“The issue of entering the parliament is being discussed. Consultations are expected to continue,” Nika Melia, the Chairman of the largest opposition party United National Movement, announced following his recent release from prison.
Melia noted that the UNM is a very large party, and its members have different positions regarding entering the parliament.
“It will take several days to make a final decision. I know for a fact that there are different positions in the party on this issue. I have to talk to all my colleagues and then make a decision. I can not give you a certain answer now. I think the decision should be pragmatic and rational,” he said.
On the other hand, one of the leaders of the National Movement, Zaal Udumashvili, told reporters that considering the current situation, the UNM should enter the Parliament and get involved in political processes.
Following his release, Nika Melia also commented on the lawsuit filed in Strasbourg against the incumbent government, pointing out that “when an absolutely righteous person is accused of a coup d’etat, the formation of organized criminal groups, he will naturally defend his rights and end up with a victory.”
He added that the Georgian Dream must be held accountable for its actions.
In the lawsuit, Melia claims that his arrest on February 23, 2021, does not comply with the requirements of the European Convention.
The UNM leader further noted that there are many political prisoners left in the country. He thanked the international partners and ambassadors for their contribution to his release.
“I would like to once again thank EU Ambassador Carl Hartzell, European Council President Charles Michel, US Ambassador Kelly Degnan and Chairman of the Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Committee Žygimantas Pavilionis for their contribution and their will to establish stability and democracy in the country,” he concluded.
By Ana Dumbadze
