Former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili recorded a video address, turning to President Petro Poroshenko; the video may be found on Saakashvili’s Facebook.
The ex-governor of Odesa region started with a commentary on the release of his letter, published by the presidential administration. He insisted he wanted to ‘solve the crisis peacefully’. Then, he urged Poroshenko to step down from the presidential office.
‘Your voluntary resignation is next to the last option to solve the political crisis, otherwise it may grow deeper. A president who voluntarily resigned and bow his head to the will of the people can count on a softer punishment and a pardon. In their informal talks, some of your loyal sidekicks say you lost the track of reality. And now, they’re waiting for a moment to start saving themselves; some of them already search for a fall-back position. I hope that even if it’s not his political wisdom, then at least his human sense of safety show you the right way. This decision will save not only you but also a lot of people whose fate is inextricably linked to Ukraine,’ he said.
On December 18, Saakashvili and his lawyer appeared at Prosecutor General’s Office but refused to be interviewed saying he could not trust or respect the prosecutors. Previously, Saakashvili was detained in Kyiv, charged with aiding and abetting a criminal group. Last week, the court released him from custody.
