Russia behind riots, claims president

Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili yesterday accused Russia of staging opposition protests in Georgia and said that several Russian diplomats would be expelled.

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

Saakashvili said he regretted the use of force, but argued that it was necessary to prevent the country from sliding into chaos. He said the opposition leaders had been guided by Russia.