A 2003 demonstration during the Rose Revolution (file photo) (AFP)
23 November 2005 -- Georgia marks the second anniversary of the Rose Revolution, as the mass demonstrations that toppled longtime leader Eduard Shevardnadze two years ago came to be known.
Georgia was the first former Soviet republic where mass protests brought down the national government. The anniversary celebrations which started on Tuesday 22 November culminate later on Wednesday with concerts and speeches in a number of cities.
President Mikheil Saakashvili and the presidents of Ukraine, Romania and Estonia, who arrived in Tbilisi to attend the festivities, are due to sign a Memorandum on freedom and democracy and also lay the foundation of a Monument to Liberty.
Some 200 supporters of opposition groups marched in Tbilisi today to protest against the policies of Saakashvili's government. The march was timed to coincide with the Rose Revolution anniversary.
(primenews.ge)