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Georgia Insists on Launching Talks over South Ossetia Status
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania, who met with the members of the quadripartite Joint Control Commission (JCC), welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached with the South Ossetian side on August 17; however Zhvania added that no significant breakthrough is anticipated without first launching talks over the political status of the breakaway region. ?Establishment of long-lasting stability and …
17/08/2004 - 19:54
Sides Agree on Ceasefire, Demilitarization
JCC co-chairs: (from left to right) Russia’s special envoy Lev Mironov, South Ossetian Special Affairs Minister Boris Chochiev, Teimuraz Kusievof North Ossetia and Georgian State Minister Goga Khaindrava. Tbilisi, August 17. At the meeting of the quadripartite Joint Control Commission (JCC) in Tbilisi on August 17, the Georgian, South Ossetian, Russian and North Ossetian sides, …
Zhvania Meets with JCC in Tbilisi
Co-chairmen of the quadripartite Joint Control Commission (JCC), involving the Georgian, South Ossetian, Russian and North Ossetian sides, are meeting Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania in Tbilisi. Georgian State Minister Goga Khaindrava, who represents Georgia in the JCC, South Ossetian Special Affairs Minister Boris Chochiev, Russian Foreign Ministry?s special Ambassador Lev Mironov and Teimuraz Kusiev …
Tbilisi Offers Troop Withdrawal in Exchange for Peace
Georgian Interior Minister Irakli Okruashvili said on August 16 that Tbilisi is ready to pull out part of its troops from the South Ossetian conflict zone granting that the South Ossetian militias stop attacks on Georgian villages and troops stationed there. ?Granting that peace is preserved for three days, the Georgian side will pull out 30% of its …
JCC to Meet in Tbilisi
The Joint Control Commission (JCC), a quadripartite body involving the Georgian, South Ossetian, Russian and North Ossetian sides, will hold a session in Tbilisi on August 17 with the participation of Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania. It is expected that the issue of possible direct talks between Premier Zhvania and South Ossetian de facto President …
U.S. Concerned over South Ossetia Clashes
The U.S. Department of State called on the conflicting sides in South Ossetia ?to exercise restraint? and to implement the ceasefire agreement signed by the Georgian and South Ossetian sides on August 13. ?We should let you know, too, that we’ve been continuing our discussions with both the Georgian and Russian governments on the subject. …
One Dead as Overnight Clashes Persist in South Ossetia
Georgian officials reported on August 17 that another Georgian soldier died as a result of overnight fighting near the village of Eredvi in breakaway South Ossetia. According to the Georgia side, the South Ossetian militias opened fire late on August 16. The exchange of fire continued all night long. No casualties were reported among civilians. A total six …
Kokoev Accuses Tbilisi of Violating Ceasefire Deal
On August 16 President of self-styled South Ossetian Republic Eduard Kokoev accused the Georgian side of violating ceasefire agreement signed by Kokoev and Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania separately on August 13. He said that the Georgian side opened fire ?right after the signing of a ceasefire agreement in order to provoke armed clashes with the …
16/08/2004 - 19:25
Tbilisi Insists on Direct Talks with Kokoev, Amid Clashes in South Ossetia
Two Georgian soldiers died and one civilian was wounded after heavy overnight fighting near the Georgian village of Eredvi. Georgia appealed to the international community to hold “an urgent and special” international peace conference in order to stop sporadic overnight shootouts in breakaway South Ossetia which have already resulted in casualties and deaths for both …
Georgian PM Offers to Talk with South Ossetian Leader
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania reiterated his readiness to negotiate with South Ossetian de facto President Eduard Kokoev, but added, however, that Georgian troops will not give up their current positions in the breakaway region. He said that the recent attacks by the South Ossetian militias and mercenaries on the Georgian troops? positions aim at taking over …
Georgia Seeks Urgent International Conference over South Ossetia
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania said at a news briefing on August 16 that President Saakashvili will appeal to the international community with the request to hold ?an urgent, special international conference? aimed at preserving peace in South Ossetia. ?Eduard Kokoev [de facto President of breakaway South Ossetia] tries to engage Georgia in a large-scale …
Tbilisi Warns to Open ?Intensive Fire? if Troops Attacked in South Ossetia
Georgian Defense Minister Giorgi Baramidze, who has spent the last two days in the South Ossetian conflict zone, said at a news briefing in Tbilisi on August 16 that ?the threat of war is real? in South Ossetia; however, he did add that the Georgian side will do its utmost to avoid military confrontation.He said the …
Two Georgians Die During Shootout in South Ossetia
Two Georgian internal troops were killed and several others injured as a result of an overnight shootouts near the Georgian villages of Tamarasheni and Eredvi in breakaway South Ossetia, reported Georgian officials on August 16. Officials from the Russian peacekeeping troops stationed in the conflict zone told the Itar-Tass news agency that an exchange of gunfire …
Ceasefire Agreement Violated in South Ossetian Conflict Area
Georgian Authorities Apply to International Community for AssistanceThe agreement over a ceasefire, reached by the Georgian and South Ossetian sides on August 13 after three nights of gun and mortar fire in Georgia’s breakaway region of South Ossetia, was violated by dawn on August 14. One Georgian peacekeeper was wounded by a sniper’s bullet in …
14/08/2004 - 17:12
Georgian Foreign Ministry Protests Attack on PM
The Georgian Foreign Ministry raised concern over the opening of fire towards the convoy carrying Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania on the road between the Georgian villages of Eredvi and Achabeti in breakaway South Ossetia. ?This provocative attack occurred exactly at the moment when the Georgian Authorities came out with peaceful initiatives and strong a urging for direct …
OSCE Concerned over Escalating Tension in Tskhinvali Region
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Solomon Passy said on August 13 that he was deeply concerned about the escalation of military confrontations in the South Ossetian conflict zone, and was particularly upset about the reports of deaths, casualties and firings on villages located in the conflict zone. “Such acts have to be strongly condemned and more vigorous efforts need to be …
Parliament Approves Amendments to State Budget
The Parliament of Georgia approved the amendments to the state budget for 2004, by a 137 to 3 vote, at a special session on August 13. As a result of the amendments the state budget for 2004 will be increased in revenues by GEL 211 million (approximately USD 106 million) and in expenditures by GEL 223 million (approximately USD …
Saakashvili Meets with U.S. Ambassadors
On August 13 President Saakashvili met with U.S. Ambassador to OSCE Stephan Minikes and U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Richard Miles. The recent developments in Georgia?s breakaway region of South Ossetia were discussed during the talks. Both ambassadors expressed their support for a peaceful settlement of the conflict and called on the Georgian, South Ossetian and Russian …
Georgian Peacekeeper Wounded in South Ossetia
According to official reports, one Georgian peacekeeper was wounded by a sniper’s bullet in breakaway South Ossetia at dawn. The wounded peacekeeper was hospitalized as a result of severe injuries sustained in the shootout. The incident occurred just hours after reaching a ceasefire agreement by the Georgian and South Ossetian sides amid three nights of gun …
Georgian, South Ossetian Sides Agree to Ceasefire
The Georgian and South Ossetian sides agreed on August 13 to a cease-fire after three nights of gun and mortar fire in Georgia?s breakaway region of South Ossetia. The agreement, which called for the cease-fire to take affect at midnight Friday, was signed by Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania and South Ossetian de facto President …
Saakashvili Vows to Avoid Ethnic Cleansing in Tskhinvali Region
President Saakashvili raised today concern over the recent developments in breakaway South Ossetia and vowed to avoid ethnic cleansing in the region. ?We must not allow for ethnic cleansing of the Georgian population or a humanitarian catastrophe in breakaway South Ossetia,? Saakashvili said before a session of the National Security Council on August 13. He …
13/08/2004 - 18:57
Georgian Parliament Demands Russian Peacekeepers’ Pullout from South Ossetia
In the wake of attack on the Georgian Prime Minister’s convoy in breakaway South Ossetia, Georgian Parliament passed a statement on August 13 demanding pullout of the Russian peacekeepers from the conflict zone. In the strong-worded statement the Parliament demanded suspension of Russia’s peacekeepers’ mandate, or their replacement by international peacekeeping troops. “It is alarming, …
Burjanadze Barred from Entering Tskhinvali Region
Georgian Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze was barred from entering the Tskhinvali region on August 13. ?The Ossetian side is categorically against my entering the Tskhinvali region. I simply want to pass via Tskhinvali [capital of breakaway South Ossetia] and meet with Georgian population of the breakaway region,? Nino Burjanadze said at the Tkviavi administrative border …
Turkey Offers Political and Economic Cooperation with Georgia
Turkish Businessmen Ready to Make Business in Georgia Recep Erdogan: Turkey ready for enhancing cooperation with Georgia A large delegation of Turkish businessmen, led by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, arrived in Georgia on August 11 and pledged their full support in political issues and expressed their readiness to enhance economic cooperation with Georgia. …
Georgian PM’s Convoy Attacked in Tskhinvali Region
The South Ossetian side today opened fire at the convoy of Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania on the road between the Georgian villages of Eredvi and Achabeti in breakaway South Ossetia. No casualties reported. “This is the position of the South Ossetian separatists and their supporters towards our peacekeeping operation,” the Georgian Prime Minister said following …
Russian Governmental Delegation Visits Georgia
Russian Foreign Ministry?s Ambassador for Special Affairs Lev Mironov arrived in Tbilisi late on August 12 to discuss South Ossetian conflict resolution issues with the Georgian leadership. Along with OSCE observers, the Russian governmental delegation will leave for breakaway South Ossetia on August 13 to get acquainted with the situation in the conflict area. On …
U.S. Calls for Avoiding Further Conflict in South Ossetia
The United States urges the Georgian authorities to move quickly to avoid further conflict in breakaway South Ossetia. ?We have been in contact with Georgian officials. We’re also making the point that it’s – with Russian officials – that it’s important to work with the South Ossetian authorities to end hostilities immediately,? Adam Ereli, Deputy …
Georgian Population Leaves South Ossetian Conflict Area
The Georgian population of breakaway South Ossetia, comprised mostly of women and children, are leaving the breakaway region. ?We are not running away. Simply, we will find shelter for our children and then return to our homes,? the Georgian residents of the breakaway region said. The Georgian authorities have already vowed to protect the children …
12/08/2004 - 18:27
Georgian PM, State Minister Leave for Tskhinvali Region
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania left for breakaway South Ossetia on August 12. He is accompanied in his trip by State Minister for Conflict Resolutions Goga Khaindrava. The Georgian Prime Minister intends to become personally acquianted with the situation in the South Ossetian conflict area. Earlier today Zurab Zhvania demanded the launch of direct dialogues …
Georgian Side Seeks Talks with South Ossetian Separatists
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania said today that the Georgian authorities are demanding the launch of direct dialogues with the de facto authorities of South Ossetia, as well as top officials of Russia. ?We urge immediate talks with the South Ossetian separatists, as well as with top Russian officials, since Russia is actively involved in …
Saakashvili Underscores Key Tasks for Conflict Resolution
President Saakashvili said today that the Georgian authorities must fulfill three key tasks in order to settle the situation in breakaway South Ossetia. “The first task envisages ensuring of safety of the peaceful population. We will do our utmost to protect our population in the South Ossetian conflict area,” Saakashvili said before the session of …
Georgian Authorities Vow to Avoid Armed Conflict in Tskhinvali Region
Three Georgians Dead in Overnight Shelling in South Ossetia Three Georgians were killed and several others injured as a result of an overnight shelling in breakaway South Ossetia. A majority of the overnight fire was heard from the village of Sarabuki, which is controlled by the Ossetian side. The Georgian side accuses the South Ossetian …
Russia Calls on Georgian, South Ossetian Sides for Ceasefire
The Russian authorities called on the Georgian and South Ossetian sides to immediately cease fire in the conflict area and enter into negotiations. ?The conflicting sides should fulfill the agreements achieved within the frames of the Joint Control Commission [involving the Georgian, South Ossetian, Russian and North Ossetian sides], as well as during the recent …
Georgia, Russia Sign Protocol on Cooperation
Georgian Defense Minister Giorgi Baramidze and his Russian counterpart Sergei Ivanov signed a protocol on military cooperation between the two countries on August 11 in Moscow. According to the agreement, Georgian officers will undergo training at the Military Schools of the Russian Defense Ministry. Russia also expressed a willingness to hand over a number of …
Three Dead in Overnight Shelling in Tskhinvali Region
According to official reports, three Georgians were killed and several others injured as a result of overnight shellings that took place in breakaway South Ossetia. A majority of the overnight fire was heard from the village of Sarabuki, which is controlled by the Ossetian side. So far no official comments have been made by the …
Turkey Reiterates its Full Support to Georgia
Visiting Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on August 11 that Turkey is ready to cooperate with Georgia on both political and economic issues. “Turkey completely supports Georgia”s territorial integrity and expresses readiness for cooperating on political and economic issues,” Recep Erdogan said at a joint news briefing with President Saakashvili on August 11. …
NGOs to Monitor Situation in prisons
A 21-member group, consisting of representatives from the non-governmental and civil society sectors of Georgia, will be allowed to monitor the situation in prisons in terms of protection of human rights there, Civil Georgia reports. According to the Decree of the President of Georgia, the group will have the right to enter prisons at any …
11/08/2004 - 17:24
Georgia Protests Violation of its Territorial Waters by Russian Boat
The Georgian authorities expressed protest regarding a violation of its territorial waters by a Russian tourist boat carrying a group of Russian MPs to breakaway Abkhazia on August 11. The group of Russian MPs, led by Vice-Speaker of the State Duma Vladimir Zhirinovsky, arrived from Sochi (Russia) to Gagra (Abkhazia) on August 11. ?The boat …
Georgia Accuses Russia of Links with South Ossetian Militias
Today the Georgian authorities accused the Russian peacekeeping troops deployed in the South Ossetian conflict area of cooperating with the South Ossetia militias. “For the first time the Russian peacekeepers openly fixed their position in the South Ossetian conflict. During the last night overnight shelling they provided the South Ossetian militias with information regarding the …
Georgia Takes over Command of Blackseafor
Navy vessels from six Black Sea countries (Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine) will participate in the Black Sea Force-2004 international naval exercises in Adjara?s capital, Batumi on August 12-28. Today participants attended a ceremony in which Bulgaria handed over command of the Black Sea Naval Cooperation Task Group (Blackseafor) to Georgia. Captain Gennady Khaidarov …
NGOs to Monitor Situation in Prisons
A 21-member group, consisting of representatives from the non-governmental and civil society sectors of Georgia, will be allowed to monitor the situation in prisons in terms of protection of human rights there. According to the Decree of the President of Georgia, the group will have the right to enter prisons at any time without any …
Parliament Approves Reshuffled Diplomatic Corps
On August 10 the Georgian Parliament approved 13 new ambassadors of Georgia to foreign countries. Giorgi Arveladze, the secretary-general of the ruling National Movement party, was also approved as Georgia’s Representative to NATO. The thirteen ambassadors approved by the Georgian Parliament are: Valerie Chechelashvili – Ambassador of Georgia to the Russian Federation Zaza Kandelaki – Ambassador of Georgia …
Shellings Continue in Tskinvali
While Georgian Defense Minister Giorgi Baramidze and Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolutions Goga Khaindrava continue their talks with top Russian officials, outbreaks of violence continue in the breakaway republic of South Ossetia. The Russian news agency Itar-tass reported that overnight shelling in the region raged throughout the night before being halted at 7:35 …
Turkish Prime Minister Visits Georgia
A large delegation of Turkish businessmen, led by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will pay an official, two-day visit to Georgia on August 11-12. Issues involving the enhancement of economic cooperation between the two nations will be discussed during Erdogan?s talks with President Mikheil Saakashvili, Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania and other Georgian officials. On August 12 …
BTC Construction Resumes Under Expert Supervision
According to the Georgian Ministry of the Environment, the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil export pipeline has resumed in the Borjomi valley, in western Georgia. The construction works are being monitored by both Georgian and foreign experts to ensure the observance of environmental safety norms. ?The construction works in the Borjomi valley are being …
10/08/2004 - 16:44
Russia to Hand Over Military Facilities to Georgia
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said on August 10 that Russia is ready to return its military facilities deployed in Georgia to the Georgian side. ?We are ready to hand over our military facilities deployed in Tbilisi, Akhalkalaki and Kobuleti to the Georgian side. We do not need these facilities,? Sergei Ivanov said after talks …
Amid Moscow Talks, Breakaway Abkhazia, South Ossetia Increase Armament
While Georgian Defense Minister Giorgi Baramidze and State Minister for Conflict Resolutions Goga Khaindrava try to ascertain Russia’s position regarding Georgia in Moscow, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili acquaints foreign journalists with the position of the Georgian authorities regarding the conflict resolutions on August 9 in Tbilisi. With the increasing armament by the de facto authorities …
Parliament Discusses Amendments to State Budget
The Parliament of Georgia launched discussions of amendments to the state budget for 2004 at a special session on August 10. Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania and other cabinet members also attended the Parliament session. The amendments to the law on the state budget for 2004 envisage an increase in revenues by GEL 211 million (approximately …
Georgia Protests Russian Cellular Company in South Ossetia
The Georgian authorities raised concern over the operating of the Russian cellular company Megaphone in breakaway South Ossetia. ?Each foreign company which enters the Georgian market should apply to the National Regulatory Commission for Communications of Georgia for a license,? Deputy Foreign Minister of Georgia Nika Tabatadze said on August 9. ?Cellular communication services can …
Saakashvili: Georgia Seeks to Adjust Relations with Russia
President Saakashvili reiterated on Monday that Georgia seeks a peaceful solution for the existing conflicts and seeks to hold dialogues with Russia. ?We want to use all the mechanisms of negotiating with Russia. We do not need an escalation of the relationship with this country,? Saakashvili said at a news briefing with foreign reporters on …
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