Post-Shevardnadze transitional gov't set up in Georgia

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, November 25, 2003

Post-Shevardnadze transitional gov't set up in Georgia

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A transitional government was established Monday in Georgia a day after President Eduard Shevardnadze resigned following more than three weeks of pressure from opposition forces that accused him of rigging this month's parliamentary election.

"It's a historic golden opportunity to create a new, strong and independent nation," interim President Nino Burdzhanadze said in declaring the transitional government's establishment on local TV.

Burdzhanadze, the former parliamentary speaker, said she will call presidential and parliamentary elections and act as head of state until a new government is formed. The former Soviet republic's Constitution stipulates the presidential election has to take place within 45 days.

Meanwhile, Shevardnadze said in an interview with the German Television ZDF on Monday that he intends to stay in Georgia because it is his responsibility.

Georgia faces "economic collapse": interim president

Nino Burdzhanadze said that the country, which survived a "velvet revolution" that ousted former leader Eduard Shevardnadze, faces an "economic collapse."

"Georgia practically has found itself in front of an economic collapse" and the "economy of the country is in a more grave condition than many believe," said the interim female leader whileaddressing the staff of the State Chancellery, or the presidentialoffice.

"We intend to ask for the help of the international community,"Burdzhanadze said, adding that "a number of radical measures will have to be taken to prevent a further deterioration of the economic situation."

Georgia, with a foreign debt of 1.75 billion US dollars, has been in economic crisis for more than a decade, and former leader Shevardnadze has been widely blamed for this.

Shevardnadze, who has ruled Georgia for 11 years, announced hisresignation Sunday in the wake of intensified demands from the opposition over the past three weeks.

Burdzhanadze pledged on Monday to hold presidential and parliamentary elections within 45 days.

Georgia cancels results of Nov. 2 parliament poll

In another development, the Georgian Supreme Court canceled on Tuesday the results of the parliamentary vote on Nov. 2.

The decision was announced by a supreme court judge in a television program.

On Monday, Acting Georgian President Nino Burdzhanadze issued adecree to resume the function of the country's former parliament on Nov. 25 pending the birth of a new one.

The parliament has performed its duties since 1999 until the launching of the Nov. 2 parliamentary poll, which was accused of ballot-rigging in favor of the bloc led by the ousted President Eduard Shevardnadze.

A source from the staff of the acting president has suggested that an early presidential election be held at the end of December or in early January 2004.

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