TBILISI, Georgia (AFP)–Georgia’s intelligence chief Friday accused Russia of seeking to sow “internal disorder” ahead of large-scale opposition protests due here next month.
In a report to parliament, Foreign Intelligence Service chief Gela Bezhuashvili also said it was unlikely Georgia would soon see a repeat of its war with Russia last year over the rebel South Ossetia region.
“A large-scale military action or aggression from Russia is less probable in the near future,” he said. “Today, (Russia) is seeking to increase pressure on Georgia through other means…to remove the Georgian authorities through internal disorder and destabilization.” He alleged that Russia had already allocated funds and personnel to the cause but provided no other details.
His remarks came as opposition groups prepare to launch a series of protests April 9 aimed at toppling President Mikhail Saakashvili.
Pressure has been mounting on Saakashvili since the August war with Russia, with many here, including some former allies, accusing him of mishandling the conflict.
Georgian officials have repeatedly hinted at links between the opposition and Russia, which government critics say is part of a smear campaign to undermine their support.
The president has also alleged that Russia was involved in demonstrations in November 2007 that degenerated into violence when riot police dispersed thousands of anti-government protesters.
republished from Dow Jones NewsPlus http://www.djnewsplus.com
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