Georgian Gov't Officials Joining Opposition

According to the "News of Georgia" press agency, a group of ruling party officials said on Thursday's anti-government rally in Tbilisi that they are joining the opposition to demand the resignation of President Saakashvili.

Twelve government activists from the Nadzaladevsky region, headed by the chair of the ruling party branch, joined the opposition demonstrators. Opposition leaders consider this move as an "encouraging signal": "This is a big step for these people. The first step is very difficult," - said Giorgi Khaindrava. one of the leaders of the United Opposition. Ex-Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Nino Burjanadze expressed her belief that "others will join these individuals," and urged members of the ruling party to join the people "before it's too late."