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Georgian State Minister Listed among Russia’s Millionaires


Georgian State Minister for Economic Reform Issues Kakha Bendukidze is listed 311th on a list of Russian millionaire businessmen, with USD 55 million. The list has been published by the Russian magazine Finans [Finance]. Bendukidze was president and chief executive officer of Russia’s largest private heavy engineering corporation, United Heavy Machinery before his appointment as Minister of Economy …

11/02/2005 - 14:34


President Nominates New Cabinet


Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili presented the new cabinet to the Parliament for consideration on February 11.  As anticipated, Zurab Nogaideli is nominated as the Prime Minister while Georgian Ambassador to Russia Valeri Chechelashvili will replace Zurab Nogaideli on the Finance Minister?s position. Chairman of the Supreme Court Kote Kemularia is nominated as the new Justice Minister. …


Russia, Georgia Fail to Agree over Framework Agreement


The talks over a comprehensive framework agreement between Russia and Georgia are stalled, Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Merab Antadze said on February 10. ?The talks [held in Tbilisi on February 10] brought nothing. Moreover, I doubt that we will achieve success, especially against the background of those arguments put forwards by the Russian side,? Georgian Deputy Foreign …


FBI Experts Share Officials’ Conclusions over Zhvania’s Death


The Georgian media reported that the team of experts from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation which arrived in Tbilisi on February 8 to probe into late Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania’s death agreed with the preliminary conclusions of the Georgian law enforcers, said Bryan Paarmann, legal attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Georgia who also leads the FBI office …

10/02/2005 - 20:27


Opposition Slammed Saakashvili, amid President’s Annual Address


The New Rights-Industrialists opposition coalition, which is represented in the Parliament by a small group of legislators, used President Saakashvili’s first-ever state of the nation address to the Parliament on February 10 to step up their criticism of the government. MP Davit Gamkrelidze, who chairs the New Rights-Industrialists group, the only opposition faction in the Parliament, …


Saakashvili Calls for Unity of Political Forces in Georgia’s European Aspirations


President Saakashvili said, while addressing parliamentarians with his annual reports on February 10, that all political parties operating in Georgia, including opposition ones, “should share the same position” regarding issues relating to the country’s national interests. “Otherwise, the party should automatically be outlawed,” he added.  “There are particular principles — like Georgia’s European integration, as well as Georgia’s …


Saakashvili: ‘We Have Nothing to Hide’ over Zhvania’s Death


President Saakashvili said, while addressing parliamentarians on February 10, that the government has “noting to hide” regarding the circumstances surrounding Zurab Zhvania’s death. President Saakashvili’s statement followed a request by opposition MP Davit Gamkrelidze, leader of the New Rights-Industrialists parliamentary faction, to set up a special investigative commission from the Parliament to independently probe into the Zhvania’s bizarre death. “We …


Burjanadze Downplays Proposal to Set up Commission to Probe into Zhvania’s Death


Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze said on February 10 that she does not deem it necessary to set a special parliamentary investigative commission to probe into the official version of the circumstances behind late Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania’s death, as was demanded by the New Rights-Industrialist opposition coalition at the parliamentary session on Thursday. “There is no reason yet …


Consultations Underway over New Cabinet


Kote Kemularia, Chairman of the Supreme Court who has been nominated as the new Justice Minister, told reporters on Thursday that the formation of a new cabinet will be finalized on February 10. Kemularia, who is set to assume the Vice-Premiers? duties as well, said that consultations over the formation of a new cabinet are still underway. Currently, the Vice-Premier is …


Saakashvili for Downsizing the Parliament


In his annual address to the parliament, President Mikheil Saakashvili spoke in favor of downsizing the parliament.  He also supported the mixed electoral system, wherein part of the MPs are elected from "first-past-the-post" districts and part from the proportional election lists. But he added that two-chamber Parliament should be established; however he did not specify when it occurs. “2,300,000 …


President Speaks in Favor of Elected Mayors


During his ?state of the nation? address today, President Mikheil Saakashvili spoke of the need to strengthen self-government. He also spoke in favor of elected mayors. The President said he is not capable of ?appoint[ing] all the officials in the region from the center.? ?Mayors of all cities should be elected starting next year,? he said. Saakashvili did …


Saakashvili Addressed the Nation, Parliament


In his first-ever state of the nation address to the Parliament on February 10 Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said that the country has made the step from being a failed state into becoming a state since the 2003 Rose Revolution.In his one-hour long annual report to the Parliament and nation, the President spoke about Georgia’s domestic …


Russia Insists on Georgia’s Binding Commitment not to Station Foreign Forces


Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Valery Loshchinin told RIA “Novosti” that Russia will continue to insist on the stipulating within the framework agreement between Georgia and Russia regarding Georgia’s committment not to allow foreign military bases on its territory. When speaking about the withdrawal of the Russian military bases he said “our withdrawal should not mean that someone else …


Saakashvili Calls for ‘Mutual Compromises’ with Russia


Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said, while speaking at the first plenary meeting of the Parliament’s spring session that he is ready to travel to Moscow and again extend a hand of friendship to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. “I am ready to extend a hand of friendship, which has been [left] hanging [in the air] …


Nogaideli: No Changes in Policy


Zurab Nogaideli, who was nominated for the position of Prime Minister told reporters on February 10 that no changes in the government?s policy is anticipated. ?We will continue the policy which was started by President Saakashvili and [late Prime Minister] Zurab Zhvania,? Nogaideli said. This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)


Saakashvili Addresses the Parliament


President Mikheil Saakashvili will address the Georgian Parliament on February 10 with his first annual state of the nation address to summarise the government?s activity over the last year. The President is also expected to officially present Zurab Nogaideli?s candidacy for the Prime Minister?s position during his speech. Speeches by chairmen of the parliamentary factions are also expected …


Georgia, Russia Discuss Framework Agreement, Military Bases


Representatives from the Russian and Georgian Foreign Ministries will meet in Tbilisi on February 10 to discuss a comprehensive framework agreement, which is designed to outline all aspects of bilateral relations, the Georgian Foreign Ministry reported. Talks over the agreement have been stalled for several months. The Russian side claims that Georgia refrains from including a legally binding …


Saakashvili Pledges Stability, Amid Formation of New Cabinet


President Saakashvili announced on February 9 that he offered Prime Minister’s position to Finance Minister Zurab Nogaideli only after Nino Burjanadze, the Parliamentary Chairperson rejected to take over the Premier’s post. Saakashvili’s statement follows Nino Burjanadze’s announcement earlier on the same day that she was against Nogaideli’s candidacy. On February 9 Officials also confirmed some details of …

09/02/2005 - 18:55


Cabinet Reshuffle Confirmed


Parliamentarians from the ruling National Movement party, particularly Roman Gotsiridze, Chairman of the Finance and Budgetary Committee and Kote Gabashvili, the Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee, confirmed reports regarding anticipated changes in the cabinet after talks with President Saakashvili on February 9. Particularly, Georgia?s Ambassador to Russia Valeri Chechelashvili will replace Zurab Nogaideli, who was nominated …


Saakashvili: Burjanadze Rejected to Take Over PM’s Position


Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said on February 9 that he proposed Zurab Nogaideli?s candidacy for the Prime Minister?s position, after Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze rejected to take over the PM?s post. Saakashvili?s statement, which he made during a meeting with the parliamentarians, follows Nino Burjanadze?s announcement that she was against of Zurab Nogaideli?s candidacy. ?Initially, I …


Opposition MP: Saakashvili was Forced to Nominate Nogaideli


MP David Gamkrelidze, leader of the New Rights-Industrialists parliamentary faction, told Rustavi 2 television on February 9 that President Saakashvili ?was forced? to nominate Zurab Nogaideli as the Prime Minister by the parliamentarians and government members who were regarded close allies to late Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania.  ?As far as I know, the President and …


Political Analysts Comment on Nogaideli’s Nomination


Some observers say that the nomination of Zurab Nogaideli for Prime Minister will further increase President Saakashvili’s powers, as, unlike late Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania, Nogaideli, who served as a Finance Minister, is not an influential political figure. Below are some comments by political analysts who spoke to Civil Georgia about Nogaideli’s nomination. Ghia Nodia, Caucasian …


Official: No Drastic Changes Anticipated in Cabinet


Georgian President?s spokesperson Alana Gagloeva announced on February 9 that there will be ?no drastic changes in the cabinet? following the nomination of Zurab Nogaideli as Prime Minister. However, Alana Gagloeva declined to specify those changes which are anticipated. Tbilisi-based Rustavi 2 television reported unofficial information on February 9 regarding the anticipated changes in the government. According …


Saakashvili Meets with Ruling Party Leaders


President Saakashvili is holding talks with leading parliamentarians from the ruling National Movement party on February 9, following the nomination of Finance Minister Zurab Nogaideli as the Prime Minister. This nomination has already sparked controversy, as Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze announced on February 9 that she ?was against Zurab Nogaideli?s candidacy.? However, parliamentarians from the ruling party …


Burjanadze Snubs President’s Choice


Still Only a Nominee, Nogaideli Hit Hard Nogaideli, 40, took a hit from the heavyweight, Burjanadze. Parliamentary speaker Nino Burjanadze unleashed an unexpected salvo against the newly nominated Prime Minister, saying she disapproves of Zurab Nogaideli’s nomination at that post, recently made available after Zurab Zhvania’s sudden death. Although Burjanadze originally pledged to support the presidential …


Burjanadze Against Nogaideli’s PM Nomination


Georgian Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze told reporters on February 9 that she did not expect the nomination of Finance Minister Zurab Nogaideli as the Prime Minister.  She said another nominee was discussed during her talks with President Saakashvili.  ?We discussed another nominee for the position of the new Prime Minister. Therefore, Nogaideli?s nomination was unexpected for …


TV Reports on Possible Changes in Cabinet


Rustavi 2 television reported on February 9 regarding the changes anticipated in the cabinet following the nomination of Finance Minister Zurab Nogaideli as the new Prime Minister. According to this report, Georgia?s Ambassador to Russia Valeri Chechelashvili will replace Nogaideli as the Finance Minister; Kote Kemularia, who currently is the Chairman of the Supreme Court, will take over …


MP: We Have Unanswered Questions over Zhvania’s Death


Parliamentarian Elene Tevdoradze, a politician regarded as a close allies of late Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania, said in an interview with Imedi television on February 8 that she has a number of questions regarding the official reported circumstances behind Zurab Zhvania’s death. “We, those people who were close friends of Zurab Zhvania, are very often asking each other these …


President Nominated New Prime Minister


Nogaideli, 40, was a long-time ally of late Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania. President Mikheil Saakashvili nominated Finance Minister Zurab Nogaideli as the new Prime Minister of Georgia, the President’s spokesperson Alana Gagloeva announced late on February 8. She said Zurab Nogaideli was instructed by President Saakashvili to form a new cabinet within two days. It is not …

08/02/2005 - 23:28


Nogaideli Nominated as PM


President Saakashvili nominated Finance Minister Zurab Nogaideli as the new Prime Minister of Georgia, the President?s spokesperson Alana Gagloeva announced late on February 8. She said that Zurab Nogaideli was instructed by President Saakashvili to form a new cabinet within two days. Zurab Nogaideli, 40, was a long-time friend and one of the closest allies of late …


Abkhaz Parties, Movements Set up New Union


Several political parties and public movements in Georgia?s breakaway Abkhazia established a new union the Forum of National Unity on February 8, Abkhaz news agency Apsnipress reported. Founders of the Forum explained that this is an attempt to launch the creation of large political unions in Abkhazia. Among the founding groups of the Forum are the Abkhaz …


Official Version of Zhvania’s Death Questioned, as Saakashvili Prepares to Nominate New PM


Constitutional Changes Ruled Out President Saakashvili will nominate late Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania’s successor on February 9. Meanwhile, Georgian officials try to dissolve growing public suspicion in officially announced reasons of Zhvania’s death. To boost public confidence, Tbilisi invited the FBI into the investigation. The FBI team has already arrived in Tbilisi, Georgian officials say. Parliamentary …


TV Reports: Nogaideli Most Likely to Take Over PM’s Position


After officials denied reports over the possible appointment of Georgia’s Ambassador to Russia Valeri Chechelashvili or Russian-based Georgian Businessman Levan Vasadze at the Prime Minister’s position, the Finance Minister Zurab Nogaideli remains the most likely person to take over the Prime Minister’s position, Tbilisi-based Rustavi 2 and Imedi televisions reported late on February 8. Rustavi 2 also reported that Zurab Nogaideli’s candidacy …


Officials Rule Out Appointment of Georgia’s Envoy to Russia as PM


The Georgian President’s spokesperson Alana Gagloeva denied reports that Georgia’s Ambassador  to Russia, Valeri Chechelashvili, is being considered by the President as one of the possible candidates for the Prime Minister’s position. “However, we don’t rule out that Valeri Chechelashvili might be offered a post in the government,” Alana Gagloeva said.  Gagloeva did not, however, specify which …


President Makes Decision over PM, but Speculations Persist


Leading parliamentarian from the ruling National Movement party Giga Bokeria told reporters, after talks with President Saakashvili, that the President has already decided who he will nominate as the new Prime Minister; however he refused to unveil the name of the nominee. ?The President himself will make a statement about this,? MP Giga Bokeria said. …


Opposition MP Warns of Activation ?of Hostile Foreign Forces?


Leader of the opposition Conservative Party, MP Koba Davitashvili said on February 8 that ?activation of foreign hostile forces? in Georgia is vivid. He said that against this background, his party expresses total support for President Saakashvili despite the party?s opposition stance. He said that these ?hostile forces? have become active after the terrorist act in Gori on …


Saakashvili Holds Consultations over Prime Minister’s Candidacy


Georgian President’s spokesperson Alana Gagloeva said on Tuesday that Mikheil Saakashvili will announce his candidate for Prime Minister either on February 8, or February 9. “President Saakashvili is holding consultations with the Parliamentary Chairperson [Nino Burjanadze] over the nomination of a new Prime Minister. He will also meet the Chairmen of the parliamentary factions. After this …


Blast Reported in Sokhumi


A land mine went off in the capital of breakaway Abkhazia, Sokhumi, near a hotel belonging to the Russian-Abkhazian firm on February 8, Interfax news agency reported. No casualties were reported as a result of the explosion. The Abkhaz officials have made no comments regarding the incident yet.  This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский …


FBI Team Arrives to Probe into Zhvania’s Death, Gori Blast


Deputy Prosecutor General Giorgi Janashia said on February 8 that a team from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation has already arrived in Georgia to probe into late Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania’s death and a car bomb explosion that occurred last week in Gori. “Basically the U.S. experts will provide technical expertise,” Janashia told reporters on …


Russian MP: Tbilisi to Escalate Tension in South Ossetia


MP Andrey Kokoshin, who chairs the Committee for CIS Affairs of the Russian lower house of Parliament, told RIA Novosti on February 8 that the Georgian authorities have not abandoned their plans over a forceful resolution to the South Ossetian conflict yet. ?There are numerous signs which confirm that Tbilisi is far from rejecting its plans over …


U.S. Official Meets Chief of Tbilisi-based Abkhaz Government


Visiting U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Laura Kennedy met with chairman of the Tbilisi-based Abkhaz government-in-exile Irakli Alasania on February 7. Irakli Alasania told reporters afer the talks that the possiblity of the U.S. providing assistance in economic rehabilitation programs for breakaway Abkhazia was discussed during the meeting. This post is also available in: …

07/02/2005 - 22:37


Burjanadze: Constitutional Changes Not On Agenda


On February 7 Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze ruled out the option that constitutional amendments may be proposed in the wake of the death of Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania. The Georgian media has speculated that President Saakashvili might propose constitutional changes following the death of Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania in an attempt either to reduce the new …


Burjanadze: No Final Decision on PM Candidacy Yet


Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze told reporters, after talks with President Saakashvili late on February 7, that Mikheil Saakashvili has not yet decided who will be nominated for the Prime Minister?s position. ?This [candidate] should be a person who will be acceptable for the President, for the Parliament and for the society as well,? Nino Burjanadze said. …


Saakashvili Meets Burjanadze


President Saakashvili is holding talks this evening with Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze to discuss possible candidates for the position of Prime Minister. Reports say that Saakashvili also plans to meet with a group of leading parliamentarians from his ruling National Movement party later on February 7. This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)


Usupov Family Suspects Foul Play in PM Death Accident


The family of Raul Usupov, who was found dead with Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania in an apartment in downtown Tbilisi on February 3, cast doubts over official claims that the two men died of carbon monoxide poisoning, caused by a faulty gas heating devise, the Inter-Press news agency reported on February 7. Yashir Usupov, father of Raul Usupov, …


Government Consults on New PM


The Georgian media has reported that the Georgian authorities launched consultations over potential candidates for the Prime Minister?s position on February 7. Vano Merabishvili, the Georgian Interior Minister, held talks with Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze. However, both denied that the issue of a new Prime Minister was discussed. Speculations have recently circulated in the Georgian media regarding the new …


‘Saboteurs’ Damage Power Line


The high-voltage Kavkasioni power line was damaged on by a bullet shot in the Kodori gorge, which is the only territory in breakaway Abkhazia under Tbilisi’s control, on January 7, Georgian Energy Minister Nika Gilauri said. This is the second incident in less than a month wherein the Kavkasioni power line has been damaged by a bullet shot in the Kodori gorge. Nika Gilauri also said …


Police Hunt for Gori Blast Suspects


On February 7 the Georgian Interior Ministry issued “identikit” pictures of two persons who were allegedly involved in a car bomb explosion in the central Georgian town of Gori on February 1, which killed three policemen and injured at least 27 other people. Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili briefed reporters on February 7 regarding some details of …


FBI to Send Team to Probe into Zhvania’s Death, Gori Blast


U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Richard Miles said a team from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation will arrive in Georgia to probe into late Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania’s death and a car bomb explosion last week in Gori. Two events – death of Prime Minister and powerful explosion in Gori, which killed three and injured …


Georgian Foreign Minister Visits Lithuania


Georgian Foreign Minister Salome Zourabichvili left for Lithuania on February 7. She will hold talks with his Lithuanian counterpart Antanas Valionis, Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus and other officials to discuss bilateral ties, as well as Georgia?s integration into Euro-Atlantic structures. This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)


Page 591 of 759

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)

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