Georgia's embattled President Eduard Shevardnadze has said he is ready to open talks with the opposition in order to avoid a 'civil war'.
Speaking in a televised address, he also warned that he would not be forced to resign.
Georgia has been rocked by daily protests since Sunday's parliamentary elections, which the opposition claims were rigged by the state.
Mr Shevardnadze delivered an ominous warning to the opposition, saying that 'bad things could happen' if the rallies get out of control.
