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Putin, Shevardnadze Discussed Abkhazian Issue
(Tbilisi February 19, 2003. Civil Georgia) – During the phone conversation on February 18 between Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed situation in Abkhazian conflict zone. The Georgian State Chancellery (President?s administration) reported today that the Russian President emphasized importance of the Georgia?s decision to prolong Russian peacekeepers? mandate, deployed …
19/02/2003 - 15:09
NGOs Say Security Ministry’s Draft Law Threatens Civil Liberties
(Tbilisi February 19, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Non-governmental organizations express protest regarding the draft law elaborated by the Georgian State Security Ministry “On Suspension of Activities, Liquidation and Banning of the Extremist Organizations and the Organizations Under Foreign Control.” The statement of the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) issued on February 19 says that “the …
Security Ministry Threatens Civil Liberties
Controversial Draft Raises Grave Concerns on Government MotivationOn February 18, 2003, the Ministry of State Security circulated a draft law “On Suspension of Activities, Liquidation and Banning of the Extremist Organizations and the Organizations Under Foreign Control.” According to the initial evaluation by the independent legal experts from the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA), the …
Parliamentary Chairperson to Push Abkhaz Issue at OSCE
(Tbilisi February 19, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Georgian Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze left for Vienna on February 18 to participate at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.Burjanadze intends to raise the issue of Abkhazian conflict and Russo-Georgian relations at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Vice-speaker of the Georgian Parliament Vakhtang Kolbaia and MP Ada Marshania accompany Parliamentary Chairperson …
Security Employee Shot Dead in Tbilisi
(Tbilisi February 19, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Employee of the Tbilisi-based Abkhaz Security Ministry in exile Koba Jangiridze was shot dead in the suburb of Tbilisi on February 18.He was found dead in his car in Gldani-Nadzaladevi district of the capital city. The law enforcement agencies do not make any comment regarding the murder saying …
Kidnapped 12-year-old Boy Released
(Tbilisi February 18, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Reports say today Giorgi Sardanadze, 12, held in detention by the kidnappers for 6 days, was released. The law enforcers refrain to reveal the details of the release. Giorgi Sardanadze was abducted in Zestaponi, western Georgia on February 12, while returning from school. Sardanadzes family was blackmailed for …
18/02/2003 - 18:15
Russia not Aware of Granting Russian Citizenship in Abkhazia
(Tbilisi February 18, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Russian ambassador in Georgia Vladimir Chkhikvishvili said today at the meeting with the United Democrats Parliamentary faction that the Russian authorities have no information regarding the granting of the Russian citizenship to the population living in Georgia?s breakaway Abkhazia. Russian envoy said that Russia has already granted its …
State Minister Vows to Curb Religious Violence
(Tbilisi February 18, 2003. Civil Georgia) – At the meeting with the religious minorities held in Evangelical Baptist church in Tbilisi, Georgian State Minister Avtandil Jorbenadze ?in the name of President Shevardnadze apologized? for violent attacks against the religious minorities. ?We are concerned with the raids and attacks against the religious minorities and we are …
Azerbaijani, Georgian, Turkish Presidents to Discuss Gas Pipeline Project
(Tbilisi February 18, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Georgian President said on February 17 that he will hold talks with his Turkish and Azerbaijani counterparts regarding the construction of Baku-Tbilisi-Erserum gas pipeline. Georgian President said that the meeting will take place in the nearest future. The gas pipeline will deliver gas from Azerbaijan?s Shah Deniz field …
Tbilisi Aircraft Factory Looks for Private Management
One of the most successful and profitable Georgian enterprises the TbilAviaMsheni (TAM) is announcing a tender on transferring its management to a private company. TAM is the only Georgian company to have ISO 9001 Quality Management Certificate, recognizing the high quality of its production. The company is producing four modifications of the Su 25 battle …
Georgian Foreign Minister on Talks in Moscow
(Tbilisi February 18, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Georgian Foreign Minister Irakli Menagharishvili visits Russian capital Moscow on February 18-19. Before the departure Georgian Minister said that on February 18 he will meet his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov and hold talks regarding the bilateral relations between Georgia and Russia.On February 19 Irakli Menagharishvili will hold talks …
Russian Peacekeepers’ Mandate Prolonged
(Tbilisi February 17, 2003. Civil Georgia) – As anticipated Georgian authorities prolonged Russian peacekeepers’ mandate deployed in the Abkhazian conflict zone under the auspices of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The decision was taken at the meeting of the National Security Council late today. Last week US Department of State recommended Georgian authorities to prolong …
17/02/2003 - 22:51
Radioactive Source Lost from Vaziani Military Base
(Tbilisi February 17, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Reports say today that three containers of the radioactive source of cesium-137 were lost from the military base at Vaziani, near Tbilisi. The Georgian Defense Ministry as well as the Military Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the report. Cesium-137 contamination can cause serious illness or death and has been associated …
National Security Council Discusses Russian Peacekeepers’ Mandate
(Tbilisi February 17, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Georgian National Security Council meeting discusses the issue of the Russian peacekeepers’ mandate deployed in the Abkhazian conflict zone under the auspices of the Commonwealth of Independent States. At the briefing today President Shevardnadze said that the peacekeepers’ mandate, which expired in January, should be extended for another …
Georgia, Russia Renew Talks on Military Bases
(Tbilisi February 17, 2003. Civil Georgia) – On February 17-18 experts of the Georgian Foreign Ministry hold talks with the Russian counterparts in Moscow regarding the Russian military bases deployed in Georgia. The Georgian Foreign Ministry reports that the issue of the rent for use of the Georgian territory by the Russian military bases will …
Council of Europe Talks Tough with Georgia
Mátyás Eörsi (Hungary) and Evgeni Kirilov (Bulgaria), co-rapporteurs for the monitoring of Georgia at the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) paid fact-finding visit to Tbilisi on February 12-15. The PACE delegation, which monitors implementation of the commitments undertaken by the Georgian authorities in 1999, while joining the Council of Europe (CoE), gave Georgia …
Shevardnadze to Prolong Russian Peacekeepers’ Mandate
(Tbilisi February 16, 2003. Civil Georgia) – “Our friends recommend us to prolong Russian peacekeepers’ mandate [in Abkhazian conflict zone],” President Shevardnadze said at the government’s extended meeting on February 15. The US Department of State in its statement of February 13 supported to prolong peacekeepers’ mandate for another six months. The Georgian authorities posed …
16/02/2003 - 01:36
Militants in Pankisi Delivered Arms from Russian Military Bases, Breakaway Regions
(Tbilisi February 15, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Chechen and Arab militants, which were hiding in Pankisi gorge were armed with the weapons produced in Russia, Georgian State Security Minister Valeri Khaburdzania said at the government’s extended meeting on February 15.“Weapons like Igla surface-to-air missile were delivered to militants in Pankisi from breakaway Abkhazia and South …
15/02/2003 - 12:59
Opposition Leaders Interrogated on Alleged Coup Attempt
(Tbilisi February 15, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Chairman of Tbilisi City Council Mikheil Saakashvili, leader of the opposition National Movement will be interrogated today at the General Prosecutor’s Office regarding the alleged coup attempts against President Shevardnadze. Georgian President Shevardnadze ordered the General Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the source of rumors. According to the rumors …
CoE Calls Georgia to Fulfill Commitments Otherwise Threatens with Expelling
(Tbilisi February 15, 2003. Civil Georgia) – The issue of expelling Georgia from the Council of Europe might be raised at a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE), member of the PACE monitoring mission for Georgia M?ty?s E?rsi (Hungary) said at the news briefing on February 14.PACE two-member delegation paid fact-finding …
Explosion at IDPs Rally in Abkhaz Conflict Zone
(Tbilisi February 14, 2003. Civil Georgia) – A grenade, connected to the timer exploded today at the IDPs tent protesting against the Russian peacekeepers’ presence in Abkhazian conflict zone.Explosion caused no casualties as the organizers of the protest rally found the grenade earlier, but could not deactivate it, thus the area was evacuated. The protest …
14/02/2003 - 18:38
Shevardnadze Says Use of Georgian Military Bases by US not in Agenda
(Tbilisi February 14, 2003. Civil Georgia) – “Possibility of use of Georgian military airfields by the US in war against Iraq is not discussed between Georgia and US,” President Shevardnadze said at the government session on February 14.“This is very important issue and I could not decide it alone,” Shevardnadze said. He dismissed the rumors …
Saakashvili Called Shevardnadze for Resignation
(Tbilisi February 14, 2003. Civil Georgia) – At the government’s extended meeting today, in presence of President Shevardnadze, Tbilisi City Council – Sakrebulo Chairman Mikheil Saakashvili called President Shevardnadze to resign. Leader of the opposition National Movement Mikheil Saakashvili said that the only way to overcome economic problems and defeat corruption “is your [referring to …
Bush Says al Qaeda Leaders Plotted Against European States, Including Georgia
(Tbilisi February 14, 2003. Civil Georgia) – US President George W. Bush stated on February 13, while speaks at Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida that Saddam Hussein “harbors a senior al Qaeda leader who plotted against Spain and Italy in the Republic of Georgia, and Russia, and Great Britain, and France, and Germany.” On …
Jorbenadze Calls Society not to Pay Attention to Rumors on Alleged Coup Attempt
(Tbilisi February 14, 2003. Civil Georgia) – At the extended meeting of the government today State Minister Avtandil Jorbenadze called the population “not to pay much attention on statements made recently,” regarding the coup attempt plotted by Jorbenadze and some other high officials against President Shevardnadze.“I want to say, that President Shevardnadze has the most …
US for Extension of Peacekeepers’ Mandate, Calls Russia to Refrain from Unilateral Moves in Abkhazia
(Tbilisi February 14, 2003. Civil Georgia) – The United States supports extending the Commonwealth of Independent States Peacekeeping Force’s “mandate for another six-month period,” press statement of the US Department of State Spokesman Richard Boucher reads. “Like Georgia, the United States wants to see rapid progress towards political negotiations to resolve the conflict over the …
Russia Says Peacekeepers Attacked in West Georgia
(Tbilisi February 13, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Russian Peacekeepers’ checkpoint deployed in the Abkhazian conflict zone was fired at on February 13, causing no casualties, Russian media sources reported quoting headquarters of the peacekeeping forces.Georgian authorities could not confirm that fact of attack. On the same day in town of Zugdidi, western Georgia, near the …
13/02/2003 - 19:17
CoE Delegation Held Talks with MPs
(Tbilisi February 13, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Today delegation of the Council of Europe (CoE), which pays four-day fact-finding visit in Georgia, held meetings with the Parliamentary leadership and the representatives of the opposition Parliamentary factions.Members of the delegation, M?ty?s E?rsi (Hungary) and Evgeni Kirilov (Bulgaria) are the co-rapporteurs for the monitoring of Georgia, which …
Georgia Wants to Transmit Governing Shares of Aircraft Factory
(Tbilisi February 13, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Georgian Ministry of State Property Management announces tender on transmitting governing shares of the “TbilAviaMsheni,” or Aircraft Factory No 31.TbilAviaMsheni produces 4 modifications of Su 25 attack plane. The factory possesses a complete package of documentation and blueprints of the Su 25 aircraft. It is the only factory …
Independent Radio Silenced in Kutaisi
An independent radio station “Dzveli Qalaqi” (Old City) of Kutaisi suspended the broadcasting following the court decision. The court ruled in favor of citizens’ lawsuit, which argued the transmission antenna may adversely influence health of the nearby inhabitants. However, there are other reasons that may have induced the lawsuit and the court decision. Radio Old …
Georgian Security Chief Held Talks in Ukraine
(Tbilisi February 13, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Secretary of the Georgian National Security Council Tedo Japaridze met with the Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma in Kiev on February 12. Georgian State Chancellery reports that the issues of the bilateral cooperation and within the Commonwealth of Independent States were discussed during the meeting. Tedo Japaridze also held …
Shevardnadze Offered US to Use Georgian Air Fields?
(Tbilisi February 13, 2003. Civil Georgia) – BBC Russian service reported today quoting Pentagon official that Georgian President Shevardnadze offered US to use its military airfield in war against Iraq. According to the BBC Russian service Shevardnadze offered the US administration to deploy its air forces at Vaziani military base, near Georgian capital Tbilisi. The …
12-year-old Boy Abducted in Western Georgia
(Tbilisi February 13, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Giorgi Sabanidze, 12, was abducted in Zestaponi, western Georgia on February 12.The news broke after the Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze said at the Parliamentary session on February 12 that the kidnappers demand ransom. She called the Interior Minister to take all the measures to free boy. Sabanidzes family …
Sub-commission Starts Work on Election Reforms
(Tbilisi February 12, 2003. Civil Georgia) – The first meeting of the sub-commission on reforms of the election system held its first meeting today. Representatives of the NGOs, leading political parties, Interior and Justice Ministries participated in the work of the sub-commission. President’s Parliamentary Secretary Mariam Tsatsanashvili chairs a sub-commission. Creation of the new Central …
12/02/2003 - 18:56
A Race for the New Election Code
With so Many Proposals on the Table, Selection may Prove DifficultOn the eve of the upcoming Parliamentary elections, scheduled for October 2003, the issue of adopting a new election code tops the political agenda. On February 10, President Eduard Shevardnadze decreed to form a special sub-commission to reform the election system. “The new election code …
Minister Says Attack on New Rights Office Caused by the Disagreement within Party
(Tbilisi February 12, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Interior Minister Koba Narchemashvili reported today to the MPs regarding the investigation of violent attack against the opposition New Rights Party’s office in Tbilisi on February 3, when up to 20 armed men raided the opposition party’s headquarters.Opposition blames authorities in organization of the violent raid. Koba Narchemashvili …
Security Chief Vows to Restore Order in Pankisi
(Tbilisi February 12, 2003. Civil Georgia) – “Order in Pankisi gorge will be finally restored by all means,” Georgian State Security Minister Valeri Khaburdzania said at the Parliamentary session today.According to the State Security Ministry there are up to 60 persons wanted by the Georgian law enforcers. Georgian Security chief also said that tension in …
Security Minister Admits Presence of Illegal Armed Groups
(Tbilisi February 12, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Georgian State Security Minister Valeri Khaburdzania told the MPs at the Parliamentary session today that there are several illegal armed groups operating under the shadow of private detective firms.The Security Minister said that at the moment law enforcement agencies carry out inventory of this kind of groups. Khaburdzania …
CoE Delegation Evaluates Implementation of Georgia’s Commitments
(Tbilisi February 12, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Delegation of the Council of Europe (CoE) arrived in Tbilisi on February 12 to evaluate fulfillment of the commitments undertaken by the Georgian authorities in 1999 while joining the organization.Meeting with the Parliamentary Chairperson and other officials are scheduled during the visit. CoE delegation will also hold talks …
Residents of Mountainous Region form Unit to Protect Border with Russia
(Tbilisi February 12, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Georgian Ministry of Defense (MoD) forms the unit with the local population of Khevsureti region, near the Chechen and Ingush section of the Russian-Georgian border. Oath-taking ceremony is held today in Barisakho village of Khevsureti. MoD intends to reinforce the high mountainous section of the Georgian border with …
Russia Wants Additional Evidences on Anticipated Chechen Militants’ Incursion
(Tbilisi February 11, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Russian Border Guard Department requested from the Georgia to deliver additional information regarding the supposed Chechen warlord Ruslan Gelaev’s incursion into Georgia in spring. Georgian Border Guard Commander Valeri Chkheidze said recently that group of Chechen militants led by Gelaev will try to infiltrate Georgian territory from Russia. …
11/02/2003 - 18:15
Zurab Zhvania Speaks to the Readers of Civil Georgia
On January 16, 2003 leader of the United Democrats Zurab Zhvania met with Civil Georgia to respond to the key questions regarding his vision of Georgia’s national and international policy. The meeting took place only days after announcement of Zhvania and Mikheil Saakashvili regarding the creation of the broad opposition coalition in Georgia. Zhvania said …
A Coup for Who?
Stories of the “Velvet Coup” do not Seem to Hold WaterRecent stories on preparations of a velvet coup to unseat President Eduard Shevardnadze seem to be stirring the storm in a teacup. Tired with uncertainty and braced for the conspiracy theories, Georgians find it hard to tell the pre-election PR from the genuine news. But …
Abkhaz Government in Exile Accused in Backing Illegal Armed Group
(Tbilisi February 11, 2003. Civil Georgia) – At the Parliamentary session today MP Jemal Gogitidze of the Revival Union publicized top secret document, which says that members of the Jupiter organization are responsible for beating up MP Jemal Gamakharia of Revival Union last August.According to Gogitidze the document also reads that the Jupiter is formed …
Tbilisi would have Electricity, for the Time Being…
AES-Telasi and the Georgian Government Locked in DisagreementOn February 10 after the meeting of State Minister Avtandil Jorbenadze and general manager of the US-owned AES-Telasi company, which distributes electricity in capital city Tbilisi, Georgian government agreed to pay for the purchase of the natural gas needed for the power plant owned by AES-Telasi, to secure …
US, Georgia Signed Non-Extradition Pact
(Tbilisi February 11, 2003. Civil Georgia) – The United States and Georgia signed a non-extradition pact, promising not to turn over each others’ citizens to a third country or to an international tribunal.Stephen G. Rademaker, US Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control signed the agreement in Georgian Foreign Ministry on February 10. Stephen G. …
Turkish Foreign Minister’s Visit Postponed
(Tbilisi February 11, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Visit of the Turkish Foreign Minister Yaşar Yakış in Georgia scheduled for February 11-13 is postponed for unknown period. Georgian Foreign Ministry’s official told Civil Georgia today that the Georgian side has received a letter from the Turkish Foreign Ministry saying that the reason of the postponement of …
US Supports Georgia’s Efforts to Disband Russian Military Bases
(Tbilisi February 11, 2003. Civil Georgia) – US administration would facilitate Georgia’s efforts to close down Russian military bases deployed in Georgia, Stephen G. Rademaker, US Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control said on February 10 after the meeting with the Georgian President.According to the 1999 OSCE Istanbul treaty during the year 2000 Georgia …
“Georgia’s Key Security Concerns: Pankisi and Abkhazia”
A luncheon Discussion with Valeri Khaburdzania, Georgian Minister of State SecurityJanuary 30, 2003The Nixon Center, Washington, DCGeorgia had until September 11, 2001 denied that its lawless Pankisi Gorge, which is 40 km from Chechnya, had become a hiding place not only for Chechen fighters but also for extremist Islamist terrorists. In November 2001, Valeri Khaburdzania …
Special Commission to Work on Election Code
(Tbilisi February 10, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Georgian President issued a decree on creation of the special commission to work out the proposals on new Election Code.According to the Presidential decree representatives of the political parties, NGOs and executive government will compose the special commission.“Conduction of the fair and democratic Parliamentary elections [this autumn], should …
10/02/2003 - 21:48
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