Preparations for the military parade to mark Georgian Independence Day
on May 26 are continuing, despite protests at the parliament building
in Tbilisi, News Georgia cites a spokesman of the Defense Ministry
Salome Makharadze as saying.
The parade is traditionally held at central Rustaveli Avenue.
Leaders of the National Assembly have urged thousands of protesters to
spend the night at the place.
Permission for the protest expires at midnight. The police have not
taken any measures yet. Some media report that security at state
structures nearby has been strengthened.
Leader of the People's Assembly Giya Kobakhidze said that one of their
main goals is to prevent President Mikheil Saakashvili from reviewing
the parade.
Protests were organized by Nino Budjanadze, leader of the People's
Assembly, Ex-Speaker of Parliament and head of the Democratic
Movement. They are being held in the center of Tbilisi for the fifth
day. The main demand is Saakashvili's resignation.
