“The government gave Ana Tsitlidze’s statement the interpretation they wanted; they speak of tensions to instill fear in people, but nobody intends tensions or lawlessness. There will be many people there, very many passionate, patriotic citizens, whose numbers will determine those expectations we are talking about,” declared Giorgi Botkoveli, regional secretary of the United National Movement opposition party.

According to him, the United National Movement is not the organiser of the October 4 demonstration, though it will be represented in large numbers.

“The organisers can speak about the plans for the October 4 demonstration. The United National Movement is not the organiser of this demonstration, though I can tell you our position. I, as a representative of the United National Movement, am an ordinary soldier of Georgia, of any demonstration and free, democratic expression, which has happened many times in our country.

Regarding Ana Tsitlidze’s statement, the government understood it as they saw fit and proceeded with the interpretation they preferred. They speak of some tensions to instil fear in people. Nobody intends any tensions or lawlessness. There will be very many people there, very many passionate, patriotic citizens, whose numbers will determine those expectations we are talking about,” Giorgi Botkoveli declared.

According to him, a large number of people will gather to protest and piquet the square.

“As regards specifically who has what position, I’m stating my party’s position, my position: we will be participants in this process, along with many citizens who will gather. The decision-maker is the Georgian people and not some politician. The person who is the organiser of all this can speak about plans, and we know that this demonstration has two organisers, Paata Burchuladze and, in general, the Rustaveli Avenue movement.

Regarding the United National Movement, it will be well represented at the demonstration on October 4. A representative from the UNM was involved in this process, and he still is, despite the government doing everything to deprive Levan Khabeishvili of his freedom. Apart from depriving him of freedom, they took away all his rights. Levan’s involvement in this process was very significant, though despite Levan’s absence, each of us will be active,” Giorgi Botkoveli declared.