http://www.newsvine.com/mikhail-saakashviliNewsvine - mikhail-saakashvilien-usCopyright 2013Mon, 8 Apr 2013 13:52:16 +0000Thu, 20 Jun 2013 08:22:27 +0000http://www.newsvine.comhttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/04/08/17654817-saakashvili-breaks-shoulder-in-bike-accidenthttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/04/08/17654817-saakashvili-breaks-shoulder-in-bike-accidenteugeorgiaaccidentus-newsmikhail-saakashvilisaakashviliMon, 8 Apr 2013 13:50:55 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/08/16901511-saakashvili-changes-speech-venue-after-protestshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/08/16901511-saakashvili-changes-speech-venue-after-protestseupresidentus-newsmikhail-saakashviligeorgia-presidentFri, 8 Feb 2013 19:59:35 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>A Georgian presidential supporter is wounded in a scuffle with anti-Saakashvili protesters outside the National Library where Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili had to give his last state-of-nation address in Tbilisi, Georgia, Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has hastily changed the location for his last state-of-the nation address after hundreds of protesters gathered outside the National Library where he had planned to speak. The protesters scuffled with opponents. Saakashvili now plans to give the televised address from his residence on Friday evening. (AP Photo/Georgi Abdaladze)</p><p>Anti-Saakashvili protesters gather outside the National Library where Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili had to give his last state-of-nation address in Tbilisi, Georgia, Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has hastily changed the location for his last state-of-the nation address after hundreds of protesters gathered outside the National Library where he had planned to speak. The protesters scuffled with opponents. Saakashvili now plans to give the televised address from his residence on Friday evening. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Anti-Saakashvili protesters scuffle with opponents outside the National Library where Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili had to give his last state-of-nation address in Tbilisi, Georgia, Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has hastily changed the location for his last state-of-the nation address after hundreds of protesters gathered outside the National Library where he had planned to speak.The protesters scuffled with opponents. Saakashvili now plans to give the televised address from his residence on Friday evening. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/01/13/16488903-190-georgian-political-prisoners-walk-freehttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/01/13/16488903-190-georgian-political-prisoners-walk-freeeugeorgiaprisonersus-newsfreedmikhail-saakashviliSun, 13 Jan 2013 10:23:00 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Relatives hug a former prisoner as he leaves Gldani prison No. 8 in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. Nearly 200 inmates considered political prisoners by Georgia's new parliament have walked free under an amnesty strongly opposed by President Mikhail Saakashvili. Many of those who walked free on Sunday were arrested during anti-Saakashvili protests in May 2011. Others had been convicted of trying to overthrow the government or of spying for Russia. (AP Photo) Shakh Aivazov</p><p>A guard stands on a watch tower at Gldani prison No. 8 in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. Nearly 200 inmates considered political prisoners by Georgia's new parliament have walked free under an amnesty strongly opposed by President Mikhail Saakashvili. Many of those who walked free on Sunday were arrested during anti-Saakashvili protests in May 2011. Others had been convicted of trying to overthrow the government or of spying for Russia. (AP Photo) Shakh Aivazov</p><p>Relatives drink with former prisoner Vano Sabashvili, center, celebrating his freedom at Gldani prison No. 8 in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. Nearly 200 inmates considered political prisoners by Georgia's new parliament have walked free under an amnesty strongly opposed by President Mikhail Saakashvili. Many of those who walked free on Sunday were arrested during anti-Saakashvili protests in May 2011. Others had been convicted of trying to overthrow the government or of spying for Russia. (AP Photo) Shakh Aivazov</p><p>Relatives hug a former prisoner, back to camera, as he leaves Gldani prison No. 8 in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. Nearly 200 inmates considered political prisoners by Georgia's new parliament have walked free under an amnesty strongly opposed by President Mikhail Saakashvili. Many of those who walked free on Sunday were arrested during anti-Saakashvili protests in May 2011. Others had been convicted of trying to overthrow the government or of spying for Russia. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/20/14593708-signs-of-rancor-as-georgias-new-parliament-meetshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/20/14593708-signs-of-rancor-as-georgias-new-parliament-meetseugeorgiaus-newsparliamentmikhail-saakashviliSun, 21 Oct 2012 00:59:16 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili, background center, addresses a newly elected parliament during it's first session in Kutaisi, some 250 km (155 miles) west of Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012. The newly elected parliament holds its first session since an opposition coalition defeated President Mikhail Saakashvili's party and gained the power to install its billionaire leader Bidzina Ivanishvili as prime minister. (AP Photo. Shakh Aivazov) </p><p>Georgian billionaire and ruling party leader Bidzina Ivanishvili speaks to press before the first session of a newly elected parliament in Kutaisi, some 250 km (155 miles) west of Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012. The newly elected parliament holds its first session since an opposition coalition defeated President Mikhail Saakashvili's party and gained the power to install its billionaire leader Bidzina Ivanishvili as prime minister. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Bidzina Ivanishvili, left, holds papers while Georgian Orthodox Church Catholicos Ilya II holds a glass of water during a session of a newly elected parliament during it's first session in Kutaisi, some 250 km (155 miles) west of Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012. The newly elected parliament holds its first session since an opposition coalition defeated President Mikhail Saakashvili's party and gained the power to install its billionaire leader Bidzina Ivanishvili as prime minister. (AP Photo. Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili addresses a newly elected parliament during it's first session in Kutaisi, some 250 km (155 miles) west of Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012. The newly elected parliament holds its first session since an opposition coalition defeated President Mikhail Saakashvili's party and gained the power to install its billionaire leader Bidzina Ivanishvili as prime minister. (AP Photo / Shakh Aivazov)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/05/14237614-georgian-govt-opposition-negotiate-power-handoverhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/05/14237614-georgian-govt-opposition-negotiate-power-handovereugeorgiapoliticsus-newsmikhail-saakashviliFri, 5 Oct 2012 09:22:29 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/02/14181966-a-look-at-transition-of-power-in-ex-soviet-nationshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/02/14181966-a-look-at-transition-of-power-in-ex-soviet-nationseugeorgiaelectionotherus-newsmikhail-saakashvilitransitionsparliamentary-electionTue, 2 Oct 2012 13:39:44 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/01/14169706-news-guide-to-georgia-as-it-holds-crucial-electionhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/10/01/14169706-news-guide-to-georgia-as-it-holds-crucial-electioneugeorgiaelectionguidenewsus-newsmikhail-saakashviliparliamentary-electionMon, 1 Oct 2012 14:20:38 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Georgians vote during the parliamentary election at a polling station in Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Georgy Abdaladze)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/09/28/14140917-georgian-president-concedes-but-democracy-ruleshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/09/28/14140917-georgian-president-concedes-but-democracy-ruleseugeorgiaelectionus-newsparliamentarymikhail-saakashviliparliamentary-electionedison-researchgeorgia-parliamentary-electionFri, 28 Sep 2012 18:14:38 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili addresses the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)</p><p>Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili speaks at a campaign rally for his United National Movement in Tbilisi, Georgia, Friday, Sept. 28, 2012. Georgia holds tightly contested parliamentary elections on Oct. 1. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>People hold Georgian state flags during a campaign rally for President Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement in Tbilisi, Georgia, Friday, Sept. 28, 2012. Georgia holds tightly contested parliamentary elections on Oct. 1. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili speaks at a campaign rally for his United National Movement in Tbilisi, Georgia, Friday, Sept. 28, 2012. Georgia holds tightly contested parliamentary elections on Oct. 1. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili speaks at a campaign rally for his United National Movement in Tbilisi, Georgia, Friday, Sept. 28, 2012. Georgia holds tightly contested parliamentary elections on Oct. 1. The sign reads "For the Benefit of the People." (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>A man begs for money as pedestrians pass by a wall with electoral posters ahead of parliamentary elections in Tbilisi, Georgia, Saturday Sept. 29, 2012. Georgia holds tightly contested parliamentary elections on Oct. 1. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>People pass by a wall with electoral posters ahead of parliamentary elections in Tbilisi, Georgia, Saturday Sept. 29, 2012. Georgia holds tightly contested parliamentary elections on Oct. 1. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>People pass by a wall with electoral posters ahead of parliamentary elections in Tbilisi, Georgia, Saturday Sept. 29, 2012. Georgia holds tightly contested parliamentary elections on Oct. 1. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>People pass by a wall with electoral posters ahead of parliamentary elections in Tbilisi, Georgia, Saturday Sept. 29, 2012. Georgia holds tightly contested parliamentary elections on Oct. 1. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Opposition supporters hold their party flags and release balloons during a rally in the center of Georgia's capital Tbilisi, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, in a show of strength days ahead of a parliamentary election that presents the toughest challenge to the future of Mikhail Saakashvili's government since he became president nearly nine years ago. Georgia holds tightly contested parliamentary elections on Oct. 1. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgia's billionaire and opposition leader Bidzina Ivanishvili speaks to his supporters during a rally in the center of Georgia's capital Tbilisi, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, ahead of a parliamentary election that presents the toughest challenge to the future of Mikhail Saakashvili's government since he became president nearly nine years ago. Georgia holds tightly contested parliamentary elections on Oct. 1. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Opposition supporters hold party flags in the center of Georgia's capital Tbilisi, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, during a rally in a show of strength days ahead of a parliamentary election that presents the toughest challenge to the future of Mikhail Saakashvili's government since he became president nearly nine years ago. Georgia holds tightly contested parliamentary elections on Oct. 1. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Opposition supporters hold their party flags during a rally in the center of Georgia's capital Tbilisi, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, in a show of strength days ahead of a parliamentary election that presents the toughest challenge to the future of Mikhail Saakashvili's government since he became president nearly nine years ago. Georgia holds tightly contested parliamentary elections on Oct. 1. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgia's billionaire and opposition leader Bidzina Ivanishvili, right, mingles with his supporters during a rally in the center of Georgia's capital Tbilisi, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, ahead of a parliamentary election that presents the toughest challenge to the future of Mikhail Saakashvili's government since he became president nearly nine years ago. Georgia holds tightly contested parliamentary elections on Oct. 1. (AP Photo/Georgy Abdaladze)</p><p>Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili leaves a voting booth at a polling station in Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)</p><p>Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili speaks to the media at a polling station in Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)</p><p>Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, left, is helped by his son Nikoloz for casting his ballot as his wife Sandra Roelofs stands beside at a polling station in Tbilisi Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)</p><p>People stand in line to vote at a polling station in Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of President Mikhail Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)</p><p>Nikoloz, left, son of Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, looks at his father filling in a ballot at a polling station in Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)</p><p>Georgia's billionaire and opposition leader Bidzina Ivanishvili prays in a church in Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Georgy Abdaladze)</p><p>Georgia's billionaire and opposition leader Bidzina Ivanishvili, right, and his wife Ekaterine Khvedelidze prays in a church in Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Georgy Abdaladze)</p><p>Georgia's billionaire and opposition leader Bidzina Ivanishvili, second right, and his wife Ekaterine Khvedelidze, right, prays in a church in Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Georgy Abdaladze)</p><p>Georgia's billionaire and opposition leader Bidzina Ivanishvili, left, and his wife Ekaterine Khvedelidze pray in a church in Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Georgy Abdaladze)</p><p>Georgians vote during Parliamentary Election at a polling station in Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012, overlooked by a bust of Georgian scientist mathematician Nikoloz (Niko) Muskhelishvili. Voters in Georgia are voting in a heated parliamentary election Monday that will decide the future of Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgians vote during Parliamentary elections at a polling station in Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgians vote during the parliamentary election at a polling station in Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Georgy Abdaladze)</p><p>A prisoner leaves a voting booth at a polling station in prison, Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Voters in Georgia are voting in parliamentary elections in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgia's billionaire and opposition leader Bidzina Ivanishvili, second right, and his wife Ekaterine Khvedelidze, right, prays in a church in Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Georgy Abdaladze)</p><p>Georgia's billionaire and opposition leader Bidzina Ivanishvili reacts with supporters at his office in Tbilisi Georgia, Monday, Oct.1, 2012. Georgia's opposition coalition 'Georgian Dream' is leading the country's just-concluded parliamentary elections, according to the exit polls of a U.S.-based exit poll specialist company Edison Research and a Germany-based market research company GfK on Monday. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of President Mikhail Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/str)</p><p>Opposition supporters react in the central square during a rally in Tbilisi Georgia, Monday, Oct.1, 2012. Georgia's opposition coalition 'Georgian Dream' is leading the country's just-concluded parliamentary elections, according to the exit polls of a U.S.-based exit poll specialist company Edison Research and a Germany-based market research company GfK on Monday. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of President Mikhail Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Opposition supporters react on the street in Tbilisi Georgia, Monday, Oct.1, 2012. Georgia's opposition coalition 'Georgian Dream' is leading the country's just-concluded parliamentary elections, according to the exit polls of a U.S.-based exit poll specialist company Edison Research and a Germany-based market research company GfK on Monday. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of President Mikhail Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)</p><p>Opposition supporters react during a rally on the central square in Tbilisi Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Georgia's opposition coalition 'Georgian Dream' is leading the country's just-concluded parliamentary elections, according to the exit polls of a U.S.-based exit poll specialist company Edison Research and a Germany-based market research company GfK on Monday. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of President Mikhail Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo / Efrem Lukatsky)</p><p>Electoral officials count ballots at a polling station after Parliamentary elections in Tbilisi Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Georgia's opposition coalition 'Georgian Dream' is leading the country's just-concluded parliamentary elections, according to the exit polls of a U.S.-based exit poll specialist company Edison Research and a Germany-based market research company GfK on Monday. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of President Mikhail Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, left, and his wife Sandra Roelofs, right, cast their ballots as their son Nikoloz stands beside them at a polling station in Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. Voters in Georgia are choosing a new parliament in a heated election Monday that will decide the future of Saakashvili's government. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)</p><p>In this image taken Monday, Oct.1, 2012, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili smiles during the parliamentary elections at a polling station in Tbilisi, Georgia. Mikhail Saakashvili on Tuesday Oct. 2, 2012 has conceded defeat in the parliamentary election and says the opposition now has the right to form a government. Speaking Tuesday on television, he said: "It's clear from the preliminary results that the opposition has the lead and it should form the government. And I as president should help them with this." Early results show an opposition coalition led by billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili with what appears to be an insurmountable lead as voters turned away from Saakashvili and the party that has been in power for almost nine years. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)</p><p>In this image taken Monday, Oct.1, 2012, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili speaks to media during the parliamentary elections at a polling station in Tbilisi, Georgia. Mikhail Saakashvili on Tuesday Oct. 2, 2012 has conceded defeat in the parliamentary election and says the opposition now has the right to form a government. Speaking Tuesday on television, he said: "It's clear from the preliminary results that the opposition has the lead and it should form the government. And I as president should help them with this." Early results show an opposition coalition led by billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili with what appears to be an insurmountable lead as voters turned away from Saakashvili and the party that has been in power for almost nine years. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)</p><p>FILE - In this Monday, Oct. 1, 2012 file photo, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili meets the media at a polling station in Tbilisi, Georgia. Saakashvili conceded defeat on Tuesday, Oct. 2, in the country's parliamentary election and said an opposition coalition led by billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili now has the right to form a government. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky, File)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/07/01/12506452-georgia-gets-powerful-new-prime-ministerhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/07/01/12506452-georgia-gets-powerful-new-prime-ministereugeorgiaministerus-newsprime-ministermikhail-saakashviliSun, 1 Jul 2012 10:33:53 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/05/27/11904395-tens-of-thousands-protest-government-in-georgiahttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/05/27/11904395-tens-of-thousands-protest-government-in-georgiaeugeorgiaprotestus-newsmikhail-saakashviliSun, 27 May 2012 14:03:16 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Gergian opposition supporters with Georgian and EU flags rally in the main street inTbilisi, the capital of Georgia, Sunday, May 27, 2012. Tens of thousands of people have thronged the streets of Georgia's capital to show their opposition to President Mikhail Saakashvili, in the largest anti-government demonstration in three years. The demonstration, which drew at least 40,000 people, was seen as a test of the opposition's public support in Tbilisi ahead of a parliamentary election in October. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Gergian opposition supporters with Georgia's and NATO flags march in the main street inTbilisi, the capital of Georgia, Sunday, May 27, 2012. Tens of thousands of people have thronged the streets of Georgia's capital to show their opposition to President Mikhail Saakashvili, in the largest anti-government demonstration in three years. The demonstration, which drew at least 40,000 people, was seen as a test of the opposition's public support in Tbilisi ahead of a parliamentary election in October. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Gergian opposition supporters gather on the square in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, Sunday, May 27, 2012, with the column of George the Victorious in the center. Tens of thousands of people have thronged the streets of Georgia's capital to show their opposition to President Mikhail Saakashvili, in the largest anti-government demonstration in three years. The demonstration, which drew at least 40,000 people, was seen as a test of the opposition's public support in Tbilisi ahead of a parliamentary election in October. (AP Photo/George Abdaladze)</p><p>Gergian opposition supporters with Georgian, NATO and EU flags gather on the main square in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, Sunday, May 27, 2012. Tens of thousands of people have thronged the streets of Georgia's capital to show their opposition to President Mikhail Saakashvili, in the largest anti-government demonstration in three years. The demonstration, which drew at least 40,000 people, was seen as a test of the opposition's public support in Tbilisi ahead of a parliamentary election in October. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Opositores al gobierno de Georgia que portan banderas nacionales y de la OTAN marchan por la calle principal de la capital Tiflis el domingo 27 de mayo de 2012. (Foto AP/Shakh Aivazov)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/05/26/11894817-georgia-opens-new-parliament-far-from-tbilisihttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/05/26/11894817-georgia-opens-new-parliament-far-from-tbilisieugeorgiaus-newsparliamentmikhail-saakashvilinew-parliamentSat, 26 May 2012 15:54:36 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2011/07/07/7032580-georgia-photographers-infiltrated-institutionshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2011/07/07/7032580-georgia-photographers-infiltrated-institutionseugeorgiaarrestsworld-newsmikhail-saakashviliThu, 7 Jul 2011 10:30:21 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>In this undated file photo Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili's personal photographer Irakli Gedenidze seen in Tbilisi, Georgia. Georgian police say the personal photographer of the country's president has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, along with two other photographers. A brief statement on the Interior Ministry's website Thursday said the detainees were Irakli Gedenidze, the photographer for Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvil; Zurab Kurtsikidze of the European Pressphoto Agency; Foreign Ministry photographer Georgy Abdaladze. Gedenidze's wife also was arrested. The statement said they were suspected of sending information harmful to Georgia to an unspecified foreign country. Associated Press photographer Skakh Aivazov was also held in the early Thursday detentions, but was released after several hours without charges. (AP Photo/Vano Shlamov, Pool)</p><p>In this undated file photo European Pressphoto Agency photographer Zurab Kurtsikidze seen in Tbilisi, Georgia. Georgian police say the personal photographer of the country's president has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, along with two other photographers. A brief statement on the Interior Ministry's website Thursday said the detainees were Irakli Gedenidze, the photographer for Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvil; Zurab Kurtsikidze of the European Pressphoto Agency; Foreign Ministry photographer Georgy Abdaladze. Gedenidze's wife also was arrested. The statement said they were suspected of sending information harmful to Georgia to an unspecified foreign country. Associated Press photographer Skakh Aivazov was also held in the early Thursday detentions, but was released after several hours without charges. (AP Photo/Vano Shlamov, Pool)</p><p>In this undated file photo European Pressphoto Agency photographer Zurab Kurtsikidze seen in Tbilisi, Georgia. Georgian police say the personal photographer of the country's president has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, along with two other photographers. A brief statement on the Interior Ministry's website Thursday said the detainees were Irakli Gedenidze, the photographer for Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvil; Zurab Kurtsikidze of the European Pressphoto Agency; Foreign Ministry photographer Georgy Abdaladze. Gedenidze's wife also was arrested. The statement said they were suspected of sending information harmful to Georgia to an unspecified foreign country. Associated Press photographer Skakh Aivazov was also held in the early Thursday detentions, but was released after several hours without charges. (AP Photo/Vano Shlamov, Pool)</p><p>In this undated file photo Georgian Foreign Ministry photographer Georgy Abdaladze seen in Tbilisi, Georgia. Georgian police say the personal photographer of the country's president has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, along with two other photographers. A brief statement on the Interior Ministry's website Thursday said the detainees were Irakli Gedenidze, the photographer for Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvil; Zurab Kurtsikidze of the European Pressphoto Agency; Foreign Ministry photographer Georgy Abdaladze. Gedenidze's wife also was arrested. The statement said they were suspected of sending information harmful to Georgia to an unspecified foreign country. Associated Press photographer Skakh Aivazov was also held in the early Thursday detentions, but was released after several hours without charges. (AP Photo/Vano Shlamov, Pool)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2010/10/01/5213742-georgian-lawmakers-shift-powers-to-prime-ministerhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2010/10/01/5213742-georgian-lawmakers-shift-powers-to-prime-ministereugeorgiareformworld-newsmikhail-saakashviliconstitutional-reformFri, 1 Oct 2010 15:00:41 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2010/05/30/4422827-saakashvilis-party-sweeps-georgia-local-electionshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2010/05/30/4422827-saakashvilis-party-sweeps-georgia-local-electionseuelectionsgeorgialocalworld-newsmikhail-saakashvililocal-electionsSun, 30 May 2010 10:51:20 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili salutes during a military parade marking Independence Day in Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, May 26, 2010. Georgia is marking its independence day with a large military parade and a vow by its president that it won't give in to any empires. (AP Photo/Irakli Gedenidze, Presidential Press Service, Pool)</p><p>Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili speaks to the media after voting, during the municipal elections at a polling station in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, May 30, 2010. Voters in Georgia were choosing local leaders Sunday in the first ballot since President Mikhail Saakashvili led the country into a disastrous war with neighboring Russia nearly two years ago. Saakashvili's rule has elevated Georgia's status in the West yet turned it into a bitter adversary of Russia. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili casts his ballot as his wife Sandra Roelofs stands by during the municipal elections at a polling station in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, May 30, 2010. Voters in Georgia were choosing local leaders Sunday in the first ballot since President Mikhail Saakashvili led the country into a disastrous war with neighboring Russia nearly two years ago. Saakashvili's rule has elevated Georgia's status in the West yet turned it into a bitter adversary of Russia. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili leaves a voting booth during the municipal elections at a polling station in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, May 30, 2010. Voters in Georgia were choosing local leaders Sunday in the first ballot since President Mikhail Saakashvili led the country into a disastrous war with neighboring Russia nearly two years ago. Saakashvili's rule has elevated Georgia's status in the West yet turned it into a bitter adversary of Russia. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Tbilisi mayor Gigi Ugulava, who is up for re-election, casts his ballot during the municipal elections at a polling station in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, May 30, 2010. Voters in Georgia were choosing local leaders Sunday in the first ballot since President Mikhail Saakashvili led the country into a disastrous war with neighboring Russia nearly two years ago. Saakashvili's rule has elevated Georgia's status in the West yet turned it into a bitter adversary of Russia. (AP Photo/Georgy Abdaladze)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2010/05/28/4382953-georgia-elections-test-saakashvili-partys-supporthttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2010/05/28/4382953-georgia-elections-test-saakashvili-partys-supporteuelectionsgeorgiaworld-newsmikhail-saakashviliFri, 28 May 2010 10:27:25 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2010/03/14/4018591-georgian-opposition-denounces-phony-tv-war-reporthttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2010/03/14/4018591-georgian-opposition-denounces-phony-tv-war-reporteugeorgiainvasionhoaxworld-newsmikhail-saakashviliSun, 14 Mar 2010 22:10:26 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili speaks during his meeting with the residents of the Rachisubani settlement, some 50 km (31 miles) south-west of the capital Tbilisi, Sunday, March 14, 2010. Georgians have been panicked by a hoax television news program announcing the Russian army had invaded and killed President Mikhail Saakashvili. The private television station Imedi, Georgia's third-most popular channel, showed the faux report on its Khronika news bulletin at 8 p.m. Saturday, a time when many of the country's 4 million population would have been watching. (AP Photo/Irakly Gedenidze, Presidential Press Service, Pool)</p><p>Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili speaks during a meeting with the residents of the Rachisubani settlement, some 50 km (31 miles) south-west of the capital Tbilisi on Sunday March 14 2010. Georgians were panicked overnight by a hoax television news program announcing the Russian army had invaded and killed President Saakashvili. The private television station Imedi, Georgia's third-most popular channel, showed the faux report on its Khronika news bulletin at 8 p.m. Saturday, a time when many of the country's 4 million population would have been watching. (AP Photo/Irakly Gedenidze, Presidential Press Service, Pool)</p><p>In this late Saturday, March 13, 2010, photo Nino Burdzhanadze, leader of the Georgian opposition, speaks by a cell phone during a protest in front of the private television station Imedi in the capital Tbilisi, which showed a hoax TV news report on a Russian invasion. Georgians were panicked by a hoax television news program announcing the Russian army had invaded and killed President Mikhail Saakashvili. The private television station Imedi, Georgia's third-most popular channel, showed the faux report on its Khronika news bulletin at 8 p.m. Saturday, a time when many of the country's 4 million population would have been watching. (AP Photo/George Abdaladze) </p><p>In this late Saturday, March 13, 2010, photo Georgian people take part in a protest in front of the private television station Imedi in the capital Tbilisi, which showed a hoax TV news report on Russian invasion. Georgians were panicked by a hoax television news program announcing the Russian army had invaded and killed President Mikhail Saakashvili. The private television station Imedi, Georgia's third-most popular channel, showed the faux report on its Khronika news bulletin at 8 p.m. Saturday, a time when many of the country's 4 million population would have been watching. (AP Photo/George Abdaladze) </p><p>In this late Saturday, March 13, 2010, photo Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili spokeswoman Manana Manjgalazde makes a comment to reporters about a hoax TV news report on a Russian invasion in front of the private television station Imedi, which showed the faux report. Georgians were panicked by the hoax television news program announcing the Russian army had invaded and killed President Mikhail Saakashvili. The private television station Imedi, Georgia's third-most popular channel, showed the fake report on its Khronika news bulletin at 8 p.m. Saturday, a time when many of the country's 4 million population would have been watching. (AP Photo/George Abdaladze) </p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2010/01/29/3826430-ap-interview-saakashvili-offers-us-a-supply-routehttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2010/01/29/3826430-ap-interview-saakashvili-offers-us-a-supply-routeuspoliticsinterviewunited-statesmikhail-saakashvilisaakashviliFri, 29 Jan 2010 09:08:23 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2009, file photo, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili gestures as he addresses the Georgian parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia. Saakashvili says he has proposed to the United States that his country become a logistics hub for the expanding U.S. led war in Afghanistan. The Obama administration may not be eager to accept the offer as it seeks to improve relations with Russia. (AP Photo/ Shakh Aivazov)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2010/01/11/3740589-mccain-awarded-hero-of-georgia-orderhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2010/01/11/3740589-mccain-awarded-hero-of-georgia-ordereugeorgiamccainjohn-mccainworld-newsmikhail-saakashviliMon, 11 Jan 2010 16:08:55 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), right, meets with residents of Georgia's Black Sea Port of Batumi on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. McCain as well as U.S. Sen John Thune and U.S. Sen. John Barrasso are in Georgia on a two-day visit. (AP Photo/ Irakli Gedenidze, pool)</p><p>Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, left, and U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), are seen during a news conference at Georgia's Black Sea Port of Batumi on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. McCain as well as U.S. Sen John Thune and U.S. Sen. John Barrasso are in Georgia on a two-day visit. (AP Photo/ Irakli Gedenidze, pool)</p><p>Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, right, and U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), are seen during a news conference at Georgia's Black Sea Port of Batumi on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. McCain as well as U.S. Sen John Thune and U.S. Sen. John Barrasso are in Georgia on a two-day visit. (AP Photo/ Irakli Gedenidze, pool)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/12/07/3602729-georgia-to-send-900-troops-to-afghanistanhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/12/07/3602729-georgia-to-send-900-troops-to-afghanistaneuusafghanistangeorgiaworld-newsmikhail-saakashviliMon, 7 Dec 2009 16:59:16 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/10/21/3405138-hollywood-film-recreates-russia-georgia-warhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/10/21/3405138-hollywood-film-recreates-russia-georgia-warentertainmenteurussiageorgiamoviewarworld-newsmikhail-saakashviliandy-garciaWed, 21 Oct 2009 09:31:02 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>In this photo taken late Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, Hollywood star Andy Garcia seen playing Georgian president Mikhail Saakashvili during a film shoot in Tbilisi. Hollywood filmmakers have recreated a rally in Georgia's capital while filming a movie about the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, with Andy Garcia playing President Mikhail Saakashvili. The real rally took place on Aug. 12, 2008. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>FILE -- In this Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008, file photo, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili gestures speaking at a rally in Tbilisi. Hollywood filmmakers have recreated the rally in Georgia's capital while filming a movie about the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, with Hollywood star Andy Garcia playing Saakashvili.(AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov, File)</p><p>In this photo taken late Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, Georgians take part in a film shoot in Tbilisi. Hollywood filmmakers have recreated a rally in Georgia's capital while filming a movie about the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, with Hollywood star Andy Garcia playing Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili. The real rally took place on Aug. 12, 2008. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>FILE -- In this Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008, file photo, Georgians hold national flags at a rally in support of their President Mikhail Saakashvili near the Georgian parliament in the capital Tbilisi. Hollywood filmmakers have recreated the rally in Georgia's capital while filming a movie about the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, with Hollywood star Andy Garcia playing Saakashvili. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov, File)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/08/05/3120693-saakashvili-slams-russian-invadershttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/08/05/3120693-saakashvili-slams-russian-invaderseurussiageorgiawarworld-newsmikhail-saakashvilisouth-ossetiaWed, 5 Aug 2009 10:07:22 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Ossetians inside a building which was partially destroyed during a Georgian assault in August 2008 in Tskhinvali, regional capital of Georgia's breakaway province of South Ossetia, Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. The situation near South Ossetia has become increasingly tense as the first anniversary of the conflict approaches on Aug. 7, with Georgia and Russia blaming each other for provocations and intentions to resume fighting. (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)</p><p>Ossetians walk along the street in Tskhinvali, regional capital of Georgia's breakaway province of South Ossetia, Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. The situation near South Ossetia has become increasingly tense as the first anniversary of the conflict approaches on Aug. 7, with Georgia and Russia blaming each other for provocations and intentions to resume fighting. (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)</p><p>An Ossetian woman speaks outside her building which was partially destroyed during a Georgian assault in August 2008 in Tskhinvali, regional capital of Georgia's breakaway province of South Ossetia, Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. The situation near South Ossetia has become increasingly tense as the first anniversary of the conflict approaches on Aug. 7, with Georgia and Russia blaming each other for provocations and intentions to resume fighting. (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)</p><p>A boy plays near a building destroyed during a Georgian assault in August 2008 in Tskhinvali, regional capital of Georgia's breakaway province of South Ossetia, Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. Georgia accused Russia on Monday of trying to take more territory outside the breakaway province of South Ossetia as tensions rose before the first anniversary of the Russian-Georgian dispute last summer. (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)</p><p>A boy watches a memorial bonfire at the medieval citadel in the Georgian city of Gori, near de-facto border with Georgia's breakaway province of South Ossetia, some 32 km (20 miles) south of the separatists capital Tskhinvali, late Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009. A year after their war, Russia and Georgia are locked in a battle of words and images over how the world will remember the conflict. Georgia's official commemorations began with the lighting of a memorial bonfire before 1,000 people in Gori, an action whose location and timing underscore Georgia's contention that it was victimized by its giant neighbor.(AP Photo/George Abdaladze) </p><p>People watch a memorial bonfire at the medieval citadel in the Georgian city of Gori, near de-facto border with Georgia's breakaway province of South Ossetia, some 32 km (20 miles) south of the separatists capital Tskhinvali, late Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009. A year after their war, Russia and Georgia are locked in a battle of words and images over how the world will remember the conflict. Georgia's official commemorations began with the lighting of a memorial bonfire before 1,000 people in Gori, an action whose location and timing underscore Georgia's contention that it was victimized by its giant neighbor.(AP Photo/George Abdaladze) </p><p>A woman holding child watches a memorial bonfire at the medieval citadel in the Georgian city of Gori, near de-facto border with Georgia's breakaway province of South Ossetia, some 32 km (20 miles) south of the separatists capital Tskhinvali, late Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009. A year after their war, Russia and Georgia are locked in a battle of words and images over how the world will remember the conflict. Georgia's official commemorations began with the lighting of a memorial bonfire before 1,000 people in Gori, an action whose location and timing underscore Georgia's contention that it was victimized by its giant neighbor.(AP Photo/George Abdaladze) </p><p>A man watches a memorial bonfire at the medieval citadel in the Georgian city of Gori, near de-facto border with Georgia's breakaway province of South Ossetia, some 32 km (20 miles) south of the separatists capital Tskhinvali, late Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009. A year after their war, Russia and Georgia are locked in a battle of words and images over how the world will remember the conflict. Georgia's official commemorations began with the lighting of a memorial bonfire before 1,000 people in Gori, an action whose location and timing underscore Georgia's contention that it was victimized by its giant neighbor.(AP Photo/George Abdaladze) </p><p>Ossetian children walk around the rubble of the former headquarters of Russian peace keepers in Tskhinvali, regional capital of Georgia's breakaway province of South Ossetia, Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. The separatist Georgian region marks the anniversary of the Georgian invasion that resulted in a brief Russia-Georgia war in August 2008. (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)</p><p>A woman reacts at a military cemetery outside Tbilisi, Georgia, Friday, Aug. 7, 2009, as she visits a grave of her relative that was killed. TGeorgia and the Moscow-backed breakaway province of South Ossetia marked the first anniversary of their conflict Friday with harsh words and quiet, glum ceremony. The five-day war, with Russian troops and tanks backing South Ossetian forces, killed at least 390 people, displaced tens of thousands and left a legacy of animosity between leaders and fears among civilians that more fighting may erupt. (AP Photo/George Abdaladze)</p><p>Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili holds a candle during a religious service in memory of the last August's war victims, in the capital's Orthodox Sameba (Trinity) Cathedral, Tbilisi, Georgia, Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. Georgia and the Moscow-backed breakaway province of South Ossetia marked the first anniversary of their conflict Friday with harsh words and quiet, glum ceremony. The five-day war, with Russian troops and tanks backing forces of the separatist Georgian region of South Ossetia, killed at least 390 people, displaced tens of thousands and left a legacy of animosity between leaders and fears among civilians that more fighting may erupt. (AP Photo/Irakly Gedenidze, Presidential Press Service, Pool) </p><p>Russian soldiers clean their rifles at the military base in Tskhinvali, regional capital of Georgia's breakaway province of South Ossetia, Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. The separatist Georgian region marks the anniversary of the Georgian invasion that resulted in a brief Russia-Georgia war in Aug. 2008. (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)</p><p>Russian soldiers clean their rifles at the military base in Tskhinvali, regional capital of Georgia's breakaway province of South Ossetia, Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. The separatist Georgian region marks the anniversary of the Georgian invasion that resulted in a brief Russia-Georgia war in August 2008. (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/07/22/3047064-biden-brings-tough-love-to-georgiahttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/07/22/3047064-biden-brings-tough-love-to-georgiaeuusgeorgiaunited-statesworld-newsbidenjoe-bidenmikhail-saakashvilijoseph-bidengeorgia-usWed, 22 Jul 2009 08:37:01 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, right, meets Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko in Kiev, Ukraine, Tuesday, July 21, 2009. Biden arrived in Ukraine for a three-day working visit. (AP Photo/Olexander Prokopenko/Pool)</p><p>Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, right, and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, second left, speak during a breakfast in Kiev, on Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Viktor Yushchenko's wife Kateryna is at left. (AP Photo/ Mykhailo Markiv, Pool)</p><p>U.S. Vice President Joe Biden is seen prior his meeting with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko in Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Biden arrived in Ukraine for a three-day working visit. (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov)</p><p>U.S. Vice President Joe Biden during his speech in Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Joe Biden reiterated Washington's support for Kiev on Wendesday to counter concerns in Ukraine and other Eastern European states that U.S. bonding with Russia won't come at their expense. "As we rest the relationship with Russia, we reaffirm our commitment to an independent Ukraine and we recognize no sphere of influence or no ability of any other nation to veto the choices an independent nation makes," he said. (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov)</p><p>U.S. Vice President Joe Biden during his speech in Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Joe Biden reiterated Washington's support for Kiev on Wednesday to counter concerns in Ukraine and other Eastern European states that U.S. bonding with Russia won't come at their expense. "As we rest the relationship with Russia, we reaffirm our commitment to an independent Ukraine and we recognize no sphere of influence or no ability of any other nation to veto the choices an independent nation makes," he said. (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov)</p><p>U.S. Vice President Joe Biden during his speech in Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Joe Biden reiterated Washington's support for Kiev on Wednesday to counter concerns in Ukraine and other Eastern European states that U.S. bonding with Russia won't come at their expense. "As we rest the relationship with Russia, we reaffirm our commitment to an independent Ukraine and we recognize no sphere of influence or no ability of any other nation to veto the choices an independent nation makes," he said. (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov)</p><p>U.S. Vice President Joe Biden wave after his speech in Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Joe Biden reiterated Washington's support for Kiev on Wednesday to counter concerns in Ukraine and other Eastern European states that U.S. bonding with Russia won't come at their expense. "As we rest the relationship with Russia, we reaffirm our commitment to an independent Ukraine and we recognize no sphere of influence or no ability of any other nation to veto the choices an independent nation makes," he said. (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov)</p><p>U.S. Vice President Joe Biden during his speech in Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Joe Biden reiterated Washington's support for Kiev on Wednesday to counter concerns in Ukraine and other Eastern European states that U.S. bonding with Russia won't come at their expense. "As we rest the relationship with Russia, we reaffirm our commitment to an independent Ukraine and we recognize no sphere of influence or no ability of any other nation to veto the choices an independent nation makes," he said. (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov)</p><p>Visiting U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, left, listens to Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili, right, speaking during a reception in presidential residence in the capital Tbilisi, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Biden arrived in Georgia Wednesday from Ukraine on a mission to reassure both former Soviet nations that the United States will not abandon them as it seeks to improve badly strained ties with Russia. (AP Photo/Irakly Gedenidze, Presidential Press Service, Pool)</p><p>Visiting U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, left, gestures while listening to Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili, right, speaking during their meeting in the capital Tbilisi, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Biden arrived in Georgia Wednesday from Ukraine on a mission to reassure both former Soviet nations that the United States will not abandon them as it seeks to improve badly strained ties with Russia. (AP Photo, Pool)</p><p>Flag-holding Georgians line a street as their wait for the motorcade of visiting U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, Tbilisi, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Biden arrived in Georgia Wednesday from Ukraine on a mission to reassure both former Soviet nations that the United States will not abandon them as it seeks to improve badly strained ties with Russia. (AP Photo/ Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, center, speaks with unidentified officials after his arrival in Georgia's capital Tbilisi, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden has told Georgia that "America stands with you and will continue to stand." Biden arrived in Georgia Wednesday from Ukraine on a mission to reassure both former Soviet nations that the United States will not abandon them as it seeks to improve badly strained ties with Russia. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Visiting U.S. Vice President Joe Biden speaks after receiving an award from Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili, not seen, during a reception in honor of Biden, Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden has told Georgia that "America stands with you and will continue to stand." Biden arrived in Georgia Wednesday from Ukraine on a mission to reassure both former Soviet nations that the United States will not abandon them as it seeks to improve badly strained ties with Russia. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Visiting U.S. Vice President Joe Biden speaks after receiving an award from Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili, not seen, during a reception in honor of Biden, Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden has told Georgia that "America stands with you and will continue to stand." Biden arrived in Georgia Wednesday from Ukraine on a mission to reassure both former Soviet nations that the United States will not abandon them as it seeks to improve badly strained ties with Russia. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgia's opposition activists rally in downtown Tbilisi, Wednesday, July 22, 2009, before the arrival of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. No arrests were reported, and no resistance from opposition activists was visible as about 3,000 demonstrators protested peacefully. (AP Photo/George Abdaladze)</p><p>Georgia's police officers carry makeshift plastic handcuffs as they patrol a street in downtown Tbilisi, Wednesday, July 22, 2009, before the arrival of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. Ahead of Biden's arrival, police removed dozens of metal cages the opposition protesters had erected in front of parliament to block traffic along Tbilisi's central street and symbolize what they describe as a police state. (AP Photo/George Abdaladze)</p><p>Visiting U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, right , Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili are seen during a reception in honor of Biden, Tbilisi, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Biden arrived Wednesday in the former Soviet republic a year after its war with Russia.(AP Photo/Irakly Gedenidze, Presidential Press Service, Pool)</p><p>Visiting U.S. Vice President Joe Biden speaks after receiving an award from Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili, not seen, during a reception in honor of Biden, Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden has told Georgia that "America stands with you and will continue to stand." Biden arrived in Georgia Wednesday from Ukraine on a mission to reassure both former Soviet nations that the United States will not abandon them as it seeks to improve badly strained ties with Russia. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/07/20/3040438-georgian-president-proposes-reforms-foes-scoffhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/07/20/3040438-georgian-president-proposes-reforms-foes-scoffeugeorgiaassociated-pressworld-newsmikhail-saakashvilireformsMon, 20 Jul 2009 09:25:25 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Police officers detain opposition activists who tried break through security cordon before the arrival of President Mikhail Saakashvili to Georgia's Parliament in the capital Tbilisi, Monday, July 20, 2009. Speaking in the parliament Saakashvili proposed moderate electoral reforms, called for political unity and evoked Russia as an occupier and an enemy. (AP Photo/ Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili, seen, in Parliament, in Tbilisi, Monday, July 20, 2009. Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili is proposing moderate electoral reforms that he says offer his opponents more access to power in the politically turbulent former Soviet republic. He made the proposal Monday after months of opposition to his leadership among former allies now pressing for him to resign. (AP Photo/ Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili, seen, in Parliament, in Tbilisi, Monday, July 20, 2009. Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili is proposing moderate electoral reforms that he says offer his opponents more access to power in the politically turbulent former Soviet republic. He made the proposal Monday after months of opposition to his leadership among former allies now pressing for him to resign. (AP Photo/ Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Opposition activists confront police cordoning off Georgia's Parliament in the capital Tbilisi, Monday, July 20, 2009, before the arrival of President Mikhail Saakashvili. Speaking in the parliament Saakashvili proposed moderate electoral reforms, called for political unity and evoked Russia as an occupier and an enemy. (AP Photo/ Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili, seen, in Parliament, in Tbilisi, Monday, July 20, 2009. Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili is proposing moderate electoral reforms that he says offer his opponents more access to power in the politically turbulent former Soviet republic. He made the proposal Monday after months of opposition to his leadership among former allies now pressing for him to resign. (AP Photo/ Shakh Aivazov)</p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/06/10/2916132-georgian-police-beat-protestershttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/06/10/2916132-georgian-police-beat-protesterseugeorgiaprotestsworld-newsmikhail-saakashviliWed, 10 Jun 2009 18:20:23 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian affairs Philip Gordon, right, meets with Georgian opposition leader Irakli Alasania in Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, June 10, 2009. Philip Gordon is on a working visit to Georgia. (AP Photo/Vano Shlamov, Pool) </p><p>U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian affairs Philip Gordon, right, meets with Georgian opposition leader Levan Gachechiladze in Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, June 10, 2009. In center is U.S. Ambassador to Georgia George Tefft. Philip Gordon is on a working visit to Georgia. (AP Photo/Vano Shlamov, Pool) </p><p>U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian affairs Philip Gordon, right, meets with Georgian opposition leaders Levan Gachechiladze and Nino Burdzhanadze, center, in Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, June 10, 2009. Philip Gordon is on a working visit to Georgia. (AP Photo / Vano Shlamov, Pool) </p><p>U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian affairs Philip Gordon, right, meets with Georgian National Security Adviser Eka Tkeshelashvili in Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, June 10, 2009. Philip Gordon is on a working visit to Georgia. (AP Photo / Vano Shlamov, Pool) </p><p>U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian affairs Philip Gordon, right, meets with Georgian opposition lawmaker Georgy Targamadze in Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, June 10, 2009. Philip Gordon is on a working visit to Georgia. (AP Photo/Vano Shlamov, Pool) </p> http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/05/26/2864801-several-policemen-beaten-by-opposition-in-georgiahttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/05/26/2864801-several-policemen-beaten-by-opposition-in-georgiaeugeorgiaprotestsworld-newsmikhail-saakashviliTue, 26 May 2009 15:02:54 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Opposition supporters applaud and hold a Georgian flag during a mass rally at the stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 26, 2009, as Georgia celebrates Independence Day. About 60,000 people filled the national stadium to press their demand that Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili steps down over his failure to avert last August's war with Russia. (AP Photo/George Abdaladze)</p><p>Georgian soldiers stand with national flags during a memorial ceremony honoring soldiers killed in last August's war with Russia, in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 26, 2009, as Georgia celebrates the Independence Day. Across town, about 60,000 people filled the national stadium to press their demand that President Mikhail Saakashvili steps down over his failure to avert the war. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>A masked protester holds a Georgian flag as opposition activists warm themselves at a bonfire during a night rally calling for President Mikheil Saakashvili's resignation outside the capital Tbilisi late Monday, May 25, 2009. Protesters are planning a rally in Tbilisi after hundreds marched overnight into the Georgian capital to demand President Mikhail Saakashvili step down. (AP Photo/George Abdaladze)</p><p>Opposition supporters carry a Georgian flag during a mass rally at the stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 26, 2009, as Georgia celebrates Independence Day. About 60,000 people filled the national stadium to press their demand that Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili steps down over his failure to avert last August's war with Russia. (AP Photo/George Abdaladze)</p><p>Nino Burdzhanadze, the highest-profile opposition politician, is greeted by opposition supporters during a mass rally at the stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 26, 2009, as Georgia celebrates Independence Day. About 60,000 people filled the national stadium to press their demand that Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili steps down over his failure to avert last August's war with Russia. (AP Photo/George Abdaladze)</p><p>A Georgian woman cries at a tomb during a memorial ceremony honoring soldiers killed in last August's war with Russia, in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 26, 2009, as Georgia celebrates the Independence Day. Across town, about 60,000 people filled the national stadium to press their demand that President Mikhail Saakashvili steps down over his failure to avert the war. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili and his wife Sandra Roeloefs attend an opening ceremony of a memorial honoring soldiers killed in last August's war with Russia, in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 26, 2009, as Georgia celebrates Independence Day. Across town, about 60,000 people filled the national stadium to press their demand that the Saakashvili steps down over his failure to avert the war. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili attends the opening ceremony of a memorial honoring soldiers killed in last August's war with Russia, in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 26, 2009, as Georgia celebrates the Independence Day. Across town, about 60,000 people filled the national stadium to press their demand that the Saakashvili steps down over his failure to avert the war. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili speaks at an opening ceremony of a memorial honoring soldiers killed in last August's war with Russia, in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 26, 2009, as Georgia celebrates Independence Day. Across town, about 60,000 people filled the national stadium to press their demand that the Saakashvili steps down over his failure to avert the war. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili speaks at an opening ceremony of a memorial honoring soldiers killed in last August's war with Russia, in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 26, 2009, as Georgia celebrates Independence Day. Across town, about 60,000 people filled the national stadium to press their demand that the Saakashvili steps down over his failure to avert the war. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Opposition supporters gather at St. Trinity Cathedral to confer with Patriarch Ilia II in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 26, 2009. Tens of thousands of demonstrators filled the national sports stadium in Tbilisi to press their demands that President Mikhail Saakashvili step down. The demonstrators then marched to the main cathedral to consult with the respected leader of Georgia's Orthodox Church on how to proceed in the political standoff now in its seventh week. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Giorgy Gachechiladze, a Georgian singer and opposition figure, is greeted by opposition supporters during a mass rally at the stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 26, 2009, as Georgia celebrates the Independence Day. In a sign of the high-running emotions, Giorgy Gachechiladze ran onto the soccer field and kneeled down in the center of a giant Georgian flag, About 60,000 people filled the national stadium to press their demand that Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili steps down over his failure to avert last August's war with Russia. (AP Photo/George Abdaladze)</p><p>Opposition supporters gather at St. Trinity Cathedral to confer with Patriarch Ilia II in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 26, 2009. Tens of thousands of demonstrators filled the national sports stadium in Tbilisi to press their demands that President Mikhail Saakashvili step down. The demonstrators then marched to the main cathedral to consult with the respected leader of Georgia's Orthodox Church on how to proceed in the political standoff now in its seventh week. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>An opposition supporter wearing sun glasses takes part in a protest outside City Hall in Tbilisi, Georgia, Thursday, May 28, 2009. Hundreds of demonstrators marched through the center of Georgia's capital and rallied outside City Hall Thursday in their latest protest aimed at unseating President Mikhail Saakashvili. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Police officers behind glass watch opposition supporters protesting outside City Hall in Tbilisi, Georgia, Thursday, May 28, 2009. Hundreds of demonstrators marched through the center of Georgia's capital and rallied outside City Hall Thursday in their latest protest aimed at unseating President Mikhail Saakashvili. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Opposition supporters hold a rally outside City Hall in Tbilisi, Georgia, Thursday, May 28, 2009, calling for the president to step down from office. Some hundreds of demonstrators marched through the center of Georgia's capital and rallied outside City Hall Thursday in their latest protest aimed at unseating President Mikhail Saakashvili. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p><p>Opposition supporters take part in a rally outside the parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia, Thursday, May 28, 2009. Hundreds of demonstrators marched through the center of Georgia's capital in their latest protest aimed at unseating President Mikhail Saakashvili. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)</p>