05 December 2007 / 16:43

Acting president Burjanadze meets Matias Iorsh


"I'm happy that during the pre-election period many people are visiting Georgia. These people are active supporters of the development of democracy in Georgia," said acting president Burjanadze during her meeting with the representative of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Matias Iorsh

The issue of the lead-up to the January 5 presidential elections was discussed at the meeting. Nino Burjanadze stated that she had addressed the parliament speakers of the European and other countries with a request to send as many observers to Georgia as possible. "Having many international observers is one of the guarantees of the transparency of elections," she said.

As another main precondition for democratic elections, the parties named objective media. "I welcome your decision to support the reopening of Imedi TV, since democracy is inconceivable without free media," said Matias Iorsh.

Russia-Georgian relations were also discussed at the meeting. Acting president Burjanadze expressed her concern about the statement of the Russian Duma's former speaker Boris Gryzlov about the possible recognition of Abkhazia's and South Ossetia's independence and their incorporation into the Russian Federation. Nino Burjanadze expressed hope that the international community will respond appropriately to this fact.

Press Office
of the President of Georgia