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Georgia Summons Russian Envoy Over Ganmukhuri Incident
The Georgian Foreign Ministry summoned Russian ambassador to Georgia, Vyacheslav Kovalenko on October 31, to express protest over the incident in Ganmukhuri. In a statement on October 30, the Georgian Foreign Ministry said the incident was ?unprovoked attack? by the Russian peacekeepers on the Georgian police post in the village of Ganmukhuri, the Abkhaz conflict …
31/10/2007 - 15:55
‘Decision Made to Cease Russian Peacekeeping’
A decision on withdrawal of Russian peacekeeping troops from the Abkhaz conflict zone has been made, but an exact date will be announced sometime later after consultations with Georgia’s western allies, senior lawmakers said after talks with cabinet ministers. “Decision to cease Russian peacekeepers’ mandate and to delegitimize their presence has been made,” Nino Burjanadze, …
U.S. Calls Government, Opposition for a Dialogue
The United States supports President Saakashvili?s initiative to lower the election threshold from the current 7% to 5% – a step which should make the Parliament ?more representative,? Samuel Laeuchli, the U.S. Political Counselor at the OSCE, said. He was speaking at the OSCE Permanent Council session in Vienna on October 30 in response to …
JCC not Enough for Solving Conflict ? PM Tells OSCE
Russian-led negotiating format over South Ossetian conflict is immobilized, but Tbilisi is not rejecting it, Zurab Nogaideli, the Georgian Prime Minister, told the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on October 30. ?Decisions are not made and implementation is impossible, because the format and the separatists themselves constantly reject initiatives and proposals,? Nogaideli said. “The negotiations …
Possible Ceasing of Russian Peacekeeping Revitalized
The Georgian Parliament will soon discuss ?reasonability of ceasing? Russian peacekeeping operation in the Abkhaz conflict zone, senior lawmakers from the ruling party said on October 30. The statement comes following the incident in Ganmukhuri, involving a standoff between the Russian peacekeepers and Georgian interior ministry forces, wherein four Georgian police officers were beaten up. …
30/10/2007 - 22:08
Saakashvili Speaks on Ganmukhuri Incident at NSC
President Saakashvili has convened an emergency session of the National Security Council (NSC) following the incident in Ganmukhuri.Saakashvili stopped short of instructing the government to launch procedures on withdrawal of Russian peacekeeping troops from the Georgia?s conflict zones; he, however, recalled a resolution passed by the Parliament last July calling on the government to launch relevant …
Russian Official Defies Tbilisi’s Wish to Expel Chief Peacekeeper
Sergey Chaban, commander of the Russian peacekeepers in Abkhazia, will continue to perform his duties despite Georgia’s demand, deputy chief of the Russian land forces in charge of peacekeeping operation, Valery Evnevich, told RIA Novosti news agency. President Saakashvili said on October 30 after the Incident in Ganmukhuri that Chaban was “undesirable person” and he should …
Georgian Officials Comment on Ganmukhuri Incident
Incident in Ganmukhuri was Russian-masterminded ?provocation,? senior Georgian officials said. ?Russia has confirmed that it is a country, which is not interested in peaceful settlement of conflict in Abkhazia,? Davit Bakradze, the Georgian state minister for conflict resolution issues, said. ?This is the gravest provocation, which may trigger very grave consequences and the entire responsibility for …
Confrontation in Ganmukhuri
Tensions in the Abkhaz conflict zone involving standoff between the Russian peacekeepers and Georgian interior ministry forces were defused on October 30 after the Russian troops released at least four Georgian policemen detained earlier on the same day. The incident took place in the Georgian-administered village of Ganmukhuri on the border with the breakaway Abkhazia. …
Russian Peacekeepers Release Georgian Policemen
Tensions defused in the Abkhaz conflict zone on October 30 after Russian peacekeepers released Georgian policemen detained earlier on the same day. Commander of the Russian peacekeepers Sergey Chaban told RIA Novosti news agency that his troops were ready to release four Georgian policemen, but for two and a half hours the Georgian authorities were …
Saakashvili Tells Chief Russian Peacekeeper to Leave Georgia
President Saakashvili said that Sergey Chaban, the commander of the Russian peacekeeping troops in the Abkhaz conflict zone, was an ?undesirable person? in Georgia and he should leave the country as soon as possible. Saakashvili made this statement after he arrived in the village of Ganmukhuri in the Abkhaz conflict zone, where, according to the Georgian side, the military hardware …
Georgian MIA Reports of Shootout with Russian Peacekeepers
The military hardware of Russian peacekeeping troops intruded into the territory near the patriotic camp for teenagers in the village of Ganmukhuri in the Abkhaz conflict zone on October 30, the Georgian Interior Ministry said. ?The Russian peacekeepers took several Georgian policemen as hostages and beat them up brutally,? it said in a statement. According …
Opposition Wants Criminal Proceedings Against ‘Zugdidi Attackers’
Opposition leaders said on October 30 those who have assaulted on opposition lawmakers in Zugdidi must be held responsible under the provisions of criminal code. Court in Zugdidi sentenced two men to an administrative detention for 20 days and fined five others with GEL 400 for attacking opposition activists in Zugdidi on October 28. Two …
Republican Leaders Visit U.S.
The United State is closely watching developments in Georgia and it is standing beside the Georgian people, leaders of opposition Republican Party said after talks with the U.S. administration officials in Washington on October 29. ?We are requesting everyone working on Georgian issues, not to tell Georgia No to NATO membership just because of irresponsible …
Senior U.S. Diplomat to Visit Georgia
Daniel Fried, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, will pay a one-day working visit to Georgia on November 1. Daniel Fried is expected to hold talks with President MIkheil Saakashvili and other officials, according to the U.S. Embassy to Tbilisi. This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
Saakashvili Meets Ruling Party
President Saakashvili met with lawmakers from his ruling, National Movement Party, on October 29. Issues related with recent political developments in the country were discussed, lawmakers said after the meeting. Media sources reported that issue related with a statement of business tycoon, Badri Patarkatsishvili, about his readiness to finance the ten opposition parties? campaign, was …
29/10/2007 - 21:16
Two Jailed and Five Fined for Assaulting Opposition in Zugdidi
Two men were jailed for 20 days and five others fined with GEL 400 after the court found them guilty of being involved in an attack on opposition activists in Zugdidi on October 28, the Interior Ministry said on Monday. Two opposition lawmakers and at least two other opposition activists were attacked and beaten up …
Sokhumi to Host Summit of Secessionist Leaders
Leaders of breakaway Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transdnestria, Sergey Bagapsh, Eduard Kokoity and Sergey Smirnov, respectively, will meet in Sokhumi on November 4-5, the Abkhaz news agency Apsnipress reported on Monday. The summit will take place in frames of the Community for Democracy and Human Rights (CDHR) ? an organization set up by three breakaway regions …
Ruling Party May Compromise on Election Code
There are signs that the ruling party may compromise and abolish the current rule of election of majoritarian MPs through a first-past-the-post, “winner takes all” system, although no final decision has been made yet. The change of this system is among four major demands of the ten opposition parties, which also include holding of parliamentary …
Geneva-Based Company Buys Tbilisi Water for USD 85.6 mln
Multiplex Solutions took over water distribution company in the capital, Tbilisi Water, after offering USD 85.662 million, the Economy Ministry said on October 27. The ministry said Multiplex Solutions was a Swiss company, but failed to provide more details. Multiplex Solutions AG was set up in August, 2005 in Geneva with a capital of CHF …
Burjanadze Condemns Attacks on Protesters in Zugdidi
Several persons suspected of attacking peaceful protesters in Zugdidi have been detained, Nino Burjanadze, the Georgian Parliamentary Chairperson, said on October 29. Burjanadze said she discussed the matter with Vano Merabishvili, the interior minister, and Zurab Adeishvili, the general prosecutor. Two opposition lawmakers and at least two other opposition activists were attacked and beaten up …
Ombudsman Slams Authorities ‘Intolerance to Protest Rallies’
Attacks on peaceful protesters in Zugdidi have showed “the authorities’ intolerance” towards peaceful protest rallies, Sozar Subari, the Public Defender, said on October 29. Ten opposition parties campaigned in western region of Samegrelo on October 28, as a lead-up to a planned protest rally in Tbilisi on November 2. Protest rally in Zugdidi was marred …
‘Patarkatsishvili’s Putsch will not Work’ – Tbilisi Mayor
Despite his decision to finance the opposition, business tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili will fail to stage a putsch in Georgia, Gigi Ugulava, the Tbilisi Mayor and President Saakashvili’s close associate said on October 29. “His putsch will not work in Georgia,” he told reporters. “Patarkatsishvili failed to buy Georgian sport [Patarkatsishvili was president of Georgian National …
Republican Party Leader Warns Authorities
One of the leaders of the Republican Party Levan Berdzenishvili warned the authorities of grave consequences should they try to use force against the planned demonstration on November 2. He also said, the opposition expected international mediation following the crisis that would ensue after this demonstration. Speaking to the popular Kviris Palitra weekly, Berdzenishvili alluded …
Authorities Prepare for High-Profile Conference
Some details of the high-profile international conference, which is scheduled for November 1-4 in Tbilisi, have been announced on Monday, although list of participants is still unknown. The conference under the name, Tbilisi Summit 2007: Building Europe?s East, has attracted lot of attention as it will come amid planned large-scale protest rally by opposition parties …
Georgian, OSCE Officials Discuss S.Ossetia
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli and State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues Davit Bakradze are visiting Vienna to hold talks over the South Ossetian conflict resolution. The two officials are expected to hold talks with OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut and Spanish Ambassador to OSCE Carlos Sanchez de Boado. On October 30 Nogaideli …
Patarkatsishvili’s Statement on Plans to Finance Opposition
Recent developments, including wave of protest rallies makes me think that the country is on the verge of a serious political crisis. Statements and actions of politicians, in the most cases, even further strains situation. I hope everyone, first and foremost the authorities, fully understand the responsibility they have to prevent provocations that may trigger …
28/10/2007 - 23:25
Patarkatsishvili Pledges to Finance Protest Rallies
Business and media tycoon, Badri Patarkatsishvili, said he would finance ten opposition parties’ campaign aimed at holding parliamentary elections in April, instead of late 2008.He said in a written statement issued on October 28, he would provide funding to the opposition for holding protest rallies “in a civilized manner.” Opposition plans a large scale rally …
Opposition MP Beaten in Zugdidi
A group of young men have assaulted Bezhan Gunava, an MP from opposition Conservative Party in West Georgian town of Zugdidi, on October 28. The incident was filmed by the Imedi TV crew, which planned to conduct an outdoor interview with Gunava. At least three uniformed police officers were seen in the footage standing at …
Opposition’s Troubled Campaign in Samegrelo
Ten opposition parties campaigned in western region of Samegrelo on October 28, as a lead-up to a planned protest rally in Tbilisi on November 2. Opposition’s trip to Samegrelo, however, was not as smooth as in other provinces. In Zugdidi, a major town of the province, a group of local residents reportedly threw eggs to …
Patience Needed for S.Ossetia Conflict Resolution ? Saakashvili
President Saakashvili called for patience and restraint on October 28 for full-scale resolution of the South Ossetian conflict. He was speaking at a ceremony of opening a statue commemorating an ethnic Ossetian poet, Kosta Khetagurov, in Tbilisi. Saakashvili said Kosta Khetagurov was ?a symbol of ethnic Ossetians? love towards ethnic Georgians.? ?I am absolutely sure …
Georgia Announces Tender on Rail Network
Georgian Economy Ministry has invited interested entities for expression of interests on privatization shares of the state rune Georgian Railway Ltd. The announcement was posted on the Economist?s classified section. Interested parties, the announcement reads, should submit purchase price and the railway network?s development plan, including volume and timeline of intended investments. Deadline for submitting proposals …
Shida Kartli Ex-Governor Released on Bail
Mikheil Kareli, the former governor of Shida Kartli region, was released on a GEL 200,000 bail (over USD 122,000) late on October 27. Mikheil Kareli, a close associate of the ex-defense minister, Irakli Okruashvili, was dismissed from the governor’s position on September 12 and subsequently arrested on September 23. The General Prosecutor?s Office said on October …
27/10/2007 - 23:55
PM Outlines S.Ossetia State Commission Plans
State commission on South Ossetia, which was set up this summer to develop the region?s autonomous status, gathered on October 26 in the Georgian-administered village of Tamarasheni. Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli, who chairs the commission, said he expected to prepare final document on distribution of powers between the central and local authorities in the sphere …
Georgia Releases Seven Abkhaz Militiamen
Georgian officials said they have handed over seven Abkhaz militiamen to UN observers after court in Tbilisi released them following passing five-year suspended sentence on them on October 27. Seven Abkhaz militiamen were captured by Georgian Interior Ministry forces after a clash on September 20. Two former Russian officers, reportedly on contract with the Abkhaz …
ARTI Group Resumes Operations
ARTI Group, a distributor company for Procter&Gamble, Gillette, Wella and other companies, has resumed operations, firm?s top executive said October 26. Last month, the Revenue Service launched a tax audit of ARTI Group, which resulted in the company ceasing operations. ARTI Group is owned by businessman Kibar Khalvashi, a close friend of the former defense …
26/10/2007 - 19:34
Opposition Proposes Amendments to Election Code
Opposition parties have proposed draft amendment to the election code, which if approved by the parliament, paves the way for party-based election administrations. Currently the Central Election Commission (CEC) is made up of certified election officials, who, according to the ruling party, have no affiliation with any political party. Opposition politicians, however, have said that …
Radioactive Substance Seized on Georgian-Turkish Border
An Armenian citizen was arrested while attempting to smuggle 2.04 grams of a radioactive substance, Lawrencium-103, from Georgia into Turkey, the Georgian Border Police said on October 26. It said three companions ? also Armenian citizens ? were also arrested. This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
Abkhaz MP: Georgia’s Sea Seizures Pose Threat to Abkhaz Coal Industry
A Turkish-Abkhaz company, Tamsaş, quarrying coal in Tkvarcheli, faces bankruptcy because of an inability to export it, Daur Arshba, an Abkhaz lawmaker, said on October 25, according to the Apsnipress news agency. A vessel flying the Cambodian flag, loaded with coal from Tkvarcheli, was seized by the Georgian coast guard on October 21. Another vessel, also …
MPs Discuss 2007 Budget Revision
Parliament began discussing on October 26 a proposed budget amendment that would see 2007 state spending increase by GEL 350 million (over USD 213 million). The lion?s share of the increased budget – GEL 224 million – will go to the Ministry of Defense. If approved, already record high defense spending will reach GEL 1.495 billion (over USD 906 million). …
Opposition Stresses its Moderate Credentials
Opposition parties, campaigning for elections to be held in spring 2008, instead of late next year, have intensified their international efforts in an attempt to promote a moderate, less radical, image.Three politicians – Salome Zourabichvili, leader of Georgia’s Way Party, and former foreign minister; Davit Usupashvili, leader of Republican Party and Konstantine Gamsakhurdia, leader of …
Tags: Salome Zurabishvili
Opposition Boycotts Rustavi 2 TV’s New Talk Show
Ten opposition parties, jointly campaigning for elections to be held in April, instead of late next year, have said they would boycott Rustavi 2 TV’s new political talk show. The boycott, they said, would continue as long as ruling party and governmental officials continue to boycott a rival TV station, Imedi. Opponents accuse Rustavi 2 TV …
Jailed Ex-Police Official ‘Commits Suicide’
Davit Kekua, former chief of the criminal police in Tbilisi and ex-deputy of the Interior Ministry’s Inspection Unit, hanged himself in his cell in prison number 7 on October 25, a prison official said. Davit Kekua, 43, held his position at the Inspection Unit until his arrest in May. He was charged with the fabrication of evidence and …
Senior Georgian, Abkhaz Officials Resume Contacts
In an attempt at conciliation, Tbilisi has agreed to release seven Abkhaz militiamen after talks in Sokhumi on October 25.The meeting between Davit Bakradze, the Georgian state minister for conflict resolution issues, and Sergey Shamba, the Abkhaz foreign minister, was the first senior-level contact between the sides in over a year. “I think that the meeting …
25/10/2007 - 19:09
Georgia to Release Seven Abkhaz Militiamen
Tbilisi has agreed to release seven Abkhaz militiamen captured after the September 20 clash, both Georgian and Abkhaz sources have reported. An agreement, according to the reports, was reached after talks between Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues Davit Bakradze and Abkhaz Foreign Minister Sergey Shamba in Sokhumi on October 25. The seven Abkhaz militiamen …
Abkhaz Official Comments on Georgian Minister’s Visit
The visit of a Georgian state minister to Sokhumi “does not mean the resumption of talks,” Sergey Shamba, the Abkhaz foreign minister, told Rustavi 2 TV by phone on October 25. Davit Bakradze, the state minister for conflict resolution issues, arrived in Sokhumi to meet with Shamba on October 25. The meeting will also be attended by the …
Spain’s Aqualia Offers USD 105 mln for Tbilisi Water – Newspaper
A subsidiary of Spain’s Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas (FCC), Aqualia, has offered USD 105 million for the water distribution company in Tbilisi, the Georgian daily 24 Saati (24 Hours) reported on October 25. The offer lodged by the Spanish company, according to the newspaper, is the highest one. Georgian officials, however, say that the proposed …
Saakashvili Rules Out Georgian Neutrality
Although some may want it, and indeed have called for it, President Saakashvili said on October 25 that neutrality was not an option for Georgia. ?Georgia signed an agreement on its neutrality in 1920 with Bolshevik Russia and after six months Georgia was occupied,? Saakashvili said at a graduation ceremony for 123 officers. ?We signed this …
Tskhinvali, Moscow Warn Tbilisi May Use Force
South Ossetian and Russian officials have warned that Tbilisi may use force against the breakaway regions in an attempt to distract attention from internal problems. ?The Georgian authorities are trying to solve their internal problems at the expense of South Ossetia and Abkhazia,? Eduard Kokoity, the secessionist South Ossetian leader, said in comments posted on the …
Georgian PM to Address OSCE
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli will address the OSCE decision-making body, the Permanent Council, on October 30. PM Nogaideli will focus mainly on the South Ossetian and Abkhaz conflicts in his address, according to the OSCE press office. This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
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This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)