Rector of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Academician Vladimer Papava met with a group of students, who gathered outside Building VI of TSU on April 16.
Rector Papava familiarized himself with the demands of the protesting students. He said that further picketing of the building would hamper the learning process and he did not welcome it; he, however, added that dialogue with students was vital.
Papava also said that “students are our citizens and they have the right to express their position. The sphere of education is important for them, but the fact that the building has been closed and the learning process suspended, I do not like it, as the Rector, as the Professor. Therefore, now those persons to whom it may concern will have to reciprocate.”
The Rector said that he would try to provide relevant information to the government. “I will try to deliver information to the government and wait for their response. If the Prime Minister decides to respond to students, he will select an appropriate form for it. One of such forms is making a statement, as well as meeting with students, but I think, he has to do it himself,” Papava said.
The protesting students started to picket Building VI of TSU in the morning of April 16. The representatives of Auditorium 115 have a number of demands, involving educational reform, amendments to the Law on Higher Education and meeting with the Prime Minister.
By 2 pm, the protesters moved towards Building I of the Tbilisi State University.
