 |
Vahtang RcheulishviliFormer vice-speaker of the Georgian parliament and one of the leaders of the pro-presidential bloc "For a New Georgia"
Country:
 Georgia |
Content:
- Interview with Elena Loria
- Discussion with the Opposition
- Possible Seizure of the Interior Ministry Building
- Shevardnadze's Chance to Stay in Power
- Dual Power and Potential Repeated Elections
- Situation in the Regions
- Inaction of the Prosecutor's Office
- Support for Saakashvili
Former Vice-Speaker of the Georgian Parliament and Leader of the "For a New Georgia" Pro-Presidential Bloc
Vakhtang Rcheulishvili is a prominent Georgian politician who served as the former Vice-Speaker of the Georgian Parliament and one of the leaders of the pro-presidential bloc "For a New Georgia". With the recent events in Georgia, the number of supporters for Eduard Shevardnadze, the current president, is decreasing. People are afraid that if the opposition comes to power, their loyalty to the current president may turn against them.
Interview with Elena Loria
In an interview with Elena Loria of "Izvestia," Vakhtang Rcheulishvili discussed the ongoing situation in Tbilisi. When asked about the outcome of the meeting between Ivanov and Shevardnadze, Rcheulishvili stated that he did not know the details as the meeting was held behind closed doors. However, Shevardnadze mentioned that he was waiting for the results of the second meeting between the Russian Foreign Minister and the opposition, which took place before their meeting.
Discussion with the Opposition
Rcheulishvili revealed that Ivanov met with representatives of the radical opposition, including Zhvania, Saakashvili, and Burjanadze. Ivanov even spoke at an opposition rally, expressing his concern about the situation in Georgia. The opposition mainly discussed the irregularities in the previous elections and the need for a new round of elections. Ivanov took on the role of a mediator, while Shevardnadze's requirements were for the opposition to free the parliament building they had seized.
Possible Seizure of the Interior Ministry Building
Rcheulishvili confirmed that the opposition indeed plans to seize the Interior Ministry building. They argue that if the building is used as a gathering place for parliament members, it will inevitably lead to bloodshed.
Shevardnadze's Chance to Stay in Power
According to Rcheulishvili, Shevardnadze will undoubtedly remain in power because his absence would lead to chaos. He will stay until the end of his constitutional term, but this does not exclude the possibility of new elections. The current goal is to resolve the crisis without bloodshed. However, the opposition, particularly Nino Burjanadze, is actively attempting to usurp power, even though she is no longer the parliament's chairperson.
Dual Power and Potential Repeated Elections
Rcheulishvili explained that there is currently a dual power situation in Georgia, similar to the Yugoslav scenario. If new elections take place, he believes that Aslan Abashidze, leader of the "Agordzineba" ("Revival") party, will not participate. This could further undermine Georgia's territorial integrity. If the opposition succeeds, there is a risk of a divided Georgia, where Tbilisi becomes a separate republic.
Situation in the Regions
Regarding the regions, Rcheulishvili mentioned that the opposition is active but not particularly successful. People in the regions are closely watching the events in Tbilisi to see how they unfold.
Inaction of the Prosecutor's Office
When questioned about the inaction of the Prosecutor's Office, Rcheulishvili acknowledged that a case had been opened regarding the seizure of the parliament building and attempted coup. However, no specific individuals have been arrested yet due to a lack of issued sanctions. He lamented that in a normal country, these individuals would have been arrested already, but Georgia is currently in an abnormal state.
Support for Saakashvili
Rcheulishvili confirmed that Saakashvili has gained new supporters during these days. While there are more supporters on their side than the opposition, they are passive and do not participate in rallies.
