Georgian Rivals Saakashvili, Ivanishvili Meet In Tbilisi (Radio Free Europe; 4 MAR 2013)

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and his political rival Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili have met in Tbilisi for talks about their differences. 

Saakashvili said it was a positive step to have face-to-face talks -- the second such meeting since Saakashvili’s party lost legislative elections to Ivanishvili’s coalition in October 2012.

Saakashvili also reiterated his promise not to dissolve parliament.

Ivanashvili dismissed the talks as a meeting for the sake of having a meeting.

He said there was no prearranged agenda but that Saakashvili asked for less pressure on Georgia’s media and courts.

Ivanishvili’s government has been pushing for constitutional amendments limiting the power of the president to dissolve parliament and dismiss the cabinet.

Saakashvili has accused Ivanishvili's government of prosecuting his close allies and former government officials on politically motivated charges.

Based on reporting by Civil.ge, Rustavi2, Apsny.ge, and Interfax

eorgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and his political rival Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili have met in Tbilisi for talks about their differences. Saakashvili said it was a positive step to have face-to-face talks -- the second such meeting since Saakashvili’s party lost legislative elections to Ivanishvili’s coalition in October 2012. Saakashvili also reiterated his promise not to dissolve parliament. Ivanashvili dismissed the talks as a meeting for the sake of having a meeting. He said there was no prearranged agenda but that Saakashvili asked for less pressure on Georgia’s media and courts. Ivanishvili’s government has been pushing for constitutional amendments limiting the power of the president to dissolve parliament and dismiss the cabinet. Saakashvili has accused Ivanishvili's government of prosecuting his close allies and former government officials on politically motivated charges. Based on reporting by Civil.ge, Rustavi2, Apsny.ge, and Interfax