Russian, Georgian experts discuss Margvelashvili’s presidential win

Sergey Markov, head of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Mamuk Areshidze and Ramaz Sakvarelidze, political analysts from Tbilisi, have discussed Georgy Margvelashvili’s victory at the presidential polls in Georgia. According to 90% of ballot sheets processed, he took 62.09% of the vote.

 

Areshidze said that the results were expected and the only question had been whether there would be a second round of voting. He pointed out that opposition had fewer votes than it got at the parliamentary polls of 2012.

 

 

Markov congratulated Georgia on holding democratic elections. He said that the Georgian Dream coalition had started improving relations with Russia. Markov sees need for expert talks, discussions among young people, restoration of transportation links, intensification of economic relations, removal of legal obstacles and restoration of diplomatic relations between Russia and Georgia.

 

 

Sakvarelidze urged both Russia and Georgia to abstained from passiveness during negotiations.

 

 

Areshidze noted that the president remained the main figure in the country, despite loss of certain authorities. He believes that Ivanishvili will get more control over the processes in the government.

 

 

The experts warned that Saakashvili had tools to affect the policy, such as the United National Movement, and the Tbilisi mayor. Mayors of many cities are still part of Saakashvili’s team.

Sergey Markov, head of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Mamuk Areshidze and Ramaz Sakvarelidze, political analysts from Tbilisi, have discussed Georgy Margvelashvili’s victory at the presidential polls in Georgia. According to 90% of ballot sheets processed, he took 62.09% of the vote.Areshidze said that the results were expected and the only question had been whether there would be a second round of voting. He pointed out that opposition had fewer votes than it got at the parliamentary polls of 2012.Markov congratulated Georgia on holding democratic elections. He said that the Georgian Dream coalition had started improving relations with Russia. Markov sees need for expert talks, discussions among young people, restoration of transportation links, intensification of economic relations, removal of legal obstacles and restoration of diplomatic relations between Russia and Georgia.Sakvarelidze urged both Russia and Georgia to abstained from passiveness during negotiations.Areshidze noted that the president remained the main figure in the country, despite loss of certain authorities. He believes that Ivanishvili will get more control over the processes in the government.The experts warned that Saakashvili had tools to affect the policy, such as the United National Movement, and the Tbilisi mayor. Mayors of many cities are still part of Saakashvili’s