TBILISI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili on Friday lifted the 15-day state of emergency he imposed in his country ahead of the schedule.

    The parliament approved of the early lift of the state of emergency, which was supposed to be 15 days, at 7 p.m. local time (1500 GMT).

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili on Friday lifted the 15-day state of emergency he imposed in his country ahead of the schedule. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    "All the limits on political activity will now be lifted, "Saakashvili said. "The country is preparing for early presidential elections and a plebiscite, which will set the date of parliament elections."

    Saakashvili declared 15 days of state of emergency in the capital Tbilisi on Nov. 7 following a week of demonstrations and a police crackdown on anti-government protesters.

    Under the state of emergency, public rallies have been banned and opposition media shut down.

    Georgia will antedate its presidential elections from autumn to Jan. 5 next year, Saakashvili said in a televised address to the nation on Nov. 8.

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