Saakashvili listened to some experts. But did he really hear what they said?

On the evening of 21st January President Mikheil Saakashvili met with some Georgian political and economic experts and proposed that they set up a new consultative body. Its main aim would be to "help the authorities to overcome the economic crisis".

Those who disagree with the regime's position and openly criticise it were also invited to the presidential residence. "We must listen to those who might not agree with us or conversely, whose opinion might be unacceptable for me. Despite our conflicting views and political differences, we are all children of this country and we all have a single task - to ensure that Georgia is strong, united and independent, and to protect our country from this severe economic crisis," said the president.

Admittedly, the Georgian radio station Kommersant notes that the economic bloc was represented by just a few experts. Many venerable economists, whose opinions are held in high regard by society, did not take part, such as: the former economics minister and deputy, Professor Lado Papava; the expert on economic issues and political commentator Soso Tsiskarishvili; and the expert who headed the parliamentary committee on the industrial economy up until the Rose Revolution, Demur Giorkhelidze. By their own admission, nobody invited them, since "our opinion doesn't interest anyone in the government".

At the meeting the president did not just discuss economic issues. They also spoke about foreign and domestic policy, and touched on the social sphere and education. We have to acknowledge that among the participants there genuinely were those who openly criticise the authorities. Here is how they assess the conversation with the president on the urgent issues.

At the end of 2008 the political commentator and Georgian ambassador to Russia during Shevardnadze's time Zurab Abashidze turned down an offer to become minister for culture. However he views the conversation positively. As he told the Georgian agency Inter press news, this talk was interesting. He said that along with topical international issues a series of important domestic themes were examined. Abashidze noted that, despite the very difficult relations with Russia, the Georgian regime does not intend to prohibit private individuals and companies from making business contacts there.

Our Georgiatimes correspondent heard other opinions and assessments personally.

The political commentator Ramaz Sakvarelidze noted that it is still too early to talk about the concrete results of the meeting. "Progress has come with the fact that the young president wanted to hear opinions which don't coincide with his own.

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