November 17, 2007 - 14:30 AMT
Mikheil Saakashvili lifts emergency rule
On Friday, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili issued an edict to lift the emergency rule imposed on the republic November 7.

The limitations imposed by the authorities were subjected to severe criticism by Europe, U.S., international organizations and the Georgian oppositionist who agreed to suspend protests not to jeopardize the lives of their supporters.

"Georgian life will return to normal on November 16," Nino Burjanadze said despite the primary decision to maintain the emergency rule till November 22.

In his November 16 address the Georgian President stated that order has been established throughout the republic and all restrictions of political activity will be lifted.

Georgian TV companies are preparing to go on the air. However, this doesn't refer to Imedi Channel TV. On November 7 special forces smashed up the office and a week later a Tbilisi court arrested the company's property. The lawyers are going to appeal the decision while opposition leaders plan a news conference in front of the parliament building, Novosti Georgia reports.