United National Movement opposition boycotts parliament despite making election deal

The United National Movement (UNM) opposition party has denied to participate in parliament's work despite making an election deal with the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party last week, stating that not all of the conditions of the agreement have been fulfilled. 

• Opposition says despite election deal with ruling party, one issue remains unresolved

UNM MP Roman Gotsiridze says that the ruling party refuses to fulfil the section of the election agreement which concerns the ‘release of political prisoners.’ 

We return in parliament only after the political prisoners are released,” Gotsiridze said. 

• Ruling party denies opposition’s reports on release of opposition leaders

The ruling party denies any agreement with the opposition on the release of imprisoned opposition leaders and members, stating that the country has no political prisoners and has invited European Parliament members to look into the cases. 

A bill on the election issue will be initiated in parliament later today which reflects the agreement between the ruling party and the united opposition on March 8 in talks mediated by the diplomatic corps.