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President Mikheil Saakashvili Laid Down Conditions for “Imedi TV”

November 28, 2007

Broadcasting of TV Company “Imedi” will be resumed after they guarantee that it will not be a weapon for Badri Patarkatsishvili against Georgia. President Saakashvili stated it in his interview with journalist Inga Grigolia, who presented popular talk shows on Imedi TV.

Inga Grigolia interviewed the president on November 24 as a representative of the independent studio TBC TV. The interview was shown on Rustavi 2, the rival company of “Imedi TV.”

Grigolia started her long interview with talking about November 7.

“We can recall one common day in our past, November 7; my colleagues and I could have hardly imagined that such a day would ever occur in our lives. When riot policemen rushed into our office, pushed down our people and masked people were pointing guns at them. We were made to stand by the wall; they seized our mobile phones, cars and led us out in the street. Outside the building we were attacked. I want you know it in details. We were running and riot policemen were following us; they were shooting rubber bullets; we were running through the forest; some of us fell into holes; they fractured the skull of one of my young colleagues and we all have had to endure this disaster and what for?”

In reply to her question, President Saakashvili said he was very sorry for the incident. “I am really very sorry for it and if we prove that any of the policemen abused his power in such a tense situation, we will react to it in an appropriate manner.” Saakashvili reminded the journalists of the situation before riot police broke into the TV Company. On those tense days “Imedi TV” was calling upon the people to overthrow the government. “Badri Patarkatsishvili was calling upon the people to overthrow the government,” said Saakashvili, who added that he could not stand chaos in the country.

“My colleagues and I were in contact with journalists of TV Company “Imedi” with pleasure, but we cannot adjust to Patarkatsishvili long-term attempt to overthrow the government. It was not only me who made such a decision. We made a collective decision and acted like an authority which has taken responsibility before its population and country. TV Company “Imedi” became a weapon for that one person who has cruel intentions for Georgia. You asked me when Imedi broadcasting is going to be resumed. “Imedi” will be resumed when we are certain that Patarkatsishvili gives up its statements against the government and the TV programs will be directed within the legal framework. TV Company Imedi had received directives to gather evidences against the government and we can prove it. This constitutes a crime and the government will react to it properly. Law enforcers should decide on the matter and everything will be exposed after the election,” said Saakashvili.

Source: Media.ge    

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