Georgian Opposition Group Sets Terms For End Of Boycott

Georgia's opposition parties on March 31 said they would boycott the parliament's plenary sessions to protest the eviction of one of their representatives from the chamber.

The Democratic Front is demanding changes to Georgia's election law and direct elections for mayors and district administration heads. It also calls on Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili to resign, and for deep reforms be carried out at the Interior Ministry.

Democratic Front leaders told reporters that they expect other opposition parties to sign the memorandum.

Georgia's opposition parties accuse President Mikheil Saakashvili and his allies of anti-democratic policies. They also blame Merabishvili for what they say is an increase in police violence.

(Civil Georgia, Prime News, Novosti-Gruziya)