Eduard Shevardnadze will not resign

The Georgian president, Eduard Shevardnadze has confirmed that he does not intend to resign.

In his interview with a national radio station, Shevardnadze said that protests and other unconstitutional methods that opposition uses against the government will not make him end his presidency prematurely.

"My main goal is to lead Georgia to general civil consent by April 2005. Only this can guarantee a democratic change of a president, for the first time in Georgian history", Shevardnadze said. He believes that current demonstrations in Georgia have nothing to do with the parliamentary elections. "It is a struggle for power and presidency," Shevardnadze said. He also added that in the current situation the president's resignation is impossible.

"There is no legitimate body that can run the country at the time. Opposition is against the newly elected Parliament while the Parliament's term has already run out," Shevardnadze said. He noted that soon the Central Election Committee will announce the final results of the election and set the date for the first session of the new Parliament.

"I am planning to address the Parliament and propose a number of important constitutional changes and a reform of the Supreme Legislative Body," Shevardnadze siad.

He has also confirmed his readiness for a dialogue with the opposition. "I can meet with them today. I am ready to compromise but strictly within the limits of the Constitution and law," the president said.