Today President Mikheil Saakashvili before leaving for Batumi commented on lifting of state of emergency stating that eight days ago the Georgian government has decided to impose the state of emergency, because there were unrests and violent actions, and the risks of its escalation.

"During these days there has been absolute calmness and order in Georgia and life continues in a normal manner. I want to express my gratitude to every citizen, to entire Georgian people, which showed amazing wisdom and restraint and demonstrated to the entire world that we are organized, democratic and peaceful nation and the state," the President said.

According to President Saakashvili, after state of emergency is lifted all the restrictions on political activities, which were anyway normal all this time, will be lifted. He claimed that the government has already requested the European Union to send both short-term and long-term election observers, who will monitor freedom of media.

"The observers will assist us in resolving all legal disputes and issues related with the democratic course of political processes", the President said, stressing that Georgia is preparing for early presidential elections and a plebiscite to determine the date of parliamentary elections.

"I want to state that we have special laws, which guarantee a right for opposition to use TV air time and the media source. We are preparing for early presidential elections. Every political force, each citizen will have full possibility to practice their political activities without any restrictions. Everyone saw that we are not cowards and today's Georgian government will not step backwards when it concerns restoration of order and protection of rule of law," the President said.

Press Office
of the President of Georgia