Georgian President: Georgia wants to hold democratic elections and asks Europe for assistance

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili called on all the local authorities to ensure objective and fair elections. "Future local election is a challenge for us, and we are prepared to implement it with honor, ensuring fair elections," Saakashvili said in his annual appeal to the Parliament of Georgia.

He was accountable for the "second wave" of democracy in Georgia, noting that much has been done, including the direct election of mayor of Tbilisi. Also, according to him, a number of demands of the opposition were also implemented, which make the electoral process more transparent and objective - the demands were the formation of the CEC, press freedom and pluralism on TV.

"The second channel of public television was launched, which fully displays press conferences of all parties. Talk shows are also conducted with the participation of the opposition, and everybody can watch them," said the president.

At the same time the president said that regional television can not manage the tax burden, and initiated to exempt regional TV channels from all debts. "This will help them develop and feel more free," Saakashvili said.

The President appealed to the diplomats sitting at the hall and said that Georgia wants to hold democratic elections and move closer to European values. "Our elections should be a big step towards democracy, and therefore, we ask you to send as many as possible observers," he said.


/Trend News/