“The Alliance is a unity without uniformity. This means, among other things, that while we may run separate campaigns leading up to May 26, we are actively mobilising our activists and supporters. Our goal is to allow the opposition to gather its strength so that, together, we can work towards securing new elections and, most importantly, freeing the political prisoners,” said Lasha Paruulava, a member of the United National Movement.

He also stated that “without the release of political prisoners, democratic transformation in the country cannot and will not take place.”

“We are all agreed on this. It is clear that we stand together in demanding the release of political prisoners and together in seeking new elections,” Paruulava declared.

When asked by a journalist, “According to our information, an Alliance meeting was held on May 18, which the United National Movement did not attend. The meeting concerned the organisation of the May 26 events. Why did the UNM not attend?” — Lasha Paruulava replied:

“We state with full responsibility that on May 26 we will be there alongside our supporters, to secure new elections and to free the political prisoners. This is a matter on which we are all united. It is clear that without the release of political prisoners, democratic transformation in this country cannot and will not happen. Regarding technical meetings on logistical matters, our representative may not have attended every session. However, we remain continuously engaged and actively involved in the ongoing work process.

There is no need for a storm in a teacup, because such things do not exist in nature. We are not separated, we are united. The democratic opposition, including the constituent parties of the Alliance, is united on two principal demands. The first is the call for new and fair elections, supported by a joint six-point proposal that clearly defines what we mean by elections. The second concerns the process for freeing political prisoners. We will have more to say on that matter on May 26 itself. On these issues we are united, and not only on these issues.”