Georgian intelligentsia tells US to mind own business

Approximately 50 representatives of the artistic and scientific intelligentsia in Georgia, who are supporters of Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze, on the initiative of Deputy Culture Minister Rezo Amashukeli sent a letter to US Ambassador Richard Miles yesterday demanding that the US stop meddling in the internal affairs of Georgia.

The letter was composed shortly after Shevardnadze's latest radio interview when he criticized the US and US Embassy in Georgia for explaining the recent departure from Georgia of US company AES as due to the 'unfavourable business climate' in Georgia.

Leaders of the Georgian opposition expressed indignation regarding the letter, which was initiated by the Culture Ministry. According to a statement by the opposition, the letter shows that the Georgian government is trying to change its foreign policy in favour of Russia.