U.S. Comments on Recent Developments in Georgia

Below is the text of statement issued by the U.S. Department of State on November 22 regarding the current developments in Georgian capital Tbilisi:

The United States is closely monitoring the troubling and rapidly developing situation in and around the parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, where there have been confrontations between supporters and opponents of the government.  

We understand that President Shevardnadze has declared a state of emergency.

We call on all sides to refrain from the use of force or violence, and to enter into a dialogue with a view to restoring calm and reaching a compromise solution acceptable to all and in the interest of Georgia.