Georgia's 'Rose Revolution' Leader Sworn in as President
- Author: News Agencies
- Publish date:25/01/2004
- Section:WORLD HEADLINES
Mikhail Saakashvili, the leader of Georgia's bloodless revolution, has officially been sworn in as President. At 36 years old, the US educated lawyer has become the youngest leader in Europe.
He led street demonstrations in the capital Tbilisi after last November's parliamentary elections. Dubbed a 'rose revolution' - it brought down President Eduard Shevardnadze.
Saakashvili had accused Shevardnadze of vote-rigging and claimed the government was riddled with corruption. Earlier this month, he won more than 96 percent of the vote in a special election and pledged to build the former Soviet republic's economy.
US Secretary of State Colin Powell and Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov were among those attending the ceremony. Saakashvili has also pledged to improve relations with neighbouring Russia, which controls most of Georgia's energy supplies and has two military bases in the country.
During the ceremony he dedicated his life to impoverished people and his presidency to the reunification of Georgia.
**PHOTO CAPTION***
Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili speaks during his inauguration ceremony, Tbilisi, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2004, with the new Georgian national flag behind him. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)