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|accessdate = 2007-11-13
|accessdate = 2007-11-13
}}</ref> The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not yet given explanations.
}}</ref> The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not yet given explanations.

⚫
=== Crisis recedes ===
⚫
[[Image:Riot police in Tbilisi 2007.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Riot police]] in the streets of [[Tbilisi]].]]
⚫
On [[8 November]], [[2007]], Saakashvili announced he was planning [[Georgian presidential election, 2008|snap presidential elections]] for [[January 5]] [[2008]]. He also proposed to hold a simultaneous [[Georgian legislative election date referendum, 2008|plebiscite]] about when to hold [[Georgian legislative election, 2008|parliamentary polls]] – in spring as pushed for by the opposition parties, or in late 2008. He also called for dialogue with the opposition parties which, he said, did not cooperate with the Russian intelligence, and promised to end the state of emergency within a few days.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/detail.php?id=16262 Saakashvili Calls Snap Presidential Polls, Referendum]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-08.</ref>

⚫
Meanwhile, Georgia's opposition announced the suspension of anti-government protests in Tbilisi.<ref>[http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-11-08-voa21.cfm Saakashvili Proposes Georgian Presidential Elections in January]. [[Voice of America|VOA News]]. November 8, 2007.</ref> Most of the opposition parties hailed President Saakashvili’s decision as the first step to end the political standoff, and agreed to the negotiations with [[Nino Burjanadze]], the parliamentary chairperson.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/detail.php?id=16267 Crisis Receding as Election Season Begins to Unfold]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-09.</ref>

⚫
By [[November 9]], [[2007]], riot police and troops had been withdrawn from the main sites of the November 7 unrest. On the same day, [[Ilia II]], [[Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia|Catholicos-Patriarch]] of the [[Georgian Orthodox Church]] met separately with Nino Burjanadze and opposition leaders and said that he was ready to mediate between the opposition and the authorities.



== International reaction ==
== International reaction ==
Line 105: Line 96:
'''{{flag|EU}}''' - The EU foreign policy chief, [[Javier Solana]], urged restraint from both sides, saying "political differences should be resolved within the democratic institutions". <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7084357.stm Troops enforce Georgia emergency] BBC News, Nov. 8, 2007</ref>
'''{{flag|EU}}''' - The EU foreign policy chief, [[Javier Solana]], urged restraint from both sides, saying "political differences should be resolved within the democratic institutions". <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7084357.stm Troops enforce Georgia emergency] BBC News, Nov. 8, 2007</ref>


⚫
== Criticism of government actions ==
⚫
The opposition leaders, NGOs and the public defender of Georgia have harshly critisized the government actions. Illegal arrests, beatings and intimidations were reported.<ref name=civil071112>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16311 Ruling Party, Opposition End Second Round of Talks] civil.ge November 12, 2007</ref> Concerns have been expressed about widespread practice of tapping private telephone conversations.<ref name=civil071118>http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16361] civil.ge November 18, 2007</ref> The government has been accused of media control.{{fact|date=November 2007}}


== The Aftermath ==
== The Aftermath ==


⚫
==== Crisis recedes ====
⚫
Georgian authorities have charged the businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili, who had earlier left for [[London]], with plotting a coup.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16273 Patarkatsishvili Suspected of "Coup Plotting"]. Civil Georgia. [[November 9]], [[2007]].</ref> The Labor Party leader, [[Shalva Natelashvili]], is also wanted for a "coup attempt and espionage". His whereabouts remain unknown, but is rumored to have fled to Russia through Georgia's breakaway republic of [[South Ossetia]].<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16271 Lifting of Emergency Rules Needed for Dialogue – Opposition]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-09.</ref>
⚫
[[Image:Riot police in Tbilisi 2007.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Riot police]] in the streets of [[Tbilisi]].]]
⚫
On [[8 November]], [[2007]], Saakashvili announced he was planning [[Georgian presidential election, 2008|snap presidential elections]] for [[January 5]] [[2008]]. He also proposed to hold a simultaneous [[Georgian legislative election date referendum, 2008|plebiscite]] about when to hold [[Georgian legislative election, 2008|parliamentary polls]] – in spring as pushed for by the opposition parties, or in late 2008. He also called for dialogue with the opposition parties which, he said, did not cooperate with the Russian intelligence, and promised to end the state of emergency within a few days.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/detail.php?id=16262 Saakashvili Calls Snap Presidential Polls, Referendum]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-08.</ref>

⚫
Meanwhile, Georgia's opposition announced the suspension of anti-government protests in Tbilisi.<ref>[http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-11-08-voa21.cfm Saakashvili Proposes Georgian Presidential Elections in January]. [[Voice of America|VOA News]]. November 8, 2007.</ref> Most of the opposition parties hailed President Saakashvili’s decision as the first step to end the political standoff, and agreed to the negotiations with [[Nino Burjanadze]], the parliamentary chairperson.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/detail.php?id=16267 Crisis Receding as Election Season Begins to Unfold]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-09.</ref>

⚫
By [[November 9]], [[2007]], riot police and troops had been withdrawn from the main sites of the November 7 unrest. On the same day, [[Ilia II]], [[Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia|Catholicos-Patriarch]] of the [[Georgian Orthodox Church]] met separately with Nino Burjanadze and opposition leaders and said that he was ready to mediate between the opposition and the authorities.

⚫
Meanwhile, Georgian authorities have charged the businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili, who had earlier left for [[London]], with plotting a coup.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16273 Patarkatsishvili Suspected of "Coup Plotting"]. Civil Georgia. [[November 9]], [[2007]].</ref> The Labor Party leader, [[Shalva Natelashvili]], is also wanted for a "coup attempt and espionage". His whereabouts remain unknown, but is rumored to have fled to Russia through Georgia's breakaway republic of [[South Ossetia]].<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16271 Lifting of Emergency Rules Needed for Dialogue – Opposition]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-09.</ref>


Later on November 9, the Parliament of Georgia, in a complete absence of opposition lawmakers, backed the presidential decree imposing state of emergency and restrictions on media on the entire territory of Georgia to be in force until late November 22.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16275 Parliament Backs Emergency Rules]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-09.</ref>
Later on November 9, the Parliament of Georgia, in a complete absence of opposition lawmakers, backed the presidential decree imposing state of emergency and restrictions on media on the entire territory of Georgia to be in force until late November 22.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16275 Parliament Backs Emergency Rules]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-09.</ref>
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The nation-wide state of emergency was lifted at 7pm local time on November 16, in accordance to the parliament's decree passed two days ago.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16350 State of Emergency Lifted]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-16.</ref> All media sources resumed broadcasting with the exception of Imedi TV which still remains off air, as its license has been suspended by the Tbilisi city court.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16351 Kavkasia TV Back on Air]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-16.</ref>
The nation-wide state of emergency was lifted at 7pm local time on November 16, in accordance to the parliament's decree passed two days ago.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16350 State of Emergency Lifted]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-16.</ref> All media sources resumed broadcasting with the exception of Imedi TV which still remains off air, as its license has been suspended by the Tbilisi city court.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16351 Kavkasia TV Back on Air]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-16.</ref>

⚫
=== Criticism of government actions ===
⚫
The opposition leaders, NGOs and the public defender of Georgia have harshly critisized the government actions. Illegal arrests, beatings and intimidations were reported.<ref name=civil071112>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16311 Ruling Party, Opposition End Second Round of Talks] civil.ge November 12, 2007</ref> Concerns have been expressed about widespread practice of tapping private telephone conversations.<ref name=civil071118>http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16361] civil.ge November 18, 2007</ref> The government has been accused of media control.{{fact|date=November 2007}}


=== Economic Impact ===
=== Economic Impact ===

Revision as of 05:53, 20 November 2007

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The 2007 Georgian demonstrations were a series of anti-government protests in Georgia. The demonstrations peaked on November 2, 2007, when 50,000 rallied in downtown Tbilisi, capital of Georgia.[1] People protested against the allegedly corrupt government of president Mikheil Saakashvili. Protests triggered by detention of Georgian politician Irakli Okruashvili on charges of extortion, money laundering, and abuse of office during his tenure as defense minister of the country[2] were organized by the National Council, an ad-hoc coalition of ten opposition parties, and financed by the media tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili.[3] Demonstrations occurred both in September and November 2007 and were initially largely peaceful. The protests went downhill by November 6, 2007, but turned violent the next day when the police, using heavy-handed tactics, including tear gas and water cannon, unblocked Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi's main boulevard, dislodged the protesters from the territory adjoining to the House of Parliament, and prevented the demonstrators from resuming the protests. The government accused the Russian secret services of being involved in an attempted coup d'etat and declared a nationwide state of emergency later that day which lasted until late November 16, 2007.

On November 8, 2007, President Saakashvili announced a compromise solution to hold early presidential elections for January 5 2008. He also proposed to hold a plebiscite in parallel to snap presidential elections about when to hold parliamentary polls – in spring as pushed for by the opposition parties, or in late 2008.[4]

It is said to have been the worst political crisis in Georgia since the 2003 Rose Revolution that brought Saakashvili's government to power.[1]

Background

Georgia in 2004 underwent a bloodless revolution that saw the coming to power of Mikheil Saakashvili, a US trained lawyer and staunch advocate for closer integration with the US and Europe. Saakashvili also inherited the issues of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, two de facto independent republics that were part of the Georgian SSR during Soviet times but achieved de facto independence in the early 1990's. Saakashvili had made it part of his agenda to resubjugate these de facto republics through peaceful means. Others within Saakashvili's government, such as the defence minister Irakly Okruashvili had been pushing for a military solution for these de facto republics.

Saaskashvili reassigned the portfolio of Okruashvili from defence to Minister of the Economy in November of 2006. It was believed that the reassignment came due to Okruashvili’s aggressive stance on these de facto republics. [5] Okruashvili subsequently resigned his post. [6]

On September 25, 2007, he announced the formation of the new opposition Movement for United Georgia and unleashed criticism on President Saakashvili, accusing him of corruption, incompetency and human rights violations. He also raised new concerns around Zurab Zhvania's death, challenging the official investigation point of view [7] and personally accused the georgian president in planning the murder of businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili. [8][9]

Timeline

28 September 2007 protests

Protests started on September 28, 2007. There was no major trouble reported at the rally, except for some minor scuffles between protesters and police when the protesters spilled out onto Rustaveli Avenue, blocking Tbilisi's main thoroughfare in front of the parliament. Demonstrators were demanding early elections, more accountability and honesty in politics.[10]

The rally was organized by an alliance of major opposition parties with the exception of the New Rights which distanced themselves from the manifestation stating that it was "not the way from one temple to another, it is substitute of one leader with another."[11]

Okruashvili's comments

Former Georgian Minister of Defence Irakly Okruashvili who was arrested on corruption charges on 2007-09-27.

Previously, former Georgian Minister of Defense and long-time critic of Moscow's policy towards Georgia Irakly Okruashvili has lashed out at his former associate President Mikheil Saakashvili. Okruashvili had been sacked by the president, in November 2006, from his post of Defense Minister allegedly under pressure from the West in September 2006.[12]

At the presentation of his party For United Georgia, he accused Saakashvili of corruption, lobbying the interests of his own family,[13] weakness towards separatists in Abkhazia and South Ossetia,[14] and a lack of morals.[15] Okruashvili also claimed that the Georgian government had intentionally obscured the true reasons behind the death of former Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania. Zhvania had died while Prime Minister in February 2005. Okruashvili said that Zhvania's corpse had been taken to the apartment where he was found dead.[16][15]

Okruashvili retracted his statements and admitted to the charges raised against him on 8 October 2007 on television, but he later said he made the statements due to being "psychologically pressured".[17][18][19]

Government's response

Okruashvili's political comeback and his arrest coincided with Saakashvili's visit to New York City where he addressed the U.N. General Assembly and heavily criticized Russia's involvement in Georgia's breakaway territories.[20] Meanwhile, Giga Bokeria, an influential member of the Parliament of Georgia from the ruling United National Movement party, said by voicing stunning, but groundless accusations Okruashvili wanted "to create some kind of immunity and untouchable status." On September 29, President Saakashvili headed to Upper Abkhazia where he attended opening of a new road linking Georgian-controlled areas in breakaway Abkhazia with Georgia proper. He made his first remarks on Okruashvili's accusations:

File:M Saakashvili.jpg
Mikhail Saakashvili, Georgia's president

I want to tell you that personally for me it is very difficult what Okruashvili has done. I am accustomed to any accusations leveled against me and against my relatives. But this person [Okruashvili] - unlike those persons, who just believed in or made allegations – knows precisely that it is a lie.[21]

November 2007 protests

On 2 November 2007, tens of thousands of Georgians protested outside the parliament in the capital, Tbilisi, urging President Mikhail Saakashvili to step down. The crowd also called for early parliamentary elections. They accused Saakashvili of heading a corrupt, authoritarian government and wanted him to be ousted democratically.[22]

The protests continued in the following days;[23] a televised statement from Okruashvili was seen as a boost in support for the opposition.[24]

On November 7, 2007, riot police used water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters outside the parliament. Hundreds of riot policemen armed with shields, batons and riot guns were deployed on the Rustaveli Avenue after patrol police failed to contain protesters and unblock the avenue. The number of demonstrators increased rapidly to about 5,000 people and units of black-clad police were deployed after protestors overwhelmed the conventional police force. Police carrying truncheons and shields, were seen beating and punching protestors, the AFP news agency reported. Apart from riot police, a large group of men in black clothes and black masks were also seen attacking protesters. The health minister said 508[25] people were admitted to hospital, most to be treated for the effects of tear gas.[26][27][28] Twenty-three law enforcement officers were injured and 21 people were arrested during the riots.[29]

TV footage showed some protesters throwing stones at riot policemen. They were dispersed by police a second time.[30]

Two pro-opposition independent TV stations have gone off the air after Badri Patarkatsishvili declared that "Nobody should doubt that all my efforts, my financial resources including the last tetri will be applied for freeing Georgia from Fascist regime": Imedi TV (that is co-owned by the media tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili who sponsored the National Council recently set up by the ten opposition parties and has pledged to finance the rallies until the government is removed) and Kavkasia, located in the same building as Imedi TV. [31] Police officers in masks and assault rifles were seen sealing off the Imedi office.[32] Shortly afterwards, Mikheil Saakashvili declared a state of emergency Georgia-wide to last for 15 days. As a result, news programs at all the private television stations will be shut down for 15 days.[33] The publicly-funded Georgian Public Broadcasting (GPB) will be the only station allowed to provide news coverage.[34]

On November 8, a "small group of students" gathered at Batumi State University to protest against the police violence against the demonstrators in Tbilisi the previous day. According to eyewitnesses interviewed by Human Rights Watch, "police attacked the group without warning, chasing and beating protesters trying to flee." Holly Cartner, Executive Director [of] Europe and Central Asia Division at Human Rights Watch condemned the police attacks on peaceful protesters.[35]

Government's response

Protesters clash with riot police on November 7, 2007.

In a televised address, Saakashvili said his country faced "a very serious threat of unrest". "High ranking officials in Russian special services are behind this," he said, adding that he had evidence. He said several Russian diplomats would be expelled from Georgia for engaging in "espionage". Earlier he had recalled Georgia's ambassador to Moscow, Irakly Chubinishvili, for "consultations".[36][37] Russia denied any involvement in the current disorder. [38]

Saakasvili commented the clashes by saying "We have been hearing for recent months that turmoil was expected in Georgia by autumn. We have been receiving this information from our intelligence" and that "alternative government has already been set up in Moscow". [39]

Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli said a coup attempt was made.[40]

On November 7, Georgia's Interior Ministry released taped audio and video material purporting to show some opposition leaders – Levan Berdzenishvili of the Republican Party, Giorgi Khaindrava of opposition group Equality Institute, Konstantine Gamsakhurdia, the leader of the Freedom Party and Shalva Natelashvili, the leader of Labor Party - cooperating with the Russian counter-intelligence service during a meeting with three Russian diplomats.[41]

Gigi Ugulava, Tbilisi's mayor, defended the action by police, saying: "I was listening to one of the opposition leaders who was saying proudly they planned to pitch tents and set up a tent town in Tbilisi. "What we did is stop this because it is the will of the people not to have a tent town in Tbilisi."[42]

Shortly after the event, Levan Mikeladze, Georgia's ambassador to Switzerland resigned.[43][44] His resignation letter read: "The decision to forcefully suppress peaceful demonstrators was a tremendous disappointment to me since I believe that Georgians have chosen building democracy and a free country as a primary objective".[45] The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not yet given explanations.

International reaction

 Russia - The Russian Foreign Ministry rejected Saakashvili's accusations calling it an "irresponsible provocation" designed by Saakashvili to distract attention from his domestic problems and blame them on a foreign scapegoat.[46] It later issued a statement heavily criticizing the Georgian government for police lawlessness, arrests of opposition leaders and human rights activists, ban on activities of the independent media and violence against the foreign journalists.[47]

 USA - The United States welcomed the Georgian government’s decision to hold early presidential elections, while urging to end the state of emergency and restore all media broadcasts.[48] On November 13, 2007, Matthew Bryza, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs and the top U.S. envoy to the Caucasus, told reporters that he would be very surprised if there had been a real threat from Russia to destabilize Georgia.[49]

 Sweden - Foreign minister Carl Bildt said that November 7 was a "very dark day for Georgia", but praised the decision to hold early presidential elections, adding that all parties now have to "return to the democratic path". "This is also a way to address the simplistic propaganda that is currently blazoned abroad by the big neighbor in the north (Russia)" /.../ "and to secure long-term stability in the country."[50] Carl Bildt, who met with President Saakashvili in Tbilisi on November 2, has repeatedly said that: "To support and help the young democracies (in Eastern Europe) /.../ is something we (Europe) must do." [51]

 UN - Louise Arbour, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, rebuked Georgia for its "disproportionate use of force" against protesters and said it must uphold fundamental rights even under a state of emergency. In a statement, she also expressed support for Georgia's public defender, or human rights ombudsman, and voiced concern at the silencing of independent television stations in the former Soviet republic. [52]

 NATO - Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer in a statement on November 8, 2007 said that “The imposition of Emergency Rule, and the closure of media outlets in Georgia, a Partner with which the Alliance has an Intensified Dialogue, are of particular concern and not in line with Euro-Atlantic values” [53]

 EU - The EU foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, urged restraint from both sides, saying "political differences should be resolved within the democratic institutions". [54]

Criticism of government actions

The opposition leaders, NGOs and the public defender of Georgia have harshly critisized the government actions. Illegal arrests, beatings and intimidations were reported.[55] Concerns have been expressed about widespread practice of tapping private telephone conversations.[56] The government has been accused of media control.[citation needed]

The Aftermath

Crisis recedes

File:Riot police in Tbilisi 2007.jpg
Riot police in the streets of Tbilisi.

On 8 November, 2007, Saakashvili announced he was planning snap presidential elections for January 5 2008. He also proposed to hold a simultaneous plebiscite about when to hold parliamentary polls – in spring as pushed for by the opposition parties, or in late 2008. He also called for dialogue with the opposition parties which, he said, did not cooperate with the Russian intelligence, and promised to end the state of emergency within a few days.[57]

Meanwhile, Georgia's opposition announced the suspension of anti-government protests in Tbilisi.[58] Most of the opposition parties hailed President Saakashvili’s decision as the first step to end the political standoff, and agreed to the negotiations with Nino Burjanadze, the parliamentary chairperson.[59]

By November 9, 2007, riot police and troops had been withdrawn from the main sites of the November 7 unrest. On the same day, Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church met separately with Nino Burjanadze and opposition leaders and said that he was ready to mediate between the opposition and the authorities.

Meanwhile, Georgian authorities have charged the businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili, who had earlier left for London, with plotting a coup.[60] The Labor Party leader, Shalva Natelashvili, is also wanted for a "coup attempt and espionage". His whereabouts remain unknown, but is rumored to have fled to Russia through Georgia's breakaway republic of South Ossetia.[61]

Later on November 9, the Parliament of Georgia, in a complete absence of opposition lawmakers, backed the presidential decree imposing state of emergency and restrictions on media on the entire territory of Georgia to be in force until late November 22.[62]

Later on November 10, the talks regarding the election code resumed between the ruling and opposition parties.[63]

The nation-wide state of emergency was lifted at 7pm local time on November 16, in accordance to the parliament's decree passed two days ago.[64] All media sources resumed broadcasting with the exception of Imedi TV which still remains off air, as its license has been suspended by the Tbilisi city court.[65]

Economic Impact

Robert Christiansen, the head of the IMF's Georgia mission, indicated that the turmoil and pre-election uncertainty has dented Georgia's image with investors, adding that recovery was possible. He added that "recent political developments add considerable uncertainty to the projected volume of inflows for the remainder of this year and 2008".[66]

References

  1. ^ a b "Tear gas used on Georgia protest". bbc.co.uk. 2007-11-07. Retrieved 2007-11-08. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ Former Defense Minister Detained In Georgia. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. September 27, 2007.
  3. ^ Patarkatsishvili Pledges to Finance Protest Rallies. Civil Georgia. 2007-10-28.
  4. ^ Saakashvili Calls Snap Presidential Polls, Referendum. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-08.
  5. ^ Georgia: What Led To Defense Minister's Demotion? RadioFreeEurope RadioLiberty November 14, 2006 By Liz Fuller
  6. ^ GEORGIA: FORMER DEFENSE MINISTER SUBMITS "SHOCK" RESIGNATION EURASIA INSIGHT Molly Corso 11/17/06
  7. ^ Okruashvili Ups Ante on Former Allies - The Georgian Times
  8. ^ Praise, Scorn For Accusations Against Georgia President
  9. ^ Georgia's Ex-Minister Assails President - Forbes, Associated Press
  10. ^ http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article3010190.ece
  11. ^ "New Rights" Not To Participate In Rally In Front Of Parliament. Prime News Online. September 28, 2007.
  12. ^ Thousands protest against Georgia president. Reuters. September 28, 2007.
  13. ^ Okruashvili claimed he caught the president's uncle with a US$200,000 bribe three years ago.
  14. ^ "Huge rally against Georgia bleader". bbc.co.uk. 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-11-08. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ a b Shesternina, Yelena (2007-09-26). "Why did Okruashvili "attack" Saakashvili?". en.rian.ru. Retrieved 2007-11-08. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ Zurab Zhvania officially died of accidental poisoning with carbon monoxide.
  17. ^ "Okruashvili, a 'political refugee' in Germany, vows to unseat the president". messenger.com.ge. 2007-11-07. Retrieved 2007-11-08. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7033966.stm
  19. ^ http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/10/3cc45581-d86d-4885-bcf3-45097e1c290d.html
  20. ^ Saakashvili Attacks Russia in UN Speech. Civil Georgia. September 26, 2007.
  21. ^ Saakashvili Breaks Silence over Okruashvili. Civil Georgia. 2007-09-29.
  22. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7074585.stm
  23. ^ http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071106.wgeorgia1106/BNStory/International/home
  24. ^ http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/11/129f6da9-b5b6-400d-9160-ea0e53baa35f.html
  25. ^ http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16237
  26. ^ http://en.rian.ru/world/20071107/86963219.html
  27. ^ http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/7897465F-0A28-4A05-AF48-3965483D6038.htm
  28. ^ http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16218
  29. ^ 21 People Arrested – Police. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-08.
  30. ^ http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16227
  31. ^ CNN, Georgia: State of emergency called, 7.11.2007
  32. ^ http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16234
  33. ^ BBC, Georgia declares emergency state, 7.11.2007
  34. ^ Emergency Rule in Georgia, News Coverage Curtailed. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-08.
  35. ^ http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/11/08/georgi17284.htm
  36. ^ http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/B38F9318-A9CB-42F9-9D61-EBCAA0654293.htm
  37. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7083485.stm
  38. ^ Police use force to stop Georgia protest, by Misha Dzhindzhikhashvili, Associated press, 11/7/07.
  39. ^ Saakashvili Makes a Statement Civil Georgia, 7 November 2007
  40. ^ Georgia under state of emergency BBC News, 8 November 2007
  41. ^ Georgia to Expel Three Russian Diplomats. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-08.
  42. ^ Georgia declares state of emergency Al Jazeera, 7 November 2007
  43. ^ Georgian ambassador ashamed of crackdown on opposition resigns ITAR-TASS 12.11.2007
  44. ^ Georgian Ambassador To Switzerland Resigned Prime News November 12, 2007
  45. ^ "International pressure continues on government to lift state of emergency". The Messenger. 2007-11-13. Retrieved 2007-11-13.
  46. ^ State of emergency declared in Tbilisi Forbes.com AFX News Limited Nov 11, 2007
  47. ^ "Statement by Mikhail Kamynin, the Spokesman of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regarding the Human Rights Situation in Georgia". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. 2007-11-08. Retrieved 2007-11-08.
  48. ^ "Georgia: Need for Restraint and Respect for Rule of Law". US Department of State. 2007-11-08. Retrieved 2007-11-08.
  49. ^ "U.S. says doubts Russia involved in Georgia strife". reuters. 2007-11-13. Retrieved 2007-11-15.
  50. ^ Liten ljusning i Georgien Carl Bildt's weblog, November 8, 2007.
  51. ^ I hälarna på resenären Carl Bildt Dagens Nyheter, November 4, 2007.
  52. ^ UN rights boss rebukes Georgia for use of force reuters.com, Stephanie Nebehay, Nov 8, 2007
  53. ^ Closure of Media Outlets Not in Line with NATO Values – Scheffer The Georgian Times, Civil Georgia Nov. 8, 2007
  54. ^ Troops enforce Georgia emergency BBC News, Nov. 8, 2007
  55. ^ Ruling Party, Opposition End Second Round of Talks civil.ge November 12, 2007
  56. ^ http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16361] civil.ge November 18, 2007
  57. ^ Saakashvili Calls Snap Presidential Polls, Referendum. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-08.
  58. ^ Saakashvili Proposes Georgian Presidential Elections in January. VOA News. November 8, 2007.
  59. ^ Crisis Receding as Election Season Begins to Unfold. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-09.
  60. ^ Patarkatsishvili Suspected of "Coup Plotting". Civil Georgia. November 9, 2007.
  61. ^ Lifting of Emergency Rules Needed for Dialogue – Opposition. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-09.
  62. ^ Parliament Backs Emergency Rules. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-09.
  63. ^ Ruling Party, Opposition End Second Round of Talks. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-12.
  64. ^ State of Emergency Lifted. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-16.
  65. ^ Kavkasia TV Back on Air. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-16.
  66. ^ "Georgia to lift emergency, IMF says turmoil damaging". Reuters. 2007-11-15. Retrieved 2007-11-15.

See also

Photos

Videos

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