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Georgia Sends Peacekeepers to Iraq
The US C-17 Globemaster cargo airplane took off from military airfield near Tbilisi on August 3 carrying Georgian platoon-size detachment to Iraqi capital Baghdad. The co! mbined unit of a 34 person Infantry Platoon from the Kojori Special Forces Battalion, a 20 person Medical Services Detachment including 13 women, and a 15 men Engineer Detachment …
03/08/2003 - 20:55
ISFED Alarmed with Violation of Baker’s Plan
(Tbilisi, August 3, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Election watchdog NGO International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) voiced concern regarding the Parliament’s failure to approve rule of composition of the Central Election Commission before August 2, which was based on the US recommendations delivered in Georgia by James Baker in early July. “Georgian President, …
Georgia Deploys Peacekeepers in Baghdad
(Tbilisi, August 3, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Today evening first Georgian military unite will be dispatched in Iraq as a Georgia’s contribution to Operation Iraqi Freedom. The combined unit of a 34 person Infantry Platoon from the Kojori Special Forces Battalion, a 20 person Medical Services Detachment, and a 15 men Engineer Detachment from the …
Russian Company Seals Controversial Takeover of Tbilisi Electricity Distribution
On July 31 AES Corporation officially announced that it sells its assets in Georgia to the Russian Unified Energy Systems (UES). The US company’s Georgian assets include three power plants and an electric distribution company Telasi in capital city of Tbilisi. As a result of the deal the Russian power giant, which already owns 50% …
02/08/2003 - 17:02
National Movement Calls for Nationalization of Strategic Facilities
(Tbilisi, August 2, 2003, Civil Georgia) – The opposition National Movement party prepares a new draft law, which implies nationalization of strategic facilities of Georgia. Leader of the National Movement Mikheil Saakashvili goes against privatization of strategic facilities, saying these facilities, including the Ferro Alloy Plant in Zestaponi, the Poti Port and communications systems, should …
US Calls for Implementation of Baker’s Plan
(Tbilisi, August 2, 2003, Civil Georgia) – The United States Government strongly supports free and fair Parliamentary elections in Georgia as a critical element in strengthening Georgia’s democracy, prosperity and independence, the news release issued by the US Embassy in Georgia reads. “This is why President Bush asked former Secretary of State James Baker to …
Parliament Fails to Follow US-suggested Election Guidelines
(Tbilisi, August 2, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Georgian Parliament violated the election scorecard delivered by former US Secretary of State James Baker and agreed by the Georgian political parties, under which the Parliament should have adopted the new Election Code by August 2. The US-suggested election scorecard considers the guidelines necessary for holding of fair …
Energy Minister Ignored MPs Request to Inform Parliament on Energy Deals
(Tbilisi, August 2, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Despite the Parliament’s request to Energy Minister Davit Mirtskhulava to inform the MPs on the recent energy deals with the Russian power giants, he did not appear in the Parliament on August 1.After the categorical demand of the opposition MPs the State Minister Avtandil Jorbenadze had to come …
MPs Urge Government to Obstruct AES, UES Deal
(Tbilisi, August 1, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Irakli Chubinishvili, chairman of the parliamentary special commission, which investigates the reasons of the energy crisis in Georgia, calls the Government of Georgia to file a lawsuit against the US company AES in the London Court of International Arbitration. He claims deal between the AES and Russian Unified …
01/08/2003 - 18:31
Shevardnadze Confused Over Contradictory Reports on Aliev’s Health
(Tbilisi, August 1, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Today President Shevardnadze was misinformed regarding the death of Azerbaijani President Heidar Aliev. Shevardnadze expressed deep condolence at the death of Aliev, but later President’s Spokesman Kakha Imnadze denied the report and apologized for misleading the society.“Initially we were misinformed regarding the death of Mr. Aliev, but after …
US Regrets AES Pull Out from Georgia
(Tbilisi, August 1, 2003, Civil Georgia) – The US embassy in Georgia issued press release on July 31 expressing regret concerning the AES Corporation?s decision to sell its assets in Georgia, saying the decision ?reflects the difficult investment climate in Georgia.? ?The US is sorry that AES Corporation of Arlington, Virginia has decided to sell …
US Senator Calls for Baker’s Plan Endorsement
(Tbilisi, August 1, 2003, Civil Georgia) – US Senator John McCain released a statement on July 31, in which he expressed support to the efforts of the Parliament of Georgia to adopt a new election code, considering implementation of Baker’s plan on composition of the Central Election Commission (CEC). Although the Election Code was adopted …
AES Sells Telasi to Russian UES
(Tbilisi, August 1, 2003, Civil Georgia) – US power company AES confirmed on July 31 it plans to sell its assets in Georgia to the Russian power giant Unified Energy Systems of Russia (UES). The US company, which owns 75% of the electricity distribution company in Tbilisi, did not disclose amount of the deal.“We met …
Baker’s Plan Rejected as Pro-Presidential Factions Vote Against
(Tbilisi, July 31, 2003, Civil Georgia) – The Parliament rejected today by the second hearing rule of the composition of the Central Election Commission, as pro-presidential factions, as well as Revival and Industrialists, voted against, causing opposition’s protest. The proposal was based on the recommendations of the US administration. The document, which already approved by …
31/07/2003 - 22:05
Opposition Leader, British Envoy Discussed Elections
(Tbilisi, July 31, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Leader of the opposition National Movement party Mikheil Saakashvili met with British Ambassador to Georgia Deborah Barnes Jones on July 31.The issue of upcoming parliamentary elections in Georgia was discussed during the meeting. The British Ambassador expresses regret that the Parliament fails to adopt the draft election code, …
Burjanadze Says Pro-Presidential Factions Obstruct Baker’s Plan
(Tbilisi, July 31, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Georgian Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze blamed various forces, including pro-governmental factions, for the Parliament’s failure to adopt the new Election Code by second hearing on July 30.“I have done my best to put the draft code to voting. However, definite forces, including pro-governmental factions, are not willing to …
Strange Games in the Parliament
Pro-Governmental Factions Block the Baker PlanMPs fail to adopt a new Election Code, as 12-hour long heated debates in the Parliament ends without any result. Opposition claims the pro-Presidential faction in the alliance with the Revival and Industrialists try to hinder implementation of the Baker Plan on composition of the Central Election Commission (CEC) All …
Zhvania Blames Shevardnadze for Failure to Adopt Election Code
(Tbilisi, July 31, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Leader of the opposition United Democrats party Zurab Zhvania accused President Shevardnadze of hindering the voting over the new Election Code by second hearing.“After the President denied our proposal to hold talks, it became evident that Shevardnadze gave a go-ahead to the pro-governmental factions to reject already approved …
Georgian President, EU Envoy Pledge for Closer Ties
(Tbilisi, July 31, 2003, Civil Georgia) – During the meeting with the European Union’s Special Representative for the South Caucasus Heikki Talvitie on July 30, President Shevardnadze stressed Georgia’s interest in closer ties with the EU. According to the Georgian State Chancellery, Eduard Shevardnadze said that the country does its best to harmonize its legislation …
CSOs and Media Success
The draft law endangering freedom of speech will not be discussed On June 30, 2003 civil society leaders and mass media representatives met with Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze to discuss the draft law on “Changes and Amendments to the Criminal Code of Georgia” submitted by MP Revaz Arveladze, which toughens slander and libel clauses of …
Georgian Envoy’s Speech at the UN Security Council Session
Revaz Adamia, Georgia’s Permanent Representative to the UN delivered speech to the Security Council, which was held on July 30 beyond the closed doors regarding the situation in the Abkhazian conflict zone. Mr. President,First of all, I welcome this opportunity to address the Security Council’s debate on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia. Transparency in the …
Tbilisi Claims Sukhumi Harbors Terrorists
(Tbilisi, July 31, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Georgia’s representative to the UN Revaz Adamia said in his speech to the UN Security Council session on July 30 “Abkhaz separatist regime has already established itself as a safe haven for the criminals and terrorists.” “At least two of them, Gitsba and Tokjan – terrorists who have …
US Hands Over Equipment to Georgian Military Forces
(Tbilisi, July 31, 2003, Civil Georgia) – The Office of Defense Cooperation of the US Embassy in Georgia delivers on July 31 field equipment to the first-ever Georgian military deployment in support of coalition military operations in Iraq, the news release issued by the US Embassy in Georgia says. Georgian infantry, engineering and medical personnel …
Parliament Still Deadlocked Over Election Code
(Tbilisi, July 31, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Despite long and heated debates over the Election Code Parliamentary special session ended at 4:30 AM today without any particular decision. All night long from July 30 through July 31 Parliament debated over the Election Code, which was adopted by the first hearing on July 24.The opposition factions …
Security Council Extends UNOMIG’s Mandate
(Tbilisi, July 31, 2003, Civil Georgia) – The United Nations Security Council extended on July 30 the mandate of the UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) for another six months, until 31 January 2004 and endorsed Secretary General Kofi Annan’s recommendation to add a civilian police component to strengthen its capacity. The Council welcomed the …
OSCE Ready to Nominate CEC Chairman
(Tbilisi, July 30, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Gigi Tsereteli, Vice-Speaker of the Parliament and Chairman of the Parliament’s Inter-faction Group, met today with the representatives of the OSCE Mission in Georgia to discuss the issue of upcoming parliamentary elections. The OSCE is ready to nominate the Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC), as recommended …
30/07/2003 - 18:16
EU Envoy, Parliamentary Chairperson Discussed Elections
(Tbilisi, July 30, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Georgian Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze met today with EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Heikki Talvitie beyond the closed doors. The issues of preparation for the parliamentary elections scheduled for November 2 were discussed during the meeting. “Georgia is willing to hold fair elections and the European …
US Embassy Supports Electoral Reform
(Tbilisi, July 30, 2003, Civil Georgia) – The US reiterates its strong support to free and fair elections in Georgia, the news release issued by the US Embassy in Georgia on July 30 says. “Adoption by the Parliament of amendments to the Election Code, including reform of election commissions, is a necessary element of democratic …
MPs to Stop Discussion of Controversial Amendments to Criminal Code
(Tbilisi, July 30, 2003, Civil Georgia) – The representatives of non-governmental organizations and mass media met today with Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze to discuss the draft law submitted by MP Revaz Arveladze, which toughens slander and libel clauses of the criminal code. After the protest of the NGOs and mass media regarding the draft law …
Shevardnadze Calls Judges to Reject Suits Over Repayment of Pensions
(Tbilisi, July 30, 2003, Civil Georgia) – At the government’s session today President Shevardnadze warned the judges to reject any law suit against the authorities concerning the repayment of the pensioners’ debt. After the ten-day long hunger strike of the five MPs from the opposition National Movement party, demanding enforcement of the Samtredia and Kutaisi …
Government Prepared Draft on Budgetary Correction
(Tbilisi, July 30, 2003, Civil Georgia) – At the government session of July 30 the Georgian Finance Ministry submitted a draft on budgetary correction, which considers cutting of the budgetary expenditures by 91 million Lari (approximately USD 42,7 million). Later today the draft will be discussed at the meeting with State Minister Avtandil Jorbenadze and …
Parliament Starts Discussion of Election Code with Second Hearing
(Tbilisi, July 30, 2003, Civil Georgia) – The parliamentary session started today to discuss the Election Code with the second hearing. Yesterday the MPs failed to start discussion of the Election Code, since the opposition Revival faction and the pro-presidential factions Alliance for New Georgia and Socialists cast doubts over the legitimacy of the new …
Georgia Protests Against Russian, Abkhaz Ferry Traffic
(Tbilisi, July 30, 2003, Civil Georgia) – The Georgian Foreign Ministry delivered a protest note to the Russian Embassy in Georgia on July 29, urging Moscow to suppress illegal sea communication between Sochi and Sukhumi. Commander of the Georgian Border Guard Department Valeri Chkheidze said on July 29 that the Georgian coast guard service controls …
Pro-Presidential MPs Claim Election Code Approved with Violation
(Tbilisi, July 29, 2003, Civil Georgia) – At the parliamentary session on July 29 the opposition Revival faction and the pro-presidential factions Alliance for New Georgia and Socialists cast doubts over the legitimacy of the new election code adopted by the Parliament with the first hearing on July 24. They stated that the new election code …
29/07/2003 - 18:04
President, US Envoy Discussed GazProm Deal
(Tbilisi, July 29, 2003, Civil Georgia) – US Ambassador in Georgia Richard Miles met with Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze today. US ambassador said after the meeting that the deal between the GazProm and Georgia was discussed during the meeting; however he refrained to make any other detailed comment. Russian energy giant GazProm and Georgian government …
Abkhaz Side Refuses Grave Crime Situation in Region
(Tbilisi, July 29, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Head of the State Security Service of breakaway Abkhazia Givi Agrba dismissed Georgian authorities’ statement that the crime situation in Abkhazia is grave. Georgian Embassy to Russia issued a statement on July 17 urging the Russian citizens to avoid travelling in Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia because of …
Russia, Abkhazia Resume Sea Communication
(Tbilisi, July 29, 2003, Civil Georgia) – The first tourist boat in the last ten years set off from Sukhumi, the capital of Georgia’s breakaway province of Abkhazia, to a Russian city of Sochi on July 26. The Russian media sources reported representatives of the de facto Abkhaz government and different departments of Abkhazia were …
Freedom of Speech Under Attack
Civil society and media representatives appeal to the parliament chairperson saying the draft laws passed by the first hearing endangers the freedom of expression. The draft law toughens slander and libel clauses of the criminal code. Slander i.e. deliberate dissemination of the false information, insulting the dignity of the person, will be punished by fine …
Borjomi – Big Business and Nature
By Giga Chikhladze from Borjomi Borjomi – a small dusty town surrounded by mountains and split by a river Mtkvari. While approaching the town, one sees high mountains, covered by green co! at of pines, which look like toy trees from such distance. In old times this was a favorite place for rest and recreation …
Parliament to Continue Discussion of Election Code
(Tbilisi, July 29, 2003, Civil Georgia) – At the Parliamentary special session today MPs will continue discussion of the Election Code by second and third hearings. Parliament already approved the code by first hearing on July 24, taking into account the recommendations of the US administration.The Revival, Industrialists and the part of pro-Presidential Parliamentary factions, …
US, OSCE Assists Georgian Border Guards
(Tbilisi, July 29, 2003, Civil Georgia) – At the official ceremony today the US will hand over Georgian Border Guard Department equipment purchased with an OSCE-supported grant USD 800,000.The equipment includes vehicles, radios, boots, stretches, roll mats and batteries. Head of the OSCE Mission to Georgia, Ambassador Jean –Michael Lacombe, the US Ambassador Richard Miles …
Freedom of Speech Under Attack
Civil society and media represe! ntatives appeal to the parliament chairperson saying the draft laws passed by the first hearing endangers the freedom of expression.The draft law toughens slander and libel clauses of the criminal code. Slander i.e. deliberate dissemination of the false information, insulting the dignity of the person, will be punished by fine …
AES Posed to Pull Out, Russian Company Takes Over
Increased political and economic influence of the United States in Georgia is balanced by Russia! ’s tightening grip on country’s energy assets. An agreement on strategic cooperation between the Russian Gazprom and Georgia has already been signed, triggering fears that this energy company would receive control over Georgia’s gas distribution infrastructure. By another pending deal …
Shevardnadze Promises to Cover Pension Backlog
(Tbilisi, July 28, 2003, Civil Georgia) – “Government will pay debt to Samtredia and Kutaisi pensioners in the nearest days,” President Eduard Shevardnadze said in his Monday radio broadcast on July 28. In the wake of Presidential decree considering cover of the pension backlog, five MPs from the opposition National Movement party ceased the hunger …
28/07/2003 - 19:00
Public Figures Concerned Over Radicalism in Orthodox Church
(Tbilisi, July 28, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Open letter to the Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church Ilia II, signed by forty-two public figures, voices concern that the ties broken between the society and the Georgian Orthodox Church.The letter calls on the Patriarch Illia II to resist “the increased radicalism and xenophobia in the Orthodox …
President Pledges to Meet IMF Targets
(Tbilisi, July 28, 2003, Civil Georgia) – President Shevardnadze said in his Monday radio broadcast on July 28 that the country would fulfill its commitments before the International Monetary Fund.He said a special decree on implementation of the IMF recommendations, which consider correction of the budgetary targets in order to cover the gap, had already …
Shevardnadze Welcomes GazProm Deal
(Tbilisi, July 28, 2003, Civil Georgia) – President Shevardnadze hails the possible entry of the Russian energy giant GazProm to Georgia, saying the government has reached only a preliminary agreement and the details of the contract have not been defined yet. Russian energy giant GazProm and Georgian government signed an agreement on strategic cooperation for …
Shevardnadze Says AES to Leave Georgia
(Tbilisi, July 28, 2003, Civil Georgia) – President Shevardnadze said in his Monday radio broadcast on July 28 that the US company AES, which owns 75% of shares in Tbilisi electricity distributing company Telasi, would leave Georgia. “Unfortunately the company will leave Georgia. Due to the financial crisis, the company failed to fulfill a number …
President Hails Approval of Baker’s Plan
(Tbilisi, July 28, 2003, Civil Georgia) – President Shevardnadze thanked today the MPs for approval of the new election code with the first hearing on July 24, taking into account the recommendations of the US administration delivered in Georgia by the US former Secretary of State James Baker.“The new Election Code will be the basis …
MPs Give up Hunger Strike
(Tbilisi, July 28, 2003, Civil Georgia) – In the wake of Presidential decree considering cover of the pension backlog, five MPs from the opposition National Movement party ceased the hunger strike on July 27.In April district courts of Samtredia and Kutaisi ruled positively on local pensioners’ appeal, which sued the government for unpaid pensions for …
Page 678 of 765
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