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Freedom House Describes Georgian Media as Partly Free
In its annual survey Freedom House, the U.S.-based non-profit organization, says that Georgia has partly free media. “Of the former Soviet Union and Soviet bloc countries that remain outside the expanded European Union, none are Free, 3 are Partly Free, and 11 are Not Free,” the survey reads “Other than Georgia, the situation for the …
30/04/2004 - 18:54
Security Chief: Abashidze’s Regime is Falling Apart
Secretary of the National Security Chief Vano Merabishvili today expressed concern over disbanding the opposition’s protest rally in Batumi. “This was a minor protest rally, in which only some 300 local opposition activists were participating and disbanding of this rally clearly indicates that Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze’s regime is falling apart,” Vano Merabishvili said at …
Tbilisi Changes Call-up Rules in Adjara
Secretary of the National Security Council Vano Merabishvili said at a news briefing on April 30, that Georgia’s central government will open special enlistment offices in Poti and Adigeni, outside Adjara, for those conscripts, who live in the Adjara Autonomous Republic. “According to the law, the local governance bodies are responsible for calling up recruits. But …
Protest Rally Disbanded in Batumi
Security forces broke up some 300 protesters in Adjarian Autonomy’s capital Batumi on April 30. Dozens of protesters were reportedly injured. Speaking from the scene local newspaper Batumelebi’s correspondent Eter Suladze told Civil Georgia on the phone that the security forces armed with truncheons attacked the protesters, who demanded from Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze to …
UN Cites ‘Slow Progress’ in Abkhaz conflict
In his latest report to the UN Security Council on situation in Georgia’s breakaway Abkhazia, Secretary-General Kofi Annan says that the conflict resolution remains “painfully slow,” the UN news centre reports. As in his previous report in January, Annan called on the Abkhaz side to “seriously review its position” and take advantage of the changing …
PM: Georgia Committed to Peaceful End to Abkhaz Conflict
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania told the UN Security Council on April 29 that the main goal of the country’s new leadership was to restore the territorial integrity of Georgia through peaceful means, UN news centre reported. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, would make energetic …
Georgia Launches Major Drills
Georgia holds its largest ever military exercises in the Black Sea town of Poti near the defiant Adjara Autonomous Republic on April 30-May 2. Up to 40 armored vehicles, coastguard vessels and air forces will be involved in the military exercises codenamed as Dioscuria – 2004. Over 2,000 officers and soldiers including those trained by the …
Ex-chief of Anti-Terrorist Center Arrested
Police detained on April 29 ex-chief of the Security Ministry’s Anti-Terrorist Center Levan Kenchadze, who is accused of misuse of power and fraud allegations.Georgian General Prosecutor Irakli Okruashvili said the law enforcers allege that Levan Kenchadze was involved in “selling arms to the Chechen militant groups, which were harboring in Pankisi gorge,” in north-eastern Georgia.“Officially …
29/04/2004 - 19:01
Labor Party Held Protest Rally
Around three houndred supporters of the opposition Labor Party held a protest rally outside the Parliament building on April 29, demanding President Saakashvili’s and his government’s resignation. “This was a warning protest rally and the demonstrations will grow into permanent rallies,” Jondi Baghaturia said after the rally. The Supreme Court has rejected recently appeal of …
Ruling Party Insists on Abashidze’s Resignation
Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Defense and Security Givi Targamadze said on April 29, that talks with Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze might only be held to discuss the conditions of his resignation. “No other issues will be discussed in case of negotiations,” Targamadze told the reporters. Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze has earlier called on …
Sensing Abashidze Weakness, Tbilisi Treads a Tough Line
Abashidze faces tough choice. In a last bid to solve the Adjara crisis peacefully, the ruling party offers defiant leader of the Autonomy Aslan Abashidze to give up power in exchange for the security guarantees for himself and his ‘inner circle’. Political analysts say the offer was anticipated, as it would be too risky for …
South Caucasus Leaders Met in Warsaw
Robert Kocharyan, Mikheil Saakashvili andIlham Aliyev. AzerTAj Photo Presidents of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, Mikheil Saakashvili, Ilham Aliyev and Robert Kocharyan met on April 28 in Warsaw, where the three are attending the European Economic Summit. The regional issues and the prospects of further cooperation were discussed at a business lunch arranged in honor of …
Tbilisi Offers Abashidze to Step Down, Promises Security
MP Giga Bokeria, spokesperson for the ruling National Movement-Democrats said the central authorities offer security guarantees to Aslan Abashidze if he steps down voluntarily. “We are ready to ensure Abashidze’s security if he voluntarily gives up power and quits politics.” Bokeria said. He added that this offer is not fully “correct” from the legal point …
Kmara in Adjara
The Kmara (Enough) youth movement, which played a prominent role in Georgian ‘revolution of roses’ last November, will definitely face transformation process; whoever, as the leaders of the movement say they have to tackle problems in Adjara at first. Kmara movement, which emerged last year as a radical opposition movement against then President Shevardnadze, is now …
Abashidze Calls for Dialogue
Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze called on the central authorities to settle the crisis between Tbilisi and Batumi through dialogue. In his televised address on April 28 he stated the existing problems should be solved “at a negotiating table.” Abashidze also said that military rhetoric and threats coming from the central authorities further increase gap between …
Saakashvili Sees Abashidze as a Major Obstacle for Investments
President Saakashvili, who is visiting Polish capital Warsaw, said on April 28 that he expects “significant foreign investments in Georgia in five-six months.” However, he added that resolution of Adjara crisis would be vital in this regard. “Everybody has witnessed that we are fighting corruption and already have first results in this regard. But if …
28/04/2004 - 19:33
Interior Minister Threatens with ?Police Operation? in Adjara
Georgian Interior Minister Giorgi Baramidze said on April 28, that the central authorities are doing utmost to solve Adjara crisis with peaceful means; ?however, if needed Interior Ministry is ready to carry out police operation in Adjara.? President Saakashvili warned on April 27 that law enforcement agencies will act against Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze if …
Russian Parliament Calls for Peaceful Solution of Adjara Crisis
The Russian State Duma, a lower chamber of the Parliament, adopted on April 28 a statement expressing concerns over the recent developments in Adjara Autonomous Republic. “Escalation of tension increases concerns of Russian MPs. We have all reasons to suppose, that Tbilisi plans to use force for the conflict resolution,” the statement reads. The MPs …
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 …
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)
Page 642 of 768
This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)