Georgia's Interior Minister reveals how long he plans to stay office

Georgian Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia has given a televised explanation about the June 20 rally on Rustaveli Avenue in central Tbilisi that was dispersed by police after a part of the demonstrators decided to storm the parliament building.

Gakharia said he is sorry for those injured during the recent clash, but noted that he will defend every police officer, who were forced to use their legitimate power to protect the state.

"It is unacceptable to attack on those, who try to protect the state, its institutions and constitution," Agenda.ge cited the minister as saying.

Gakharia said he takes political responsibility for the June 20 developments as the minister but will remain in his position until an investigation clarifies who is liable for what transpired. 

"I think police used their legitimate right to use force that night. There are some question marks in terms of proportionality in certain cases which also need to be investigated in details," he added.