“If the political stalemate in the country, stability, progress and future are in balance, the president has to put her views and principles below the country’s interests,” Salome Zourabichvili, Georgian President, stated at a special briefing.

According to the President, she would pardon Giorgi Rurua if the political parties reach an agreement and the mediators confirm it.

“I do not think anyone will be surprised if I say that a well-known for me and the public individual, who can be called anyone except for a political prisoner, does not fit into the presidential pardon neither morally nor politically. Nevertheless, as I once did, I still believe that if the political stalemate in the country, stability, progress and future are in balance, the President has to put her views and principles below the country’s interests. With that in mind, I’m ready to make a scandalous for myself decision. I make this decision on my condition only. This step should be the last chord to end this crisis and pave the way for the country and parliament to start a normal political life without any other demands and deal with the challenges. It means that I will implement this decision after the parties sign the final document and enter the parliament and EU and US representatives announce that an agreement has been reached. I will sign the pardon act within a week after that,” Salome Zourabichvili stated.