Since his return to Tbilisi on Tuesday, the Georgian leader sent out a steady series of messages appealing for international help.

Eduard A. Shevardnadze, the Georgian leader, said he could do no more and might even step down.

But Georgian leaders are as enthusiastic about it as their Azerbaijani counterparts.

The diplomat expressed frustration, however, that Georgian leaders were not more aggressive with the 50-odd militants still in the gorge.

Fearing permanent loss of the city to Turkey, Georgian leaders agreed to talks with the Revkom.

Some said they thought it had been the work of the Russian government, or at least some members of it, who wanted to embarrass Georgian leaders.

In contrast, the Georgian leaders proposed that Ardahan and Oltu become part of their republic.

A12 The Georgian leader vowed to retake a city held by rebels.

The EU is encouraging the Georgian leaders to show restraint.

A3 The Georgian leader made an urgent appeal for military help.