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Saakashvili Stresses Energy Security at Munich Conference
In an address to the Munich conference on security policy on February 3 Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said that the recent energy crisis in Georgia should be a wake-up call for Europe. “In Georgia, our recent energy crisis taught us important, but painful lessons that we can no longer rely on one source for our energy …
04/02/2006 - 21:45
Saakashvili Meets NATO Secretary General, German Chancellor
President Saakashvili held talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer on February 4. Meetings took place on the sideline of the high profile international security conference in Munich. This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
Russian Defense Minister Comments on Peacekeepers
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov said on February 3 that the position of South Ossetian and Abkhaz sides should also be heard while deciding whether to pull out Russian peacekeepers from those conflict zones or not. “In Abkhazia the peacekeeping forces are stationed under the mandate of the Commonwealth of the Independent States [CIS]. We …
Georgian President, U.S. Defense Secretary Meet in Germany
President Saakashvili, who is participating in the high-profile security conference in Munich, held talks with U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on February 3, Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili said. Okruashvili, who also attended the talks, said that the military cooperation between the United States and Georgia, which “is developing in a positive way” were …
Ivanov Comments on Georgia Quitting CIS Defense Council
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov said on February 3 that Georgia’s decision to quit the Council of Defense Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was not a surprise for him. President Saakashvili signed a decree on Georgia’s withdrawal from the CIS Defense Ministers Council on January 25. “This was not a surprise, because …
Group of Friends Seeks Tangible Results in Abkhaz Peace Process
The UN-sponsored Georgian-Abkhaz talks wrapped up in Geneva on February 3, during which the key countries involved in the peace process stressed the need to address the core political cause of the conflict between the Georgian and Abkhaz sides. In a press statement issued on February 3, the so-called Group of Friends of the Secretary-General, …
Georgian PM Visits Turkey
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli left for Turkey on a two-day working visit February 4 to hold talks with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on bilateral cooperation. According to the Georgian Prime Minister’s press office, Zurab Nogaideli will also address with opening remarks to a Georgian-Turkish business forum. This post is also available in: …
Defense, Interior Ministers Comment on Discovered Anti-Aircraft Missile System
Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili alleged that an armed man-portable anti-aircraft missile system “IGLA” which, according to the Georgian Interior Ministry was found in Shida Kartli region on February 3, was meant to down President Saakashvili’s helicopter. “We do not have this kind of weapon in our armament. It is a Russian-made, and naturally is …
S.Ossetia Invites OSCE Ambassadors to Visit Tskhinvali
Foreign Minister of breakaway South Ossetia Murat Jioyev invited diplomats from the OSCE member states to visit the South Ossetian conflict zone to get acquainted with the situation on the ground, the South Ossetian Press and Information Committee reported on February 3. In his letter to the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht, …
03/02/2006 - 20:01
MIA: Anti-Aircraft Missile System Discovered
Russian-made man-portable anti-aircraft missile system “IGLA” was found in the Kareli district of Shida Kartli region late on February 2, the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) reported on Friday. “This place [where the IGLA system was discovered] is near to a traditional air route used by planes and helicopters, including that of President Saakashvili, …
Georgian MFA: Russia No Longer Impartial Facilitator
Tbilisi can no longer expect Russia to be an impartial facilitator in the conflict resolution process, reads a Georgian Foreign Ministry”s statement, issued on February 3. In the statement the Georgian Foreign Ministry condemned a meeting between Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Ivanov and South Ossetian leader Eduard Kokoity, which took place in Moscow on February 2 …
S. Ivanov: Russia does not Use Energy as a Weapon
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov said he would “categorically reject” accusations that “Russia uses energy as a weapon,” RIA Novosti reports. Ivanov made this announcement upon arriving in Munich, where he will take part in a high-profile security conference. Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is also attending the event, made it clear that his speech would …
New Rights See Ruling Party’s Hand in Opposition ‘Split’
Parliamentarians from the opposition New Rights party argue that a decision by their former coalition member party – the Industrialists – to quit the coalition and form a separate parliamentary faction was inspired by the ruling National Movement party, which, as the New Rights claim, is trying to weaken opposition forces in the Parliament. Leader of the Industrialists …
Bendukidze: Georgia Lobbied for Caspian-Europe Gas Pipeline in Davos
Georgia’s State Minister Kakha Bendukidze told the 24 Hours daily newspaper that the Georgian delegation at the Davos Economic Forum lobbied for the construction of a new gas pipeline that would connect Europe to the Caspian hydrocarbon reserves, bypassing Russia.According to Bendukidze, the pipeline would go through Ukraine and is estimated cost would be around 7 billion US …
National Movement to Join European Conservative Group
Georgia’s ruling National Movement party is poised to join the European People’s Party (EPP) – formerly known as the Christian Democrats – in a transnational parliamentary group representing the interests of allied conservative parties in the European Parliament of the European Union (EU). Member of the secretariat of the National Movement Irakli Kavtaradze told the daily 24 …
Russian Foreign Minister, South Ossetian Leader Meet in Moscow
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov assured South Ossetian leader Eduard Kokoity during the meeting in Moscow on February 2 that Russia will “protect interests of its citizens living in South Ossetia,” according to the information note issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry. The Russian Foreign Minister and the South Ossetian leader marked the importance of …
Amnesty Notes Authorities Ready to Tackle Continuing Torture
Amnesty International announced on February 2 that it welcomes the openness of “many Georgian authorities” to tackle one of the country’s long-standing problems – eradicating torture and other ill-treatment. On January 30-February 1 representatives of Amnesty International visited Georgia and met with General Procurator Zurab Adeishvili, Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili, Public Defender Sozar Subari, Chairperson of …
Opposition Demands that Government Unveil Price of Iranian Gas
The opposition parliamentary faction Democratic Front expressed protest regarding the government’s refusal to unveil the price Georgia is paying to import Iranian gas. At a news conference on February 2 parliamentarians from the Democratic Front faction announced that they will demand that the cabinet members convene in the Parliament to present explanations about why the price is …
02/02/2006 - 17:53
“Industrialists” to Set up New Parliamentary Faction
Leader of the opposition Industrialists party MP Zurab Tkemaladze said on February 2 that his party plans to split from a coalition with another opposition New Rights party and set up a new independent faction. He said that this is a tactical decision and aims at further “strengthening the parliamentary opposition.” “This [setting up of a new …
Tbilisi Fears Russia’s Policy of ‘Universality’
Tbilisi seems to be extremely concerned over what it calls “a sudden” and “worrisome” change in Russia’s position over Georgia’s territorial integrity, which was demonstrated by President Putin’s recent statements and Russia’s stance during discussions of the Abkhazian conflict at the UN Security Council on January 31. Speaking at an annual press conference in the Kremlin on …
Saakashvili Meets Georgia’s Diplomatic Corp in Europe
President Saakashvili told Georgian ambassadors accredited in European countries on February 1 that the Georgian diplomatic missions have to confront “a well-organized, tricky network with huge finances and a lot of experience, which does not need a successful and united Georgia,” but did not specify who this “network” consited of. President Saakashvili met with Georgia’s European diplomatic corp in …
Georgian Envoy Comments on Truncated UN Security Council Resolution on Abkhazia
Georgia’s Ambassador to the UN Revaz Adamia said that the UN Security Council’s January 31 resolution on Abkhazia indicates that decision-makers in Russia have “decided to change their position” and “withdraw their support for the basic principle of conflict resolution – the principle of defining the status of Abkhazia within the State of Georgia.” The UN Security Council’s …
UN-led Georgian-Abkhaz Talks Planned in Geneva
The UN-sponsored Georgian-Abkhaz talks will be held in Geneva on February 2-3 to discuss security issues in breakaway Abkhazia. Giorgi Khaindrava, Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues and Abkhaz de facto Foreign Minister Sergey Shamba will participate in the talks. The negotiations will also be attended by representatives of the UN Secretary General’s Group of …
Putin Reiterates ‘Universal Principles’ Should Apply to Conflicts
Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Moscow’s position on January 31 that a “universal principle” should be applied while dealing with the resolution of ‘frozen conflicts.’ Speaking at an annual press conference at the Kremlin Putin said that there is a UN Security Council resolution which confirms that Kosovo is part of Serbia. “If someone thinks that Kosovo can …
01/02/2006 - 22:05
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, S.Ossetian Leader Meet in Moscow
According to an information note issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry, “talks between Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Igor Karasin and President of South Ossetian Eduard Kokoity were held in the Russian Foreign Ministry on February 1.” Kokoity and Karasin noted the importance of continuing talks between Tbilisi and Tskhinvali “to develop the joint …
Moscow Slams Tbilisi for S.Ossetia Incident
The Russian Foreign Ministry warned Tbilisi on February 1 to refrain from taking any “provocative actions” against the Russian peacekeepers and condemned the deployment of “extra troops” to the South Ossetian conflict zone. “On January 31, 2006 the Georgian side demonstratively reinforced its military presence in the village of Tkviavi, near the city of Tskhinvali, under the …
Saakashvili Visits Germany
President Saakashvili will start a five-day working visit to Germany on February 1, the Georgian President’s press office reported. According to the President’s press office, on February 3 President Saakashvili will attend the 42nd international conference in Munich and meet with U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and US Permanent Representative to NATO Victoria Nuland. …
Tensions High in S.Ossetia as Crucial Deadline Looms
A car crash, which appeared to be an ordinary accident, grew into a brawl between Georgian forces and Russian peacekeepers in the South Ossetian conflict zone on January 31, further fueling tensions on the eve of parliamentary hearings, which will most likely result in Tbilisi demanding a pull-out of Russian troops from the conflict zone.On January 31 a …
Burjanadze Slams Russian Peacekeepers’ Performance
Georgian Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze said on February 1 that the Russian peacekeepers “failed to use a four-month term given by the Georgian Parliament in order to improve the situation in the South Ossetian conflict zone.” “Yesterday’s incident demonstrates once again that, unfortunately, we constantly face a danger of provocations,” Nino Burjanadze told reporters. Parliamentary hearings …
Georgian Government Keeps Silent about Iranian Gas Price
The Georgian government still refuses to unveil the price Georgia pays for gas imported from Iran. The Iranian news agency IRNA reported quoting Iranian Deputy Oil Minister for International Affairs Mohammad-Hadi Nejad-Hosseinian as saying that Iran will export a total of 30 million cubic meters of gas to Georgia over the course of a month, the …
Georgian MFA Comments on South Ossetia Incident
The Georgian Foreign Ministry said on February 1 that a recent incident that occurred in the South Ossetian conflict zone on January 31 indicates again that the Russian peacekeeping forces are neglecting their mandate. According to the Georgian Foreign Ministry, at 6.00 p.m. on January 31, a truck carrying a Russian peacekeeping battalion crashed into a car in …
Defense Minister Talks Tough about Russian Peacekeepers
Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili said that the Georgian side will return a confiscated vehicle to the Russian peacekeepers only after an official apology is given and only after the Russian side compensates the damage sustained by a local resident of Tkviavi village, whose car was damaged in a crash with the Russian peacekeepers vehicle on January …
Georgian Security Chief: Russian Peacekeepers Pose Threat
Secretary of the Georgian National Security Council Kote Kemularia said that the Russian peacekeepers pose a “certain threat” to Georgia. Kemularia was commenting on an incident which occurred after a vehicle carrying Russian peacekeeping forces crashed into a car owned by a local resident in the Georgian village of Tkviavi on January 31. Tensions were sparked between the Georgian …
Saakashvili Comments on S.Ossetia Incident
President Saakashvili said that the Georgian side will refrain from any “radical measures” which could harm Georgia’s interests in respect to the South Ossetian conflict. Saakashvili was commenting on an incident which occurred after a vehicle carrying Russian peacekeeping forces crashed into a car owned by a local resident in the Georgian village of Tkviavi on January 31. Tensions …
Incident Sparks Tensions in South Ossetia
An incident involving a vehicle carrying Russian peacekeepers crashing into a car being driven by a local resident of the Georgian village of Tkviavi in the conflict zone grew into a confrontation between the Russian peacekeepers and Georgian forces late on January 31. The Georgian television stations showed Russian peacekeepers and Georgian uniformed men quarreling after the Russian peacekeepers dispatched several armored …
UN Security Council Adopts Truncated Resolution on Abkhazia
In a resolution adopted on January 31 the UN Security Council has extended the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) until March 31, instead of July 31 as recommended by the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. “Mr. Annan had recommended that the mission, whose mandate was due to expire today [January 31], be …
Iranian Agency Reports Details of Gas Deal with Georgia
The Iranian news agency IRNA reported quoting Iranian Deputy Oil Minister for International Affairs Mohammad-Hadi Nejad-Hosseinian as saying that Iran will export a total of 30 million cubic meters of gas to Georgia over the course of a month. The total price of the deal amounts to USD 7 million, according to IRNA. Georgia has placed …
Putin Comments on Increase of Gas Prices
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on January 31 that an increase of gas prices for the neighboring countries was a transition to market prices, which should not harm Russia’s policy in the post-Soviet space. “I do not think that the revenues gained from a transition to market prices of gas for our neighbors will harm …
31/01/2006 - 20:42
Tbilisi’s ‘Anti-Ossetian Campaign’ Blamed for Death of Man
In a statement issued on January 31 the Foreign Ministry of breakaway South Ossetia condemned the “murder of a Russian citizen, resident of Java district [of South Ossetia] Vitaly Bitiev” in the Georgian village of Kekhvi, as “the direct result of the anti-Ossetian campaign carried out by the Georgian authorities.” According to this statement, Bitiev, …
Russian Leader Slams Tbilisi’s Policy
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on January 31 that blaming Moscow for Georgia’s recent energy crisis was an act of “spitting” at Russia, in what appears to be one more signs of extremely tense ties between the troubled neighbors.Twin blasts on gas pipelines in Russia’s North Ossetian Republic on January 22 cut off the gas supply …
Georgian PM, Ukrainian Security Chief Discuss Energy Security
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli and visiting Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Anatoly Kinakh discussed the situation in the energy sectors of the two countries. “We have discussed the energy security issue, which has recently become very important for Georgia, Ukraine and all of Europe. We have coordinated our positions …
Foreign Minister Outlines Georgia’s Priorities for 2006
Georgian Foreign Minister Gela Bezhuashvili briefed reporters on January 31 about the priorities which will top the country’s foreign policy agenda in 2006. He listed restoration of territorial integrity, integration into NATO and EU, strengthening of Georgia’s role in the region and diplomatic efforts to ensure the country’s economic and energy security among the country’s top priorities …
Putin Comments on Russian-Georgian Relations
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on January 31 that the policy exerted by the Georgian leadership towards Russia, especially during the recent energy crisis, hinders improvement of bilateral ties, which “will not improve the living conditions of an ordinary Georgian citizen.” He said that progress in Russo-Georgian relations depends on the “capabilities of separate political …
Putin: Kosovo Solution should be Applicable to Other Conflicts
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on January 30 that the future status of Kosovo should be applicable to the frozen conflicts in post-Soviet space as well. President Putin was speaking while addressing Russian government members. A transcript of this meeting was posted on the Kremlin’s official web-site. “I want to draw your attention to the fact that …
Saakashvili Addresses Nation at End of Energy Crisis
In a live televised address to the nation, President Saakashvili hailed the government’s efforts late on January 30 and said that Georgia has successfully passed a test and has overcome the recent energy crisis in the county. Mikheil Saakashvili said that blasts at two gas pipelines in Russia’s North Ossetian Republic on January 22, which sparked an …
30/01/2006 - 22:25
Sokhumi Warns of Armed Conflict if Peacekeepers Pullout
In a statement issued on January 30 the Abkhaz Parliament called on the international community to condemn Georgia’s ?policy of state terrorism? and warned that ?a large-scale military confrontation? might break out if the Russian peacekeeping forces, stationed in the conflict zone under the aegis of the CIS aegis, withdraws, the Abkhaz news agency Apsnipress reported. ?The CIS …
Zourabichvili Returns from Europe, Gears up for Local Elections
Georgia’s ex-Foreign Minister Salome Zourabichvili is back in the Georgian media headlines after a six-week long trip to Europe. In separate interviews, published by several Georgian newspapers, as well as news agencies, Salome Zourabichvili said that she used the European venue to deliver a strong message that stability in the South Caucasus is of vital importance …
Tags: Salome Zurabishvili
Ukrainian Security Council Chief to Visit Georgia
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Anatoly Kinakh will visit Georgia on January 30. According to the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council, Anatoly Kinakh will hold talks with his Georgian counterpart Kote Kemularia, Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli, Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze and other officials. This post is also available in: …
PM: Georgia has a ‘Well-Established’ Emergency Gas Alternative
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli said on January 30 that the recent energy crisis was “like a workout” for the country’s authorities, which prompted the government to secure alternative sources of gas supplies in times of emergency. “The start of Iranian gas flowing [to Georgia] means that if a similar [incident on gas pipeline in Russia] occurs in …
Iranian Gas Flows to Georgia
Iranian gas started to flow through the Georgian pipeline system on Monday for the first time in 35 years, after Georgian Energy Minister Nika Gilauri personally opened a valve at a gas station in Marneuli, south of the capital, Tbilisi. “This is an unprecedented event – that Georgia has diversified its gas supplies and receives gas from three countries …
Page 548 of 767
This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)