The National Movement has released a statement regarding the ongoing events in Batumi. The political party condemns the violence.

"We are deeply concerned about the development of the violent processes in Batumi that were precededlawful, peaceful protest against the police officers by the citizens of Georgia.

"We condemn the violence, manifestation of which was unfortunately an unprecedented crime - putting a police car on fire! Protest rally must be held within the frames of law peacefully. We call on people in the streets of Batumi and the residents pf Batumi for calm and protection of order . We call on them not to yield to provocations and calm the situation down .

" The government`s inadequate response to the protest is alerting. It showed complete inaction to defuse the situation in time, which was resulted in the fact that the processes grew into violence. The government used against angry citizens used tear gas, rubber bullets. There are injured, including police as well.

" The government , under which Georgia has weakened so much and state institutions have been undermined , under whichthe police must be defended from complete demoralization, bears responsibility for the destabilization in Batumi .

"We call on the government to urgently act in order to peacefully defus the extremely dangerous situation In Batumi. The reasons and circumstances of the escalation need to be investigated urgently.

"The government is failing to secure peace and stability, economic development and deprives us of a serious threat to the prospects for Euro-Atlantic integration," - is said in a statement released by the National Movement.