The Georgian parliament decided Tuesday to hold presidential elections on Jan. 4.

According to the Georgian constitution, presidential election must be held within 45 days after its state leader resigns.

Former President Eduard Shevardnaze stepped down Nov. 23 amid intensified mass protests against his rule and the disputed Nov. 2 parliament elections.

Nino Burdzhanadze, speaker of the parliament, currently performs as the interim president in the small former Soviet republic.

(Xinhua News Agency November 26, 2003)