Georgian ex-speaker accuses president of political terror

WASHINGTON, July 17 (Itar-Tass) -- Former Georgian parliament speaker
and now opposition leader Nino Burdzhanadze accused President Mikhail
Saakashvili of waging political terror in the country.
"There is real political terror in the country. Many people were
arrested without any substantiated charges. There are numerous facts of
financial and political terror," she told reporters on Thursday.
Burdzhanadze said massive protests will not end in Georgia and added
she does not believe the current Georgian leadership is capable of genuine
democratic reforms.
"I am convinced the country will be able to normally develop only
after an early presidential election," the ex-speaker said.
She said the United States is well aware of the Georgian realities,
but prefers stability. "I agree with them in that," she said.
She called on Washington to continue political, economic and military
support to Georgia and welcomed the upcoming visit to Tbilisi of US
Vice-President Joe Biden, hoping he will find time to meet the opposition.
-0-nec