POLITICS
EDUARD SHEVARDNADZE: “ILHAM ALIYEV IMPRESSED ME MUCH WITH HIS INTELLIGENCE, ABILITY AND SKILLS”
As to 2 November elections to the Georgian Parliament, Eduard Shevardnadze noted that despite some irregularities elections had taken place. Having thanked the electors who showed much activity, he stressed that these elections are much different from previous ones because of their transparency and democratic character. The elections were watched by over 4 thousand observers.
Commenting allegations of opposition to take people into the streets, he claimed that elections had been held in accordance with people’s will and authorities would prevent all illegal actions.
As to the relations with the newly elected parliament, Eduard Shevardnadze said that he had accumulated much experience. I will support all the proposals corresponding to the interests of the state and cooperate with everyone who acts in this direction regardless of what they are – opposition or government.
Speaking on the switch of the former chairman of the Parliament, one the leaders of “Burjanadze-Democrats” party Nino Burjanadze to the opposition, her blaming authorities and further cooperation with her Eduard Shevardnadze said, “Politics is such a thing that you should be ready to cooperate with the one you criticized yesterday and if you have no such abilities, then, you are not a politician.”
According to the Central Election Commission, 46,1 percent of 3 million electors have voted and it means that elections have taken place. Governmental bloc “For new Georgia” has gained 200 thousand votes in the region Kvemo Kartli-Borchali where most of the population is Azerbaijanis and in the region Samzkhe-Javakheti where mainly Armenians live – 80 thousand votes.
There were 6 Azerbaijani deputies in the previous Georgian Parliament all they were elected from the Shevardnadze-led party “Union of Citizens”. Today, candidates-Azerbaijanis are nominated by 5 parties. Although there are 10-12 Azerbaijanis in the lists but only 5-6 of them have any chances to be elected to the parliament.