The latest Investing Matters Podcast with Jean Roche, Co-Manager of Schroder UK Mid Cap Investment Trust has just been released. Listen here.
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Historic low turnout in Georgian election
https://oc-media.org/historic-low-turnout-in-georgian-election/
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Ben Hodges - We must send an invitation to Georgia to join NATO immediately
Former US Army Commander in Europe Lieutenant General Ben Hodges believes that in the light of the events in Nagorno -Karabakh, it is necessary to send an invitation to Georgia to join NATO.
He talks about this in his letter, which was published in EUObserver.
He said the West had failed to fully and consistently compete in all areas of the Greater Black Sea region, including the South Caucasus, leading to a resumption of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.
"We have given in to the Kremlin's initiative, so today we stand aside and observe the results. Let us build a new, much stronger relationship with Armenia and Azerbaijan. Strengthen our early ties with Turkey and strengthen our presence in Georgia, including with infrastructure for the Air Force and the US Navy. "We must also send an invitation to Georgia to join NATO immediately," Hodges said.
He said the steps would make the Kremlin aware that the region was of strategic importance to the West.
"The West must compete in the South Caucasus before we have the opportunity if we are to avoid conflict between the two largest states," Hodges said.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/630492-ben-hojesi-unda-gavugzavnot-sakartvelos-mocveva-rom-dauqovnebliv-shemouertdes-natos
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http://georgiatoday.ge/news/23139/US-Navy-Warship-USS-Donald-Cook-Enters-the-Black-Sea
US Navy Warship USS Donald Cook Enters the Black Sea
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) transited into the Black Sea in support of NATO Allies and partners today, announced US Naval Forces Europe-Africa.
This is the seventh time a US Navy ship has visited the Black Sea since the beginning of 2020. The last ship to visit the region was USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) in September. While in the Black Sea, Donald Cook will conduct routine maritime security operations that support regional stability.”
“Operating in the Black Sea signifies our commitment to partners and allies in the region,” said Cmdr. Kelley Jones, commanding officer of Donald Cook. “It is an important diplomatic mission, and Donald Cook has enjoyed the hospitality of Black Sea countries many times before.”
The ship’s operations in the Black Sea strengthens interoperability among NATO allies and partners and demonstrate collective resolve to Black Sea security under Operation Atlantic Resolve.
By Ana Dumbadze
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Ben Hodges - we must invite Georgia to NATO now - we have a precedent to accept the country even when part of it is occupied
"Georgia must be invited to join NATO now," said Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, a former commander of US ground forces in Europe , during an online discussion hosted by GeoCase.
Ben Hodges spoke about the strategic importance of the South Caucasus region and highlighted three issues that he believes the United States can do for Georgia.
"First: we must invite Georgia to NATO now, we have a precedent for this: West Germany joined NATO when Soviet troops were stationed in the eastern part of Germany. "So we have a precedent to take the country even when part of it is occupied," Ben Hodges said.
According to him, it is necessary to start military exercises that will connect NATO-Georgia, NATO-Ukraine, NATO-Bulgaria, NATO-Romania and NATO-Hungary exercises.
"This should be an important exercise on the scale of Russia's Caucasus 2020, which will demonstrate that we care about the region," Ben Hodges said.
The third important issue, in his opinion, is the investment in Georgia's military infrastructure.
"One of the main issues is investing in Georgia's military infrastructure. "You know that we have Mikhail Kogalnikeanu Air Base in Romania. I would like to see a similar one in Georgia," Ben Hodges said.
He also spoke about the Anaklia project and noted that this is a project that the Kremlin wants the least in Georgia.
"I am disappointed that the Anaklia project does not continue. This is what the Kremlin wants the least. "The Kremlin should not see large Western investments in Georgia, as it still occupies 20% of Georgia," Ben Hodges said.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/631559-ben-hojesi-sakartvelo-natoshi-axlave-unda-mivicviot-gvakvs-precedenti-mivigot-kveqana-mashinac-ki-rodesac-misi-nacili-okupirebulia
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FM: Updated Substantial NATO-Georgia Package Approved at Ministerial
NATO Foreign Ministers and Georgia approved the updated Substantial NATO-Georgia Package at the Ministerial Meeting in Brussels on December 1 and 2, which further strengthens support for Georgia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs David Zalkaliani told IMEDI TV.
"The essential NATO-Georgia package, which is updated and strengthened, was approved at the Ministerial. The old package was adopted at the Wales Summit in 2014, which included 14 programs that strengthen Georgia's defense capabilities and bring it closer to NATO. This decision is a step forward and a tangible result. Last year, when we hosted the NATO-Georgia Commission in Batumi, it was decided that the existing package needed to be updated, and this was crowned today when we acquired new specific components for this package," said David Zalkaliani.
The Minister pointed out that the essential package contains strengthened military components, which will serve to strengthen Georgia's defense capabilities.
"This package primarily envisages strengthening Georgia's defense capabilities, in particular: further strengthening the NATO-Georgia Joint Training Center and expanding its capabilities and more involvement of NATO partners in the issue of Black Sea security, which involves more "port calls" [entry of NATO ships into Georgian ports], and enhanced exercises and alignment with the standards of our naval alliance. The updated package envisages secure communication, as it is important for us to have secure communication channels with NATO, while in today's world there are cyber-attacks and various hybrid threats," he said.
He added that considering the coronavirus pandemic, the essential package includes military-medical cooperation between Georgian and NATO partners.
At a press conference after the Ministerial, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that relations with Georgia, including in the context of Black Sea security, are deepening and strengthening, both through concrete practical actions and political support.
"We have a training center in Georgia, I myself have visited this center and I have seen how Georgian and allied officers work together. We cooperate in the exchange of air and radar information and in the fight against hybrid threats. The Allies stand ready to provide additional practical support to Georgia in a number of areas. One of NATO's 2030 goals is to strengthen our partnership by working with countries like Georgia. This is the message from today's meeting," Stoltenberg said.
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Part 2
The Ministerial was held in Brussels over two days. A number of the parties involved in it, due to the coronavirus pandemic, attended remotely.
The Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP) is a set of initiatives endorsed at the September 2014 Wales Summit, aimed at strengthening Georgia’s defense capabilities and developing closer security cooperation and interoperability with NATO Members.
By Ana Dumbadze
03 December 2020 10:52
http://georgiatoday.ge/news/23222/FM%3A-Updated-Substantial-NATO-Georgia-Package--Approved-at-the-Ministerial
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Degnan, it's time to pull your finger out.Today 20:46
US appeases the dream as they repress the free media.
"Representatives of the critical media do not rule out that they will become the main target of the oligarch, after Nika Gvaramia and the "Mtavari Channel"
Journalist and TV presenter Inga Grigolia says that it is not ruled out that in parallel with the persecution of Nika Gvaramia, the authorities will resume the case against the founder of TV Pirveli and his father - Vato and Avtandil Tsereteli.
Nino Jangirashvili, director of Kavkasia TV, believes that Ivanishvili would be happy to shut down the "Mtavari Channel" and other critical media. According to her, Ivanishvili believes that he has won and now he is going to start repressions.
The third sector believes that the renewed persecution of Nika Gvaramia has a political message. According to them, the oligarch uses state agencies to punish critical media.
Opposition members say they will not be able to intimidate Nika Gvaramia with similar threats, and the "Mtavari Channel" will not stop even if Nika Gvaramia is arrested.
Recall, Nika Gvaramia wrote yesterday, December 12, that the authorities are planning to arrest him on New Year's Eve, and also said that he understood the good intentions of the ambassadors, but "Dream" turned them into brokers in the captive market.
Nika Gvaramia also said that he was not going to forgive anyone from the government for bringing his children's psyche to serious problems.
However, Nika Gvaramia stresses that he serves the West, but occasionally gets stabbed in the back, including by Kelly Degnan."
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Election violations
A number of opposition groups currently boycotting the new parliament, the UNM, European Georgia, and Girchi among them, have pointed out since 11 December that the PVT monitoring would not reflect the scope of violations during October election.
Speaking to TV channel Formula on 14 December, European Georgia’s Sergi Kapanadze argued that elections were ‘rigged’ mainly through ballot box stuffing, voter carousels, and voter intimidation, which PVT-based monitoring would not detect.
On 4 November, over 25 local rights groups including ISFED, the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, and Transparency International Georgia, called the 31 October vote ‘the least democratic and free among the elections held under the Georgian Dream government’.
Their joint statement identified scuffles outside the polling stations, harassment of voters and journalist, vote-buying, ‘unprecedented use’ of administrative resources, and breaches of voter secrecy among the recurring violations throughout 31 October.
Protests over ‘rigged elections’ continued for days after 31 October, culminating on 8 November with the police deploying water cannons against protesters outside the CEC office. Image: Mariam Nikuradze/OC Media.
Criticism both from watchdog groups and opposition parties grew even further after the Central Election Commission were later than usual in publishing the preliminary results of the 31 October vote, and for later rejecting most of the complaints related to imbalanced vote protocols.
These findings were reflected and mostly confirmed by the OSCE/ODIHR international observer mission.
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Corrupt party = corrupt election.
"Transparency International Georgia publishes a study of the pre-election environment of the 2020 parliamentary elections, where it talks about the donors of 8 political objects and mentions the signs of alleged political corruption.
According to them, in many cases, people who donate to the Dream, then win tenders announced by the Dream and return the money with the help of administrative resources.
As it turned out, the ruling party's donor companies won tenders worth about GEL 68 million in 2020 (till Nov. 17), and these companies donated GEL 1.6 million in favor of the Georgian Dream during the same period.Especially noteworthy in this regard is G&K Technologist Ltd., which won tenders worth 17.2 million GEL during the year, and its owner Roman Abramishvili donated 60,000 GEL to" Georgian Dream "in February," the statement reads.
In total, the amount of such donations is up to 3 million, while the tender contracts concluded in the name of persons close to the donors are worth up to 70 million.
"They are donating money to the ruling party and we see that they are large contractors in public procurement. In 2020, such companies received tenders worth 70 million GEL, when they donated 2-3 million," said Levan Natroshvili, Transparency International Georgia Manager."
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"Badri Japaridze: Radical wing of Georgian Dream opposes political peace and agreement with opposition.
The 5th round of negotiations has reached a deadlock from the side of Georgian Dream. The opposition has not left the dialogue table. We are ready and waiting for the Georgian Dream to overcome the barriers within the party and common sense to win - said Badri Japaridze, Secretary General of "Lelo".
According to Japaridze, unfortunately, there is a radical wing in the Georgian Dream, which opposes the continuation of negotiations with the opposition, a political agreement and political peace in the country. Badri Japaridze hopes that the "Georgian Dream" will realize the severity of the crisis and return to the negotiating table.
"I hope that the Georgian Dream will take a step in favor of the citizens of Georgia and the negotiations will resume. For this, the Georgian Dream must decide the date of the early elections, or ask the citizens of Georgia whether they want early parliamentary elections, which should be conducted with fair election commission, with people who will never take liberty to do what we saw on October 31, 2020. The Georgian Dream needs to reconsider its approaches and realize that, given the challenges in the country, this parliament will not be able to function properly", - Badri Japaridze said."
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The Post-Ivanishvili Political Landscape in Georgia
ANALYSIS
Ibelieve that my mission is accomplished, so I’ve decided to step out of politics for good and fully give up the reins of power, - said Georgian billionaire, Bidzina Ivanishvili, in a letter that was released on January 11. Irakli Kobakhidze, who served as Executive Secretary of Georgian Dream, has since replaced Ivanishvili as Party Chairman.
It is not Ivanishvili’s first time quitting politics. Several years back, he did the same, only to return to play an active part in the country’s chaotic political landscape. No wonder that there are many sceptics who question the seriousness of his decision. Critics accuse Ivanishvili of a ploy to continue governing the country from behind the scenes, as was the case following his first departure.
Ivanishvili created the Georgian Dream party prior to the 2012 parliamentary elections in which Mikheil Saakashvili’s United National Movement (UNM) was defeated. Having presided over the party, Ivanishvili has dominated Georgia’s political landscape ever since. In 2014, he founded the public movement "2030", then the non-governmental organization "Citizen", however, in 2018, he formally returned to politics to become the chairman of the Georgian Dream party. Ivanishvili’s resignation could trigger some critical changes within the ruling party, but most of all, it could alter the balance of power between the political parties.
The Impact of his Resignation
First of all, infighting among party leaders is expected. The struggle will not be open and acrimonious, but each grouping will try to have its associates be appointed to crucial government positions, win tenders for the biggest projects, etc. Eventually, the weakening of its vertical in the Georgian Dream (GD) will lead to internal crises and conflicts, which will be manifested first latently, and then openly. Among them, there will be tendencies to rearrange interests and powers according to corruption / personal interests, which can manifest itself even at the institutional level in the form of conflicts between different agencies/ministries, etc.
Another factor leading to the weakening of the GD party is the lack of ideological ties, no consolidated political interests, and no real, living practice of political unity. Moreover, no long-term development of the country’s economy and political system is being proposed. The emphasis is still being made on portraying the UNM as a destructive political force, and not on actual reforms, for instance, in the judiciary, education or economic spheres.
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Part 2
One of the theories behind Kobakhidze’s appointment was Ivanishvili’s idea of having as many poles of political power as possible, so that no person could garner enough momentum to challenge his legacy and the working of the party.
GD party leaders are often personally associated with Ivanishvili. His influence on them is lasting, which means that technically he would be able to influence overall developments within the party. It is exactly because if this vertical of power that various sources familiar with the internal operation of the party claim that it is almost impossible to consider the party without Ivanishvili, whether he is in charge or has relinquished de-jure political power.
Moreover, many analysts also claim that his resignation letter was similar to the one announcing his previous resignation. Therefore, reading much into the text would not make any sense.
Considering his political passivity in the last years and the difficult pre-election period, certain political fatigue and even frustration with the overall process of keeping the opposition at bay, fighting off Western criticism, and keeping the economy afloat could be behind his move.
There is also a question of Western political pressure. Constant criticism of Georgia being run by a shadow figure often undermined expectations among Georgia’s foreign partners of the country’s democratic future. Rumors still swirl around Tbilisi that Ivanishvili was likely to be targeted by US sanctions that would seriously constrain his actions and have a bearing on internal Georgia. His decision to quit for good could therefore be a permanent decision.
The timing of his resignation is also indicative of foreign involvement in this process. The elections held in October 2020 and won by the GD are contested by the opposition spectrum. What is crucial in the negotiations held between the ruling party and opposition forces, and moderated by ambassadors in Georgia, is the West’s tacit support for the GD. Many in Georgia believe this could have been an informal arrangement whereby the West approves of the GD’s victory, but in exchange Ivanishvili should leave, removing an important obstacle for Georgia-West relations.
Others offer a different explanation for his stepping down. Amid a dire COVID-19 situation and a struggling economy, Ivanishvili’s decision was, they say, probably motivated by saving himself to avoid public outcry for the upcoming troubles.
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Part 3
Non-political reasons too could be at play. After all, Ivanishvili has not always been a politician. A billionaire who according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, is the richest man in Georgia, with an estimated wealth of about $5.7 billion, always claimed to be in politics only temporarily. A lover of animals and owner of a collection of rare paintings, Ivanishvili has always been famous for his distaste for public life, which he had to have once he came to power in 2012. The 65-year-old could then indeed be planning a permanent break.
Ivanishvili’s quitting, if serious, could create a certain power vacuum in Georgian politics that no leaders can fill. The decision could put various groupings within the party against each other, which would complicate the inner workings of the party. Overall, though, there are indications of his resignation from political activity being indefinite.
By SOLOMON ALVARES
Image source: dailysabah.com/AP Photo
04 February 2021 19:45
http://georgiatoday.ge/news/23818/The-Post-Ivanishvili-Political-Landscape-in-Georgia
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Possibility of a snap election?
After the 2020 election the United Opposition has refused to enter Parliament due to the their belief that the result was tainted. IMHO Georgia needs a stable government to allow a deal to take place which will transform both the region's energy production and transportation, and that of the EU. This could also pave the way for membership of NATO. How does the GD party government lose face and bow to the demands of the United Opposition? Arrest the leader of the United Opposition; get the PM to resign; and then fail to agree on a replacement , triggering a snap election perhaps? A lot of the GD could still win their seats; the United Opposition get their snap election; Georgia could get to join NATO; and the EU and Uncle Sam could finally get a stable government allowing a major energy development.
'The PM’s resignation means that his cabinet is also suspended with immediate effect. Parliament will have to approve a new PM and cabinet within two weeks. Should it fail to do so, the country’s president, Salome Zurabashvili will dismiss parliament and call a snap election.'
Georgia in crisis as PM resigns following court ruling to detain opposition leader
https://emerging-europe.com/news/georgia-in-crisis-as-pm-resigns-following-court-ruling-to-detain-opposition-leader/
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"Gakharia became a victim of an unprecedented special operation: Saakashvili's supporters ..." - What does the Russian media write about the developments in Georgia?
https://www.kvirispalitra.ge/politic/74414-qgakharia-ganukhorcielebeli-specoperaciis-mskhverpli-gakhda-saakashvilis-momkhreebs-kiq-ras-tsers-rusuli-media-saqarthveloshi-ganvitharebul-movlenebze.html
Posts: 6,252
19.02.2021 / 17:36AA
Kote Kemularia - We said that Gakharia threatened Kobakhidze with resignation, which would destroy the government vertical - Gakharia carried out this threat
Kote Kemularia - We said that Gakharia threatened Kobakhidze with resignation, which would destroy the government vertical - Gakharia carried out this threat
We said that Gakharia threatened Kobakhidze with resignation, which would destroy the government vertical - Gakharia carried out this threat, - said one of the leaders of the "Tribuna", Kote Kemularia.
According to him, Giorgi Gakharia also had power and with his resignation, he stopped the next sadistic bloodshed of the innocent, true defenders of the country's interests.
"It will be even better for the country, first of all, if Gakharia says how and by whom the order to shoot the targets was given to the protesters.
We said that Gakharia threatened Kobakhidze with resignation, which would destroy the government vertical. Gakharia carried out this threat and killed the mother of "Otsneba".
Now there is no other way but to negotiate. The opposition is ready to negotiate with a real agenda. The topic of negotiations will be - re-election and fair elections. This was achieved by the unprecedented unity of the society and political forces and the boycott.
There was a real chance of ending polarization. It is also a chance to hold fair elections, to restore institutions, to restore the confidence of the international community, to quickly restore the violated rights of citizens, to take care of development and progress together. "That is why it is even more important now that we stand together to reach a peaceful re-election through peaceful means," Kemularia said.
The press service of the Tribune spreads the mentioned comment.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/642946-kote-kemularia-vambobdit-rom-gaxaria-daemukra-kobaxizes-gadadgomit-rac-chamoangrevda-saxelisuplebo-vertikals-gaxariam-es-mukara-sisruleshi-moiqvana
Posts: 6,252
20.02.2021 / 08:37AA
US Senators - All sides of the Georgian political spectrum should return to the negotiating table and the political atmosphere should ease
US Senators - All sides of the Georgian political spectrum should return to the negotiating table and the political atmosphere should ease
We are deeply concerned about the recent political developments in Georgia. "The Georgian people deserve the rule of law, democracy and an honest, independent judiciary," said a joint statement by Jim Rish, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Jean Shaheen, chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Cooperation.
According to them, all political parties should return to the negotiating table to defuse the situation.
"During the last few years, we have raised the issue of political persecution with Georgian officials many times. While we are pleased with the reversal of the decision to detain opposition leader Nika Melia , such political persecution and arrests should not take place. Now all sides of the political spectrum must return to the negotiating table and defuse the political atmosphere. "We hope that this political crisis will end quickly and peacefully," the senators said in a statement.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/642998-amerikeli-senatorebi-kartuli-politikuri-spektris-qvela-mxare-molaparakebis-magidas-unda-daubrundes-da-politikuri-atmospero-unda-ganmuxtos
Posts: 6,252
20.02.2021 / 10:09AA
Leaders of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee - We call on the parties to respect the principles of democracy and to engage in a constructive dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the developments surrounding the Melia case.
Leaders of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee - We call on the parties to respect the principles of democracy and to engage in a constructive dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the developments surrounding the Melia case.
The leaders of the House Foreign Affairs Committee are responding to the current events in Georgia.
According to the Georgian edition of the Voice of America, the chairman of the committee, Democrat Gregory Mix and the leading Republican Congressman Michael McCall call on the political parties to dialogue and a peaceful solution to the events surrounding Melia's case.
"The escalating political tensions in Tbilisi threaten to undermine and destabilize the democratic progress that the Georgian people have fought so hard to achieve.
We call on all parties to respect democratic principles and to engage in a constructive dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the developments surrounding the Melia case. "A strong and resilient Georgian democracy that respects the rule of law and a multi-party system is critical to both Georgia and regional stability," the congressmen said.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643002-ashsh-is-carmomadgenelta-palatis-sagareo-komitetis-liderebi-movucodebt-mxareebs-pativi-scen-demokratiis-principebs-da-melias-sakmis-irgvliv-ganvitarebuli-movlenebis-mshvidobiani-gadacqvetistvis-chaerton-konstrukciul-dialogshi
Posts: 6,252
20.02.2021 / 10:14AA
Thomas Hendrik Ilves and Kurt Walker - Georgia is in a dangerous impasse that puts everything at risk - it's time to reset democracy
Thomas Hendrik Ilves and Kurt Walker - Georgia is in a dangerous impasse that puts everything at risk - it's time to reset democracy
Former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and former US Ambassador to NATO Kurt Walker have published an article on recent developments in Georgia, saying that Georgia is in a dangerous impasse and that it is necessary for Georgian political leaders to enter the negotiating table.
"Georgia is in a dangerous impasse, which risks everything that the country has fought so hard to achieve. History, and recent history, has shown that democracy is fragile. Only one defeat and a long and difficult struggle is needed to turn him back. Hard-won victories are not permanent, democracy must always be protected.
The two of us, supporters and friends of Georgia for decades, have defended Georgia's Western call and supported the country even in the most difficult times. Today we are writing to express our deep concern over the recent developments in Georgian democracy. "The people of Georgia deserve to move forward and not be in a dead end," the article reads.
The authors write that integration into transatlantic structures is a merit, no NATO government can support a new member state whose democracy, ability to hold free and fair elections and the rule of law are in question, so all political leaders must cooperate with the Georgian people. To achieve high aspirations.
"Many in the East and in the West are watching this deadlock with joy and satisfaction. The authorities are looking forward to seeing another experiment in democracy, dreaming of returning Georgia to a family of "ruled democracies." Some in the West, who strongly oppose Georgia's integration into "transatlantic structures," see the situation in Georgia as another opportunity to say, "You do not belong to us." We know that Georgians have freedom in their hearts. They want to be among the other freedom-loving people in the world. They want security and prosperity and good governance. Georgia's goal is to join NATO and the European Union. We do not belong to any Georgian opposition or government that disagrees with this.
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Part 2
However, membership in these organizations deserves credit. To the outside world, Georgia looks like a hopelessly divided, immature democracy and economy that is not ready for prime time. No NATO government can support a new member state whose democracy, ability to hold free and fair elections, and the rule of law are in question. For clarification: This is not a criticism of the government or the opposition. Moreover, it is a call for both of them to find a way to talk to each other for the interests of all Georgians, regardless of whether he is a voter of the Georgian Dream, the United National Movement, someone else or no one at all. The Georgian people have a very strong sense of identity and Georgia's place in the world. All political leaders must work together to achieve these lofty aspirations of the Georgian people, even if they disagree on certain issues.
Thomas Hendrik Ilves and Kurt Walker write that Georgian leaders need to realize that everything has gone too far and a reset is needed.
"With the resignation of the Prime Minister, the possibility of arresting the leader of the main opposition party, failing to reach an agreement on the elimination of electoral irregularities and calling for new elections without a fair determination as to whether something went wrong during the last election, Georgia is at a dead end. Both sides need to put aside past demands and take a fresh look at what the country needs in the future. If we can facilitate such dialogue, we will. "But the Georgian leaders themselves must realize that everything has gone too far and that a reset is needed," the article reads .
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643003-tomas-hendrik-ilvesi-da-kurt-volkeri-sakartvelo-imqopeba-saxipato-chixshi-romelic-risks-ukmnis-qvelapers-demokratiis-gadatvirtvis-droa
Posts: 6,252
20.02.2021 / 10:22AA
The issue of declaring confidence in the government is being discussed in parliamentary committees
The issue of declaring confidence in the government is being discussed in parliamentary committees
The issue of declaring confidence in the government is being discussed in the committees of the Parliament of Georgia. Candidates for the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, Economy and Sustainable Development, Regional Development and Infrastructure, Finance and Foreign Affairs, and, consequently, the Government Program will be heard in the format of the committees.
The hearing of the other candidates in the parliamentary committees will continue on February 21. On February 22, the candidates for the post of Prime Minister and Minister will meet with the political groups - the parliamentary majority and the opposition. On the same day, the Parliament will make a decision on the declaration of confidence in the format of the plenary session.
There is the following change in the Cabinet of Ministers: Deputy Minister of Defense Juansher Burchuladze has been nominated for the position of Minister of Defense. Maia Tskitishvili has left the post of Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure , who will be replaced by her first deputy Irakli Karseladze. All other ministers remain in office.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643004-parlamentis-komitetebshi-mtavrobisadmi-ndobis-gamocxadebis-sakitxis-ganxilva-mimdinareobs
Posts: 6,252
20.02.2021 / 12:20AA
Nika Melia met with the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lithuanian Parliament
Nika Melia met with the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lithuanian Parliament
Nika Melia Lietuva , Chairman of the United National Movement, met with Jigimanta Pavilionis, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs .
As InterpressNews was informed by the National Movement, the meeting was held at the party office.
According to Nika Melia , the chairman of the United National Movement , the visit of Jigimanta Pavilion to Georgia is important for the country.
"This visit does not specifically support Nika Melia . This visit serves to save democracy, to play an important role in the process of building the Georgian state.
The distinguished leader of one of the key strategic partners arrives and offers cooperation, it is really welcome. "The relationship between the two countries has been confirmed once again, which has existed for many years," Nika Melia said .
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643032-nika-melia-lietuvas-parlamentis-sagareo-urtiertobata-komitetis-tavmjdomares-shexvda
Posts: 6,252
18.02.2021 / 15:20
9 years and gone 5th Prime Minister - with what property he leaves the post happy
Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia is resigning.
Gakharia made a statement about this a few hours ago. As Gakharia explained, he considers it unjust to arrest Nika Melia in conditions when there is a danger of political escalation. According to Gakharia, the reason for his resignation is that he could not reach an agreement with the team.
According to the property declaration filed on May 30, 2020, Giorgi Gakharia does not own real estate. His income as Prime Minister in September-December 2019 was GEL 12,854; Prior to that, he was the Minister of Internal Affairs - 41,986 GEL. As for his financial situation, at the time of filling out the declaration, he had 99 GEL in his bank account.
As for his wife, according to the declaration, he owns a car - Toyota RAV4, which he bought in 2016. At the moment of filling in the declaration on the bank accounts - 1 161 GEL; He had $ 553,396 and 393 euros. His income last year was 10,175 GEL for the position of doctor-bacteriologist at the Aversi Central Clinic. Also, his annual expenses under the real estate lease agreement amounted to 6,500 GEL.
For reference, Giorgi Gakharia held the position of Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development from November 2016 to November 2017; From November 13, 2017 to September 2019, he was the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister; From April 2019 to September 2019, he was Secretary of the National Security Council; On September 8, 2019, the Parliament of Georgia expressed confidence in the position of Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia.
https://www.bpn.ge/article/78996-9-celi-da-casuli-me-5-premieri-ra-konebit-tovebs-gaxaria-posts/
Posts: 6,252
21.02.2021 / 20:21AA
Irakli Gharibashvili to declare no confidence in Cabinet of Ministers at February 22 special sitting
Irakli Gharibashvili to declare no confidence in Cabinet of Ministers at February 22 special sitting
The issue of declaring confidence in the Cabinet of Ministers and the government program nominated by Prime Ministerial candidate Irakli Gharibashvili will be discussed at the plenary session on February 22.
Gharibashvili's cabinet is supported by parliamentary committees by a majority vote.
On February 22, the prime ministerial candidate and cabinet will meet with political groups - the parliamentary majority and the opposition. Parliament, in the format of a plenary session, will make a decision on the declaration of confidence, which requires at least 76 votes.
The following changes are being made in the Cabinet of Ministers: - Irakli Gharibashvili will head the government . Juansher Burchuladze, the Deputy Minister of Defense, has been nominated for the position of the Minister of Defense. Maia Tskitishvili will be replaced by her first deputy Irakli Karseladze as the Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure .
All other ministers remain in office and the cabinet is nominated as follows:
Minister of Internal Affairs - Vakhtang Gomelauri ; Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports - Mikheil Chkhenkeli ; Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs - Eka Tikaradze ; State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality - Tea Akhvlediani ; Minister of Finance - Vano Machavariani; Minister of Foreign Affairs - David Zalkaliani ; Minister of Justice - Gocha Lortkipanidze; Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture - Levan Davitashvili ; Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development - Natia Turnava .
The issue of declaring confidence in the government was raised by the resignation of Giorgi Gakharia .
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643249-22-tebervlis-riggareshe-sxdomaze-irakli-garibashvilis-ministrta-kabinetistvis-ndobis-gamocxadebis-sakitxze-imsjeleben
Posts: 6,252
23.02.2021 / 09:22AA
Ian Kelly on the arrest of Nika Melia - a very sad day
Ian Kelly on the arrest of Nika Melia - a very sad day
US Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly responds to the arrest of Nika Melia , chairman of the United National Movement , and the developments on Twitter.
"A very sad day," writes Ian Kelly.
Special Forces Detained Nika Melia , Chairman of the National Movement . Law enforcers picked up Nika Melia in the party office, in his own office. Before that, the law enforcers sprayed the so-called pepper spray in the mentioned room, as well as in the party office as a whole. The special operation started at dawn. Prior to Melia's arrest, law enforcement officers evicted citizens in the party office, including party leaders. "National Movement" in the office for a few days, opposition parties and civil activists were in the Melia 's guarded.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643490-ian-keli-nika-melias-dakavebaze-zalian-sevdiani-dge
Posts: 6,252
23.02.2021 / 09:26AA
Adam Kinsinger on the arrest of Nika Melia - this is a very disturbing step of the Georgian government, I call on the government to refrain from this dramatic act
Adam Kinsinger on the arrest of Nika Melia - this is a very disturbing step of the Georgian government, I call on the government to refrain from this dramatic act
US Congressman Adam Kinzinger responds to the developments in the office of the "National Movement" on the social network "Twitter".
"I watched the attack live. As the co-chair of the Group of Friends of Georgia, I am very concerned. We have just introduced the Georgia Support Act, it is not something automatic. This is a very disturbing step of the Georgian government. Given the tense situation, I call on the government to refrain from this dramatic action. We are all watching, "Adam Kinsinger wrote.
We would like to remind you that a special task force has detained Nika Melia , the chairman of the National Movement . Law enforcers picked up Nika Melia in the party office, in his own office. Before that, the law enforcers sprayed the so-called pepper spray in the mentioned room, as well as in the party office as a whole. The special operation started at dawn. Prior to Melia's arrest, law enforcement officers evicted citizens in the party office, including party leaders. Opposition parties and civil activists defending Nika Melia were present at the UNM office for several days
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643491-adam-kinzingeri-nika-melias-dakavebaze-es-sakartvelos-mtavrobis-zalian-shemashpotebeli-nabijia-mtavrobas-movucodeb-tavi-daanebos-am-dramatul-mokmedebas
Posts: 6,252
23.02.2021 / 09:31AA
British Ambassador to Georgia - I am shocked by the scene unfolding at the UNM headquarters this morning
British Ambassador to Georgia - I am shocked by the scene unfolding at the UNM headquarters this morning
- I am shocked by the scene developed this morning at the head office of the "National Movement", - the British Ambassador to Georgia Mark Clayton wrote about it on the social network "Twitter".
"Violence and chaos in Tbilisi is the last thing Georgia needs now. "I urge all parties to act with restraint, now and in the coming days," the British diplomat wrote.
We would like to remind you that a special task force has detained Nika Melia , the chairman of the National Movement . Law enforcers picked up Nika Melia in the party office, in his own office. Before that, the law enforcers sprayed the so-called pepper spray in the mentioned room, as well as in the party office as a whole. The special operation started at dawn. Prior to Melia's arrest, law enforcement officers evicted citizens in the party office, including party leaders. Opposition parties and civil activists defending Nika Melia were present at the UNM office for several days.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643493-britanetis-elchi-sakartveloshi-shezruli-var-nacionaluri-mozraobis-satao-o****hi-dges-dilit-ganvitarebuli-scenit
Posts: 6,252
23.02.2021 / 09:38AA
Michael Carpenter on the arrest of Nika Melia - very sad events are happening in the Republic of Georgia
Michael Carpenter on the arrest of Nika Melia - very sad events are happening in the Republic of Georgia
Michael Carpenter responds to Nika Melia 's arrest. "Very unfortunate events are happening with the raid on the headquarters of the opposition party in the Republic of Georgia . "I hope the situation can still be calmed down," wrote Michael Carpenter, Managing Director of the Pen Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Involvement on his Twitter page.
We would like to remind you that a special task force has detained Nika Melia , the chairman of the National Movement . Law enforcers picked up Nika Melia in the party office, in his own office. Before that, the law enforcers sprayed the so-called pepper spray in the mentioned room, as well as in the party office as a whole. The special operation started at dawn. Prior to Melia's arrest, law enforcement officers evicted citizens in the party office, including party leaders. "National Movement" in the office for a few days, opposition parties and civil activists were in the Melia 's guarded.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643496-maikl-karpenteri-nika-melias-dakavebaze-zalian-samcuxaro-movlenebi-xdeba-sakartvelos-respublikashi
Posts: 6,252
23.02.2021 / 09:55AA
Zhigimanta Pavilion - Wake up! Democracy is being attacked! Ivanishvili's regime must pay a price for this!
Zhigimanta Pavilion - Wake up! Democracy is being attacked! Ivanishvili's regime must pay a price for this!
Let's wake up! Democracy is being attacked! The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lithuanian Parliament, Jigimantas Pavilionis, responds to the events that took place today in the office of the United National Movement.
"Let's wake up! Democracy is being attacked! Using gas and violence like Putin. "Ivanishvili's regime must pay the price for this!" Wrote Zhigimanta Pavilion on the social network "Twitter".
For information, the special task force detained Nika Melia , the chairman of the "National Movement" . Law enforcers picked up Nika Melia in the party office, in his own office. Before that, the law enforcers released the so-called pepper spray in the party office.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643499-zhigimantas-pavilionisi-gavigvizot-demokratias-tavs-esxmian-ivanishvilis-rezhimma-amistvis-pasi-unda-gadaixados
Posts: 6,252
Politics
23.02.2021 / 10:19AA
Andrew Kalindra on the arrest of Nika Melia - we call on all parties to refrain for the future of Georgia
Andrew Kalindra on the arrest of Nika Melia - we call on all parties to refrain for the future of Georgia
- The sad start of the day in Tbilisi, due to the events in the office of the opposition party, - the Ambassador of Lithuania to Georgia, Andrius Kalindra wrote on the social network "Twitter".
"We call on all sides to show restraint for the future of Georgia. "Violence and escalation can not lead to positive results," the diplomat wrote.
For information, the special task force detained Nika Melia , the chairman of the "National Movement" . Law enforcers picked up Nika Melia in the party office, in his own office. Before that, the law enforcers released the so-called pepper spray in the party office.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643509-andrius-kalindra-nika-melias-dakavebaze-sakartvelos-momavlistvis-qvela-mxares-tavshekavebisken-movucodebt