Thousands of Georgians, watched wearily by troops, marched to the heavily guarded steps of embattled President Eduard Shevardnadze\'s office Friday to demand he step down. Up to 20,000 protesters, ignoring the veteran president\'s emotional appeal to stay at home, responded to calls from the main opposition leader to take to the streets to press Shevardnadze to resign over a November 2 election dispute. \"We are within 15 meters of Shevardnadze\'s offices. If he does not have the courage to walk this distance, it will be up to you to cast your verdict on his criminal regime,\" opposition leader, Mikhail Saakashvili, told protesters. \"This man stole everything from us and he is not going to take notice of his own people.\" The crowd moved from parliament along the main Tbilisi thoroughfare to outside his offices. Interior Ministry troops watched as protesters chanted \"step down\" and \"traitor.\" Earlier five armored vehicles, four trucks and three buses with soldiers in body armor were seen outside the Interior Ministry by Reuters correspondents. The ministry says it would not use force unless protesters switched their action to government buildings. The political crisis was triggered by a disputed parliamentary poll almost two weeks ago, when the opposition said authorities stole its victory. Attempts at talks were launched Sunday, but ended Wednesday when Saakashvili walked out. (Reuters)