May 22, 2011 - 15:57 AMT
Irakli Okruashvili says he will return to Georgia to oust Saakashvili

Former Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili, who fled the country to avoid criminal prosecution, promised to return to Georgia to take part in the May 25 opposition rally. “May 25 will mark the last day of the current authorities,” said Okruashvili.

In its turn, the Georgian Interior Ministry has promised to arrest Okruashvili, when he returns to the motherland. “We are waiting for him,” said interior ministry spokesman Shota Utiashvili.

In 2008, Okruashvili was convicted in absentia for extortion and sentenced to 11 years of imprisonment. Soon afterwards he was granted political asylum in France. Okruashvili has numerously promised to return to Georgia, Lenta.ru reported.

Rallies organized by supporters of the Georgian opposition started on May 21, demanding resignation of Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili. The opposition promises to continue holding actions until May 25.