Party's exclusion from opposition alliance should not distract from protests, Constitutional Court case, UNM

Irakli Pavlenishvili, head of the collegial governing body of Georgia's opposition United National Movement (UNM), has called for an end to disputes over the party's exclusion from an opposition alliance, urging political forces to focus instead on the Constitutional Court proceedings on the ban on five opposition parties and a planned November 28 protest.

Speaking about the party's departure from the alliance on Friday, Pavlenishvili said the UNM had not actively participated in its activities in recent months, adding that this had never been concealed.

He said the party had previously considered formal discussions about leaving the alliance unnecessary, partly to avoid further accusations and divisions within the opposition.

“Whether we were expelled or left on our own makes no difference to us. It turned out that we were expelled, but I don't think discussing this is relevant,” Pavlenishvili said.

He stressed that the current political situation required opposition forces to concentrate on what he described as more important issues.

“Now is the time for the struggle. You expelled me, I left - this must come to an end. We should focus on the Constitutional Court and the November 28 rally,” he said.