Nino Burdzhanadze: A new chapter in Georgian history has begun

Nino Burdzhanadze, acting president of Georgia, made a live address to the nation on Georgian television overnight. She said that, in accord with the constitution, early parliamentary and presidential elections would be held within 45 days from the moment that the president resigned, Rosbalt reported.

'These days of struggle will go down in the history of Georgia as a shining victory for the Georgian people. We have proved that we are a great nation. We have begun a new history of Georgia,' she said. Burdzhanadze called on the forces of law and order to maintain order in the country. 'The people must obey the forces of law and order, which have been on the side of the people throughout all these difficult days. The nation should return to stability and normal life tomorrow,' Burdzhanadze asserted.

The acting president said hat Georgia's foreign policy remains unchanged-that is, integration in European and NATO structures. 'With our neighbors, and specifically with such a large state as Russia, Georgia must have normal relations,' Burdzhanadze asserted.