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Hostage Crisis Goes On
Authorities Desperate to Release Abducted UN ObserversGeorgian authorities say they know abducted UN observers’ whereabouts and hold talks with the hostage-takers to secure UN personnel’s safe release. According to the unofficial reports on July 8, the fourth day of the UN observers’ abduction, the hostage-takers demanded USD 3 millions for the release of the hostages. …
10/06/2003 - 11:11
Authorities Talk with Kidnappers
(Tbilisi, June 10 2003, Civil Georgia) – Georgian authorities say they know abducted UN observers? whereabouts and hold talks with the hostage-takers to secure UN personnel?s safe release. According to the unofficial reports the hostage-takers demanded USD 3 millions for the release of the hostages. Georgian Special Forces hold kidnappers? alleged hideout under siege in …
Russian Delegation on Chechen Refugees Repatriation Visits Georgia
(Tbilisi, June 9 2003, Civil Georgia) – Russian delegation, led by the Deputy Minister for Emergency Situations Yuri Brazhnikov arrived today in Tbilisi to discuss with the Georgian authorities issue of repatriation Chechen refugees living in Georgia?s Pankisi gorge. ?We will discuss the humanitarian issues connected with the repatriation of the Chechen refugees,? Yuri Brazhnikov …
09/06/2003 - 18:55
Special Forces Hold Kidnappers’ Alleged Hideout under Siege in Kodori
(Tbilisi, June 9 2003, Civil Georgia) – Georgian Special Forces surrounded and blocked villages of Omarishari in Kodori gorge, where the kidnappers of the UN observers are thought to be hiding. According to the unofficial reports the special operation is planned; however there is no official confirmation of this report. Georgian President Shevardnadze and State …
Supporters of Defrocked Priest Held Protest Rally
(Tbilisi, June 9 2003, Civil Georgia) – Supporters of the Defrocked Orthodox priest Basil Mkalavishvili hold a protest rally in front of the Tbilisi district court demanding cancellation of the pre-trial detention warrant on Mkalavishvili.On June 4 the Vake-Saburtalo court sentenced Mkalavishvili to three month pre-trial detention. He faces charges of organized violence against Jehovah’s …
Government Posed to Yield to the US Pressure on GazProm Deal
Possible entry of Russian energy giant GazProm to the Georgian market concerns the United States, fearing the GazProm deal poses direct threat to the implementation of the US-led Shah-Deniz project, which is to carry Azeri gas to the western markets via Georgia and Turkey. Following the visit of the GazProm Executive Director Alexei Miller to …
Shevardnadze Denies Election’s Possible Delay
(Tbilisi, June 9 2003, Civil Georgia) – President Shevardnadze dismissed as groundless opposition’s statement that the government will try to postpone Parliamentary elections, scheduled for November 2 with declaring state of emergency in the country. In his Monday radiobroadcast Shevardnadze said that de did not justify the postponement of the parliamentary elections and the announcement …
Shevardnadze Calls for Saving Money in Banks
(Tbilisi, June 9 2003, Civil Georgia) – Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze hailed European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) activity in Georgia, saying the bank is implementing 28 investment programs in the country and is ready to allocate Euro 197m to fund these projects. Eduard Shevardnadze said in his Monday radiobroadcast on June 9, that …
Authorities Ready to Negotiate with UN Observers’ Kidnappers
(Tbilisi, June 9 2003, Civil Georgia) – President Shevardnadze said in his Monday radiobroadcast on June 9, “UN observers’ abduction is an alarming incident.”“We are ready to hold talks with the kidnapers to solve the problem and ensure observers’ harmless release,” Eduard Shevardnadze said.According to the unofficial reports kidnappers demand USD 3 million; however UN …
UN Observers’ Kidnappers Demand Ransom
(Tbilisi, June 9 2003, Civil Georgia) – Reports say kidnappers of the three UN observers and their interpreter demand USD 3 million for their release.According to the unofficial reports kidnappers demand USD 3 million; however UN Observers Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) makes no comment regarding the report. The Tbilisi-based Rustavi 2 TV channel said on …
President, Law Enforcers Discussed UN Observers’ Abduction Case
(Tbilisi, June 7 2003, Civil Georgia) – At a June 7 special session in the State Chancellery the leadership of the law-enforcement bodies and the National Security Council Secretary Tedo Japaridze discussed the abduction of the UN Observers Mission personnel in Kodori gorge of breakaway Abkhazia. “If they [hostage-takers] still stay in the gorge, they …
07/06/2003 - 15:54
MoD Special Forces Search for UN Observers
(Tbilisi, June 7 2003, Civil Georgia) – Late last night additional unit of the special forces of the Georgian Ministry of Defense were dispatched to Kodori gorge to search for abducted UN observers. ?Unfortunately there are no developments in this regard. Up to now we have no official confirmation where the hostages or hostage-takers are,? …
Parliamentary Chairperson Visits USA
(Tbilisi, June 7 2003, Civil Georgia) – Georgian Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze starts six-day official visit to the United States on June 7.According to the Parliamentary Chairperson?s secretariat meeting with the US Secretary of State Colin Powell is scheduled during the visit. ?During my visit I will thank the US officials for that great assistance …
Georgia Calls Russia to Avoid Unilateral Actions in the Kodori
(Tbilisi, June 6 2003, Civil Georgia) – At the June 5 meeting with the representatives of the Abkhaz side and the Russian peacekeeping forces in Gali district of breakaway Abkhazia, Georgian Special Affairs Minister Malkhaz Kakabadze called the Russian side to refrain from unilateral actions in Kodori gorge. After the abduction of the UN observers …
06/06/2003 - 16:54
US President’s Advisor, Georgian President Discussed GazProm Deal
(Tbilisi, June 6 2003, Civil Georgia) – US Presidential Senior advisor on Caspian energy issues Stephen Mann discussed with the Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze today cooperation in energy issues between Georgia and the US and implementation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzerum gas pipeline .At the briefing Steven Mann said that the issue of recent deal between Georgia …
Abkhaz Official Says Georgia Responsible for UN Observers’ Abduction
(Tbilisi, June 6 2003, Civil Georgia) – De facto Vice-President of the breakaway Abkhazia Valeri Arshba told Civil Georgia today “the abduction of the UN observers occurred in Kodori gorge, which is controlled by the Georgian authorities, thus Georgia is responsible for this incident.”“We have warned the Georgian side for many times that armed gangs …
UN Security Council Demands Immediate Release of Observers
(Tbilisi, June 6 2003, Civil Georgia) – The United Nations Security Council demanded on June 5 the immediate, unconditional release of four personnel from the UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) taken hostage earlier in the day by unknown armed group, the UN news centre reported. Two UN military observers, a paramedic and Georgian interpreter …
Abducted UN Observers are Unharmed
(Tbilisi, June 6 2003, Civil Georgia) – The UN spokesman Fred Eckhard told the reporter in New York that the UN observers abducted in Georgia?s breakaway region of Abkhazia are alive. ?They managed to report by radio that they were unharmed,? a UN spokesman said in New York.The incident occurred when a joint UN Mission …
Russia Concerned Over UN Observers’ Abduction
(Tbilisi, June 6 2003, Civil Georgia) – The Russian Foreign Ministry is concerned about the kidnapping of the UN observers in the Kodori gorge, breakaway Abkhazia. “We hope the Georgian government will do its best to release the hostages as soon as possible,” the Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement issue on June 5 reads. The statement …
MPs Refused to Hear State Minister’s Report over Ballot Fraud
(Tbilisi, June 6 2003, Civil Georgia) – At a Parliament’s plenary session on June 5 the pro-governmental factions refused to hear the report of State Minister Avtandil Jorbenadze over the ballot fraud during the 1999 Parliamentary elections. State Minister said in April that the 1999 Parliamentary elections were totally falsified. The opposition MPs demanded from …
Shevardnadze, Soros Confirm Mutual Respect
(Tbilisi, June 6 2003, Civil Georgia) – Georgian President?s press service reported that Eduard Shevardnadze and businessman and philanthropist George Soros held a telephone conversation on June 5 and confirmed their mutual respect.The phone conversation followed President Shevardnadze?s June 2 statement that ?one of the international organizations finance anti-governmental forces in Georgia that is interference …
Kidnapping of UN Observers a Painful Blow to the Georgian Authorities
Kidnapping of the UN observers in Kodori gorge in Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia increases fears in Tbilisi over anticipated destabilization in this troubled gorge. Three employees of the UN Observers Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) and one Georgian interpreter were abducted in Kodori gorge this morning, while patrolling the gorge.“The UN observers mission, which was …
05/06/2003 - 18:32
Government Reports Parliament on 2002 Budget Fulfillment
(Tbilisi, June 5 2003, Civil Georgia) – The Finance Minister Mirian Gogiashvili delivers to the Parliament report regarding fulfillment of the 2002 budget.The 2002 budget shortfall consisted up to 120 million Lari. However there were no critical statements heard after the Finance Minister report as the opposition boycotts Parliamentary sessions. This post is also available …
German, Danish UN Observers and Interpreter Abducted in Abkhazia
(Tbilisi, June 5 2003, Civil Georgia) – Tamaz Nadareishvili, Head of the Tbilisi-based Abkhaz government in exile says that two citizens of Germany, one citizen of Denmark and one Georgian interpreter are abducted today in Kodori gorge of Georgia?s breakaway Abkhazia. The group of UN observers? mission confirmed the report, however refrains from naming the …
Opposition Leaders Visit Western Georgia
(Tbilisi, June 5 2003, Civil Georgia) – After the June 3 mass protest in Tbilisi opposition leaders arrived in western Georgian city of Kutaisi on June 5 to hold meeting with their supporters. Zurab Zhvania of the United Democrats, Mikheil Saakashvili of the National Movement and Davit Gamkrelidze of the New Rights Party met with …
UN Observers Kidnapped in Abkhazia
(Tbilisi, June 5 2003, Civil Georgia) – Unknown armed group kidnapped four UN observers in Georgia?s breakaway region of Abkhazia this morning. The UN Observers Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) confirmed the report, however refrained from making any comments regarding the incident. ?8 member patrol was attacked this morning at the village of Gertvisi, in Kodori …
US President’s Advisor for Caspian Energy Issues Visits Tbilisi
(Tbilisi, June 5 2003, Civil Georgia) – U.S. Presidential Senior advisor on Caspian energy issues Steven Mann arrives in Tbilisi today on a two-day visit. He will meet Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze on June 6. Georgia?s participation in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and Baku-Tbilisi-Eresrum gas pipeline projects will be discussed during the talks with the …
CoE Calls Georgia to Speed up Election System Reform
(Tbilisi, June 4 2003, Civil Georgia) – The delegation of the Council of Europe, which pays fact-finding visit to Georgia to assess the state of Georgia’s honoring of the commitments of the CoE, told the reporters today that the Georgian authorities as well as the opposition should speed up reform of the election system.Member of …
04/06/2003 - 20:25
Provincial Authorities Hindered Opposition Rally
(Tbilisi, June 4 2003, Civil Georgia) – Reports say today that the National Movement opposition party was forced to retreat from Vani, western Georgia after the supporters of the local authorities blocked the way to the provincial center, where the opposition intended to hold a meeting. MP Koba Davitashvili of National Movement accused the local …
Burjanadze Says Government Makes No Compromise Over CEC
(Tbilisi, June 4 2003, Civil Georgia) – Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze told the reporters after the meeting with the delegation of the Council of Europe (CoE) today that the government makes no concessions over the rule of composition of the Central Election Commission (CEC).“The CEC should be composed on the parity basis with the representatives …
Chief of Turkish Gendarmerie Visits Tbilisi
(Tbilisi, June 4 2003, Civil Georgia) – The delegation of the Turkish Gendarmerie led by Commander-in-Chief Şener Eruygur arrived in Georgia today for two-day official visit. ?The visit aims to boost our links with the Turkish Gendarmerie and foster further cooperation, as well as to discuss the issues of possible cooperation with the relevant departments …
“Thank you for this beautiful day”
Tbilisi celebrates International Children’s Day “Thank you for this beautiful day”-were the most frequently heard words in Avlabari children’s house on June 1, 2003, where Tbilisi YMCA arranged the celebration of International Children’s Day. “The House of Future” (Avlabari children’s house) is home to more than 55 kids aged from 6 to 18 suffering from …
Shevardnadze Demands Order
(Tbilisi, June 4 2003, Civil Georgia) – President Shevardnadze speaking at the government?s session today said that the emergency meeting of the government should be convened to work out ?the special measures to secure order in the country.?Shevardnadze commented regarding the June 3 protest rally in front of the Parliament organized by the opposition parties, …
Opposition Boycotts Parliamentary Session
(Tbilisi, June 4 2003, Civil Georgia) – The opposition Parliamentary factions refuse to attend the Parliamentary session, as they claim ?there is no reason to participate in the session any more.? Opposition leaders say that the pro-governmental Parliamentary factions refuse to make any concessions over the composition of the Central Election Commission. This post is …
Opposition, Pro-Governmental Faction Fail to Narrow Gap on CEC
(Tbilisi, June 4 2003, Civil Georgia) – Despite the agreement between the opposition and pro-governmental Parliamentary factions to discuss the issue of disbanding the Central Election Commission (CEC) in the evening on June 3, the sides failed to start discussion of the issue at the Parliamentary session.The consultations between the opposition and the pro-governmental factions …
Burjanadze Slams Pro-governmental Factions, Backs Opposition
(Tbilisi, June 3 2003, Civil Georgia) Speaking at Rustavi 2 news program, parliamentary chairperson Nino Burjanadze said the “parliament proved deaf to people’s demands.” She said pro-governmental factions showed “foolish stubborness” blocking consensus on electoral administration against the background of public protests.Nino Burjanadze said she can not identify with pro-governmenal forces that showed complete disregard …
03/06/2003 - 23:18
Opposition Demands President’s Resignation
(Tbilisi, June 3 2003, Civil Georgia) As the parliament fails to send the Central Electoral Commission into resignation, the rallies outside the house take up the slogans calling for resignation of President Eduard Shevardnadze.“From this moment on, the only demand of these rallies is for President Eduard Shevardnadze to resign” said leader of United Democrats …
CEC Chairman Resigns
(Tbilisi, June 3, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Reports say today that the Chairman of the Central Election Commission Jumber Lominadze resigned.At the special Parliamentary session today the opposition factions demand to vote for disbanding of the Central Election Commission. “After Jumber Lominadze’s decision another members of the CEC also resigned, that is why we should …
Part of CEC Members File Resignation, Still No Political Compromise
Chairman of the Central Election Commission Jumber Lominadze and other 9 members of the commission out of 19 filed for resignation today, as couple of thousand people gathered in front of the Parliament demanding for the current CEC to disband. In the CEC remain only the supporters of governmental election bloc. In the wake of …
Opposition Hits the Streets
Despite of the rainy day in Tbilisi more than two thousand people gathered in front of the Parliament today, demanding from the government conduction of the fair and democratic elections. “Enough Ballot Forge” – this is the main slogan of the protest rally.The United Democrats, New Rights, National Movement, People’s Party and Traditionalists opposition parties …
Burjanadze Vows to Foster Election System Reform
(Tbilisi, June 3, 2003, Civil Georgia) – “I regret that you have had to come hear to declare your position, since the Parliament failed to amend the Election Code,” Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze said, addressing the participants of the protest rally in front of the Parliament building today.“I will do my best to ensure that …
Protest Rallies in Regions
(Tbilisi, June 3, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Protest rallies are held in deferent towns of Georgia supporting the peace manifestation in Tbilisi.?The protests are held in Zugdidi, Sagarejo, Gurjaani, Marneuli and Kutaisi,? Zurab Zhvania, leader of the United Democrats told the people gathered in front of the Parliament in Tbilisi.The couple of hundred protesters arrived …
Part of CEC Members File Resignation, Still No Political Compromise
Chairman of the Central Election Commission Jumber Lominadze and other 9 members of the commission out of 19 filed for resignation today, as couple of thousand people gathered in front of the Parliament demanding for the current CEC to disband. In the CEC remain only the supporters of governmental election bloc. In the wake of …
CoE Delegation Visits Georgia
(Tbilisi, June 3, 2003, Civil Georgia) – The Council of Europe (CoE) co-rapporteurs for the monitoring of Georgia Matyas Eorsi (Hungary) and Evgeni Kirilov (Bulgaria) pay fourth fact-finding visit to Georgia. The visit aims at assessing the state of Georgia’s honoring of the commitments of the CoE undertaken by Georgia while joining the organization in …
Parliament to Vote on Disbanding of CEC
The pro-governmental Parliamentary factions agreed to discuss the issue of disbanding the existing Central Election Commission in the evening.Before that the Parliamentary factions will hold consultation on the issue. The opposition’s draft considers composition of the new CEC with the representatives of the political parties. At the same time the members of the acting CEC …
Pro-Governmental Faction Offer Consultations to Overcome Deadlock
(Tbilisi, June 3, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Pro-governmental factions offer opposition to hold consultation regarding the Central Election Commission (CEC).Opposition Parliamentary factions demand to vote regarding disbanding of the existing CEC and rejects to hold consultations.Last week the pro-governmental faction voted against disbanding of the CEC. Opposition says that the consultations were held on June …
CEC Chairman Resigns
(Tbilisi, June 3, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Reports say today that the Chairman of the Central Election Commission Jumber Lominadze resigned.At the special Parliamentary session today the opposition factions demand to vote for disbanding of the Central Election Commission. “After Jumber Lominadze’s decision another members of the CEC also resigned, that is why we should …
Opposition Hits the Streets
Despite of the rainy day in Tbilisi more than two thousand people gathered in front of the Parliament today, demanding from the government conduction of the fair and democratic elections. “Enough Ballot Forge” – this is the main slogan of the protest rally.The United Democrats, New Rights, National Movement, People’s Party and Traditionalists opposition parties …
Politics Tense as Opposition Rallies
After the failed talks with the State Minister Avtandil Jorbenadze over the composition of the Central Election Commission (CEC) on June 2, opposition leaders hold a mass protest rally in downtown Tbilisi in front of the Parliament on June 3. On June 2 President Shevardnadze called the street protests “an attempt to create a guided …
Talks on Election Code Collapse, Protests Pending
22:45 Tbilisi, June 2 2003 Civil Georgia The reports came in that the talks between the opposition and pro-governmental political alliance have collapsed. Opposition plans to hold mass protest rallies starting 11am tomorrow June 3. Opposition and pro-governmental politicians were reported to near consensus on composition of the election commission at 21:30 today, as the …
Page 683 of 763
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