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September 7, 2008 7:20:34 AM CDT

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Georgia Prez to Lift Restrictions ... Eventually

Posted Nov 11, 07 12:05 PM CST in World 

(Newser) – Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili vowed yesterday to end his country's state of emergency—eventually—asserting that the restrictions, which include a ban on independent TV news, wouldn't cease "on orders of a foreign minister of some country," AP reports. Not enough for some: Georgia's richest man announced he would run for president to free the country from "this dictatorial junta."

Billionaire businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili's funds helped bring Saakashvili to power four years ago, reports the Times of London. But after forces broke into and vandalized the studios of his Imedi TV and riot police attacked protesters with rubber bullets, tear gas, and batons, the tycoon declared he was "ready to do anything, even run for president, if it helps my country."

Sources Associated Press, Times (UK)

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Georgian businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili speaks at an opposition rally outside the parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, in this Nov. 2, 2007, file photo. According to a radio interview Thursday,...   (Associated Press)
Troops cordon a square in downtown Tbilisi, Georgia, on Friday Nov. 9, 2007. A day after Saakashvili called a snap election and promised to quickly lift a state of emergency, far fewer police and security...   (Associated Press)
Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili speaks during a meeting with businessmen in his office in Tbilisi on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007. Saakashvili on Saturday reiterated his pledge to soon lift a state...   (Associated Press)
With a giant poster depicting Georgian flags in the background people walk near the parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Friday Nov. 9, 2007. A day after Saakashvili called a snap election and promised...   (Associated Press)
Troops rest in a bus as they wait their turn to cordon off a square in downtown Tbilisi, Georgia, Friday Nov. 9, 2007. A day after President Saakashvili called a snap election and promised to quickly...   (Associated Press)
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Georgia  • election  • state of emergency  • Mikhail Saakashvili  • Badri Patarkatsishvili


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