Irakli Okruashvili says he will return to Georgia to oust SaakashviliMay 22, 2011 - 15:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - 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. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Russia provides info about arrested Armenian ex-MP Russian law enforcement agencies have provided information about the arrest of Tigran Urikhanyan. Lemkin Institue slams Pashinyan's “cryptic engagement with Genocide denial” The Lemkin Institute is alarmed over Pashinyan’s statements “questioning Armenia's legal basis to pursue justice against Turkey”. 41 detained as antigovernment protests continue in Yerevan 41 people were detained in Yerevan as people demanding Pashinian’s resignation stage campaigns of civil disobedience. Armenia votes for UN resolution granting Palestine new rights The U.N. General Assembly voted by a wide margin on May 10 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine. |