TBILISI, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Georgia must follow through with reforms promised after war with Russia in August if it is to weather the coming economic storm and limit social discontent, an influential thinktank said. The Brussels-based International Crisis Group, in a briefing issued late on Wednesday, said that although pro-Western President Mikheil Saakashvili's position was for now secure, "his administration will be severely tested politically and economically in the winter and spring ahead". Georgia stands to lose international goodwill and some of the $5.4 billion of aid promised after its five-day war with Russia if Saakashvili does not expand and implement a promised wave of democratic reforms, the ICG said. Saakashvili's young government came to power in the former Soviet republic on the back of the 2003 "Rose Revolution", but has disappointed its Western backers with the slow pace of democratic reform. Economic liberalisation and growth have been overshadowed by Saakashvili's perceived authoritarianism that critics say has stifled the media, judiciary and opposition and concentrated power in the hands of the president. The opposition accuses Saakashvili of walking into a war Georgia could not possibly win. Russia routed the Georgian army, drove it from the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and has since recognised both territories as independent states. Tens of thousands of Georgian refugees have been unable to return home, and foreign investment has plummetted. "The global economic crisis and flight of foreign investment are likely to increase social discontent, but it remains unclear who will mobilise these grievances," the ICG said. "Tbilisi must restore stability to encourage foreign investment and development." The briefing paper called for more effective social assistance, a truly independent judiciary, elimination of high-level corruption, increased freedom for the broadcast media, changes to the electoral code and transfer of some presidential powers to the legislature and government. (Writing by Matt Robinson; editing by Michael Roddy)
People hold a placard during a protest against the extension of the presidential term in Moscow November 15, 2008. Russia's lower house of parliament gave initial approval on Friday for a ...
