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Tbilisi Works over Legal Base to Hold Early Elections in Adjara
While Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze mobilizes army reservists, central authorities are working over the document considering reform of the Autonomous Republic’s system of governance, which will require holding of the snap elections of the local legislative body. According to the decree issued by Head of the Adjara Autonomous Republic Aslan Abashidze, district departments of the …
28/04/2004 - 17:03
Coast Guard Holds Exercises
Six coastguard vessels participate in the exercises in western Georgian town of Poti at Black Sea coast on April 28. According to the exercises’ scenario, Georgian coastguard service has to seize vessels illegally navigating in the Georgian territorial waters.Coastguard vessels will also participate in a large-scale military exercises in Poti, which will take place on …
Russian Troops Reiterate Non-Interference in Adjara Crisis
Spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry Viacheslav Sedov said on April 28, mobilization of army reservists declared in Adjara will not influence the functioning of the Russian military base deployed in Batumi. “The Russian military base does not leave the place of its dislocation in Batumi. The Russian servicemen will not interfere in the internal …
Saakashvili Visits Poland
President Saakashvili left from Ukraine for Warsaw, Poland on April 28 on a two-day official visit to discuss the issues of bilateral cooperation. He is planned to hold meetings with President of Poland Aleksander Kwasniewski and European Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen. On April 29 the Georgian President will attend the European Economic Summit to be held …
Abashidze Declares Mobilization of Army Reservists
Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze issued a decree considering mobilization of army reservists in the Autonomous Republic. According to the decree district departments of the securities councils will be set up in Adjara to secure “mobilization of army reservists, protection of facilities of vital importance and securing order and stability in the Autonomous Republic,” Adjara TV …
Abashidze Concerned over Military Exercises Near Adjara
Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze expressed concern regarding the upcoming large-scale military exercises, scheduled by the Georgian Defense Ministry for April 30-May 2 in town of Poti at Black Sea coast near the Adjarian Autonomy. “Military exercises on the background of confrontation [between the country’s central authorities and Adjarian leadership] are a source of concern,” Aslan …
27/04/2004 - 20:53
46 Soldiers of Abashidze’s Elite Troops Flee Adjara
Deputy Security Minister Gigi Ugulava said on April 27 that 46 soldiers of Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze’s elite special purpose unit fled Adjara and arrived in Tbilisi. “This unit is the best-trained and best-equipped, which is under the direct subordination of Aslan Abashidze. This special purpose unit, consisting of up to 300-400 soldiers was trained …
Deputy Chairmen of Parliamentary Committees Elected
The Deputy Chairmen of the Parliamentary Committees were elected by the committee members on April 27. MPs representing the ruling National Movement-Democrats party took over the most of the deputy chairmanship positions. Each Parliamentary Committee Chairman has two deputies. Salome Samadashvili and Kakha Shengelia were elected as Deputy Chairmen of the Foreign Affairs Committee; Nodar …
Agriculture Minister Denied Entry to Adjara
Georgian Minister for Agriculture Davit Shervashidze had to turn away from the administrative border between Adjarian Autonomy and rest of Georgia on April 27, as he was barred from entering Adjara. Agriculture Minister was accompanying several lorries loaded with fertilizers, due to be delivered to the Adjarian villages, as envisaged by the President Saakashvili’s mid-April …
Ex-Mayor of Batumi Says Abashidze “Misled by Inner Circle”
Aslan Smirba, a former Mayor of Adjarian Autonomy’s capital Batumi and ex-ally of Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze, said at a press conference in Tbilisi on April 27, that Adjarian leader “is in an information vacuum.” “Because of his inner circle, which misinforms him, Aslan Abashidze has no real information about what is happening between Tbilisi and …
Ex-Adjarian Prisoner Sets up Anti-Abashidze Movement
Tengiz Asanidze, who was released from Adjarian Security Ministry’s jail in early April, after the European Court of Human Rights’ ruling, said on April 27, that he is forming a movement, which will aim at resignation of Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze. “The only goal of this movement will be Abashidze’s resignation. Only his [Abashidze’s] resignation …
Preparations Underway for Large-Scale Military Exercises
Georgian Defense Ministry has started dispatching of armored vehicles to the western Georgian town of Poti at the Black Sea coast on April 27, which will participate in the upcoming large-scale military exercises scheduled for April 30-May 2. Armored vehicles, coast-guard vessels and air forces will be involved in the exercise. Chief of Staff of …
PM: Russo-Georgian Relations “Warming up”
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania said at a joint briefing with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell in Washington on April 26, that relations between Russia and Georgia are “warming up.”However he added that issue of “Russian military bases certainly remains to be very important and we’re looking for continuing support from U.S. too – …
U.S. Calls for Peaceful Resolution of Adjara Crisis
The U.S. administration told visiting Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania to keep cautious and solve Adjara crisis through peaceful means. Zurab Zhvania said that situation in Adjara is one of the issues discussed during the talks with the U.S. officials. Situation in Georgia was also discussed during the phone conversation between U.S. President George W. …
Bush, Putin Discussed Georgia
U.S. President George W. Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin held phone conversation on April 26, the White House and Kremlin reported. White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters on April 26, that along with other issues two Presidents “also discussed the situation in Georgia.” However, the White House official did not specify further …
U.S. Grateful over Georgia’s Contribution in Iraqi Operation
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell thanked visiting Georgia’s Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania on April 26 “for the support that Georgia has provided to the United States on the war on terrorism, and especially the direct support they have provided to us in Iraq.”“It means a great deal to the American people to know that …
U.S. Urges Georgia for Peaceful Settlement in Adjara
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said after talks with Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania in Washington on April 26 that along with other issues situation in Adjara was also discussed during the meeting. “I expressed to the Prime Minister our hopes that they could achieve their desired goals through political and economic measures and …
Court Rejects Labor Party’s Appeal to Annul Election Results
Late on April 25th, the Supreme Court of Georgia rejected an appeal by the opposition Labor Party, which demanded cancellation of the March 28th parliamentary elections, due to alleged mass ballot fraud. Shalva Natelashvili, leader of the Labor Party, told reporters after the court’s ruling that he will appeal the decision to the European Court of Human …
26/04/2004 - 17:50
Georgia Receives Five Military Helicopters from Ukraine
Five helicopters were delivered to Georgia on April 25 after repair in Ukraine Three Mi-24 and two Mi-14 military helicopters were sent to Ukraine for overhaul in 1999; however due to the lack of funding Georgian Defense Ministry failed to pay for repair, hence the helicopters were in Ukraine till now. According to the Georgian …
Shevardnadze’s Relative Released after Paying $15,5 Million
Prosecutor General Irakli Okruashvili said at a news briefing on April 26 that Gia Jokhtaberidze, co-founder of Georgia’s biggest mobile phone company MagtiCom and ex-President Shevardnadze’s son-in-law, will be released after he agreed to pay USD 15,5 million. Irakli Okruashvili also said that charges had been dropped against Jokhtaberidze, who was accused of tax evasion. …
Saakashvili Softens Stance, Wants Snap Elections in Adjara
President Saakashvili denied on April 25 that the country’s central authorities will use force in Adjara and said that discussions over holding snap elections of Adjara’s legislative body are underway. “The rumors reported by Aslan Abashidze as if we plan to intrude in Adjara are nonsense,” Mikheil Saakashvili said at a news briefing on April …
Batumi-Based Coast Guard Vessel Defies Adjarian Leader
Georgian coast guard vessel, which was stationed in Adjarian Autonomy’s port of Batumi, berth in the port of Poti, near Adjara on April 26 after nine members of crew refused to remain loyal to Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze. “The local authorities of Adjara tried to hinder vessel to leave port of Batumi, however they failed. …
Georgian President Visits Ukraine
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili leaves today for Ukraine on a three-day official visit. The Georgian President is planned to hold meetings with Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma and Prime Minister Victor Yanukovych on April 27. Later on April 28 Saakashvili will meet with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Constantine Grishchenko. The issues of boosting the bilateral ties, as …
State of Emergency in Adjara Prompts Saakashvili’s Military Rhetoric
Saakashvili: everyone who will take arms against the Georgian state will be liquidated. In the wake of Adjarian leadership’s decision to impose state of emergency in defiant Autonomous Republic, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili warned the he will not hesitate to use force in case of threat to country’s territorial integrity. Mikheil Saakashvili reiterated, while addressing Georgian …
25/04/2004 - 13:04
PM, Defense Minister Visit U.S.
Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania and Defense Minister Gela Bezhuashvili left for the United States on April 25, for a five-day visit. Talks with U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and National Security Advisor to the U.S. President Condoleezza Rice are planned during the visit. Defense Minister Gela Bezhuashvili will discuss further military cooperation with the …
Saakashvili Threatens with Use of Force to Stop County’s Breakup
President Saakashvili said on April 24, that he will not “hesitate to use force” in case of threat to Georgia’s territorial integrity. Mikheil Saakashvili addressed four battalions and one company of the Georgian Armed Forces, which graduated U.S.-funded Georgia Train-and-Equip Program. Georgian troops trained by the U.S. military instructors marched on April 24 in downtown …
24/04/2004 - 22:10
State of Emergency Re-Imposed in Adjara
Adjarian Senate, upper chamber of the Autonomous Republic’s legislative body approved on April 24 proposal to impose emergency situation and a curfew in Adjara. “The central authorities have launched preparations for an attack against the Autonomous Republic. The army is also being prepared. Attack might start any time. The central authorities are ready for this,” …
Ex-Chief of State Audit Agency Sentenced to Pre-Trial Detention
Court sentenced Sulkhan Molashvili, former Chairman of the Chamber of Control – main state audit agency – to three month pre-trial detention on April 23. Sulkhan Molashvili is accused of misuse of power and illegal financial transactions. Chief Tbilisi Prosecutor Valeri Grigalashvili that Molashvili is suspected of turning a blind eye to tax evasion by …
Ruling Party Takes Over Parliamentary Posts
The Parliament elected on April 23 Chairmen of the 13 Parliamentary Committees and one Vice-Speaker out of four. All of them, except one Committee Chairman, are representatives of the ruling National Movement-Democrats party. The Parliament elected one of the leaders of the ruling party Mikheil Machavariani as Vice-Speaker. Elene Tevdoradze was elected as a Chairman …
MPs Urge Government to Disarm Militia in Adjara
The Parliament, dominated by President Saakashvili’s supporters, unanimously adopted on April 23 decree on situation in Adjara, condemning defiant Adjarian leadership’s activity as “an open attempt to encroach country’s territorial integrity.” Lawmakers urged the President, government and law enforcement agencies to secure rule of law and “to neutralize illegal armed groups in the Adjarian Autonomy.” …
Saakashvili Denies Alleged Plans over Adjara Incursion
President Saakashvili denied on April 23 Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze’s allegations that the central authorities plan “to carry out special operation in Adjara” to oust Adjarian leader. “Attacking Adjara means the same thing to me as an attack across the banks of the Mtkvari River,” Mikheil Saakashvili told reporters, referring to the river crossing capital …
23/04/2004 - 19:07
Kutaisi Mayor Resigned
Nugzar Paliani, Mayor of Kutaisi, a second largest city of Georgia, filed resignation on April 23. Resignation comes after demands of the local non-governmental organizations, which accused Paliani of alleged misuse of power. President should appoint date of elections of the Kutaisi Mayor. This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
MP Immunity Slightly Restricted
The Parliament approved on April 23 with 180 votes to 0 constitutional amendment considering restriction of MP immunity. According to the amendment law enforcers will be able to bring criminal charges against MP without the Parliament’s consent. Previously bringing criminal charges against legislator without the Parliament’s consent was prohibited. All other privileges remain in force. …
Germany, Georgia Pledge Cooperation
“We are ready to render both economic and political assistance to Georgia, as well as to promote Georgia’s integration into European structures,” Joschka Fischer said at a joint news briefing right after his meeting with President Saakashvili. “Cooperation with Germany is very important for Georgia and we are ready to take into account all the …
Tags: Salome Zurabishvili
Officials in Tbilisi Say Abashidze’s Legitimacy Undermined
The newly convened Parliament of Georgia will give a formal go-ahead on April 23 to the country’s central authorities to deal with the defiant leadership of the Adjarian Autonomy by passing a decree outlining priorities of government’s policy towards Autonomous Republic. Meanwhile Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze, who has warned of anticipated “special operation in Adjara” …
Adjarian Leader Seeks for Russia, U.S. Mediation
Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze said in a live broadcast on Adjara TV late on April 22, that only two countries – Russia and the United States can settle the conflict between Georgia’s central authorities and its Autonomy. “Only these two countries can help us. The new authorities of Georgia do nothing without the instructions from …
Ex-Chief of State Audit Agency Arrested
Sulkhan Molashvili, former Chairman of the Chamber of Control – main state audit agency, was arrested on April 22 after he was summoned by the General Prosecutor’s Office for interrogation. Chief Prosecutor of Tbilisi Valerie Grigalashvili said, Sulkhan Molashvili is accused of misuse of power and illegal financial transactions. Sulkhan Molashvili dismisses allegations, saying that …
Abashidze Fears of ‘Special Operation’ in Adjara
Defiant Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze said in a live broadcast at Adjara TV on April 22, that the country’s central authorities “prepare special operation against” him. “We know everything about this operation – how it will be carried out, by whom and when – hence we are taking all the necessary counter measures,” Aslan Abashidze …
Burjanadze Reelected as Speaker
Nino Burjanadze, one of the leaders of the ruling National Movement-Democrats party, was re-elected as Chairperson of the Georgian Parliament on April 22 with 159 votes to 1.Nino Burjanadze was the only contender for this position. She held the post in the previous Parliament since 2001. “This Parliament is ready to endorse proposals and decision, which …
22/04/2004 - 19:40
4 Parliamentary Factions Set Up
Four factions have been created in Georgia”s new Parliament on April 22. The ruling National Movement-Democrats party will have the largest faction with 138 deputies. Maia Nadiradze will chair the Parliament”s largest faction. Moderate opposition coalition of New Rights and Industrialists parties formed 17-member faction, which will be the only opposition faction in the Georgian …
Credentials of 217 MPs Confirmed
The Parliament of Georgia confirmed credentials of 217 MPs out of 235 at its inaugural session on April 22. The Parliament rejected to confirm credentials of those 4 MPs who did not underwent drug test. Two of them are MPs elected in Adjarian single mandate constituencies – Jemal Gogitidze, Adjarian Interior Minister and Rostom Japaridze, …
Abashidze to Disband Adjarian Security Ministry
Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze proposed local legislative body to disband Adjara’s Security Ministry, Adjara TV run by the Autonomy’s leadership reported on April 22. President Saakashvili demanded from Abashidze last month to abolish Adjarian Security Ministry; however Adjarian leader defied Saakashvili’s demand. Tbilisi claims that the existence of autonomous security forces runs contrary to the …
MP Credentials of Tbilisi-Based Abkhaz Authorities Questionable
The Parliament postponed confirming credentials of MPs representing Tbilisi-based Abkhaz authorities. “The Parliament should discuss a legal status of Abkhazian MPs at first. The Parliament will discuss issue of their credentials after their legal status is defined,” MP Levan Bezhashvili, who chairs temporarily set up commission for legal issues, said at the Parliament’s inaugural session …
Russia, Georgia Sign Border Guard Agreement
Commander of the Georgian Border Guard Department Badri Bitsadze and his Russian counterpart, Director of the Federal Border Guard Service Vladimir Pronichev signed on April 22 an agreement over cooperation regarding protection of the borders. An agreement considers exchange of information and interaction between the border guard services of the two countries for 2004-2006 years. …
Adjara Tops Saakashvili’s Opening Speech at Parliamentary Session
President Saakashvili said on April 22, while addressing newly convened Parliament that Georgia’s central government will not step back and tolerate illegal moves of Adjarian leadership. “We are facing problem in Adjara deriving from Aslan Abashidze. We have no problems with the local population, whose majority supported me during the presidential elections,” Saakashvili said. “Aslan …
New Parliament Convened
Five months after Rose Revolution Georgia’s new Parliament was convened on April 22. President Saakashvili opened the inaugural session of the Parliament and urged his supporters MPs, which dominate in the legislative, “to keep unity.” President said that restoration of country’s territorial integrity is a top priority of the government, as well as the legislators. …
German Foreign Minister Visits Georgia
German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer will arrive on April 22 in Tbilisi on a two-day official visit. The German Foreign Minister will hold meetings with President Saakashvili, Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania and Foreign Minister Salome Zurabishvili. It is anticipated that Joschka Fischer will attend the international conference South Caucasus – Central Asia to be held …
Tags: Salome Zurabishvili
Georgian Authorities Plan Adjarian End-Game
Reposted from EurasiaNet When Georgia’s new parliament convenes April 22 its first order of business will be the Ajaria issue. Parliament Speaker Nino Burjanadze indicated that MPs will work on a measure to reintegrate the renegade region into Georgia’s “constitutional space.” Some observers in Tbilisi believe that the window of opportunity is rapidly closing for …
Batumi-Based Interior Troops’ Chief Mutinies
Murad Tsintsadze, the commander of the Georgian Interior Ministry’s 300-man unit deployed in defiant Adjarian Autonomy said he would defy central authorities’ orders and remains in Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze’s loyalty. Tsintsadze said he “would not tolerate involvement of the politicians in militaries’ affairs.” “There is nothing new in his [Murad Tsintsadze’s] statement. He never …
Saakashvili Says Abashidze is Losing Grip on Power
Adjara to Top New Parliament’s Agenda Georgian authorities, which seek for regaining control over the restive Adjarian Autonomy, reportedly are negotiating with the law enforcer chiefs of Adjara to convince them to ignore orders from Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze and remain loyal to Tbilisi. Meanwhile, the Parliament at its inaugural session on April 22 intends …
21/04/2004 - 22:26
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This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)