President Saakashvili has no intention to pardon two Israeli businessmen jailed over bribery charges, the Georgian daily, 24 Saati, reported on May 12 citing an unnamed “reliable source” from the Georgian President’s administration.

Late last month families of two Israeli citizens, Rony Fuchs and Zeev Frenkiel, have appealed President Saakashvili with a request to pardon the two men.

“The Georgian President does not intent to pardon those who have been convicted for a corruption related crime, which has damaged the country. According to the same source the Georgian President is categorical in his decision and has no intention to change the position, because the case concerns a grave crime,” the Georgian daily wrote.

On April 1 Tbilisi City Court found Fuchs and Frenkiel guilty of offering bribe to Georgian official; the both of them denied charges. Fuchs was sentenced to seven and Frenkiel to six years and six months in jail.