In 2003 , the Rose Revolution forced Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze to resign from office .
Georgia has a long connection with the Russian Federation , as it was a republic of the Soviet Union , and became part of the Russian Empire in 1801 .
In 2003 , the Rose Revolution forced Georgia President Eduard Shevardnadze to resign from office .
Georgia has a long connection with the Russian Federation , as it was a republic of the Soviet Union , and became part of the Russian Empire in 1801 .