Georgia protests

Tens-of-thousands of Georgians are demonstrating in the capital Tbilisi for the resignation of President Mikheil Saakashvili.

Opposition leaders accuse the president of monopolising power and stifling democratic reforms promised in the 2003 Rose Revolution that swept him to power. They say they will demonstrate outside parliament in Tbilisi every day until Saakashvili steps down and calls early elections.

There has been mounting criticism since last August, when Russia crushed a Georgian assault on the breakaway province of South Ossetia and sent tanks to within 40 km of Tbilisi. Saakashvili, opponents say, acted impulsively when he launched the military offensive without regard for the consequences.

“Mischa, get out!”

While the government and the opposition are determined to keep the demonstrations peaceful, tensions are running high amid fear the protests could spark civil unrest. The West is wary of a possible repeat of a brutal crackdown on peaceful anti-government protesters in November 2007.

Thursday's demonstration coincided with the anniversary of a bloody crackdown by Soviet troops against Georgians demanding independence for the republic 20 years ago. Saakashvili joined hundreds of people in front of the parliament in a quiet vigil in commemoration of the victims.

db/rm /afp/reuters/dpa