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Saakashvili Visits Romania
President Saakashvili left for Romania on May 14 for a two-day official visit. Along with other officials, President is accompanied by his envoy in the Adjara Autonomous Republic Levan Varshalomidze. On the very first day of the visit Saakashvili will meet with his Romanian counterpart Ion Iliescu to discuss the prospects of further cooperation. Later …
14/05/2004 - 11:28
Saakashvili to Announce Abkhazia Concept on May 26 – State Minister
Mikheil Saakashvili would announce the concept of Abkhazia conflict settlement on May 26, Georgian Independence Day, State Minister on conflict resolution Giorgi Khaindrava told radio Postfactum. “From this date we would start to count the ‘new time’ in [Abkhazia] conflict settlement,” Khaindrava said. He added, official vision of the Georgian side would be presented at the …
13/05/2004 - 18:30
Adjarian Elections Date Approved
The Interim Council of Adjarian Autonomy approved June 20 as a date for holding snap local elections in the region. Adjarian voters will elect 30-member Supreme Council ? the local legislative body. Two-chamber Parliament of Adjara was disbanded after ex-Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze fled to Moscow on May 6. This post is also available in: …
Conflict with CoE Softened
Visiting Georgian Foreign Minister Salome Zurabishvili said after the meeting with Council of Europe (CoE) Secretary General Walter Schwimmer in Strasbourg that the issue of expelling CoE?s envoy to Georgia Plamen Nikolov was not discussed during the talks. President Mikheil Saakashvili has slammed the CoE for its May 2 statement which put a blame for …
Parliament Approves ‘Ambitious’ Budget
The Parliament approved the 2004 state budget on May 11th with a 161 to 16 vote. The provisions of the budget were described as “ambitious,” as an increase of 520 million Lari over 2003 expenditures, is set for this year. Revenues in the 2004 budget are set at 1.7 billion Lari (USD 850 million), and …
European Commission for Georgia’s Inclusion in ‘Wider Europe’
The European Commission recommends inclusion of Georgia, along with Armenia and Azerbaijan, within the scope of the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP). “The recent enlargement has brought us much closer to our neighbours in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean region” Günter Verheugen, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, said on May 12. “Today we are …
Opposition Movement to Abashidze’s Regime Disbanded
The public movement Our Adjara, major opposition to Adjara?s former leader Aslan Abashidze?s regime, suspended its activities. ?Our movement has fulfilled its mission. Adjara is free from Aslan Abashidze and his regime. Hence, the movement?s existence is not necessary,? Gela Vasadze of Our Adjara told Civil Georgia on May 13. He said, the members of …
Georgia Downplays Russia’s Concerns over Adjara
Georgian Interior Minister Giorgi Baramidze said that the government would seek confiscation of assets of ex-Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze “despite Russian concerns.” The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on May 11 expressing concern over “Georgian government’s intentions to misappropriate enterprises” owned by Abashidze supporters. “Abashidze is a criminal and bandit and money stolen by …
12/05/2004 - 20:46
Troops Dispatched to Tsalka
100-strong unit of Interior Troops were dispatched on May 11 to Georgia?s southern multi-ethnic district of Tsalka. The move follows clashes between the local ethnic Armenians and Georgians on May 9. Several people were reportedly injured. Ethnic Armenians comprise 57% of population of Tsalka district in Kvemo Kartli region with population around 20,000, according to …
Russia Condemns ‘Repressions’ in Adjara
The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on May 11, condemning the recent arrests of Adjara’s former top officials, who were loyal to ex-Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze. “We are concerned at such facts especially on the background of numerous promises of the Georgian authorities, that no persecution or repressions will take place in Adjara,” the …
2004 Budget Approved
The Parliament approved on May 11 the state budget for 2004 by 161 votes to 16. The opposition parliamentary faction the Rightist Opposition refused to participate in voting. Revenues are set at 1,7 billion Lari (USD 850 million), and expenditures – 1,4 billion Lari (USD 700 million) – an increase of around 520 million Lari over …
UK Concerned over Georgia, CoE Dispute
The UK Government has expressed its concern over deteriorating relations between the Georgian Government and the Council of Europe (CoE).According to Angus Robertson MP, the Foreign Affairs spokesman of the opposition Scottish National Party, the Parliamentarians in the UK House of Commons heard on May 11 about the worries during Foreign Office question-time when the …
Georgian Foreign Minister to Meet CoE Secretary General
Georgian Foreign Minister Salome Zurabishvili participates in the Committee of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE) members states in Strasbourg on May 12-13. According to the CoE statement issued on May 10 the Georgian Foreign Minister is expected to discuss her government’s position over the recent dispute between Georgia and CoE with …
PACE Official Denies CoE’s ‘Pro-Abashidze Stance’
Matyas Eorsi, Head of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly’s (PACE) delegation on monitoring fulfillment commitments undertaken by Georgia while joining the Council of Europe (CoE) said that said the organization had never supported ex-Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze Matyas Eorsi commented regarding Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili’s statement, which has slammed the Council of Europe and its …
11/05/2004 - 18:24
Partial Increase of Pensions Heats up Debates in Ruling Party
Four members of the parliamentary majority joined the opposition MPs proposal to sue the government to the Constitutional Court.MPs Zviad Dzidziguri, Nika Gvaramia, Kakha Kukava and Bidzina Gujabidze of ruling National Movement-Democrats party agreed to sign appeal to the Constitutional Court, triggering protest of the party?s leadership.Non-partisan opposition MP Koba Davitashvili collected 47 lawmakers? signatures, …
Ex-Adjarian Security Official Sentenced to Custody
Court sentenced former Deputy Security Minister of Adjarian Autonomy Gogi Kupreishvili to three-month pre-trail detention on May 11. He is accused of misuse of power. Kupreishvili is fifth former Adjarian official arrested, after the ouster of ex-Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze, for disobedience to the country central government. Meanwhile, Kako Tsintsadze was appointed as new Security …
Privatization in Adjara might be Revised
A special economic team led by Economy Minister Irakli Rekhviashvili is visiting Adjarian Autonomy?s capital Batumi to probe the legality of the privatization process in the region that took place during the rule of Abashidze?s regime. The Economy Ministry reported that the issue of revision of privatization process ?might be put on the agenda.? Later …
Georgia Angered over CoE
Walter Schwimmer (left) and Plamen Nikolov (right) in Tbilisi, February, 2004. President Mikheil Saakashvili has slammed the Council of Europe for its May 2-3 statement which put a blame for escalation in Adjara both on Tbilisi and Batumi. As Aslan Abashidze fled Georgia, official Tbilisi indicated that it wants Mr. Plamen Nikolov, special representative of …
CoE Denies its Envoy was Expelled from Georgia
Council of Europe made first comments regarding the reports that Georgia has expelled CoE Secretary General?s special representative Plamen Nikolov. ?Following various articles in the Georgian and international media concerning the position of Mr Plamen Nikolov, the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, the Organization?s Spokesperson and Press Division has …
Stolen Painting Found in Tbilisi
Georgian Interior Ministry reported that German painter Lucas Cranach the Elder?s 16th-century painting has been recovered, which was stolen ten years ago from the Georgian Art Museum. The painting was found in Tbilisi; police said further details of recovery would be reported on May 11. This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
Georgian, EU Foreign Policy Chiefs Meet
Georgian Foreign Minister Salome Zurabishvili will meet EU?s High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana on May 11. ?The meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the current political situation in Georgia and in the region,? Javier Solana?s press office reported. On May 12-13, Salome Zurabishvili will participate in the Committee …
Date for Adjarian Elections Set
President Saakashvili said on May 10 that snap local elections in Adjara Autonomous Republic will be held on June 20. Direct presidential rule is imposed in Adjara, after ex-ruler of the region Aslan Abashidze fled Georgia on May 6. The Interim Council, which is under the subordination of the President, will govern the Autonomous Republic …
10/05/2004 - 19:06
Ex-Adjarian Chief of Internal Troops Arrested
Former commander of the Batumi-based unit of the Georgia?s Internal Troops Murman Tsintsadze, who refused to obey central command and pledge loyalty to ex-Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze, was arrested. Tsintsadze is fourth former Adjarian official arrested for disobedience to the country central government. Police also arrested Tsintsadze?s son Merab Tsintsadze, who was a chief of …
Georgia Wants to Expel CoE Envoy
Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze jointed President Saakashvili stance over the Council of Europe (CoE) Secretary General Walter Schwimmer and also criticized him for ?inadequate and incorrect assessment of situation in Adjara.? On May 9 Georgian President criticized Secretary General of the Council of Europe Walter Schwimmer for his statements regarding Adjara and called him ?an …
Abashidze’s Party Disbanded
Democratic Revival Union party led by ex-Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze, ceased activity in the wake of Abashidze’s departure to Moscow on May 6. The Revival Union was set up by Aslan Abashidze in 1995. The party was participating in all parliamentary and self-governance elections in Georgia. In March 28, 2004 parliamentary elections the Revival Union …
Acting Batumi Mayor Appointed
Edwards Surmanidze, who was one of the leaders of the Our Adjara movement, a major opposition to Abashidze?s regime, was appointed by the Interim Council of Adjara as acting Mayor of Adjarian capital Batumi. Ex-Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze?s son Giorgi Abashidze held this position before the peaceful ouster of Aslan Abashidze. The Interim Council, which …
Late President’s Ally Released
Vakhtang Kobalia, a commander of military formations and ally of Georgia’s late President Zviad Gamsakhurdia, was released on May 9 after the presidential pardon. After a trial lasting one year, the Supreme Court in 1996 found Kobalia guilty of treason, banditry, and the 1993 murders of five soldiers and a TV journalist. The Supreme Court …
Saakashvili Hails Disarmament Process in Adjara
President Saakashvili said on May 10 that the disarmament process is in progress and gave one week to those who still refrains from surrendering arms. ?3/4 of disarmament process has been completed. We give one more week to those who still possess illegal arms and if they surrender arms they would enjoy with amnesty,? Mikheil …
Number of Ministries Cut in Adjara
President Saakashvili said that according to the new Constitution of Adjarian Autonomy, number of the ministry will be reduced from 18 to 4 in Adjara. ?There is no need in military structures in Adjara,? Saakashvili added, referring to the Security and Interior Ministries of the Autonomy. This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский …
Road Link Restored with Adjara
Road traffic has been restored with the Adjarian Autonomy, after the temporary bridge over Choloki river was installed on May 10. A bridge over Choloki river which is a main road link between Adjara and the rest of Georgia was blown up on May 2 by the ousted leadership of the Autonomy. President Saakashvili appealed …
Saakashvili Slams CoE Secretary General over Adjara
Speaking in Batumi University on May 9 Georgian President criticized Secretary General of the Council of Europe Walter Schwimmer for his statement over situation in Adjara made on May 2.In his statement on May 2 Walter Schwimmer said, while commenting explosion of bridges in Adjara, ?it is shocking to hear, that in ? Georgia bridges …
09/05/2004 - 20:28
Ex-Adjarian Official Arrest
Police arrested on May 8 former head of Adjara?s second largest town of Kobuleti Tariel Khalvashi.The General Prosecutor?s Office brought criminal charges against Khalvashi two months prior to ex-Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze peaceful ouster. He was accused of violent attacks against the opposition activists and disobedience to the central government of Georgia.Khalvashi is a second …
Adjara Boosts Government’s Financial Hopes
Cash-rich Batumi port Georgian government’s success in Adjara increased its hopes for reviving country’s economy following return of the cash-rich region to Tbilisi’s control. “As a result of abolition of the Choloki disgraceful [administrative] border between Adjara and the rest of the country, Georgia’s economic potential has significantly increased,” Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania said.Adjara, whose …
08/05/2004 - 18:03
Renegade General Sentenced to Pre-Trail Detention
The Supreme Court of Georgia sentenced on May 7 former commander of the Batumi-based 25th Brigade of the Georgian Armed Forces Maj. Gen. Roman Dumbadze to three-month pretrial detention. Roman Dumbadze, who pledged loyalty to Adjara’s former leader Aslan Abashidze and refused to obey the country’s central authorities, is accused of treason and faces life …
Interim Council Set Up in Adjara
20-member Interim Council was set up on May 7 to run the Adjarian Autonomy before the fresh local elections in Adjara. Local legislative body of Adjara was dissolved on the same day. Chief of the state-run Railway Company Levan Varshalomidze chairs the Council, which directly subordinates to President Saakashvili. Tbilisi has already imposed direct presidential …
Parliament Rejects Plebiscite over Adjarian Autonomy
Parliament approved with 152 votes to 1 on May 7 a statement welcoming peaceful end to Adjara crisis and rejecting holding of plebiscite in Adjara over cancellation of the region’s autonomous status. Holding of the plebiscite was proposed by non-partisan opposition MP Koba Davitashvili and supported by the Rightist Opposition parliamentary faction. Prime Minister …
07/05/2004 - 19:03
MPs Grateful for Russia’s Positive Role in Adjara Developments
In its statement passed by the Parliament of Georgian on May 7, the lawmakers expressed “special gratitude towards Russia and President Vladimir Putin” for the efforts to solve Adjarian crisis peacefully. The Rightist Opposition parliamentary faction was against of making special emphasize on Russia’s role in the statement. Aslan Abashidze fled to Russia on May …
Abkhaz de facto Prime Minister Visits Moscow
Prime Minister of Georgia’s breakaway Abkhazia Raul Khajimba arrived in Moscow on May 6, right after the ouster of former Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze. The purpose of his visit is unknown so far. However, as the Russian news agency RIA Novosti reports referring to the Abkhaz representation in Moscow, the visit was scheduled in April …
Tbilisi Tackles Problems in Post-Abashidze Adjara
Saakashvili vowed Adjara would retain autonomous status. The issue already heats up debates.Photo by Goga Chanadiri In the wake of two day-long celebrations in Batumi, triggered by the peaceful ouster of ex-ruler of Adjara Aslan Abashidze, President Saakashvili launched formation of the interim state commission to run the region before the fresh local elections. President …
Railway Chief to Lead Interim Commission to Run Adjara
In late night televised address to the Adjarian population on May 6 President Saakashvili said that special state commission has been set up to run Adjarian Autonomy during the interim period before the fresh elections in the region.President Saakashvili is in Batumi and intends to stay there for three more days to personally supervise interim …
U.S. Includes Georgia in Millennium Challenge Account
Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania said at the cabinet session on May 7 that the United States has included Georgia in its “assistance program known as the Millennium Challenge Account [MCA].”“It is of a huge importance for Georgia. During my visit to the United State [in late April] Georgian delegation was pushing the issue vigorously,” Zhvania …
Opposition MPs Seek for Lifting Adjara’s Autonomous Status
Opposition MP Koba Davitashvili, former ally of President Saakashvili, intends to submit a legislative initiative to the Parliament over holding a plebiscite in the Adjarian Autonomous Republic regarding cancellation of the region’s autonomous status. “The Adjarian population should decide whether they need autonomy or not,” Davitashvili said on May 6. Chairman of the Rightist Opposition, …
Russian, Georgian Foreign Ministers Pledge Cooperation
Visiting Georgian Foreign Minister Salome Zurabishvili met her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on May 6 in Moscow. The both Minister welcomed the recent trends in Russo-Georgian relations after the talks. “Taking into consideration the new conditions and fresh atmosphere in relations between the two countries we expressed our satisfaction concerning the developments in our relationship,” …
CoE Secretary General Relieved at Peaceful Outcome in Adjara
Council of Europe Secretary General Walter Schwimmer expressed satisfaction that the crisis in Adjara has been resolved without bloodshed. In a letter to President Saakashvili the Secretary General commended him and his team for reaching a peaceful solution as advocated by him during his visit to Tbilisi and Batumi earlier this year. He also underlined …
Parliament Gave a Go-Ahead to Direct Presidential Rule in Adjara
Parliament adopted today decree with 137 votes to 1, according to which the President of Georgia is authorized to cancel the current Parliament and local governance bodies in the Adjara Autonomous Republic. According to the constitution of Georgia, the President has the right to dismiss the local governance bodies after the Parliament’s approval. Georgian Prime-Minister …
06/05/2004 - 18:48
EU, OSCE Welcome Peaceful End to Adjara Crisis
Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), welcomed the recent developments in Adjara and expressed trust that this would hopefully lead to the resumption of normal life and to stability in the region. He also welcomed the position of the Georgian government to respect the autonomous status of Adjara. …
Adjara Celebrates Abashidze’s Departure
Saakashvili in jubilant crowd in Batumi, May 6.Photo by Goga Chanadiri Georgia closed last chapter in ‘Rose Revolution’ after Aslan Abashidze stepped down and fled to Russia on May 6.Abashidze, who ruled Adjara for past decade with a firm hand, had to yield to heavy pressure coming from the country’s central government and over 15,000 …
PM: Elections to be Held within 5-6 Weeks in Adjara
Georgian Prime-Minister Zurab Zhvania told reporters in Batumi that snap elections of the Adjarian Supreme Council – a local legislative body will be held within 5-6 weeks. “A special governmental commission will be set up, chaired by President Saakashvili, which will run the region. The local elections will be held within 5-6 weeks and local …
Renegade General Arrested
Former commander of the Batumi-based 25th Brigade of the Georgian Armed Forces Maj. Gen. Roman Dumbadze, who pledged loyalty to Aslan Abashidze and refused to obey the country’s central authorities, was arrested in Batumi. He is interrogated in the Georgian Security Ministry in Tbilisi on May 6. The Georgian General Prosecutor’s Office brought criminal charges …
Rail Link Restored in Adjara
According to the Georgian Railway Company the rail link between Adjara Autonomous Republic and the rest of Georgia was restored on May 6. The rail link with Adjara was disrupted on May 2 after Aslan Abashidze’s authorities blew up the bridges and severed railway, linking the region with the rest of Georgia. Oil from Kazakhstan …
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This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)