One day before the planned protest rallies, an ambassadorial working group called on the authorities and the opposition on April 8 “to engage in an open dialogue seeking lasting constructive solutions to issues of importance to Georgia.”

With the goal of “furthering democratic principles and procedures” in Georgia, the ambassadorial working group convenes on a regular basis and comprises of ambassadors from OSCE participating states; Council of Europe representative; the head of the European Commission delegation and the UN Resident Coordinator.

“The Ambassadors call upon all political forces and government representatives, including relevant security authorities, to show responsible behaviour and commitment to democratic principles during the protest actions announced for 9 April 2009, to express their positions within the legal framework, and to avoid violence,” the statement reads.