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EU awards Ukraine and Moldova candidate status
By Jessica Parker, Joe Inwood & Steve Rosenberg
In Brussels, Kyiv and Moscow
Published
42 minutes ago
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Russia-Ukraine war
Ukrainians celebrating in Brussels
IMAGE SOURCE,COURTESY OF PROMOTE UKRAINE
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Ukrainians waited outside the EU summit building for the leaders to decide on their country's status
Ukraine and Moldova have both been granted EU candidate status, President of the European Council Charles Michel has announced.
"Today marks a crucial step on your path towards the EU," Mr Michel said, describing the European Council's decision as a "historic moment".
Ukraine applied days after the Russian invasion in February, and the process moved at a record speed.
Its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, hailed Thursday's decision.
"It's a unique and historical moment in UA[Ukraine]-EU relations..." he tweeted. "Ukraine's future is within the EU."
The mayor of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, former boxer Vitali Klitschko, paid an emotional tribute to his fellow citizens resisting the invasion.
"We paid a very high price for this chance," he wrote on Telegram. "Yes, we still have a lot to do on the way to the European family.
"But I am sure that Ukraine will do everything necessary, fulfil all the conditions and pass the necessary laws. Because otherwise our state has no future. Indeed, our best defenders are dying for it."
Candidate status is the first official step towards EU membership. But it can take many years to join and there's no guarantee of success.
'Why should we wait?'
The European Commission president said the assessment process would be "merit-based" and "by the book". The Commission is due to take stock at the end of 2022.
The step is undoubtedly be a big moment for Ukraine, and a popular one.
While Moldova's application was accepted, a third former Soviet state, Georgia, has still to qualify for candidacy.
Mr Michel said that the Council recognised the country's "European perspective" and was "ready to grant candidate status once the outstanding priorities are addressed".
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili tweeted that her country was "ready to work with determination over the next months to reach the candidate status".
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said all three countries were "part of our European family".
"This decision strengthens us all," she tweeted.
"It strengthens Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, in the face of Russian imperialism. And it strengthens the EU. Because it shows once again to the world that we are united and strong in the face of external threats."
President Zelensky spoke of his country's desire for candidate status in almost every speech over the past week. He knows that starting down the path of EU membership will permanently shift Ukraine out of Russia's sphere of influence.
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Part 2
Four EU leaders travelled to Kyiv last Thursday to give their blessing to Ukraine's bid for candidacy
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda told reporters the EU's political backing was very important for Ukrainians: "This is the least we can provide for them."
Outside the summit building, activist Anna Melenchuk from Kyiv told the BBC: "People I know are dying every day at the hands of Russian soldiers. This is why it's so important to have the European Union's support."
It was pro-EU protests that ousted Ukraine's Russia-backed President Viktor Yanukovych in February 2014.
That event in turn led to the annexation of Crimea and the separatist uprisings, the events that Ukrainians see as the start of the current war.
How will Russia react?
The Kremlin knew this was on the cards and has already been acting as if it's no big deal.
Last week in St Petersburg, President Vladimir Putin claimed he had "nothing against" Ukraine's possible membership of the European Union: "It's their sovereign decision to join economic unions or not."
He said it, but did he mean it? It is hard to believe Russia's president would sit back and watch the country he invaded join the European Union.
How might Russia react if Ukraine joins the EU?
President Putin once described Russians and Ukrainians as "one people, a single whole" and views Ukraine as a territory that, historically, belongs to Russia. The Russian invasion is widely seen as his attempt to force Ukraine back into Moscow's orbit, and he shows no sign of ending the offensive.
EU candidate status for Ukraine sends a strong message to Moscow: that neither Kyiv nor Brussels accepts the Putin vision of a new European order.
But he will be aware that the road from candidate status to EU member is a long one. Along the way Ukraine will face plenty of hurdles - quite likely many put there by Russia.
Balkan frustration
The long process of joining the EU frustrated Western Balkan leaders at a separate Brussels summit on Thursday.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama warned Kyiv to be under no illusions: "North Macedonia is a candidate [for] 17 years if I have not lost count, Albania eight, so welcome to Ukraine."
North Macedonian Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski expressed his "dissatisfaction" at the lack of progress in their own bids to join the EU.
Bulgaria is effectively blocking North Macedonia and Albania's membership bids while other countries have yet to make the necessary reforms.
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Part 3
Georgians took part in a "March for Europe" on Monday night, but the Commission said Georgia was not ready for candidate status
Some EU diplomats have previously voiced concerns that giving Ukraine candidate status could offer false hope.
French President Emmanuel Macron said in May that the prospect of membership was decades away and the Nato secretary general has warned the conflict could last years.
"We do not accept the idea of the queue," Ukraine's EU envoy told the BBC, pointing to work carried out since the EU and Ukraine signed an association agreement in 2014.
Macron plan for broader EU community
As well as deciding on candidate status, EU leaders were also due to discuss food security in light of Russia's blockade of Ukrainian ports, condemned by the EU's foreign policy chief this week as a war crime.
They were also considering President Macron's proposal for a wider "European Political Community", to include countries waiting to join the EU or even those that have left, which would currently just include the UK.
Although a number of EU diplomats have rejected the idea as half-baked, the Ukrainian ambassador did not dismiss the idea out of hand. UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has said her preference would be to build on existing structures such as the G7 and Nato.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-61891467
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23.06.2022 / 13:24AA
Transparency International Georgia - The Georgian government often uses misinterpretations of international rankings to hide real problems in the country.
Transparency International Georgia - The Georgian government often uses misinterpretations of international rankings to hide real problems in the country.
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Speaking in parliament on June 22, Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili said that Georgia was one of the leading countries in the fight against corruption. The Georgian government often uses misinterpretations of international rankings to hide real problems in the country, Transparency International-Georgia said in a statement.
According to the organization, "the influence of Bidzina Ivanishvili , the founder of the ruling party, fits into the definition of state seizure of key institutions, despite the fact that Ivanishvili formally left politics."
"The Prime Minister was checking the data of the Transparency International Perception Index (CPI) for 2021 this time as well. He said that according to the CPI, Georgia was in the 51st place in 2012 and in the 45th place in 2021, however, he did not mention that the main determinant is the score obtained in the index.
In the case of Georgia, the score has not improved significantly since 2012 - in 2012 the country had 52 out of 100 points, and after 9 years, in 2021 it has 55, which indicates the stagnation of anti-corruption reforms in the country. 55 points is the average. For example, the scores of the 10 countries with the best results exceed 80. He said that Georgia is the undisputed leader in the Association Trio compared to Ukraine and Moldova. According to the CPI, Georgia really has a better result, which is largely due to the low level of petty bribery. However, successful anti-bribery reforms were carried out 18 years ago and can not be considered as the achievement of the current government. The CPI scores indicate that similar ambitious reforms have not been implemented in the last 9 years. However, unlike Moldova and Ukraine,
Transparency International started talking about the worst manifestation of corruption in Georgia - the seizure of the state in 2019, when the seizure of the state was named as one of the reasons for the democratic setback in the country.
Analyzing the results of the 2021 CPI, Transparency International said: "The influence of the ruling party's founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili , fits into the definition of state seizure of key institutions, even though Ivanishvili formally left politics. "His party, the Georgian Dream, has in recent years finally seized control of the judiciary and law enforcement, effectively halting the political momentum needed to fight corruption," Transparency International said in a statement.
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Part 2
Read more about the 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index https://bit.ly/3xNSqhM
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/716537-saertashoriso-gamchvirvaloba-sakartvelo-sakartvelos-mtavroba-xshirad-iqenebs-saertashoriso-reitingebis-arascor-in
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23.06.2022 / 00:54AA
Carl Bildt - this guy, I'm talking about the Prime Minister of Georgia, is no longer subject to rehabilitation - derailed
Carl Bildt - this guy, I'm talking about the Prime Minister of Georgia, is no longer subject to rehabilitation - derailed
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Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt says Irakli Gharibashvili has "derailed".
Bildt shares Irakli Gharibashvili 's statement on Twitter, where the Georgian Prime Minister says that "Carl Bildt's wife's company has taken millions from the budget during the National Movement, and today it is coming out and teaching us."
"This boy - I am talking about the Prime Minister of Georgia - is no longer subject to rehabilitation. Speaking in Parliament, accusing my wife of stealing millions from Georgia shows that she derailed. "It is a tragedy for a very good country," Bildt wrote.
For information, according to the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili , Carl Bildt has taken millions from the budget during the rule of the "National Movement". As the Prime Minister mentioned in his speech in the Parliament, he knows the identities of the lobbyists bribed from the budget. Gharibashvili named former Swedish Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Carl Bildt as one of them.
"I have the names of lobbyists bought from the budget. Most will tell you everything. From the budget you paid millions to Carl Bildt for example. The company of Carl Bildt's wife has lost millions during your rule, comes out today and teaches us. Give it to me now today. Start writing now. "Give it to me," Gharibashvili said.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/716479-karl-bildti-es-bichi-vsaubrob-sakartvelos-premier-ministrze-reabilitacias-agar-ekvemdebareba-relsebidan-gavida
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The EU, Uncle Sam and the UK, have finally woken up to the shenanigan's of the GD, under the control of BI. IMHO due to the contest over the pond occurring at the same time as the Georgian elections, they took their eyes of the ball, allowing the GD to unfairly win. IMHO when the GD finally lose power, FRR will get an extension of the PSA and the SM's will arrive. IMHO the noise from the court cases , that have allowed the can to be kicked down the road, will then fade away.
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What is FRR PSA and SM ? between the lines I assume it means Russia direct rule.
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Product sharing agreement and super majors. When the PSA is extended, the SM's will takeover FRR and supply gas to the EU. ATM this is not happening as the GD is controlled by BI, a Russian oligarch.
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Society demands the resignation of the Georrgian PM
24.06.2022 / 22:34AA
The action "Home to Europe!" Ended on Rustaveli Avenue
The action "Home to Europe!" Ended on Rustaveli Avenue. The organizers of the rally named several demands - civil society demands the resignation of Irakli Gharibashvili and the formation of a government of national consent, for which the government is given a 1-week deadline.
According to Shota Digmelashvili, one of the leaders of the movement "Shame", the organizers of the rally will arrive in the regions until July 3, where they will gather citizens.
At the same time, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and the Chairman of the Parliamentary Faction of the Ruling Party of Ukraine "People's Servant" Davit Arakhamia addressed the protesters via video address.
The next rally in front of the Parliament will be held on July 3, at 20:00.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/716823-rustavelis-gamzirze-akcia-shin-evropisken-dasrulda
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Georgian President to veto all bills and laws
26.06.2022 / 13:05AA
Nino Tsilosani - The President said that he will be in a state of political controversy by the end of the year and will veto all bills or laws, which is not a constructive step in achieving the goal of depolarization
Nino Tsilosani - The President said that he will be in a state of political controversy by the end of the year and will veto all bills or laws, which is not a constructive step in achieving the goal of depolarization
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According to the MP of the parliamentary majority, Nino Tsilosani , the demand for the resignation of the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili has no grounds.
He said the demand for the resignation of the Prime Minister serves to deepen polarization and serve radical purposes, which has no justification.
According to Nino Tsilosani , depolarization cannot be done unilaterally and all parties involved must participate in it.
"During these rallies, if our radical opposition, or its affiliated organizations, fully withdraw their supporters, it will not change the fact that the ruling team has more supporters across the country. "It is our obligation to implement the recommendations given to the state, and despite these actions, of course, we have started working on all this and as before, every year and gradually approaching the EU, we will continue this process until the end of the year," - said Nino Tsilosani .
The MP also spoke about the veto of the draft law on conducting covert investigative actions by the President of Georgia and said that the President's decision is not a constructive step in the process of achieving the goal of depolarization.
"In principle, the president said in his own statement that because he could not legally justify the veto, he gave it all a political overtone. He also said that by the end of the year he will be in a state of political controversy and will veto all bills or laws, which in itself is not a constructive step in achieving the goal of depolarization, "- said Tsilosani.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/716909-nino-cilosani-prezidentma-ganacxada-rom-clis-bolomde-politikuri-dapirispirebis-rezhimshi-ikneba-da-qvela-kano
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Bidzina Ivanishvili Sanctions
28.06.2022 / 23:03AA
Viktor Kipiani on Bidzina Ivanishvili - When a person is restricted from accessing and disposing of his assets, these are unspoken, factual sanctions
Viktor Kipiani on Bidzina Ivanishvili - When a person is restricted from accessing and disposing of his assets, these are unspoken, factual sanctions
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According to Victor Kipiani, the lawyer of ex -premier Bidzina Ivanishvili , the chairman of the analytical center "GeoCase", the problem with the transfer of money to Bidzina Ivanishvili has been partially solved .
As he noted in the "Political Space" program on "Palitranius", when Ivanishvili is restricted from accessing and disposing of his assets, this can be considered a de facto sanction.
"Partially resolved, partly continues. In one of the broadcasts, I used such a set of words, I said actual sanctions, and I proved this by the fact that when a person is restricted from accessing and disposing of his assets, these are unspoken, factual sanctions. This accurately reflects the condition in which he finds himself today. I think we can limit ourselves to this answer to this dispute, "Kipiani said.
According to him, a difficult and complex dispute is going on with the participation of a Georgian citizen, Bidzina Ivanishvili , which can be celebrated by the law.
"When our fellow citizens are caught up in such a global, financial institution, perhaps this fact itself leads to more solidarity and more compassion on our part, because for the first time a precedent can be set when the law is celebrated and the creator of this law is our fellow citizen and member of our society." ", - said Kipiani.
According to the lawyer, he has no reason to believe that Bidzina Ivanishvili is an obstacle for Georgia on its way to European integration.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/717298-viktor-qipiani-bizina-ivanishvilze-rodesac-adamians-ezgudeba-sakutar-aktivebze-cvdoma-da-gankargva-es-aris-gan
European Parliament demands to impose sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili
????????: https://www.eng.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/60388/
© ?????????? ????
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Renewable energy and energy security
29.06.2022 / 15:01AALevan Davitashvili - Georgian legislation will be in line with European directives, which will define more liberal and transparent market relations in the energy sector.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/717396-levan-davitashvili-kartuli-kanonmdebloba-evrodirektivebtan-shesabamisobashi-ikneba-rac-energetikul-sektorshi-upro-liberalur-da-transparantul-sabazro-urtiertobebs-gansazgvravs
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Georgian Dream MP's encouraged to leave the party
29.06.2022 / 11:57AA
Giorgi Vashadze - I call on other members of parliament to leave the "Georgian Dream" until the anti-Western water is poured on you personally
Giorgi Vashadze - I call on other members of parliament to leave the "Georgian Dream" until the anti-Western water is poured on you personally
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According to Giorgi Vashadze , the leader of Strategy Builder, the departure of three MPs from the Georgian Dream is a demonstration of the weakness of the ruling party.
As Vashadze stated, "Georgian Dream" sees that the end of the oligarchic regime is approaching and some non-standard steps must be taken.
"The oligarchic regime is very afraid of the situation in the country. Nobody thinks that these 3 people will become the main apologist of European integration in Georgia. The main issue is that the "Georgian Dream" is well aware that the end of their oligarchic regime is approaching and they have to take some non-standard steps.
"I urge other members of parliament who still represent the Georgian Dream to leave the Georgian Dream until the anti-Western water is poured out on you personally - it is important that you do this very soon," Giorgi Vashadze said .
For reference, Sozar Subari , Mikheil Kavelashvili and Dimitri Khundadze left "Georgian Dream". The decision was made by the chairman of the Georgian Dream faction, the party's executive secretary, Mamuka Mdinaradze , after the majority session. According to him, the deputies believe that the so-called More information about political facts and events should be disseminated from behind the scenes, and a free parliamentary mandate is needed to voice this, as it may create inconveniences within the team.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/717349-giorgi-vashaze-parlamentis-sxva-cevrebsac-movucodeb-datovet-kartuli-ocneba-vidre-antidasavluri-cqali-ar-gadmog
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Early Elections?
When Giorgi Gakharia resigned as PM and other's followed him, the GD's majority fell from 90/150 to 84/150. Now they are down to 81 seats and another 6 leaving could result in them losing their majority.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgian_Dream
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The clock is ticking
29.06.2022 / 14:06AA
Carl Hartzel - Now is the time for concerted action to ensure that the opportunities that are open to your country are not missed.
Carl Hartzel - Now is the time for concerted action to ensure that the opportunities that are open to your country are not missed.
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"The decision on Georgia is less favorable than in Ukraine and Moldova, which underscores the fact that now is the time for concerted action to ensure that the opportunities that have opened up for your country are not missed," EU Ambassador Carl Hartzel said in a video on social media. .
According to him, all EU member states agree that Georgia will become a member of the EU.
"A few days ago, Georgia received a European perspective, which means that all EU member states agree that one day Georgia will become a member of the EU. This is a truly historic moment. "At the same time, the decision on Georgia is less favorable than in Ukraine and Moldova, which underscores the fact that now is the time for concerted action to ensure that the opportunities that are open to your country are not missed," said Karl Hartzel.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/717381-karl-harceli-axla-shetanxmebuli-mokmedebebis-droa-rom-is-shesazleblobebi-romlebic-tkveni-kveqnistvis-gaixs
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Alt-Info
"I do not rule out the formation of a new political force around the trio - a radical part of the" Georgian Dream ""
2022, June 29, 10:31
' According to some, the Subari-Kavelashvili-Khundadze group will become the bearer of exactly the black content that Alt-Info is doing outside the parliament. Their goal will be to "expose" Europe more to the "Georgian Dream", Without any self-censorship.'
https://kvirispalitra.ge/article/94073-ar-gamovricxav-sameulis-garshemo-axali-politikuri-zala-chamoqalibdes-kartuli-ocnebis-radikaluri-nacili/
27.06.2022 / 15:06AA
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched an investigation into the fact of threatening opinions expressed by Alt-Info on the social network
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/717028-shss-m-alt-inpos-mier-socialur-kselshi-gamotkmuli-mukarisshemcveli-mosazrebebis-paktze-gamozieba-daicqo
Posts: 5,401
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Georgia's friends are in the US and EU
30.06.2022 / 14:08AA
Kelly Degnan - Your friends are in the US and Europe - Russia occupies 20% of Georgia's territory, Russia is the one trying to kill your language, the one who has insulted your churches
Kelly Degnan - Your friends are in the US and Europe - Russia occupies 20% of Georgia's territory, Russia is the one trying to kill your language, the one who has insulted your churches
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The United States and Europe are doing everything we can to help Georgia on its path to Euro-Atlantic integration, and we will continue to do so. "I think it is very important for Georgians to remember that Russia occupies 20% of Georgia's territory. Russia is the one trying to kill your language, Russia is the one who insulted your churches by using them as animal shelters," said US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan. .
According to him, Georgia's friends are in the United States and Europe.
"If there are any questions about what Russia's friendship means to Georgia, then you just have to look at the administrative border to see it. Your friends are in the United States and Europe. "This is the path to peace, stability and prosperity in Georgia," the ambassador said.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/717540-keli-degnani-tkveni-megobrebi-ashsh-sa-da-evropashi-arian-rusets-sakartvelos-teritoriis-20-akvs-okupirebuli-rusetia
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The US and EU is the path to peace, stability and prosperity
30.06.2022 / 13:46AA
Kelly Degnan - I want to make it clear that the United States is not trying to involve Georgia in Russia's war against Ukraine
Kelly Degnan - I want to make it clear that the United States is not trying to involve Georgia in Russia's war against Ukraine
twitter
I want to respond to a non-serious narrative that seems to be directly from the Russian Federal Security Service's disinformation guide. I want to make it clear that the United States is not trying to involve Georgia in Russia's war against Ukraine. The United States does not want to spread this war anywhere, the United States is doing everything possible to stop this war as soon as possible, - said the US Ambassador to Georgia, Kelly Degnan.
He said that this brutal and aggressive war was started by Putin and he can stop it.
"The United States and Europe are doing everything we can to help Georgia on its path to Euro-Atlantic integration, and we will continue to do so. I think it is very important for Georgians to remember that 20% of the territory of Georgia is occupied by Russia, Russia is the one who is trying to kill your language, it is Russia that has insulted your churches by using animals as stalls.
If there are any questions about what Russia's friendship means to Georgia, then you just have to look at the administrative border to see it. Your friends are in the US and Europe. "This is the path to peace, stability and prosperity in Georgia," the ambassador said.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/717539-keli-degnani-minda-garkvevit-ganvacxado-ashsh-ar-cdilobs-sakartvelos-chatrevas-ukrainis-cinaagmdeg-rusetis-oms
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Georgia's reforms for EU status, benefits path to NATO
30.06.2022 / 13:19AA
Kelly Degnan - a job that promotes EU candidate status will also benefit Georgia's NATO membership process
Kelly Degnan - a job that promotes EU candidate status will also benefit Georgia's NATO membership process
twitter
I think the Madrid summit was also an opportunity for Georgia to become more active around the steps it needs to take. Many of them are the same reforms that Georgia is being called upon to pursue as a candidate for EU membership. "So the work that goes into getting EU candidate status will also benefit Georgia's NATO membership process, because it's the same kind of political and democratic reform," said Kelly Degnan, the US ambassador to Georgia.
According to him, Georgia is a strong partner of NATO and this was shown by the presence of a high-level Georgian delegation at the summit.
"It is important to remember that NATO is a military-political alliance, which means that both its military and political standards must be met.
"The United States and other allies are ready to help Georgia make progress on its path to membership," the ambassador said.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/717532-keli-degnani-samushao-romlis-shesruleba-evrokavshiris-cevrobis-kandidatis-statusis-migebas-ucqobs-xels-aseve-sa
Posts: 6,250
27.07.2022 / 16:01AA
Giorgi Gakharia - Ivanishvili's letter is another confirmation that he is behind the ongoing anti-Western propaganda.
All this shows how a person can fall and destroy the myth of his own benevolence, leaving Georgia in isolation and completely alone in the face of the occupying force, - former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia writes on Twitter, responding to the letter of Bidzina Ivanishvili , the founder of Georgian Dream. .
According to him, Bidzina Ivanishvili is trading Georgia's European future due to personal interests.
"Ivanishvili's letter is another confirmation that he is the one behind the current anti-Western propaganda and is trading Georgia's European future for personal interests. All this shows how a person can fall and destroy the myth of his own benevolence, leaving Georgia in isolation and completely alone in the face of the occupying force," Gakharia wrote.
As a reminder, former Prime Minister of Georgia, founder of "Georgian Dream" Bidzina Ivanishvili issued a statement today. Bidzina Ivanishvili confirms that a meeting took place between her and the US Ambassador to Georgia, Kelly Degnan. As Ivanishvili explains, the meeting was held on March 21 at the ambassador's request and "lasted about three hours".
He also talks about the political situation in the region and notes that today, when the threat of war has been neutralized, the ruling team has the opportunity to shift its attention to the most important priority and ensure that Georgia's relations with the USA and the European Union are not damaged. In addition, as Bidzina Ivanishvili explains, "certain forces actively tried to drag Georgia into the war, and this goal is still relevant today - the ruling team worked correctly and overcame the first stage of the threat of war." In his statement, Ivanishvili evaluates both the situation in the country and the ongoing dispute between him and the Swiss bank and notes that "it doesn't matter what the Swiss bank planned to spend the funds on."
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28.07.2022 / 10:42AA
Kelly Degnan at a meeting with Bidzina Ivanishvili - there was never any talk about Georgia's involvement in the war or "blackmail" or actions related to delaying the transfer of money to Bidzina Ivanishvili
US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan made the first statement in an exclusive interview with "Interpress News" regarding the content of the meeting with former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili .
In the interview, Kelly Degnan claims that during the meeting with Bidzina Ivanishvili , there was no talk of "Georgia's involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine", or blackmail, or actions related to delaying the transfer of money to Ivanishvili.
"As a rule, we do not talk about personal meetings with the press, but as Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili confirmed, I last met him on March 21, after which a lot of time passed. Our meetings have always been about the US-Georgia strategic partnership and US efforts to support the development of Georgia's economy, security and democracy. Let me say very clearly so that no one has any more questions - there was never any talk about Georgia's involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine, or about "blackmail" or actions related to delaying the transfer of money to Mr. Ivanishvili. You should contact him or those specific banks on these issues.
When the United States imposes financial sanctions, we announce them publicly. There is a searchable list on the Treasury Department's website where banks, the media and the general public can check who is and is not subject to financial sanctions. Any discussion of Swiss bank accounts is, frankly, a distraction from important work. As Mr. Ivanishvili stated in his July 27 statement, this is a private matter between him and the financial institution," said Kelly Degnan in an interview given to "Interpress News".
See the full version of the interview at the link .
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Reposte to GD disinformation campaign
Several MPs Issue Joint Statement, Responding to Organized Attack Against US Ambassador
by GEORGIA TODAY August 1, 2022 in Highlights, Politics Reading Time: 2min read
Degnan: Any Division Between Georgia, Ukraine Now Only Serves Russia’s Purposes
Members of Parliament Teona Akubardia, Khatuna Samnidze, Tamar Kordzaia, Ana Natsvlishvili and Ana Buchukuri issued a joint statement and responded to the “organized attack against US Ambassador Kelly Degnan and the disinformation narrative suggesting America wants to involve Georgia in a war with Russia”.
The MPs note that this poses a threat to the country’s national security interests and strengthens Russia.
The MPs call on the Government of Georgia to respond to the disinformation campaign promptly and adequately.
“With this joint letter, we would like to respond to the organized attack by a number of members of Georgian Dream, as well as those who have “’left” it, against US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, and their open disinformation narrative, suggesting America wants to drag Georgia into a war with Russia, which strengthens the anti-Western campaign in Georgia and opposes our national interests.
“We believe that the ongoing disinformation campaign poses a threat to our national security interests. That is why we would like to explain to them and to the public once again that the war is the continuation of the policy of Russia and not the West.
“The simple explanation of why the disinformation statements are useful for the Kremlin is as follows: Russia started a war against Georgia, the results of which are the continuous occupation, hundreds of thousands of IDPs in their own homeland, militarization of our regions by Russia and annexation processes.
“The war started by Russia against Georgia is still being carried out by using Russian hybrid war tactics, as long as it is in Russia’s interest to have Georgia in its own sphere of influence and pursue the foreign and domestic policy agenda in accordance with Russian interests. By using hybrid war tactics, Russia confronts the values Georgia shares with the West, which include respect for the principle of the country’s sovereignty, democratization, prosperity and security, as well as the European Union and NATO integration, which will create an umbrella of security and prosperity for the protection of Georgia’s interests,” reads the statement.
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Part 2
The MPs provide arguments as to why the narrative that America wants to involve Georgia in a war with Russia is disinformation, noting that the US is the main strategic partner of Georgia, which plays the main role in pursuing the policy of non-recognition of the territories occupied by Russia and, accordingly, ensuring territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as promoting the development of the country’s democracy and prosperity, and supporting NATO membership.
The MPs call on their colleagues in the Parliament to act in accordance with the declared national security interests of the country. They also call on the Government of Georgia to respond in a timely and adequate manner to “the disinformation campaign, which is aimed at strengthening anti-Western sentiments, is directed against Western values ??and weakens the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country”.
Related Story: Kelly Degnan: Any Attempt to Distance Georgia from Its Natural Allies Only Serves Narrow Interests and Not Interests of Georgian People
https://georgiatoday.ge/several-mps-issue-joint-statement-responding-to-organized-attack-against-us-ambassador/
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Kinzinger: We Have No Desire to Involve Georgia in the War, That’s Utterly False
by GEORGIA TODAY August 2, 2022 in Highlights, Politics Reading Time: 1min read
Kinzinger: We Have No Desire to Involve Georgia in the War, That’s Utterly False
We have NO desire to involve Georgia in the war, American Congressman Adam Kinzinger wrote on his Twitter page.
The congressman says the US is trying to end the fighting in Ukraine without Ukraine losing a single inch.
“Regarding the misinformation in the Nation of Georgia, we want to be clear: the US seeks to end the fighting in Ukraine without Ukraine losing a single inch. We have NO desire to involve Georgia in the war. That is utterly false”, he tweeted.
https://georgiatoday.ge/kinzinger-we-have-no-desire-to-involve-georgia-in-the-war-thats-utterly-false/
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Adam Kinzinger Requests HIMARS Be Sent to Georgia
by GEORGIA TODAY August 1, 2022 in Highlights, International, Politics Reading Time: 1min read
Adam Kinzinger Requests HIMARS Be Sent to Georgia
Congressman Adam Kinzinger has requested the transfer of the HIMARS high mobility artillery missile system to Georgia.
The congressman believes that after Russia is humiliated in Ukraine, it may open fire on the territories it occupies.
“Russia occupies 1/3 of the country of Georgia. The Georgian Legion is defending Ukraine…. It seems that after Russia gets humiliated in Ukraine, maybe there will be a fire sale on Russian occupied lands. HIMARS to Georgia!” he wrote.
https://georgiatoday.ge/adam-kinzinger-demands-himars-to-be-transferred-to-georgia/
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Defederalization of Russia
Prof. Alexander Etkind on Russian Defederalization and the Expected Outcomes
by GEORGIA TODAY August 4, 2022 in Editor's Pick, Newspaper, Politics Reading Time: 4min read
Professor Alexander Etkind
Professor Alexander Etkind
I predict Russia’s defederalization. It’s going to happen, but I can’t predict when. It could happen in a year, or decades from now, – Prof. Alexander Etkind, Russian historian and cultural scientist, Professor of History and the Chair of Russia-Europe Relations at the European University Institute, tells Radio Free Europe. “The key issue is the political economy of oil. All that comes from Siberia goes to Moscow, and Moscow redistributes it. When and if Moscow can’t do it, they will not have these billions. Then people in Chuvashia will be surprised, and people in Chechnya will be protesting, as this is their bread and butter and weapons. And if they don’t have it, they will have to find some other source of existence. It will change things for everyone. Whoever has a river, whoever has access to the sea, railway; whoever has national resources or manufactured goods, or educational facilities to attract foreign students, they will try to get by with that.
“The trigger for this defederalization is the war, which has triggered a chain of events which almost unavoidably leads to the collapse of the Russian Federation. The most important people in this development are the locals, the native peoples of Tatarstan or Bashkortostan, Siberia, northern Russia. They have not been listened to for a very long time, because they had no relevance. Some of them are almost extinct, like the Khanty-Mansy, but some of them are numerous and prolific like the Tatars.”
You claim this disintegration could have been avoided by simply not starting the war. Why was that such a fatal mistake?
There are people who believe that if Russia wins, everything will go back to the status quo of February 23, back to “business as usual”. The “rational elite” hope the damage will be undone and the trade partners will come back to the table, and everything will be fine. There will be losses, but acceptable losses. But even if Russia wins, and I don’t believe it can possibly happen, it will take at least three generations, some 50 years, to create some kind of civil peace with Ukraine. Though technically the sanctions could be stopped or reversed, they will be connected to the reparations of Ukraine. And then of course, there is the tribunal of war crimes, of genocide. It will have material consequences, but people cannot be resurrected; someone who is has been raped cannot be unraped.
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Part 2
Do you expect this defederalization to happen peacefully?
No. The mammoth Soviet Union dismembered itself peacefully, there was not much blood on the streets, but then came war in Chechnya, followed by war in Georgia, and then the war in Ukraine. The violence was delayed, but it happened nevertheless. When it comes to Russia, the best scenario for the dismemberment process is if it follows the established administrative borders and structures. The existing administrations have only rudimentary powers, because they have been curtailed by Putin’s government over decades. They may take power and start negotiating amongst themselves, but, of course, these borders would not satisfy everyone, as they were drawn by Soviet officials.
And Russia will do everything to prevent this development, allowing it only when it is unable not to. But 85% of all the Russian troops are deployed in Ukraine, and they came there from Siberia, Sakhalin, Ossetia, from the Chinese border, where they were stationed for a purpose: the disputed Chinese border has had to be patrolled since the times of the Russian Empire. If something happens, Russia will have either to stop the hostilities in Ukraine and send the troops back, or have no troops available at all. Of course, there is always the nuclear option, although, as Russia hasn’t used them in this major, existential war on the territory of Ukraine, people in all those federal subjects, on the territory of the Russian federation, will have good reason to believe that they won’t be used against them either.
The Russian federation has over 20 federal subjects. Who would you expect to leave if defederalization really happened?
The ethnic republics, especially those with borders with foreign countries. They will have better chances of survival than those who are landlocked within Russia. Sea routes, river routes will also help. Foreign borders, transportation, natural resources, goods to trade with. And, of course, having coherent ethnicity will be a major determinate. In Tatarstan, for example, there are fewer Tatars, because they started viewing themselves as Russians. Identity is changing. Religion will play a role – Islam is blooming. Language issues are critical.
What would happen with Russia’s nuclear arsenal?
That will be a major concern for everyone, despite the treaties of non-proliferation. We know from the Budapest Memorandum that the Ukrainian case has given a very bad example of how it should not work. One scenario will reproduce 1991, where all the missiles and nuclear pride would stay with Moscow, and everyone would sign whatever was necessary and it would be Budapest 2.0. There could be other scenarios, but to talk about them now would be pure speculation.
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Part 3
With 80% of Russian forces being deployed in Ukraine, which neighbor might be tempted to exploit the situation?
It’s an issue of cost-benefit analysis. China would benefit most, but also Japan. Japan has been trying to get the Kuril Islands back for decades, and now we’re reading that some of the submachines and artillery battalions from Kuril that Russia redeployed were killed in Ukraine. Kuril is a disputed territory, there was no peace agreement, so if the Japanese land there, they won’t violate any international law.
China is another issue – can they afford it? For American observers, wouldn’t it better if China showed some interest in Siberia rather than Taiwan? There is much more to gain in Siberia. If there is a new Henry Kissinger sitting somewhere in the depths of the State Department, if they really wanted to do something new, original and creative, they’d strike a deal with Russia – go to Siberia, leave Taiwan. But maybe there are no such people in the State Department.
What would it mean for Georgia and its two Russian-controlled enclaves?
Georgia would have to see how to use this new configuration to its benefits. They would probably be interested in new border concepts with the new neighbors. As for Abkhazia and Ossetia, clearly Russia has more important things to do, seeing as more than 80% of the troops they had there have gone to Ukraine. Ossetia and Abkhazia will feel the heat once things start happening, and they would have to decide, unable to rely on the military power they are used to. The people of those two “republics” will also have their say, with not that much to fear.
Interview by Vazha Tavberidze
https://georgiatoday.ge/prof-alexander-etkind-on-russian-defederalization-and-the-expected-outcomes/