Georgia Prez to Lift Restrictions ... Eventually

Tycoon announces bid for presidency, vows to remove 'facist regime'

By Kate Schwartz, Newser User

Posted Nov 11, 2007 12:05 PM CST

(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."

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 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)

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)

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Georgia Prez to Lift Restrictions ... Eventually

Tycoon announces bid for presidency, vows to remove 'facist regime'

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Opposition cries foul over exit polls, urges mass protest

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Georgia Prez to Lift Restrictions ... Eventually

Tycoon announces bid for presidency, vows to remove 'facist regime'

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Georgia • state of emergency • Mikheil Saakashvili • Badri Patarkatsishvili • election

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Georgian Dissident Found Dead in Britain

Opposition leader's sudden death treated as 'suspicious'

Georgians Want New Vote, Plan Hunger Strike

Opposition alleges fraud after Saakashvili reelection

Georgia Prez 'Confident' He's Won

Opposition cries foul over exit polls, urges mass protest

Georgia to Lift Emergency Rule

Saakashvili cuts restrictive decree short in an attempt to limit political damage

Russia, Georgia Fund Dueling War Movies

Propaganda is the better part of valor

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Site

Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?