Opposition leaders behind the ongoing protest rallies reiterated in a joint written statement on April 18, that they would not step back from their demand of President Saakashvili’s resignation.

“The authorities are trying in vain profiteering with the issue of a dialogue in recent days. Our joint position on the matter remains unchanged,” a brief statement reads. “We have one topic on the agenda for a meeting with Saakashvili – his resignation and holding of early presidential elections. We have no other preconditions.”

“As far as resolving of other problems is concerned, we do not hinder the authorities to immediately take steps, which should have been undertaken long time ago, involving dismissal of oppressors, [election] riggers and censors. We would also welcome the international community’s meaningful efforts in this regard.”

The statement was read out for the press by Davit Usupashvili, leader of Republican Party, part of Alliance for Georgia, in presence of other opposition leaders. The opposition leaders came up with the joint written statement apparently in an attempt to rebut recent speculation about differences among them over the agenda of a meeting if such takes place between them and President Saakashvili.