The nation-wide state of emergency was lifted at 7pm local time on November 16, in accordance with a parliamentary decree passed two days ago.

The state of emergency was imposed on November 7 after police broke up demonstrations in Tbilisi. Restrictions were imposed on the dissemination of information, demonstrations and strikes. News coverage was banned on all television stations, with the exception of the Georgian Public Broadcaster.

Mze TV was the first to resume political coverage, with a news programme immediately coming on air at 7pm, just as the state of emergency was lifted.

“There has been absolute calm and order in Georgia since then [November 7, when the state of emergency was imposed] and life continues as normal,” President Saakashvili said earlier on November 16. “I want to express my gratitude to every citizen, to the entire Georgian population, which has shown amazing wisdom and restraint and demonstrated to the entire world that we are an organized, democratic and peaceful nation and state".