parliament at the protest rally], I will be back for one purpose: either I will stay here forever, or they [the authorities] will not stay in this country. There will be no other purpose of my possible return here. This is a demonstration of our firm determination that our struggle goes on.