Eduard Shevardnadze left state chancellery "without tears"

Former Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze visited his former office in the Georgian State Chancellery today. While answering journalists' questions, Shevardnadze said that he was leaving the building of the State Chancellery without tears, but with regrets because the building was constructed during his time in government service and he worked in its walls for the better part of 25 years. 'I've left here everything I should have, and am taking with me everything I should,' said Shevardnadze. He clarified that he was taking many books and notes. He also handed out books with his autograph to former colleagues.

In regard to his personal security, he told journalits that 'I have personal security as long as you exist.' He said that he will remain in Georgia and promises to write many articles for publishing houses and newspapers about why he resigned.

He declined to name the most realistic candidate for the post of president in Georgia in order to not divide those people who are conducting consultations on that question at the present time. In all likelihood, Shevardnadze meant Mikhail Saakashvili, Zurab Zhvaniya and Nino Burdzhanadze, who came to power as a result of events on November 22-23.