Analysis: Georgia's war of nerves

By Natalia Antelava
Tbilisi

It was the biggest rally Tbilisi has seen ever since Georgians fought for the independence from the Soviet Union 13 years ago.

The stand-off has continued for weeks, but what now?

From the 11th floor of the Georgian president's office the view must have been perfect.

A human chain of thousands of protestors surrounded the State Chancellery shouting "Go away" to President Eduard Shevardnadze.

They cheered to the opposition leader Mikheil Saakashvili who asked the president to come down and face the crowd.

The Georgian president chose to stay in.

It's been nearly two weeks now, since mass protests gripped Georgia and have paralysed the roads across the country. "What's next?" is the question on everyone's mind.

The only option we have now is to show them that we are strong and determined, and we can peacefully change things Zaza Katsetadze, Demonstrator

According to President Shevardnadze the opposition is leading Georgia into a civil war.

But Georgians say they are not out in the streets for a fight.

"We tried to change this government through election, but they did not let us do it. The only option we have now is to show them that we are strong and determined, and we can peacefully change things" says Zaza Katsetadze, one of the demonstrators.

"What civil war are we talking about? We all agree that he (Shevardnadze) has to go," he added.

The real war, analysts say, is that of nerves. Whoever will break down first will be the loser.

The Georgian president has called for dialogue with the opposition, but has refused to compromise.

Although international observers have said the election was marred by "spectacular" irregularities, Mr Shevardnadze insists it was one of the "most democratic and transparent" votes Georgia has ever had.

The opposition leaders, who say that their attempted talks with the president were a "waste of time", insist that they will carry on their fight until Mr Shevardnadze either admits his defeat, or resigns.

"We will go until the end. Until Shevardnadze resigns," said Mikheil Saakshvili.

He has blocked our life and our country for years now. Now, we'll block him. We'll make life as uncomfortable for him, as he has made it for us Opposition supporter

If the president does resign, one of the opposition leaders and speaker of the parliament, Nino Burjanadze would become the head of state for 45 days, until the new presidential and parliamentary elections are held.

Opposition supporters say their stamina will outlast that of the president.

They plan to carry on by boycotting the government and paralysing local administrations throughout the country.

Mr Shevardnadze has ruled Georgia for more than 30 years, first as the country's communist boss, then as the president of independent Georgia.

For many, he's the man to blame for the country's fragile security, rampant poverty and widespread corruption.

"He has blocked our life and our country for years now. Now, we'll block him. We'll make life as uncomfortable for him, as he has made it for us," one of the opposition supporters said.

Mr Shevardnadze has so far resorted to diplomacy.

As the demonstrators kept their vigil, the president met with foreign ambassadors, and sent his new ally on a tour of several post-Soviet states, including Russia.

Aslan Abashidze, leader of Georgia's autonomous pro-Russian region of Ajaria, is reportedly trying to secure Russian support for Georgia's embattled president.

Even the resolve of the police may be wavering

But Mr Shevardnadze has already failed to secure support he needs the most - that of people.

The man, who just few years ago was seen as a saviour of Georgia, was jeered away as he tried to speak to the crowds in Tbilisi and town of Senaki.

On Thursday, hundreds of policemen in full riot gear blocked the protestors' way towards Mr Shevardnadze's office.

But like most in Georgia, they too are part of Mr Shevardnadze's impoverished state, and their support is already showing to be as deficient as their $40 monthly wages.

"If this goes on for another day, I am not coming out again," one of the soldiers whispered watching a loud crowd in front of his shield.

A minute later, someone in the crowd grabbed a loudspeaker and turned to the police cordon.

"If any of you support Shevardnadze, raise your hand," he shouted.

The soldiers stood still.