Violence erupted in the capital, Tbilisi, where anti- government demonstrations have been staged daily in almost a week. Emergency rule will run for 15 days, restricting public gatherings and closing all television channels except the state broadcaster, Agence France-Presse reported.

Georgia's government and opposition should ``refrain from violence'' and engage in a ``constructive dialog,'' Gordon Johndroe, a White House spokesman, said in Washington yesterday.

Thousands of protesters skirmished with police in an unsuccessful attempt to reclaim the square in front of Parliament where rallies have been held daily since Nov. 2.

Riot police held protesters at bay using water cannons and tear gas before dispersing the crowd with rubber bullets and nightsticks. Many protesters fought back.