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Georgia recalls ambassador to Russia and declares some Russian embassy officers in Tbilisi persona non grata

07 November 2007 17:26 (UTC +04:00)

APAâ€™s Georgia bureau reports that the cars with servicemen passed by the central streets of the city and headed towards the parliament and State Chancellery. Law-enforcement bodies cordoned off Rustaveli avenue in order to prevent the access of the opposition supporters to the government agencies. Clash between riot police office and protesters continue.
Health Ministry announced that 360 had appealed to Tbilisi hospitals by 17.30. 251 of them were discharged after the first medical aid. Russian ambassador Vyacheslav Kovalenko was called to Foreign Ministry concerning the latest events. Deputy Foreign Minister Nikoloz Vashakidze demanded explanation from the ambassador.
Official Tbilisi recalled Georgian ambassador to Russia Irakli Chubinishvili for talks. President Mikhail Saakashvili addressed the people via television and declared some officers of Russian embassy persona non grata.
Several officials of Russian Embassy dealt with intelligence activity were announced persona non grata. They have to leave Georgia in nearest days. We have irrefutable materials and they will be published,â€ he said.
Mikhail Saakashvili said that Russia gave instructions, sent money for creating confrontation and one of the spies was detained.
â€œOur security forces defined that alternative government of Georgia was established in Russia,â€ he said.
He expressed his regret for policeâ€™s using special means against protesters.
â€œThere is nothing pleasant in it. It is not useful for Georgia,â€ he said.
The head of the state called the other part of opposition to dialogue ruling out persons given instruction by the representatives of other states. He said that discipline will be restored in Tbilisi. /APA/