Before start of his annual state of the nation address on Friday evening, President Saakashvili asked foreign diplomats, present in the Parliament, to stay and also listen to the debates following his address.
 
“I call on everybody to attend the debates, because democracy is made here [in the Parliament], not somewhere in the dark offices… This is the main body of this country; major decisions are made here,” Saakashvili said.

“In order to avoid incorrect criticism – though we will always accept constructive criticism – I ask everybody [to stay] for the most important part – speeches by the opposition and the debates with the opposition,” he said.

“So, I ask everybody – though I know that this is a difficult procedure – to attend debates once a year – and I promise that I will release you from this duty in other cases – and to listen to what will happen in this chamber, if you really want to know what is happening in the country.” Saakashvili said.