Georgian president blames Russia for protests

GEORGIAN President Mikhail Saakashvili blamed Russia yesterday for orchestrating six days of mass protests against him, hours after riot police beat and fired tear gas at opposition demonstrators.

“Georgia is facing a very serious threat of unrest,” Mr Saakashvili said in a televised address. “High-ranking officials in Russian special services are behind this.”

Georgia has recalled its ambassador to Moscow and will expel several Russian diplomats from Tbilisi, he said.