POLITICS
EDUARD SHEVARDNADZE RESIGNED
Eduard Shevardnadze stated that he resigned taking into account the interests of the people and to maintain tranquility in the country. Responding to “what is he going to do?” he said he would remain in Georgia and write his recollections.
Leader of the radical opposition Michael Saakashvili said he welcomes the step of Eduard Shevardnaze and the people of Georgia would worthily assess it.
According to the Constitution, until next presidential elections, chairperson of the Georgian Parliament Nino Burjanidze will lead the Georgian state. She will be acting president during 45 days.
Federative Republic of Germany offered asylum to Eduard Shevardnadze, mass media of Germany said.
Meanwhile, the mediator in talks between opposition and Eduard Shevardnadze, foreign minister of the Russian Federation Igor Ivanov left for Ajaria Autonomous Republic to negotiate with head of the Republic Aslan Abashidze. As known, there was announced state of emergency in Ajaria.
Ambassador of special assignments of the European Union to the Caucasus Heike Talvitie left for Tbilisi. He is to prepare operational report on the events in Georgia.