AFTER ELECTIONS: BURJANADZE ANNOUNCES FOUNDATION,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TBILISI 001072

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EUR/CARC

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM KDEM GG
SUBJECT: AFTER ELECTIONS: BURJANADZE ANNOUNCES FOUNDATION,
OPPOSITION TAKES BREAK

REF: A) TBILISI 963, B) TBILISI 1021


1. Summary: On June 17, former Parliamentary Speaker Burjanadze
announced she is establishing a think-tank called the "Foundation
for Democratic Development." Burjanadze said she sees her
foundation not as a purely analytical, apolitical think-tank, but
rather as a "new way for her to participate in politics." On June
17, the United National Council of Opposition (UNC) announced it
will "take a time-out" and recess for the summer to make future
plans. The Labor party followed the lead of the UNC and their MPs
submitted their letters of resignation to Parliament (ref B),
requesting their mandates be cancelled. Giorgi Targamadze's
Christian Democratic Movement (CDM) is attending its first
Parliamentary session on June 20. During the same session, UNM
Majoritarian MPs created a parliamentary faction called
"Majoritarians - Georgian Regions." End Summary.


2. Comment: Burjanadze's announcement was expected (ref A). It will
take some time to see what success her foundation can build. The
UNC's decision to stand down has also been coming for several weeks.
Whether or not a more cohesive organization and message will emerge
from the opposition group in September remains to be seen. Labor's
and the CDM moves were also expected (ref B). In its first three
sessions, Parliament has primarily been addressing housekeeping
matters. End comment.

Burjanadze Announces New Foundation
--------------


3. During a live TV interview with the Georgian Public Broadcaster
on June 17, Nino Burjanadze broke her two-month long silence and
announced (as predicted, ref A) she is establishing a think-tank
called the "Foundation for Democratic Development." Offering
balanced criticism of the government and opposition in
post-revolutionary Georgia, Burjanadze alleged there is much talk
about existing problems in Georgia but little being done to solve
them. Burjanadze said her foundation will provide expert analysis
of problems and generate recommendations for solutions. She expects
her foundation to be very inclusive, representing people with
different backgrounds and ages.


4. Burjanadze said she sees her foundation not as a purely
analytical, apolitical think-tank, but rather as a "new way for her
to participate in politics." Focusing on the immediate tasks of
recruiting supporters and financial contributions, Burjanadze did
not deny having future political ambitions and said she will speak
about her political plans later. Media and political reaction to
Burjanadze's announcement has been mild. Neither the opposition nor
ruling party expect her to actively participate in politics anytime
soon.

United Opposition Takes a Break
--------------


5. On June 17, the United Opposition Council (UNC) announced it will
"take a time-out" and recess for the summer to make future plans.
The decision came at a UNM meeting at the New Rights' party
headquarters, which turned into a birthday party for New Rightist
David Saganelidze. As news cameras rolled, UNC leaders toasted
Saganelidze, his "personal freedom" as a bachelor, and the UNC's
"freedom" gained by boycotting parliament and refusing to
participate in government. Earlier, the UNC discussed establishing
an opposition Political Center to "monitor" Parliament. The UNC
said it would not consult with other political parties now, and the
Political Center will be closed to the Christian Democrats and
others who join Parliament.


6. The UNC adopted a 5-point memorandum submitted by Freedom Party
leader Konstantine Gamsakhurdia. The memo called for a new UNC
structure, cancellation of the three-member political council,
moving the UNC offices from the New Rights' headquarters, and
changing the UNC into an umbrella organization for all of the
opposition. Gamsakhurdia also demanded a review of the 1992 ouster
of his father (former President Zviad Gamsakhurdia) and
investigation of Eduard Shevardnadze's role in it. Jovial UNC
members said Gamsakhurdia was too busy to stay for the party, and
the memorandum could not be considered in his absence. On
television, they seemed more interested in the party anyway.

Labor Cancels Party List,
Turns in Mandates
--------------


7. On June 18 Labor party MPs followed the lead of the UNC and
submitted their letters of resignation to Parliament (ref B),
requesting their mandates be cancelled. Though the format of the
letter was not technically correct -- it referred to Parliament as
the UNM headquarters and to Speaker David Bakradze as the head of
said headquarters -- it was accepted and the Parliament's Procedural
Committee will make a decision on the request within 7 days.

TBILISI 00001072 002 OF 002



Christian Democrats Enter Parliament
--------------


8. Giorgi Targamadze and his Christian Democrats will attend their
first Parliamentary session on June 20, as most of the issues
incorporated in their memorandum (ref B) are to be discussed and
voted upon. Targamadze said that the new Parliament and election
results did not reflect the real mood of society, but his party
deems it more effective to continue their political struggle in
Parliament than outside it. Vice-Speaker Mikheil Machavariani
welcomed the Christian Democrats' decision and said dissent in
Parliament is a positive sign.

Majoritarian MPs Create Faction
--------------


9. UNM Majoritarian MPs created a parliamentary faction called
"Majoritarians - Georgian Regions" during the June 20 session. Gogi
Liparteliani will lead the new faction of 17 members (second largest
after the UNM faction).

TEFFT