2018-06-01
Our government is a government elected by the people. I have always stood, and I stand by my people. I have never steered away from direct communication with the people, which is why I decided to approach the demonstration's participants, firstly the father of the murdered young man, and the parents present there who have lost their children.
I did it despite the fact that everyone warned me, and I knew, that provocations were expected. It was clear to everyone that my arrival was taken positively by the vast majority of those present. However, a small group of politically engaged persons would not let me complete my statement, which is as follows.
Tomorrow morning, the Interior Ministry will recall the case from the Prosecutor's Office to investigate, and the investigation will be supervised by Vice Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia. Of course, I will be involved at every step, and I will maintain control over the entire process.
Secondly, I would like to state that the Parliament made a decision today to establish the Investigative Commission. In the shortest possible time, the Parliament will hold an extraordinary session to approve the commission's composition which, as far as I know-and it would be advisable in this particular case-will feature the minority as the majority. The commission will commence work as soon as technically possible.
The third issue involves the Chief Prosecutor. I believe that Irakli Shotadze took an honorable step today without casting even a shadow of doubt over the reputation of the Prosecutor's Office. We must launch the process of selecting a new Chief Prosecutor. I urge everyone, and I have already instructed the Justice Minister to select a new Chief Prosecutor with maximal engagement of and maximal legitimation from the public at large. This process must involve every parliamentary faction, the NGO sector, and our society as a whole, so that no questions whatsoever may be raised about the personal reputation and professionalism of the new Chief Prosecutor. This process will be finalized with maximally effective use of legally prescribed deadlines, and in taking this step, we will meet the demand of the public.
Also, I would like to guarantee the parents and families who have lost their children that, at every stage of the investigation, on a daily basis, they will receive as much information as they will request, and that they will be maximally engaged in the process carried out by the Interior Ministry and the work of the Investigative Commission, and this communication will be maintained maximally.
I will personally control every step, and I assume personal responsibility that we will have results within the shortest technically possible period, and I will have a conversation tomorrow to define the exact timeframe. This will be our answer to the questions raised by the public, our response to the challenge, and our political response.
In conclusion, I would like to say that, for me, my office is not worth the misfortune of even a single person. If I become convinced that my resignation will benefit the country, will improve and ease the situation even in the least, I will not hesitate to take this step. Today, the situation is different, and this moment has not come yet. I repeat that what matters to me most is to answer the questions of the public as quickly as possible and to maintain stability in the country.