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Badri Patarkatsishvili Responded to Current Events in Georgia

October 2, 2007

Newspaper “Kommersant” published an interview with businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili regarding the current events in Georgia. The businessman met the journalist in London on the evening of September 27 before he left for Tbilisi. Detention of former Defense Minister was surprise for Patarkatsishvili. He concluded that it was government’s political decision.

As for protest demonstrations the businessman pointed out that he would stand by people if they hold demonstrations.

“It was not a casual occasion when Okruashvili made similar statements on TV Company “Imedi” (Patarkatsishvili is the founder of the TV Company). Unfortunately “Imedi” TV is the only media source in Georgian that is not controlled by the government; moreover governmental bodies boycott our company,” said Patarkatsishvili who also added that he had offered officials to take part in TV debates very often though they refused each time.

“Kommersant” asked the businessman whether journalists for the TV program “Open Air” had agreed with him invitation of Irakli Okruashvili. Patarkatsishvili answered that neither he nor his co-owner corporation “News-Corporation” interfere in journalists’ professional activities.

As for the relationship with former Defense Minister the business recalled that Mikheil Saakashvili introduced him with Okruashvili as soon as they came into office.

The businessman and former minister have good relationship; they meet each other once in two or three months. Their ideas about the future of our country coincide.

As for scandalous accusations, Patarkatsishvili considers that he cannot help trusting the former Defense Minister.

“Irakli Okruashvili occupied quite high positions in the government. People with similar positions do not speak groundlessly; besides that I trust him because I know him very well,” said the businessman.

Patarkatsishvili also mentioned Okruashvili’s statement about the death of late Prime-Minister Zhvania; he stated that he believed the former minister’s words and is sure that Okruashvili is not taking speculating with the situation.

“Okruashvili’s statements regarding the accident should be seriously considered. The former minister confirmed my doubts about the fact. I think that family members of Zhvania have right to carry out independent investigation that will be led by honest people.”

“The late prime-minister had very many honorable friends, the wife and brother of Zhvania should be members of the investigation commission as well,” said Badri Patarkatsishvili.

Based on his personal observation and printed media the businessman concluded that certain part of society supports the former defense minister.

As for Patarkatsishvili’s position, he stated that he is a person who guarantees the activities of the only TV Company in the country that is independent from the government where every citizen can express his/her opinions. It is his position.


Source: Media.ge

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