The President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili visited Tbilisi State University on its 90th anniversary and held talks with the University students.

The President of Georgia said that he had no chance to attend the 90th anniversary of Tbilisi State University, because he was meeting the President of France Nicholas Sarkozy.

Mikheil Saakashvili noted that 90 years ago this was a very place where the University was built, it was considered to be a suburb and its constructor Nickoloz Tskhvedadze was criticized a lot because of this in that political environment.

The President said that he was not a graduate of Tbilisi State University but he recalled the Russian examination process in one of the branches of University. He deserved high mark then and did not become a victim of protection like some other students.

In his speech the President referred on Russia-Georgian tense relations, on August events, on world economic crisis and on the ways how it is possible to overcome this crisis in Georgia. The President underlined that the only way to oppose Russian aggression is democratic development only.

Mikheil Saakashvili discussed current situation together with the students. He informed the youth on future plans as well.

Elections, corruption, democratic reforms and economic development were the subjects, which were interesting for students, and they wanted to listen information from the President of Georgia.

They expressed honor to the 4th year student, which fell dead in Tskhinvali during the battle. Mikheil Saakashvili awarded him with the Order of Vakhtang Gorgasali after his death.

The President of Georgia noted that the main aim is reached in Georgia - the Court is not corrupted anymore.

"This doesn't meant that we will not indict Judges in corruption, more than 40 Judges are arrested because of corruption. I was so delighted when I turned the TV on during the war and saw that some deputy head of administration was arrested because of corruption. This means that our state has survived during the crisis. Also some foreign journalist told me that when tanks surrounded Tbilisi, he was given a penalty because he was driving drunk. I know that in our neighboring countries even Presidents and Prime Ministers bribe Judges, and those Courts are considered to be independent.

Once I had unsuccessful attempt of Court reform. We created almost ideal system, but because of the political will - we weren't able to accomplish it.

Today political will is very important, internal control system is important as well. We must create such an atmosphere in our society which will make everyone believe that profession of Judges is very important and prestigious profession. Dignity is a very important factor, policemen do not take bribes, because they have sense of dignity, because know everyone know that they can not be bribed and they are proud of it. Same has to be with the Judges as well. We still have mentality that if we loose a case it means that the Court is under the influence. When you graduate, you will become members of this corps and you will do your job to the end. When I will retire and go to the court, and win the case to some government I might not like you will tell me - see, this the reform worked and this is why you won this case" - stated the President of Georgia.

Communications Office
of the President of Georgia