Saakashvili and Ivanishvili meet ahead of transfer of power

The leader of the newly elected government of Georgia, Bidhzina Ivanishvili held a thirty five minute meeting with Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili at the presidential palace in Tbilisi. The two men have over the last year been engaged in a bitter political struggle in the run up to parliamentary elections held last week which saw the opposition Georgian Dream led by Ivanishvili registering a convincing victory in the poll.

The meeting between the two politicians is part of a process that sees Georgia making history by being the first country in the South Caucasus where there has been a peaceful transfer of power from one political force to another after an election. Ivanishvili is expected to be confirmed as Prime Minister next week when parliament reconvenes for the first session. Saakashvili has one more year as President, but cannot run again as he has already served for two terms.

Both Saakashvili and Ivanishvili made short statements after their meeting. Whilst there is no love lost between the two, both committed themselves to continue working within the constitutional order for the benefit of the Georgian people.

source: commonspace.eu

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
UK, Canada and majority of EU Member States condemn Israel for ‘inhumane killing’ and say the war in Gaza ‘must end now’.

UK, Canada and majority of EU Member States condemn Israel for ‘inhumane killing’ and say the war in Gaza ‘must end now’.

Israel’s isolation is increasing as twenty eight countries including the United Kingdom and a majority of Member States of the European Union issued a joint statement on Monday 21 July saying the war in Gaza “must end now” and condemning Israel over 'inhumane killing' of Gaza civilians seeking aid. The foreign ministers of countries, also including Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, France, Italy and Japan, said “the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths.” The statement described as “horrifying” the recent deaths of over 800 Palestinians who were seeking aid, according to the figures released by Gaza’s Health Ministry and the U.N. human rights office.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
UK, Canada and majority of EU Member States condemn Israel for ‘inhumane killing’ and say the war in Gaza ‘must end now’.

UK, Canada and majority of EU Member States condemn Israel for ‘inhumane killing’ and say the war in Gaza ‘must end now’.

Israel’s isolation is increasing as twenty eight countries including the United Kingdom and a majority of Member States of the European Union issued a joint statement on Monday 21 July saying the war in Gaza “must end now” and condemning Israel over 'inhumane killing' of Gaza civilians seeking aid. The foreign ministers of countries, also including Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, France, Italy and Japan, said “the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths.” The statement described as “horrifying” the recent deaths of over 800 Palestinians who were seeking aid, according to the figures released by Gaza’s Health Ministry and the U.N. human rights office.