March 25, Kakheti region

I want to say it very clearly, I have done practically everything, I have offered many things to various political parties in order to satisfy everybody and to hold elections in a normal atmosphere. We have agreed on some issues, but on some issues, unfortunately, for some reasons – because of internal disagreements [within the opposition], hesitation, or maybe because of willingness [by the opposition] to fuel tensions – many of them [opposition parties] refused to accept [the authorities proposals].

Now, as I see it, one radical part of the opposition simply wants to thwart the elections.

The Georgian people said [in the January 5 plebiscite] that they wanted elections in spring. We will certainly fulfill the will of the Georgian people, the elections will be held in spring, the Georgian people will elect the authorities and the parliament, which will serve the people.

Everybody should know that this will be very clear and transparent elections. I call on all groups and parties to set up inter-faction groups, to work together over composition of [election] commissions in order to make everything transparent, to invite huge number of observers and, what is the most important, not to lose even one vote of the Georgian people.       

I deeply regret that the most radical part of the opposition is on hunger strike. I am really very sorry.

I have asked doctors to do their best in order to prevent any complications. I want to ask everybody to stop playing with their own health and especially with others’ health. But the will of the Georgian people can not be obstructed. The elections will be held when the people said it should be held.

There are also conversations about television… Of course, all TV stations should resume broadcasting. I am absolutely sure that all televisions, including Imedi TV will be reopened. Most important is that everything will be done in frames of democracy and freedom. Nobody will ever be able to resist or change it. Everything will be done, as the people want it. Nobody should have any illusions in this respect.

We will continue working. We are working over everyday problems of our society and we will settle these problems.