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Georgia Wants Russian Troops to Help Probe into Arms Trade Case


Georgian Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili urged the Tbilisi-based Headquarters of the Russian Troops in the Trans Caucasus (GRVZ) to help in investigation into cases of illegal arms trade, which, according to Merabishvili, are taking place on Russian military bases stationed in Georgia. The Georgian Interior Ministry announced on September 19 that an employee of the GRVZ – …

20/09/2005 - 11:32


Results of Primaries Announced


The New Rights party won a primary elections in three out of four constituencies, the election commission, set up by the opposition parties to administer the current primaries, announced on September 19. Primaries were held on September 17 by the New Rights, Conservative, Freedom and Labor parties in an attempt to nominate single candidates for the October …

19/09/2005 - 20:01


Saakashvili Meets CEC Chairman


President Saakashvili met on September 19 with Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Gia Kavtaradze to discuss preparations for the upcoming MP by-elections, which will be held in five single-mandate constituencies throughout the country on October 1. Saakashvili said during this meeting that the elections must be free and fair, adding that the use of state …


Abkhaz Leader Visits S.Ossetia


President of breakaway Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh arrived in the South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali on Monday to participate in celebrations dedicated to the “independence day” of South Ossetia, which will be held on September 19-20. Abkhaz Foreign Minister Sergey Shamba and Defense Minister Sultan Soslaniev are accompanying the Abkhaz leader. Sergey Bagapsh and President of the …


Georgian MIA: ‘Russian Officer’ Suspected in Arms Trade Arrested


The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs announced on September 19 that “a high official” from the Tbilisi-based Headquarters of the Russian Troops in the Trans Caucasus (GRVZ) was arrested. The detainee is suspected in “illegal trade of a large amount of Russian-made ammunition,” according to the Georgian Interior Ministry. But Col. Vladimir Kuparadze, who is …


South, North Ossetian Leaders Agree on ‘Special Relations’


President of breakaway South Ossetia Eduard Kokoity and Leader of Russia?s North Ossetian Republic Teimuraz Mamsurov agreed, on September 18 in the South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali, to set a joint commission which will work over an agreement regarding ?special relations? between South and North Ossetia. Mamsurov is visiting Tskhinvali to participate in celebrations dedicated to the 15th …


Shootout Reported in S.Ossetia


A shootout near the Georgian village of Ergneti, which lies a few kilometers away from the South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali, injured one Ossetian early on September 19, the Georgian media and the South Ossetian side reported. According to the South Ossetian Press and Information Committee, the southern outskirts of Tskhinvali were shelled from the Georgian villages …


New Rights Lead in Primaries


Candidates from the New Rights opposition party have won primary elections in three out of four single-mandate constituencies, according to early results. The election commission, which administers these primaries, will announce the final results later on Monday. The New Rights nominees that lead in the three constituencies are: Giorgi Mosidze in Tbilisi?s Isani district; Nino Kviriani in the Tkibuli …


Saakashvili Speaks Against ‘Intensive Annexation’ of Abkhazia


President Saakashvili said on September 18 that Georgia will never let a ?intensive annexation of Abkhazia? occur. President Saakashvili was speaking while addressing policemen in Tbilisi at the celebration of the one year anniversary of the introduction of the Patrol Police.“An intensive annexation of Abkhazia is under way? I will not tolerate that as long as I …

18/09/2005 - 14:18


Opposition Notes High Turnout in Primaries


Outdoor precinct in Tbilisi’s Isani district. The election commission, set up by the opposition parties to administer primary elections, announced that more than 11,000 voters cast their ballot in primaries held on September 17 in four single-mandate constituencies. “It is more than we expected,” MP Zviad Dzidziguri said after all 92 polling stations were after …

17/09/2005 - 19:37


Abkhazia Seeks Agreement on Oil Exploitation with Russia


President of breakaway Abkhazia said on September 16 that Abkhazia is negotiating with a number of Russian oil companies over exploitation of the oil field on the Abkhazia?s Black Sea coast.    ?Abkhazia has serious oil reserves,? Interfax news agency quotes Abkhaz leader as saying.  He said that the oil field is located 9-10 kilometers away …


Opposition Holds Primaries


Four opposition parties hold primaries on September 17 to nominate single candidates for the MP by-elections, which will be held in five majoritarian (single mandate constituency) seats on October 1. These are the first-ever primaries held in Georgia. Candidates from the opposition New Rights, Conservative and Freedom parties are participating in the primaries. Although the …


Parliament Sets up Commission to Probe into MP’s Business


The Parliament approved with 136 votes to 1 a proposal to establish special parliamentary commission to investigate those allegations voiced by an investigative report over commercial activities undertaken by Koba Bekauri, a lawmaker from the ruling National Movement party. It is not yet known who will be members of this commission; however majority of seats …

16/09/2005 - 19:44


Georgia’s Envoy to CoE Appointed


Georgian Parliament approved Zurab Tchiaberashvili’s nomination as Georgia’s permanent representative to the Council of Europe (CoE) at the session on September 16. Zurab Tchiaberashvili said while addressing lawmakers that pushing the issues related with the protection of human rights in Georgia’s breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia will be among his priorities. Zurab Tchiaberashvili, 33, …


Opposition Slams Budgetary Amendments


Draft amendment to the 2005 state budget, envisaging increase of expenditures by 26 million Lari (USD 14.4 million) was criticized by the opposition lawmakers at the parliamentary session on September 16. Leader of opposition Conservative Party MP Koba Davitashvili criticized the government-proposed amendments, claiming that the increase of expenditures will have no affect ?on impoverished …


GTS Appeals Court of Arbitration over Disputed Tbilisi Airport Deal


The Luxembourg-based Gestion en Technique Sp?ciale (GTS) has appealed to the International Court of Arbitration at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to consider a dispute between the company and the Georgian authorities over the Tbilisi International Airport deal. Managing Director of the GTS Jean-Marc Demoulin informed the authorities at the Tbilisi airport and the Georgian Economic Ministry …


World Bank Approves USD 143 Million for Georgia


The World Bank?s Board of Executive Directors discussed on September 15 a new World Bank Group Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Georgia and accepted a decision to allocate USD 143 million assistance to Georgia for the period of 2006-2009.  ?The goal of the new CPS is to support the country?s efforts to improve the quality of …


South Ossetian Leader Warns of Provocations


In an interview with the Russian newspaper Vremya Novostey published on September 16, South Ossetian leader Eduard Kokoity blamed the Georgian special services for masterminding ?terrorist acts against Georgian servicemen in an attempt to provoke a conflict? on the eve of 15th anniversary of ?South Ossetia?s independence? on September 20. ?We should worry about Georgia?s militarization. Georgia …


Tbilisi, Tskhinvali at Odds over New Georgian Chief Peacekeeper


Authorities in breakaway South Ossetia barred newly appointed commander of the Georgian peacekeepers stationed in the conflict zone Paata Bedianashvili from entering the region on September 15. The South Ossetian side protested against Bedianashvili’s appointment, citing that he was ?one of the key persons behind stirring armed clashes? between the Georgiana and South Ossetian forces …


MPs Discuss Increase of Budgetary Expenditures


The Georgian Parliament will launch on September 16 discussions of draft amendments to the 2005 state budget which envisage the increase of budgetary expenditures by GEL 26 million (USD 14.4 million). According to the government, this increase of budgetary expenditures was made possible after receiving additional tax revenues. Most of the additional revenues will be allocated to …


Georgian Leader Says UN Must Change, Focus on Conflict Resolution


Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said on September 15 that the UN “must change” and help Georgia put an end to the “annexation of the territory of Abkhazia” by, as he put it, a “neighboring country.”President Saakashvili was speaking while addressing a high-level plenary meeting of the 60th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. In his speech, …

15/09/2005 - 21:46


Saakashvili: UN Must Change, Focus on Conflict Resolution


Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said on September 15 that the UN ?must change? and the issue of conflict resolution must become a higher priority for the United Nations. President Saakashvili was speaking while addressing a high-level plenary meeting of the 60th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday. ?Today, 60 years …


Lawmakers to Probe into Ruling Party MP’s Business


A parliamentary commission will be set up to probe into allegations voiced by an investigative report over commercial activities undertaken by Koba Bekauri, a lawmaker from the ruling National Movement party. However, key figures in the ruling party have already backed Bekauri, saying that the investigative film, which is also linked with a journalist’s detention …


Moscow Donates Aid to Abkhazia


Abkhaz leader Sergey Bagapsh attended in Moscow on September 15 a ceremony for the handing over of humanitarian aid donated by the Mayor of Moscow Yuri Luzhkov to Abkhazia. The donation included 10 trolley buses.  Sergey Bagapsh told reporters that he would stay in Moscow until September 18 to discuss ?various issues? with Russian officials.  The Abkhaz leader also added that …


Opposition New Rights Want Early Elections


Leader of the opposition New Rights party MP Davit Gamkrelidze requested the President to dissolve the Parliament and to call early elections in order to prevent plunging the country into a political crisis. In a statement made at a news conference MP Gamkrelidze said that the current Parliament, elected against the background of the revolutionary euphoria, ?has …


Saakashvili to Meet Iranian Leader


Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili will meet his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in New York on the sideline of the UN summit on September 15, Tbilisi-based Rustavi 2 television reported. According to this, report Saakashvili will discuss Iran?s investment opportunities in Georgia with Iranian President Ahmadinejad. The meeting will take place after President Saakashvili?s address to the …


Abkhaz Foreign Minister Hails UN’s Role


Foreign Minister of breakaway Abkhazia Sergey Shamba hailed the UN’s role in Georgian-Abkhaz conflict resolution process and noted that negotiations between the Georgian and Abkhaz sides have “turned into a constructive discussion of the problems,” Apsnipress news agency reported on September 14. “The UN spares no effort towards the creation of [favorable] conditions in the process …


Georgia Condemns Russian MFA Statement on Arms Deal


On September 15 the Georgian Foreign Ministry condemned a statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry of September 13 regarding Georgia”s arms deals with the NATO member countries, calling this statement “groundless and irresponsible”. The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern in a statement on September 13 that a delivery of ammunition from NATO member states, including from the Czech Republic, …


State Minister to Visit Tskhinvali


Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues Giorgi Khaindrava will visit breakaway the South Ossetian capital of Tskhinvali on September 15 to negotiate with the South Ossetian chief negotiator Boris Chochiev about the details of the upcoming talks between South Ossetian leader Eduard Kokoity and Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli.   The Georgian State Minister told reporters on …


Gazprom Almost Doubles Gas Price for Georgia


Russian energy giant Gazprom plans to increase the price of gas supplied to Georgia from the current rate of USD 62 up to USD 110 per 1000 cubic meters, starting from 2006, Davit Morchiladze, representative of Gazprom?s subsidiary company in Tbilisi -Gazexport – said on September 14. Morchiladze said that the increase in gas price will be reflected in the …


Tbilisi City Council Names Street after U.S. President Bush


The Tbilisi City Council voted on September 14 to rename one of the streets in the Isani-Samgori district of the capital city in honor of U.S. President George W. Bush.  The initiative, which was put forth by Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava, gained a majority despite opposition lawmakers voting against the decision.   This post is also available in: …


Tbilisi Calls Moscow not to Meddle in its Arm Deals


Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili said on September 14 that sources of arms supply for the Georgian army ?is not Russia?s business.? Okruashvili, who was speaking with reporters after a government session, was commenting about a statement issued on September 13 by the Russian Foreign Ministry which said that a delivery of arms from NATO member states, …

14/09/2005 - 19:08


Parliament’s Commission to Probe into MP’s Business Interests


Senior parliamentarians from the ruling National Movement party backed MP Koba Bekauri, but agreed to set up a special parliamentary commission to probe into those allegations against MP Bekauri which were aired in an investigative report broadcasted by the 202 TV on September 13. This decision to establish a commission was made at during a session of the ruling …


MCC Compact Bans Georgia from Privatizing Gas Pipeline


According to the Millennium Challenge Compact signed between Georgia and the United States, through the Millennium Challenge Corporation on September 12, the Georgian government undertakes a commitment not to sell its major gas pipeline network until the expiration of the agreement’s term – 2010. The Georgian government also has no right to sell or transfer controlling shares in …


Georgia Opens New Police Station in South Ossetian Conflict Zone


Georgian Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili attended on September 14 an opening ceremony for a new police station in the Georgian village of Kurta, north of the breakaway South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali. ?This will be a place where Georgian policemen will be located to ensure the security of the local population,? Vano Merabishvili told reporters.   Speaking at the opening …


Opposition Activists Attacked in Adjara


Three activists from the opposition Conservative Party were reportedly attacked and beaten up by a group of unknown men on September 13 in Batumi, Adjara Autonomous Republic. The attack occurred while the activists were hanging posters of Jumber Tavartkiladze, who plans to run for MP in Batumi’s single-mandate constituency. MP Koba Davitashvili, the leader of …


Major U.S. Aid to Boost Georgia’s Infrastructure


Georgia and the United States signed a USD 295.3 million, five-year aid deal in frames of the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) on September 12, which is designed to help develop Georgia’s infrastructure and reduce poverty in the country. An estimated half-million Georgians are expected to directly benefit from this program.  The signing ceremony of Millennium Challenge Compact was held …

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Turkey Wants to Boost Trade with Georgia


Speaking at the Turkish-Georgina Economic Cooperation Forum in Tbilisi on September 13, Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen said that Turkey wants to increase its bilateral trade with Georgia – up to USD 2 billion in the next three years, Turkish and Georgian news agencies reported. He also said that Turkey and Georgia should focus on cooperation which …


Ivanov: Russia will Revise Policy with Georgia if it Joins NATO


Speaking at a news conference in Berlin on September 13 Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov said that Russia will revise its policy towards Ukraine and Georgia if these countries join NATO, Interfax and RIA Novosti news agencies reported. ?Joining or not joining NATO is, of course, the right of each sovereign state, whether it is Ukraine …

13/09/2005 - 23:16


202 TV Airs Investigative Report over MP Bekauri


Tbilisi-based private television station 202 broadcasted on September 13 an investigative report which incriminates Koba Bekauri, a parliamentarian from the ruling National Movement party, for illegal business activities. The report is a major element in a scandal involving the detention of co-founder and anchor of the 202 TV, Shalva Ramishvili. Bekauri claims Ramishvili was extorting …


S.Ossetia Protests Appointment of Georgia’s New Chief Peacekeeper


Authorities in breakaway South Ossetia are concerned with the Georgian side?s decision to appoint Paata Bedianishvili as the commander of the Georgian peacekeeping troops stationed in the conflict zone, Boris Chochiev, South Ossetian Special Affairs Minister said in a letter, sent on September 12 to the Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues Giorgi Khaindrava. …


Saakashvili, Rice Discuss Conflict Resolution


Visiting Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili held a brief meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on September 13 and discussed a peaceful resolution of the South Ossetian and Abkhaz conflicts, Georgian Foreign Minister Salome Zourabichvili told Rustavi 2 television. She said that ?more active involvement? by the United States in the conflict resolution process was discussed during …

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Moscow Concerned, as NATO States Deliver Arms to Georgia


In a statement issued on September 13, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that a delivery of arms from the NATO member states to Georgia can ?increase Tbilisi?s temptation? to forcefully solve conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetian. Below is an unofficial translation of the Russian Foreign Ministry?s statement: ?As far as we know, in late …


MPs Vote Down Commission to Probe into Journalist Arrest


The Georgian Parliament voted against an initiative put forth by the opposition New Rights faction regarding the setting-up of a special parliamentary commission to probe into the case involving the detention of co-founder of 202 TV Shalva Ramishvili and MP Koba Bekauri?s alleged wrongdoings related with the Opiza customs terminal.   Shalva Ramishvili was arrested on August 27 on extortion charges and is …


Burjanadze Speaks of Parliament’s Priorities


At the opening sitting of the Georgian Parliament’s autumn session on September 13 Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze spoke about the legislative body’s priorities, called on the MPs to be more actively engaged in legislative activities and urged the opposition to be “constructive” while criticizing the authorities.She outlined local self-governance reforms, an increase of the judiciary system’s …


Public TV, 202 TV to Air Report Linked to Journalist’s Detention


Tbilisi-based private television station 202 will broadcast an investigative report on MP Koba Bekauri?s activities on September 13 at 9:30 pm local time. The report will also be aired by the Public Television on September 14 at 10 pm local time. The report, which incriminates Koba Bekauri, a parliamentarian from the ruling National Movement party, for illegal …


OSCE Holds Human Rights Training for Law Enforcers


Twenty law enforcement officials in Samtskhe-Javakheti started a three-day OSCE course on international standards for human rights protection, including the rights of ethnic minorities, the OSCE Mission to Georgia reported on September 12.  The training course aims at improving the capacity of judges, prosecutors, lawyers and police officers in the region, which is mainly populated …


Georgian, Turkish Economic Forum Opens in Tbilisi


The Georgian-Turkish Intergovernmental Economic Forum was opened in Tbilisi on September 13 and will include discussions on the issues of economic cooperation between the two countries. The delegation of Turkish businessmen, led by State Minister Kurshad Tuzmen, arrived in Georgia on September 12. Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli opened today?s Economic Forum and called it an important …


WB Ranks Georgia Among Top Global Reformers


According to a new report, “Doing Business in 2006: CIS Economies Pick up the Pace of Reform,” issued by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation on September 12, the economies of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) are increasing the pace of reforms to help small and medium businesses generate more jobs?with Georgia among …


US, Georgia Sign $295 Million Aid Deal


The United States, through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), signed a five-year $295.3 million Compact with Georgia, the MCC reported on September 12. The Millennium Challenge Compact aims at reducing poverty and stimulating economic growth in the regions outside of Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi.  ?MCC is proud to be Georgia’s partner in its efforts to reduce …


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