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Opposition Calls for Rally to Protest ‘Government’s Violence’
The leaders of the opposition New Rights, Republican and Conservative parties said at a joint news conference on June 1, that they intend to launch public movement against the, as they put it, “violence of the authorities” and called on Georgian citizens and politicians to gather in one of the parks in downtown Tbilisi in …
01/07/2005 - 13:09
Parliamentary Debates Grow into Fist-Fight
Dozens of parliamentarians from both the opposition and ruling National Movement party were involved in a fist-fight which broke out in the Parliament chamber at the session on July 1. The brawl started after MP Givi Targamadze insulted opposition MP Koba Davitashvili who demanded resignation of Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili for an excessive use of …
PM Hails Interior Ministry for Restoring Order
Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli told reporters on July 1 that ?the police acted in frames of law? while dispersing protesters on Rustaveli Avenue on June 30 after the latter blocked the main street in downtown Tbilisi. ?I want to thank Interior Minister [Vano Merabishvili]? the police will always take appropriate measure to restore public order,? …
VAT Reduced to 18%
Value added tax (VAT) has been reduced from 20 to 18% starting from July 1, 2005. The new tax code was enforced from the January 1, 2005; however it envisaged reduction of a 20% VAT by 2% only after six months. This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
Saakashvili: Georgia, Ukraine Coordinate Regional Cooperation
President Mikheil Saakashvili said after talks with visiting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Boris Tarasyuk on June 30 that Georgia and Ukraine agreed to set up a joint center which will coordinate the two countries? cooperation with the international organizations. He also said that Georgia and Ukraine ?are preparing important initiatives aimed at boosting democracy in our …
Reports: Russian Tycoon Buys Stalin’s Dacha in Abkhazia
Reports say that Russian metal tycoon Oleg Deripaska has bought Josef Stalin’s holiday home in Georgia’s breakaway Abkhazia for USD 10 million. Abkhaz Prime Minister Alexander Ankvab confirmed in an interview with the Russian NTV television on June 30 that “a process of formalization of the deal is currently underway,” but he declined to reveal …
Interior Minister under Fire, as Riot Police Disperse Protesters
Riot police lined up on Rustaveli Avenue to prevent protesters from moving on the road. Parliamentarians from the opposition New Rights, Republicans and Conservatives parties agreed to jointly demand resignation of Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili at the parliamentary session on July 1.This decision of the opposition parties follows after the Interior Ministry’s riot police dispersed …
Police, Protesters Clash in Tbilisi
Riot police dispersed late on June 30 a rally organized by a group of sportsmen, mainly the Georgian wrestlers, who were protesting against the detention of Aleko Davitashvili, President of the Georgian Wrestling Federation his brother Davit and Georgian judo champion Giorgi Revazishvili. Riot police clashed with the protesters after the latter blocked the Rustaveli …
30/06/2005 - 23:54
Rule on Electing City Council Passed with Second Reading
The Parliament approved on June 30 with its second hearing the government-backed proposal over the new rule of electing a City Council and the Tbilisi Mayor. Parliamentarians from the opposition New Rights and Conservatives parties boycotted discussions. The proposal envisages the election of the 25 members of the City Council through a first-past-the-post, ?winner takes …
Scheffer: NATO would not Play Direct Role in Resolving Georgia Conflicts
NATO “would not play a direct role” in resolving Georgia’s internal conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer told Russia’s official Federal Weekly – Rossiiskiye Vesti. “We could help in confidence-building. For instance, while respecting the territorial integrity of Georgia, we should call on the conflicting sides to dialogue, advise …
Investigation of South Ossetian Incidents Hindered
Authorities in breakaway South Ossetian say that the investigation of those recent incidents in the conflict zone, which triggered aggravation of situation, have not yet been launched, as the Georgian side fails to name its representatives who will probe into these cases together with their Ossetian counterparts, Press and Information Committee of South Ossetia reported …
New Finance, Economy Ministers Appointed
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli said on June 30 that Lexo Alexishvili, who is Economy Minister, will now become the Finance Minister replacing Valery Chechelashvili. This latter filed resignation following the high-profile arrests in the Tax Department involving corruption charges.Nogaideli nominated Irakli Chogovadze, who is currently the Chief of the State Property Management Agency, as …
Economy Minister Becomes Finance Minister
Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli announced on June 30 that Lexo Alexishvili, who is currently the Economy Minister, will replace Valery Chechelashvili as the Finance Minister. Nogaideli nominated Irakli Chogovadze, who is currently the Chief of the State Property Management Agency, as the new Economy Minister. This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
Major Route in S.Ossetian Conflict Zone Remains Closed
A road which connects the Georgian villages of the South Ossetian conflict zone and passes via breakaway region?s capital Tskhinvali remains closed. South Ossetian officials say the reason is the refusal of the Georgian side to provide security on the portion of the road which is under the Georgian control. Georgian parliamentarian from the South Ossetia?s …
Russia Denies Delivery of Military Freight to South Ossetia
In an information note issued on June 29 the Russian Foreign Ministry said that the humanitarian aid sent to breakaway South Ossetia by the Moscow Mayor?s Office did not include any military equipment, as claimed by the Georgian side. The Russian Foreign Ministry also stated that Tbilisi was notified in advance regarding Moscow?s intention to send …
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Visits Georgia
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Boris Tarasyuk is starting a two-day official visit to Georgia on June 30 to discuss with the Georgian leadership bilateral and regional cooperation including ?the process of institutionalization? of the GUAM ? a grouping of Georgia Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova, the Georgian Foreign Ministry reported. Boris Tarasyuk will hold talks with the Georgian …
Unofficial Reports: Cabinet Reshuffle Anticipated
Resignation of Finance Minister Valery Chechelashvili on June 29 promptly triggered media speculations about anticipated cabinet reshuffle, although President Saakashvili said on Wednesday that he plans no major changes in the government. Georgian news agency InterPressNews and Tbilisi-based Imedi television reported unofficial information that Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli will again be appointed as Finance Minister, …
Finance Minister Resigns
Georgian Finance Minister Valery Chechelashvili filed resignation on June 29, after the high-profile arrests conducted by the police in the country?s Tax Department involving corruption charges.It is not known yet who will take over the Finance Minister?s office.Chief of the Tbilisi Tax Department Temur Dvali, his deputy and several other officials of the Department were …
29/06/2005 - 18:23
Presidential Couple Expecting a Baby
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and his Dutch wife Sandra Roelofs are expecting their second child, the President?s spokesman Gela Charkviani said at a news briefing on June 29. The spokesman said that Saakashvili will soon take a vacation and join his wife, who is currently in the Netherlands. ?Or maybe they will spend vacation in …
Abkhaz Leader Visits Moscow
President of breakaway Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh left for Moscow on June 29 to discuss economic issues with the Russian officials, Interfax news agency reported. Reportedly, the Abkhaz leader will push the issue of reopening correspondent accounts of Abkhaz commercial banks in the Russia banks, which were closed after the Georgia?s demand. This post is also …
New Rights to Cooperate with Opposition Parties in By-Elections
The New Rights opposition party announced at the session on June 29 that it has accepted proposal of another opposition Conservative Party to hold primaries among the opposition parties in an attempt to nominate joint candidacies for the MP by-elections, which will be held in Georgia?s five single-mandate constituencies this autumn. Leader of the New …
Saakashvili Hints he Wants Finance Minister’s Resignation
President Saakashvili said on June 29, while addressing the government’s session that the cabinet should consider Finance Minister Valery Chechelashvili’s “responsibility” for a corruption which persists in the Tax Department. He said that although he is sure that Chechelashvili himself is not involved in the corruption, “but it is not enough, it is important also …
Paper: ‘Backstage Struggle’ on in Ruling Party for Mayor’s Office
The Georgian daily Rezonansi (Resonance) reported on June 29 that “a backstage struggle” is on in the ruling National Movement party over the Tbilisi Mayor office, which according to the new proposal will be elected indirectly by elected Tbilisi City Council next year. This new proposal has already been approved by the Parliament with its …
Sokhumi Protests Against Tbilisi’s Closure of Maritime Border
Defense Minister of breakaway Abkhazia Sultan Sosnaliev said on June 28 that Georgia’s decision to close Abkhaz portion of the maritime border for all forms of maritime traffic is “interference in Abkhazia’s internal affairs,” Apsnipress news agency reported. He warned that “Abkhaz Defense Ministry will undertake adequate measures in case of necessity.” The Georgian Foreign …
Tbilisi, Tskhinvali Fail to Form Group to Investigate Incidents
A joint group, involving representatives from Georgian and South Ossetian sides, to investigate the recent incidents in the conflict zone, including May 29 clash and disappearance of four Georgians, has not yet been set up. Georgian Deputy State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues Giorgi Volsky said deadline for creation of the joint group was June …
Georgia Denies Visas for Russian Soldiers
Deputy Commander of the Headquarters of Group of Russian Troops in Trans Caucasus, Col. Vladimir Kuparadze said on June 28 that Tbilisi?s denial to issue entry visas to the Russian servicemen can hinder Russian bases withdrawal, Interfax news agency reported. Kuparadze said that the Georgian side has not given yet any explanation, why the Foreign …
Top Officials of Tax Department Arrested for Suspected Bribery
Chief of Tbilisi Tax Department Temur Dvali, his deputy and several other officials of the Tax Department were arrested on June 28 for alleged corruption charges. Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili said these officials are accused of taking 150,000 Lari (approximately USD 80,000) as a bribe in exchange to write-off payment of taxes worth of 3 …
28/06/2005 - 21:32
Reports: Berezovsky Visited Georgia Twice in June
Exiled tycoon Boris Berezonvsky visited Georgia twice in June and met with Tbilisi-based influential media and financial tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili, news agency RIA Novosti reported on June 27. The Georgian Border Guard Department declined to comment on this report. Berezovsky, who is wanted by Russia for fraud allegations, has been living in the United Kingdom since …
Russia, Bulgaria Protest on Georgian TV Report on Bush Grenade Incident
In an information note issued on June 28 the Russian Foreign Ministry described report by the Tbilisi-based Rustavi 2 television about alleged involvement of the Russian soldier into the U.S. President George W. Bush grenade incident as ?forgery? and ?false? broadcasted, as the Ministry put it, by the ?pro-governmental television station.? Last week Rustavi 2 reported …
Georgia’s Commitment Under the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) with NATO – 2004-2006
Proposed Text for Public Release Chapter 1: POLITICAL AND SECURITY- RELATED ISSUES 1.1 Euro-Atlantic IntegrationMembership of NATO and integration with the European Union (EU) are the strategic objectives of Georgia’s foreign and security policy. In 2004, Georgia intends to adopt a National Security Concept, which will reflect these objectives. Georgia is aware of the progress …
Georgian MFA: Abkhaz Portion of Maritime Border Closed
The Georgian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on June 28 reiterating that the Abkhaz portion of the maritime border remains closed for all forms of maritime traffic and that Tbilisi can not guarantee security of those tourists willing to travel in breakaway Abkhazia, as the latter remains out of the Georgian authorities control. This statement …
Georgian Parliamentary Chairperson Visits U.S.
Georgian Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze left for the United States on June 28 to participate in an Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly on July 1-5 in Washington. According to the Parliament?s press office, during the visit Nino Burjanadze plans to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Chairman of the U.S. …
Georgia Commits to Solve Conflicts Peacefully
Georgian authorities have undertaken commitment under the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) with NATO to solve conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia by peaceful means. ?Frozen conflicts in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali Region (South-Ossetia) hinder the stable development of the country. They also pose a threat to the internal and international security, as they create …
Georgia’s IPAP Declassified
Authorities have declassified Georgia’s Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) with NATO, which establishes specific defense and political reform goals for Georgia. Follow the link to view full text of the document:Georgia’s Commitment Under the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) with NATO – 2004-2006 This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
A Man with a Plan
New Leader is Charged with Republican Party Makeover Davit Usupashvili, the new leader of the Republicans. Davit Usupashvili, a long-time civil society leader and respected legal expert has now become a political leader. On June 27 he was elected the chairman of the opposition Republican Party, replacing its long-time leader Davit Berdzenishvili. Political analysts say …
27/06/2005 - 23:14
Republican Party Elects New Leader
Congress of the opposition Republican Party elected on June 27 Davit Usupashvili as the new Chairman replacing MP Davit Berdzenishvili, who led the party since 2000. “Creation of a strong party infrastructure and organization, as well as establishment of a party discipline and turning from the “club of intellectuals” into a real party organization will …
Interior Ministry: No Suspect in Bush Grenade Incident
In a statement issued on June 27 the Georgian Interior Ministry denied the report by the Tbilisi-based Rustavi 2 television, according to which the law enforcement agencies have identified a person, who allegedly tossed grenade in a crowed while visiting U.S. President George W. Bush was addressing Georgians on Freedom Square in Tbilisi on May …
Kokoity Calls for Talks Between S.Ossetian, Georgian Interior Ministers
President of breakaway South Ossetia Eduard Kokoity said at a news conference in Moscow on June 27 said that the South Ossetian and Georgian sides should cooperate in fighting against the crime and called for holding talks between the Interior Ministers of Georgia and unrecognized republic, the RIA Novosti news agency reported. He said that …
Kokoity: Tbilisi Wants to Remove Russian Peacekeepers
President of breakaway South Ossetian Eduard Kokoity, who currently visits Moscow, said at a news conference on June 27, that the Georgian side seeks for withdrawal of the Russian peacekeepers from the conflict zone, RIA Novosti and Interfax news agencies reported. He said that the presence of Russian peacekeepers in the Abkhazian and South Ossetian …
TV Report: Suspect in Bush Grenade Incident Identified
Tbilisi-based Rustavi 2 reported that the law enforcement agencies have identified a person, who allegedly tossed grenade in a crowed while visiting U.S. President George W. Bush was addressing Georgians on Freedom Square in Tbilisi on May 10. According to this report law enforcers suspect a person who is from Bulgaria. But chief of the …
Tbilisi Claims Moscow’s Aid to S.Ossetia Includes Military Equipment
Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues Giorgi Khaindrava condemned sending of a humanitarian aid to breakaway South Ossetia by the Moscow Mayor’s Office, which as claimed by the Georgian side includes mostly the military equipment. “This aid is far from ‘humanitarian.’ Residents of Tskhinvali [South Ossetian capital] do not need field tents and kitchens, …
Abkhaz PM Advocates Privatization
Prime Minister of breakaway Abkhazia Alexander Ankvab said in an interview with the Abkhaz news agency Apsnypress on June 24 that ?there is too high rate of state-ownership? in Abkhazia and the authorities need ?to get rid of this burden.? ?In business, everything, what can be sold should be sold. But at the same time there …
26/06/2005 - 17:15
Abkhaz PM: Railway should be Reopened
Prime Minister of breakaway Abkhazia Alexander Ankvab said in an interview with news agency Apsnypress on June 24 that the project of rehabilitation of Abkhaz railway ?should move forward.? ?It is necessary to assess the current condition of the railway section from [Abkhaz capital] Sukhumi to Enguri river [administrative border between Abkhazia and rest of …
25/06/2005 - 16:57
Abkhaz Parliament Endorses Issuing Passports
The Parliament of breakaway Abkhazia approved on June 24 the government?s proposal to start issuing Abkhaz passports to the residents of the unrecognized republic, RIA Novosti news agency reported. According to the Abkhaz officials a total of 285,000 forms of passports have already been prepared. This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
Georgian Security Chief to Visit Baltic States
Secretary of the Georgian National Security Council (NSC) Gela Bezhuashvili will pay a working visit to Baltic States on June 26-July 2, the NSC reported on Saturday. Bezhuashvili will meet with the Foreign and Defence Ministers of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, as well as with the Heads of Parliamentary Comities of these countries to discuss …
Paper: Sokhumi Cautious over Railway Reopening
Georgian daily 24 Saati (24 Hours) reported on June 24 that the project envisaging reopening of the railway between Georgia and Russia via breakaway Abkhazia is most likely to trigger controversy in the Abkhaz society. ?It is clear that the Abkhaz opposition, which is taking more and more hard line stance towards the Georgian side, …
24/06/2005 - 18:03
Opposition Threatens to Boycott Locals, as Parliament Passes New Rule on Electing City Council, Mayor
Several opposition parties officially announced on June 23 that they will boycott local self-governance elections scheduled for autumn, 2006 after the Parliament passed, with its first hearing, the government-backed new rule for electing Tbilisi’s Mayor and City Council (Sakrebulo). This decision by the Parliament has also triggered the opposition parties, both those which have seats in the Parliament …
Gazprom Plans to Increase Gas Price for CIS Countries
Chairman of the Russian energy giant Gazprom Alexei Miller said on June 24 that the company will increase the price of gas for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) starting from 2006, RIA Novosti news agency reported. He did not specify what the new price will be, but unofficial reports say that Gazprom plans to raise …
Saakashvili Visits Monaco for Economic Forum
President Saakashvili will leave for the Principality of Monaco on June 24 to participate in a Crans Montana Forum, which is the place where dozens of world leaders and business executives will gather. The Forum?s web-site reports that on the occasion of the 16th Crans Montana Forum the PRIX DE LA FONDATION 2005 will be presented to Georgian …
Opposition Boycotts 2006 Local Elections
The opposition Republican, Conservative, New Rights-Industrialists and Labor parties announced on June 23 that they will not participate in the elections of the local self-governance bodies in Tbilisi, scheduled for autumn, 2006.This announcement came shortly after the Parliament passed the government-backed new rule of electing Tbilisi City Council (Sakrebulo) and Mayor on June 23. ?This …
23/06/2005 - 20:14
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This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)