The Caucasus Research Resource Centers (CRRC), a partnership between Eurasia Partnership Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York and local universities, recently conducted a nationwide survey on Georgians’ general political views and attitudes towards the protests.

With more than 1,800 respondents, the survey showed that an overwhelming number of Georgians want the protests to end peacefully. More than 85 percent of respondents endorsed that both the Georgian Government and the opposition have called for dialogue. Among the issues that should be discussed, respondents highlighted judicial independence (73%), electoral reform to guarantee free and fair elections (70%) and media freedom (69%). The top five issues of national political concern were territorial integrity, poverty, affordable health care, NATO membership and fairness of elections.

Dr. Hans Gutbrod, CRRC Regional Director, presented the results during a briefing on public opinion in Georgia at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Washington, DC on June 11th. "Georgians are exhausted by the continuing sense of crisis," said Dr. Gutbrod. While approximately 70 percent of Georgians think the government should address the opposition's complaints about judicial independence, media freedom and legislative reform to guarantee free and fair elections, the survey gives no indication of widespread dissatisfaction with President Saakashvili.

Dr. Gutbrod also presented the results at the American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia for its Board of Directors, several Ambassadors and representatives of international financial institutions.