TBILISI PROTESTS: SITREP 3

UNCLAS TBILISI 002774

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EUR/CARC, EUR/RUS, EUR FO, DS/ITA/EUR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ASEC GG RU
SUBJECT: TBILISI PROTESTS: SITREP 3

REF: TBILISI 2771

PRESIDENT SAAKASHVILI ADDRESSES THE GEORGIAN NATION
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1. President Saakashvili addressed the Georgian nation live
on television at approximately 1900 on November 7.
Meanwhile, demonstrators clashed in the streets with police
after being dispersed from the Rike area on the other side of
the Mtkvari River from Parliament. The demonstrators had
retreated to this area after being forced off Rustaveli
Avenue in front of the Parliament earlier in the day.
Television cameras captured hundreds of demonstrators being
fired on with a water cannon, tear gas and reportedly, rubber
bullets. Also filmed were demonstrators being beaten by
police and a few policemen being beaten by demonstrators.
Unconfirmed reports place the number of emergency room
admissions at 360, although the extent of the injuries
treated is not known.


2. Saakashvili's speech offered no conciliation with the
demonstrators. He said that the government had allowed the
protests to continue so long as they were peaceful, and that
the protesters were exercising their democratic rights until
today. The government had taken the opportunity to re-open
Rustaveli Avenue early on November 7 when few protesters
remained. The violence began only because protesters tried
to return to the street. Saakashvili said only such force as
is usual in other democratic states was used.


3. The bulk of Saakashvili's speech was focused on
clandestine Russian support for the disorders. He said that
Georgian intelligence was aware of Russian plans to create
turmoil in Georgia, and that an alternative government has
already been set up in Moscow. He described Badri
Patarkatsishvili as a "Russian" oligarch who has called for
overthrowing the government. He referred to co-optation by
Russian intelligence of some other opposition leaders.
Immediately after the speech ended pro-government Rustavi 2
began airing video and telephone conversations of some
leaders allegedly communicating with Russian intelligence
agents. Saakashvili added that some Russian diplomats are
being expelled as undesirable persons.


4. Saakashvili vowed not to allow the protests to
de-stabilize Georgia or jeopardize Georgia's future and
economic and democratic progress, about which he expressed
pride. He also said the disorder risks Georgia's chance to
recover Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He briefly mentioned the
need for dialogue and respect for democratic processes, and
then asked the demonstrators in the street to disperse and go
home. He called on the population to support him in this,
relying on their wisdom and patriotism.


5. Saakashvili's speech, although more impassioned than his
last appearance on Sunday, did not address the
election-related demands that have been continuously voiced
by the opposition. It offered no compromise to the
protesters who still are present on many streets in the
capital, and warned that all appropriate measures will be
taken to restore order.


6. Protests and sporadic clashes with police might continue
through the night. because Saakashvili's words are unlikely
to persuade the hard core of demonstrators to leave the
streets. His words were addressed to the wider public
watching on television and strongly rely on the Russian
threat to bring people to his side in his contest with the
opposition.

ANTI-GOVERNMENT TELEVISION STATION CLOSED DOWN
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7. At about 2100, the Embassy received reports that police
had entered the studios of Imedi television, which is
regarded as anti-government. The station then went off the
air. Government officials reportedly justified the action by
blaming the station for inciting the anti-government violence
that went on today.
TEFFT