Opposition leader says it is impossible to separate Saakashvili from Georgian politics

The Chair of the United National Movement faction, Khatia Dekanoidze, has said that it is impossible to separate ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili from Georgian politics.

According to Dekanoidze, the issue of Saakashvili's separation from the National ­Movement has not been discussed, Interpress News reported on August 10. 

"I think that separating Mikheil Saakashvili from Georgia and Georgian politics is simply unthinkable, because Mikheil Saakashvili is a factor in Georgian politics - his personality, based on his past, his present - is a factor in Georgian politics. As for his open participation in elections, of course, this is up to him, and of course, this is up to the citizens and voters of Georgia. Therefore, I would not make conclusions only from his social network, posts, or from the statements of several lawyers. It is unthinkable to separate Mikheil Saakashvili from Georgia. He is a factor, he has great historical importance, he is the third President of Georgia," she said.

"We, as a party, his friends and all those who are not only party-related to Mikheil Saakashvili, but also have had a very important relationship with him over the years, have not heard any personal statement on the separation of the National ­Movement and Mikheil Saakashvili according to his will. Accordingly, this has not been a topic of discussion", Dekanoidze added.