“Political dialogue has begun. I would say that this was a positive start of the political consultations," Speaker of Parliament Archil Talakvadze said after the meeting held between the opposition leaders and representatives of the majority at the residence of the US Ambassador.

He pointed out that the participation of the US Ambassador and the EU Ambassador in the meeting had a positive significance.

"I have high hopes that the dialogue will continue. This is very important for our community," Talakvadze added.

"Do not expect anything to be resolved in one or even two meetings, this is a very difficult issue," one of the leaders of the European Georgia Party Davit Bakradze told reporters after the meeting.

He said that consolidation in the country will not be possible without holding new elections.

"The country is in a political crisis. The differences are huge. I hope we will finally be able to reach an agreement," Bakradze said.

One of the leaders of "Lelo for Georgia" Badri Japaridze told journalists after the meeting that the demand of the opposition remains unchanged.

He said another meeting between the parties was planned, however, a specific date is unknown at this time.

"We will additionally agree on the time of the next meeting. The requirements are absolutely the same. We exchanged arguments, shared our assessments with each other, and once again expressed our views," he noted. 

Giorgi Vashadze, the leader of Strategy Builder, noted that the opposition rally scheduled for Saturday remains in force. 

"It's too early to talk about a compromise," he stressed. 

Today, a meeting of opposition leaders and representatives of the majority took place at the residence of the US Ambassador in order to resolve the current political crisis in the country. The ambassadors of the EU member states also participated in the meeting.

Another round of talks is expected to be held in the near future. 

By Ana Dumbadze