“Dialogue on Democracy” or “Civil Disobedience” for Georgia?

The President's press office released an English-language statement of Mikheil Saakashvili, which echoes his televised remarks made earlier on April 10. Mr. Saakashvili reiterated his offer of a dialogue on strengthening democratic institutions, on addressing economic challenges and security concerns; he invited all political actors to join in this process of "Dialogue on Democracy".

One of the specifics raised in the statement is that President Saakashvili is offering the opposition direct election of Tbilisi mayor - a proposal, which was voiced recently by his close allies. In the statement President Saakashvili focuses on the authorities' moves prior and during the rallies aimed at demonstrating the government's "full transparency" in handing the demonstration.

Opposition leaders told protesters outside the parliament after announcing their action plan that they would not step back and would continue their drive unless President Saakashvili resigns. The action plan includes geographically broadening rallies throughout Tbilisi in an attempt to mount more pressure on the authorities; the opposition plans organize simultaneous protest rallies at three various venues in the capital city - outside the Parliament; the Georgian Public Broadcaster and the presidential residence in Avlabari district.  Kakha Kukava of the Conservative Party described the move as a part of, as he put it, "civil disobedience" to force President Saakashvili to resign.  The schedule of simultaneous rallies will change from April 11; rallies will start on these three venues from 3pm and later at 9pm every day protesters would return back to the main focal point outside the Parliament for, what the opposition leaders call, "information rallies."