DATE=11/15/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-309857

TITLE=RUSSIA/GEORGIA (S)

BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Russia has indicated it might try to mediate the political crisis in the former Soviet republic of Georgia along with two of Georgia's neighbors, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The move comes after nearly two weeks of demonstrations calling on President Eduard Shevardnadze to resign. Bill Gasperini has more from Moscow.

TEXT: Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Valery Loshchinin says Moscow may try to do what it can to resolve the deepening crisis in Georgia. He told reporters that Russia "cannot be indifferent" to what happens there.

He spoke after talking with a key regional leader from Georgia, Aslan Abashidze, who has held a series of meetings with Russian officials.

Mr. Abashidze is the only leading Georgian opposition leader who supports Mr. Shevardnadze in resisting calls for his resignation.

In Georgia, meanwhile, protesters held more rallies in several towns around the country while workers in some hospitals and schools announced strikes.

The protests aim to continue the momentum built up in almost two weeks of demonstrations in Georgia's capital city, Tbilisi. Protesters demand that Mr. Shevardandze annul the results of what they say was a rigged parliamentary election two weeks ago, and then resign. (signed)

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