This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/7083911.stm

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Georgia declares emergency state Georgia declares emergency state
(20 minutes later)
Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili has declared a state of emergency in the capital Tbilisi after police broke up a sixth day of opposition protests.Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili has declared a state of emergency in the capital Tbilisi after police broke up a sixth day of opposition protests.
In a televised address, Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli said a coup attempt had been made.In a televised address, Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli said a coup attempt had been made.
Mr Saakashvili earlier said "Russian special services" were behind the unrest in Georgia.Mr Saakashvili earlier said "Russian special services" were behind the unrest in Georgia.
Mr Saakashvili has rejected the protesters' accusations of corruption and says he will not quit.Mr Saakashvili has rejected the protesters' accusations of corruption and says he will not quit.
The prime minister said the state of emergency would last for 48 hours.
Earlier in the day, police had used water cannon, tear gas and batons to break up opposition protests outside parliament.
Officials said 250 people had been admitted to hospital, most to be treated for the effects of tear gas.
Diplomatic expulsions
Speaking before he declared a state of emergency, Mr Saakashvili said his country faced "a very serious threat of unrest".
"High ranking officials in Russian special services are behind this," he said, adding that he had evidence.
He said several Russian diplomats would be expelled from Georgia for engaging in "espionage".
Mr Saakashvili has rejected the allegations of corruptionEarlier he had recalled Georgia's ambassador to Moscow for "consultations".
Moscow has called his allegations irresponsible and said any expulsion of Russian diplomats would be followed by an "adequate response".
The foreign ministry said the remarks were "anti-Russian hysteria".
Police used tear gas and water cannon after several thousand protesters tried to occupy Rustaveli Avenue - Tbilisi's main thoroughfare.
The protesters say the police response demonstrates Mr Saakashvili's authoritarian tendencies but police said they had to unblock the capital's main road.
The main opposition television station has gone off air. Just before, a presenter said police special forces had entered the building.
Opposition supporters have been gathering outside parliament every day since Friday, when 50,000 people attended the largest street protest seen since the 2003 "Rose Revolution" that brought pro-Western Mr Saakashvili to power.
The protesters accuse him of corruption and of not doing enough to tackle poverty.