Opposition leader claims Georgian leader's resignation

Protest leader Mikhail Saakashvili announced Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze’s resignation today.

Shevardnadze will not leave Georgia, said opposition leader Zurab Zhvania.

The news agency Interfax quoted Shevardnadze as confirming his resignation, saying “I consider that it is necessary to do this.”

Tens of thousands of opposition supporters were celebrating, waving flags and applauding in the square in front of parliament in Tbilisi.

Later Shevardnadze announced his resignation live on Georgian television.

“I realised that what is happening may end with spilled blood if I use my rights,” he said. “I have never betrayed my people and I decided that I should resign.”

Asked where he was going to live, Shevardnadze said, “At home.”