On November 7, the Georgian state faced a threat to its constitutional order that compelled the government to declare a state of emergency. Since both this threat and the resulting state of emergency pose a grave danger to liberal democratic values, President Saakashvili immediately decided to call swift presidential elections, cutting short his own term by more than a year. He did so to allow the people of Georgia to choose the best way forward through an open and transparent democratic process.

To ensure that the polling takes place under the highest democratic standards, the President has invited all relevant international organizations and institutions to monitor the elections that will take place on January 5, 2008. The President has also proposed holding a plebiscite so that voters can determine the date of parliamentary elections. This proposal is in direct response to the opposition's principal demand of holding parliamentary polls in spring 2008, six months earlier than mandated by the constitution.

The government is committed to creating the necessary conditions for a free and fair vote that is open to all candidates who meet constitutional criteria. Mrs. Nino Burjanadze, the Speaker of the Parliament, has finally succeeded in persuading some members of the opposition to engage in a political dialogue including the current electoral law.

Meanwhile, the government is committed to lifting the state of emergency within the next few days, well within the 15-day limit approved by Parliament on November 8. Currently, conditions in the capital are stable and calm, and traffic is back to normal. All law enforcement units have returned to their regular duties. All political parties have full access to public television and radio, and the independent print media is operating freely. Contrary to some reports, all major international television networks (CNN, BBC, Euronews), as well as all cable and satellite stations, are operating normally.

The state of emergency, foreseen by the constitution, was necessary to avoid plunging the country into chaos and to protect the constitutional order. Riot police were compelled to use force to disperse violent demonstrators, who defied reported warnings and were in violation of numerous laws. The most serious of these violations involved the repeated incitement to violence by protest leaders. The use of force was regrettable but necessary; of more than 500 individuals, including 28 police officers, who sought medical help almost all were released the same day. Only 10, among them 4 policemen, remain in hospital.

Government of Georgia assesses November events as a part of the planned attempt by the radical political opposition, supported by Russian Foreign Intelligence Service and financed by a Russian oligarch, Arkady (Badri) Patarkatsidhvili, to destabilize the country and overthrow the government. Overwhelming evidence has been collected that several opposition leaders were engaged in colluding with the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). Mr. Patarkatishvili in his public statements pledged to use all his power and resources "to liberate Georgia from this fascist regime". Accordingly, TV station Imedi, owned by Mr. Patarkatishvili, was used as a vehicle for numerous calls to destabilize the country and overthrow the government.

The Government of Georgia reconfirms its unwavering commitment to its ambitious reform program that is building sustainable democratic institutions, grounding the legal system in the rule of law and respect for human rights, and positioning the country as the leading reformer in the world. The Georgian government appeals to its friends and allies for their enduring support in its struggle for democratic statehood at this challenging time.

Communications Office
of the President of Georgia