Georgia: Burjanadze Threatens to Sue Saakashvili

In the latest twist in Georgia's ongoing political soap opera, former parliamentary speaker Nino Burjanadze is vowing to sue former-friend-turned-foe President Mikheil Saakashvili for defamation.

On May 19, Burjanadze, the leader of the opposition Democratic Movement-United Georgia, claimed that Saakashvili tried to convince her fellow opposition leaders during recent talks that she represents the Kremlin's interests and is paid by Moscow. "He will have to prove these absurd allegations, or pay for damaging [my] honor, dignity and professional reputation," Burjanadze told protesters gathered in downtown Tbilisi.

The pro-Russian label is particularly damaging in Georgia these days, given the lingering bitterness related to the country's disastrous war against Russia in 2008. The government has not yet responded to Burjanadze's announcement.