Gia Volski: Banning the opposition is not a good thing—if it is, in fact, an opposition. However, if it is not an opposition, but rather a specific group acting according to a deliberate plan to plunge the country into an irreversible crisis, then, naturally, this is the only path

"Banning the opposition is not a good thing—if it is an opposition. But if it is not an opposition, but rather a specific group acting according to a deliberate plan to plunge the country into an unimaginable, irreversible crisis, then, naturally, this is the only path," Gia Volski, First Vice-Speaker of the Parliament, stated while speaking to journalists.

According to him, there are groups in the country that label themselves as political parties, yet "in reality, they are attempting to drag Georgia into a conflict with Russia and are working against the country's future."

"Banning the opposition is not a good thing—provided it is, in fact, an opposition. But if it is not an opposition, but rather a specific group acting according to a deliberate plan to plunge the country into an unimaginable and irreversible crisis, then, naturally, this is the only path. Otherwise, there is the alternative approach—the one Saakashvili employed: indiscriminate punishment, physical confrontation, intimidation, and imprisonment.

It is unacceptable for there to be people in the country who consistently argue: 'Yes, I want us to enter into an economic and military confrontation with Russia—ostensibly to support Europe'—and who, for this very reason, keep the nation in a state of constant tension. These statements have already translated into concrete actions—not just once, but five or six times. This has posed a real threat to the country, and will continue to do so in the future; therefore, this is, quite simply, the optimal solution. There is nothing to celebrate here.

It is truly regrettable that there are people in this country who style themselves as 'political parties' yet stand in opposition to the country’s own future," stated Volski.