U-S played behind-the-scenes role in Shevardnadze departure
Washington-AP -- U-S officials say Secretary of State Colin Powell played a behind-the-scenes role in the resignation of Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze (sheh-vahrd-NAHD'-zeh). Powell, along with U-N Secretary General Kofi Annan, called Shevardnadze from Powell's living room, asking for restraint and a restoration of order in a dangerous situation.
The State Department says the U-S didn't tell Shevardnadze what to do -- but the message to Shevardnadze, an experienced diplomat -- must have been clear.
The U-S has issued a statement of support for Shevardnadze's interim successor, Nino Burdzhanadze (burd-sheh-NAHD'-zeh).
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