Yesterday evening, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili introduced a number of new initiatives to the Georgian Parliament. Specifically, he proposed holding early local elections in the country on May 30, 2010, whereas the elections were scheduled for fall same year. President Saakashvili believes it will promote reforms and establish full-fledged democracy in the country. With this end in view, President Saakashvili proposed forming a new central electoral committee in the country by the end of this year. Addressing the opposition, he pointed out that the Georgian authorities will never allow an armed change of power in the country, where he himself came to power through revolution. “We are not afraid of threats, but will never stand any coups, revolutions. We will get the power changed only through elections,” Saakashvili said.

Another initiative of Saakashvili was reforming the National Security Council to involve opposition representatives in it. “I propose holding monthly meetings of the National Security Council with the participation of opposition representatives to determine the country’s foreign policy together,” he said. According to Saakashvili, Georgia has “an external enemy” now, which “occupied our territory and tries to annihilate us. Certainly, we want our people to live together and be friends, but it will not be on the basis of common faith, all the more, the occupants are plundering and destroying our churches not based on ephemeral fraternity talks. As for the hostile relations, they will end only when last occupant leaves Georgia, and no one can have any illusions about it,” Saakashvili stated.

One more proposal made by the Georgian leader was about development of freedom and democracy. Specifically, he offered ensuring satellite broadcasting for oppositional TV companies. Saakashvili also proposed reforming the First Channel of the Public Television and its Supervisory Board. “I suggest ensuring full parity at the National Assembly enabling the opposition and parliamentary majority to have four seats each, with the public to have the decisive ninth seat,” he added.