Georgian crisis: Who is next?

TBILISI - The Georgian opposition has nominated Mikhail Saakashvili as its sole candidate for the presidential election, acting Georgian President Nino Burdzhanadze said at a parliament session Wednesday.

Speaking at a news conference after the session, she said that a long fight for democracy in Georgia had ended with a victory. "I am happy that we, the leaders of the opposition, have managed to unite in this fight for the future of Georgia", Ms. Burdzhanadze said. "We assume responsibility for building democracy and a free Georgia, and I am sure we will win", she stressed.

For his part, commenting on the latest developments in Georgia, Mr. Saakashvili said: “We were close to a civil war, but this was a peaceful velvet revolution.” He expressed confidence in winning the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in Georgia. “Our single party list will be topped with Nino Burdzhanadze, but our goal is to make collegial decisions, to settle relations with all regions, including the Ajara Autonomous Republic and with all countries, especially Russia,” Mr. Saakashvili said.

The presidential election is scheduled for January 4.

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