The leader of the opposition New Rights party, Davit Gamkrelidze, called on April 13 for talks with South Ossetian leader Eduard Kokoity and Tbilisi-loyal, alternative leader Dimitri Sanakoev.

Speaking at the Parliament’s plenary session Gamkrelidze said that the New Rights party is ready to meet with the local population over the issue of creating a provisional administrative entity in South Ossetia. The relevant draft law was approved by Parliament on the same day.

“Neither side should enjoy privileges … dialogue is unavoidable,” Gamkrelidze said.

Georgian Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze welcomed the proposal and hoped that both sides would embrace it.

“On behalf of the parliamentary majority, I am ready to engage in talks with both sides… I call on Mr. Kokoity and Mr. Sanakoev to actively participate in consultations in order to jointly find a political settlement. I hope that all reasonable people involved will accept this proposal,” Burjanadze said.