Georgia Blames Russian Spies for Inciting Political Dissent

Tension between Georgia and Russia worsened today as the Georgian president accused Russian spies of whipping-up unrest among the political opposition.

Mikhail Saakashvili said that several Russian diplomats had been asked to leave because they were involved in espionage activities.

"Russian special services have stepped up their activities in Georgia," Mr Saakashvili said in a televised address several hours after riot police using truncheons, water cannons and tear gas dispersed protesters calling for his resignation.

Mr Saakashvili said he regretted the use of force, but argued that it was necessary to prevent the country from sliding into chaos. He accused Russia of backing the opposition.

"A country which has a lot of money and expertise has engaged a machine of lies and a mechanism of provocations," he said, referring to Russia.

Shortly before his statement, Georgian television stations aired what they said was a taped conversation between opposition leaders and Russian embassy officials. The opposition has dismissed it as a fabrication.

Georgia also recalled its ambassador from Moscow for consultations and summoned Russia's envoy to Tbilisi for talks.