Georgian President proposes program for addressing conflict between new and former governments

Georgia, Tbilisi, Jan. 2 / Trend N.Kirtskhalia /

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has proposed a program to address the conflict between the new and the former authorities.

Saakashvili expressed his willingness to cooperate with the ruling coalition and proposed a program of five items: an end to the aggressive rhetoric on both sides, including from the side of President; cessation of arrests of former officials; joint efforts of both sides ("Georgian Dream" and Saakashvili's team) for prevention of disruption of the country's integration into NATO and the EU; termination of actions in some areas demanding change of local government leaders; joint convening by the President and Prime-Minister of an international conference in Tbilisi aimed at attracting new investors.

Saakashvili called for the new government to start execution of campaign promises and be less engaged in persecution of former government officials.

Earlier, Prime Minister of Georgia, Ivanishvili announced termination of criminal prosecution of former officials of the country.

After gaining victory in parliamentary elections, the "Georgian Dream" coalition led by Ivanishvili formed a new government that started the process of criminal prosecution of former officials and members of the former ruling "United National Movement" party of the president.

During the past two months former defense minister, former Deputy Minister of Interior and former Minister of Finance and Energy, former Minister of Education and Justice, former employees of the Interior Ministry, Tbilisi City Hall, as well as other agencies have been detained. Most of them have been charged with abuse of power. Some detainees have been released by the court.