The Messenger - Georgia's English Language Daily

Breaking news: President Mikheil Saakashvili announces snap presidential elections on January 5.

Keep reading for updates later in the day.

President declares state of emergency

President Mikheil Saakashvili declared a state of emergency Wednesday night, after the center of the capital fell into chaos as riot police used tear gas and batons to break up an anti-government rally. (more)

Georgian investment climate needs stability and confidence, prominent businessman says

Representatives of various business companies support stability and peace in Georgia. Georgian businessmen announced their position following a closed-door meeting held at the Sheraton Metekhi Palace Hotel in Tbilisi on November 5. (more)

In address to nation, Saakashvili calls for calm

President Mikheil Saakashvili called for calm in a live television address to the nation Wednesday evening.Declaring that his priority was making each of Georgia’s citizens happy, the president expressed extreme concern over the events which are developing in Tbilisi. (more)

Tbilisi claims Russia behind crisis

As protestors were forced out of Rustaveli Avenue by riot police on Wednesday, the Interior Ministry released audio and video tape that it claimed showed opposition leaders collaborating with Russian intelligence officers. (more)

Okruashvili, a ‘political refugee’ in Germany, vows to unseat the president

In a dramatic television interview from Munich, ex-minister Irakli Okruashvili vowed to bring down the government of President Mikheil Saakashvili. (more)

Large businesses demand stability

The current situation in Georgia is dividing business circles.Many small entrepreneurs closed their stores and joined the protest. As for large businessmen, 100 of them gathered on November 5 to express their concern. (more)

Azerbaijan’s foreign trade totals USD 8.2 billion

Between January and September Azerbaijan’s foreign trade turnover amounted to USD 8.2 billion, with a trade surplus of approximately USD 400 million. (more)

Iran–Armenian natural gas pipeline to begin operating in January 2008

The Iran–Armenia natural gas pipeline will begin operating in January 2008, according to the newspaper Kviris Palitra. (more)

Press Scanner

“Giorgi Zhvania will not enter politics” (more)