The latest Investing Matters Podcast with Jean Roche, Co-Manager of Schroder UK Mid Cap Investment Trust has just been released. Listen here.
Posts: 6,252
24.02.2021 / 01:06AA
State Department - US deeply concerned over arrest of opposition leader Nika Melia
State Department - US deeply concerned over arrest of opposition leader Nika Melia
US State Department spokeswoman Ned Price responded to the arrest of Nika Melia , chairman of the United National Movement , at a briefing.
According to a US State Department spokeswoman, the US is deeply concerned about the arrest of Nika Melia .
"We will start with Georgia today. The United States is deeply concerned about the arrest of opposition leader Nika Melia and other opposition figures in Georgia," Price said.
He was later asked a clarifying question on the matter, to which the speaker said:
"We are deeply concerned about the political developments in Georgia. We reiterate our call on all parties to exercise restraint to refrain from any action that may cause or exacerbate tensions. We call on the Georgian authorities to act in accordance with their Euro-Atlantic aspirations, to strengthen their commitment to democracy, individual freedom and the rule of law, and to ensure the freedom of the judiciary and the prosecution system from political bias. The United States supports a democratic, secure, and prosperous Georgia. "We will continue to work with Georgia to uphold the rule of law and the accountability of our institutions," said a State Department spokeswoman.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643696-saxelmcipo-departamenti-ashsh-grmad-sheshpotebulia-opozicioneri-lideris-nika-melias-dakavebis-gamo
Posts: 6,252
24.02.2021 / 08:29AA
Jim Risch, Gene Shaheen, Adam Kinzinger and Jerry Connolly - All political parties in Georgia must stop provocations and negotiate a peaceful solution to the crisis
Jim Risch, Gene Shaheen, Adam Kinzinger and Jerry Connolly - All political parties in Georgia must stop provocations and negotiate a peaceful solution to the crisis
The decision of the Georgian government to violently break up the UNM headquarters and arrest its leader, Nika Melia, and dozens of activists is a matter of great concern, US Congressmen Jim Risch, Gene Shaheen, Adam Kinzinger and Jerry Connolly said in a joint statement.
Congressmen are calling on the authorities to release political prisoners immediately.
"The corrupt use of Georgian law enforcement and the judiciary to carry out politically motivated actions poses a threat to what Georgia has left behind in terms of democracy and the Euro-Atlantic path." We call for the immediate release of all political prisoners, including Mr Melia and Mr George Rurua. "All political parties in Georgia must stop provocations and negotiate a peaceful solution to this crisis," the statement said.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643706-jim-rishi-jin-shahini-adam-kinzingeri-da-jeri-konoli-sakartveloshi-qvela-politikurma-partiam-provokaciebi-unda-shecqvitos-da-krizisis-mshvidobian-gadacqvetaze-moilaparakos
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24.02.2021 / 09:03AA
Jonathan Man - No PM on fire will be able to achieve the goal of returning Georgia to the right political process
Jonathan Man - No PM on fire will be able to achieve the goal of returning Georgia to the right political process
According to Jonathan Kats, a researcher at the German Marshall Fund, the coming days will be crucial in determining how the democratic development process in Georgia will unfold. The researcher said this in a conversation with the Georgian edition of "Voice of America", thus responding to the arrest of the opposition leader, Nika Melia .
As he points out, the ruling party should be very careful in selecting individuals for leading positions in government, as this has to do with how it is perceived inside and outside the country.
"The most important thing now is what will happen in the next few days. "What steps is the Georgian government taking to raise the temperature and return to the situation where there is discussion and a search for a way forward," said the man.
Also, according to Jonathan Katsi, what is happening in Georgia is a step backwards in terms of how Georgia is seen.
"When such incidents occur in Georgia, we must see the Georgian side make efforts to restore the belief that Georgia is on the right track, that it wants to fulfill its obligations. What is happening is a step backwards in terms of how Georgia is seen. "And this only reinforces the arguments of the harmful actors who say that the alternative way [for the future] for Georgia looks exactly like what you see now in Russia or in other countries where there has been no progress," said Jonathan Kats.
At the same time, he said, no prime minister who ignites the fire will be able to achieve the goal of returning Georgia to the right political process.
"The former prime minister noted that his biggest concern was the destabilization of the country, polarization. I think that meant something that could lead to more significant violence. "No prime minister who ignites the fire will be able to achieve the goal of returning Georgia to the right political process and focusing on solving these problems," said Jonathan Kats.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643707-jonatan-kaci-verc-erti-premier-ministri-romelic-cecxls-agvivebs-ver-shezlebs-miagcios-sakartvelos-scor-politikur-processhi-dabrunebis-mizans
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24.02.2021 / 09:35AA
The arrest of Brian Whitmore Melia - what we see is clearly a political operation - is happening in Putin's Lukashenko's Belarus.
The arrest of Brian Whitmore Melia - what we see is clearly a political operation - is happening in Putin's Lukashenko's Belarus.
What we see here, in my opinion, is clearly a political operation and everything else after that, is details. Because when it (begins), it's the beginning of the death knell for democracy, and it's very exciting, ”Atlantic Council researcher and University of Texas professor Brian Whitmore told VOA's Georgian Service, responding to the arrest of opposition leader Nika Melia .
As he points out, such events should not happen in a country that is a NATO partner and has an association agreement with the European Union.
"Such events are taking place in Putin's Russia, in Lukashenko's Belarus. This is not what should happen in a country that is a NATO partner and has an association agreement with the EU. "It should not happen in democracies, and when I see the courts being used for political action, it worries me," Brian Whitmore said.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643708-braian-uitmori-melias-dakavebaze-rasac-vxedavt-ashkarad-aris-politikuri-operacia-amgvari-movlenebi-xdeba-putinis-rusetshi-lukashenkos-belarusshi
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24.02.2021 / 10:34AA
Joe Biden Security Adviser - Concerned Over Arrest of Nika Melia, Urges Parties to Return to Talks
Joe Biden Security Adviser - Concerned Over Arrest of Nika Melia, Urges Parties to Return to Talks
Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser to US President Joe Biden, responds to developments in Georgia and calls on the parties to return to dialogue.
"We are concerned about the arrest of Nika Melia in Georgia. "We call on all parties to refrain from escalation and return to talks in support of Georgian democracy," Jake Sullivan wrote on Twitter.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643718-jo-baidenis-mrcheveli-usaprtxoebis-sakitxebshi-sheshpotebulebi-vart-nika-melias-dapatimrebit-mxareebs-movucodebt-molaparakebebs-daubrundnen
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24.02.2021 / 16:25AA
Sven Mixer and Marina Kaliurand - In response to provocations, breaking into the head office of the largest opposition party and arresting their leader is not the way to overcome the crisis
Sven Mixer and Marina Kaliurand - In response to provocations, breaking into the head office of the largest opposition party and arresting their leader is not the way to overcome the crisis
Marina Kaliurand , Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for the South Caucasus, and Sven Mixer, European Parliament Rapporteur on Georgia, issue a joint statement on the developments in Georgia.
"We call on the ruling party, the Georgian government and all opposition groups to take immediate steps to de-escalate political tensions in order to resolve the political crisis that has worsened since the arrest of the United National Movement leader," the statement said.
Sven Mixer and Marina Kaliurand call on the parties to refrain from polarizing rhetoric and return to dialogue.
"While we do not agree with the unconstructive and provocative tactics of the opposition, the incursion into the head office of the largest opposition party in response to the provocations and the arrest of their leader is in no way beneficial and is not a way to overcome the crisis.
"The only way for Georgia to get out of this political stalemate so that the country's Euro-Atlantic aspirations are not jeopardized is for all parties to back down, refrain from rhetoric and actions that deepen polarization, and re-engage in dialogue." In the statement.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643821-sven-mikseri-da-marina-kaliurandi-provokaciebze-sapasuxod-udidesi-opoziciuri-partiis-satavo-o****hi-shechra-da-mati-lideris-dakaveba-krizisis-dazlevis-gza-ar-aris
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24.02.2021 / 16:52AA
Co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe - Georgia's democratic development needs restraint, dialogue and compromise, not escalation and confrontation
Co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe - Georgia's democratic development needs restraint, dialogue and compromise, not escalation and confrontation
Co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on Georgia Titus Corlatean (Romania) and Claude Kern (France) express concern over the developments in Georgia and call on political forces to return to the negotiating table.
"While no one should be above the law, the police raid on the UNM headquarters and the arrest of opposition leader Nika Melia have exacerbated tensions between the opposition and the ruling majority and deepened the political crisis in the country. "Georgia's democratic development needs restraint, dialogue and compromise, not escalation and confrontation," the co-rapporteurs said in a statement.
They called on all political forces in Georgia to refrain from any action that would further aggravate the situation and return to the negotiating table to find a political and mutually acceptable solution to the current crisis.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643829-evropis-sabchos-saparlamento-asambleis-tanamomxseneblebi-sakartvelos-demokratiul-ganvitarebas-schirdeba-tavshekaveba-dialogi-da-kompromisi-da-ara-eskalacia-da-dapirispireba
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24.02.2021 / 17:48AA
Sergo Chikhladze - Yesterday's meeting was the first case when the facilitators did not mention: "Enter the Parliament" - it says a lot
Sergo Chikhladze - Yesterday's meeting was the first case when the facilitators did not mention: "Enter the Parliament" - it says a lot
According to Sergo Chikhladze, one of the leaders of "Strategy Builder", yesterday's meeting of diplomats with the opposition was the first case when the facilitators "no longer mentioned the phrase: enter the parliament."
As Chikhladze stated in Palitranius' program "Day Newsroom", this position of the Western partners "speaks volumes".
"Our Western partners are telling us that political persecution must stop, negotiations must continue. We, the whole opposition, say the same thing.
This was the first meeting where it was no longer mentioned that "enter the parliament and discuss there." There was already talk of other topics here. There was no longer such a call unequivocally. This, I think, speaks volumes, as does the statements of embassies, the Senate, Western partners. There can be no two-way interpretation.
Yesterday we saw that Kissinger called the actions of the "Georgian Dream" stupid. Today, the representatives of the Georgian Dream say that very soft and weak assessments were made by the partners. I do not know whether our partners will curse the Kakhetian mother? "There is no rigid assessment of this in nature," Chikhladze said.
According to him, the main question at yesterday's meeting with the facilitators was "whether there is room for negotiations."
"Yesterday, the ambassadors' main concern and our interest was how to get out of this situation. We heard that the "Georgian Dream" did wrong, did not heed the calls of the Senate and the calls of the European Union. The ambassadors did not expect such a development either, the main question is, how do we get out of here? The purpose of yesterday's meeting was to see if there was any room left for negotiations. "We all said unanimously that we are ready to continue the talks," Chikhladze said, but added that an agreement must be reached on the release of political prisoners, including Nika Melia , in order to continue the talks .
Recall, yesterday, a meeting with leaders of opposition parties was held at the residence of EU Ambassador Carl Hartzel. The meeting lasted for about 2 hours, which was attended by the US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan, in addition to the EU Ambassador Carl Hartzel.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643840-sergo-chixlaze-gushindeli-shexvedra-iqo-pirveli-shemtxveva-roca-pasilitatorebis-mxridan-agar-qopila-naxsenebi-shedit-parlamentshi-es-bevris-metqvelia
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24.02.2021 / 18:15AA
Sergo Chikhladze - they got the vaccine in Ghana, before that it was Rwanda - yes sir, we do not beg Israel and Britain, but do not compare Ghana anymore ?! Do not even compare Bangladesh and Afghanistan in a state of war ?!
Sergo Chikhladze - they got the vaccine in Ghana, before that it was Rwanda - yes sir, we do not beg Israel and Britain, but do not compare Ghana anymore ?! Do not even compare Bangladesh and Afghanistan in a state of war ?!
According to Sergo Chikhladze, one of the leaders of Strategy Builder, the reason for the delay in the introduction of the Pfizer vaccine is the fact that the Georgian government "could not complete the application properly."
As Chikhladze stated in the program "Day Newsroom" on "Palitranius", the government could not upload the necessary documents to get the vaccine on "Kovacs" platform.
"I have contacts with colleagues who are on the front line. I really did not have the feeling that it would be so late. I could not imagine that they could not fill out the application on Kovacs and they would have errors. Documents could not be uploaded. Can you imagine how we deal with unprofessional people, Betsy? "This is criminal indifference," Chikhladze said.
At the same time, he said, the reason for the delay in the introduction of the vaccine is that the government has not negotiated enough to get the vaccine with friendly countries and vaccine manufacturers.
"600 thousand doses have already been received in Ghana and they are starting to be vaccinated. Before that it was Rwanda taking 2 million doses. This justification is not to beg Israel and Britain ... Yes sir, we are not begging, but not to compare Ghana ?! Do not even compare to Bangladesh ?! Don't we even compare it to war-torn Afghanistan ?! "This is the reason why the government has not negotiated with the governments and producers of friendly countries," he said.
Sergo Chikhladze also spoke about the lifting of restrictions, as he states that the maintenance of the "curfew" is for political purposes.
"Of course, it is good that the restrictions are lifted, but not because the government is newly prepared, the government realizes this accumulated charge, aggression in society, negativity towards the government. It was the result of pressure that the government feels from the public.
The only thing the government is leaving is the "curfew" from 21:00, which is completely unjustified. This is for political purposes. Yes, the government has a fear of rallies and riots. "This is a lever that can tighten time," Chikhladze said.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643842-sergo-chixlaze-ganashi-vakcina-miiges-manamde-iqo-ruanda-ki-batono-ar-vedrebit-israels-da-britanets-magram-ganasac-agar-shevedarot-bangladeshs-da-saomar-vitarebashi-mqop-avganetsac-ar-shevedarot
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24.02.2021 / 19:47AA
Transparency International Berlin Office - Calls on Georgian Authorities to Engage in Political Dialogue to Protect Country's Democratic Future
Transparency International Berlin Office - Calls on Georgian Authorities to Engage in Political Dialogue to Protect Country's Democratic Future
Transparency International Berlin has issued a statement on the current events in Georgia .
The arrest of the opposition leader aggravates the political crisis, the statement said.
The statement called on the government to engage in political dialogue to protect the country's democratic future.
Transparency International is deeply concerned about the current developments in Georgia. The decision to invade the office of the United National Movement and arrest the party leader, Nika Melia , will only aggravate the current political crisis in the country.
Recent events in Georgia, which have long been considered a positive example among post-Soviet states, are another manifestation of the extremely high degree of concentration of power and the disturbing trend towards state seizures. The erosion of the rule of law and the independence of institutions, as well as the ongoing attacks on active civil society groups, are leading to a significant setback in terms of democracy.
Of particular concern is the lack of an independent judiciary and the influence of the ruling party over law enforcement agencies as a weapon against political opponents.
It is unfortunate that in a country that was once known for its fruitful anti-corruption reforms, impunity is increasingly settling into the norm in cases of high levels of corruption. "We call on the Georgian authorities to engage in political dialogue to protect the country's democratic future and to create an environment in which real anti-corruption reforms can be implemented," the statement said.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643850-saertashoriso-gamchvirvalobas-berlinis-opisi-movucodebt-sakartvelos-xelisuplebas-chaebas-politikur-dialogshi-kveqnis-demokratiuli-momavlis-dacvis-miznit
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Head of Gov’t Administration Resigns
by GEORGIA TODAY February 25, 2021 in Politics Reading Time: 1min read
Head of Gov’t Administration Resigns
The head of the Government Administration, Kakha Kemoklidze, resigned today, noting his move via a Facebook post. Kemoklidze expressed his gratitude to the former Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Gakharia, and wished the current PM Irakli Garibashvili success in his work.
“I want to be honest – throughout the past 10 years, I had probably the rarest honor to work with special people and leaders, under both the previous and current governments. I believe that those 10 years have also been valuable because a generation of young professionals and sincere patriots have grown in front of me, and in the future will become solid pillars for the country!
“I would like to offer the former Prime Minister Gakharia special thanks as well. I would not hide that at the beginning I even looked at him with suspicion (due to my professional habits and instincts ?? Thanks to him for being a selfless (often physically inexplicable) hard worker, a remarkably quick thinker, a bearer of the right state values, and an exemplary manager for many. He was a leader imbued with a belief in a meritocracy; the enemy of nepotism, cronyism, unnecessary bureaucracy, and a modern manager who stands up for accountability and can take responsibility. I am very grateful to him for enabling me to be a safeguard of state interests and to serve my country,” said Kemoklidze.
He wished success to Irakli Garibashvili and noted that the strength of the country lies only in unity.
By Ketevan Skhirtladze
https://georgiatoday.ge/head-of-govt-administration-resigns/
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Deputy Head of Gov’t Administration Resigns
by GEORGIA TODAY February 27, 2021 in Highlights Reading Time: 1min read
Deputy Head of Gov’t Administration Resigns
Berdia Sichinava
Following the resignation of the Head of Government Administration, Kakha Kemoklidze, Deputy Head of Government Administration, Berdia Sichinava, has also left newly appointed Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili’s cabinet.
Sichinava wrote about it on the social network and thanked the former Prime Minister, Giorgi Gakharia.
“Friends, I’ve decided to resign from the position of Deputy Head of Government Administration.
“It was a great honor for me to work in this position, especially in these challenging times.
“Special thanks to the Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, a person of great dignity, a manager with special skills and high principles and a true leader who gave me the opportunity to work with him,” he wrote.
For the record, the head of the Government Administration, Kakha Kemoklidze, resigned on February 25. He also expressed his gratitude to the former Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Gakharia, and wished the current PM Irakli Garibashvili success in his work.
By Ana Dumbadze
https://georgiatoday.ge/deputy-head-of-govt-administration-resigns/
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Including the PM, that's three resignations from the government since the arrest of the leader of the opposition.
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"If you think this is just a confrontation between two internal forces - the government and the opposition, you are mistaken"
2021, February 27, 5:00 p.m.
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"If you think this is just a confrontation between two internal forces - the government and the opposition, you are mistaken"
"The worst thing that can happen is to lose the territories.
" The two forces can no longer continue to fight. The only salvation is not only verbal, but also real support and talk to both the opposition and the government. Today we are in exactly the same situation as in 1918. "We were in 1921. We have a lot of people who want to 'redden' the country. If we do not come to our senses and Russia receives minimal guarantees from the West, it will resume the occupation and it is quite possible this year as well," the State Security said.
Tengiz Endeladze, former rector of the Ministry's Academy , who spoke to Kviris Palitra about the goals of foreign special services in Georgia, the development of possible destabilization scenarios and ways to avoid threats:
- The situation in Georgia is very dangerous. Both the government and the opposition must be prudent and do everything possible to reach an agreement. It owes the government first and foremost, it's everythingResponsible. No red lines, urgently need to be negotiated. Until then, it would be my request, as a former employee, for the government to apply to the State Security and Intelligence Service, to request brief analytical information on what is happening in the neighboring states, how they have increased "interest" in us. Then the government should think and therefore make a decision.
- How can destabilization in our country be used by foreign special services?
- They will not use it, they have been using it for three decades, after Georgia gained independence. If you think this is just a confrontation between two internal forces - the government and the opposition, you are mistaken. This is a confrontation between two worlds - the West and the North.
The north has been joined by Iran, Turkey, which is gradually getting stronger. Do you think he will give up the position? Most of Russia's interest is in Georgia, and the West's defined interest is pouring water on its mill. We constantly hear from them that we support Georgia, etc., but it seems that they are not ready to really help us either.
Not wondering what goes into the budget when everything is stalled? Soon someone will be deceived by the government, we will not receive salaries from your taxes (or ours), the West will give us money and that is really true. They are fed from the west.
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Part 2
If the West thinks that the government is doing something wrong and wants to stop it, they should make sharper statements - introduce sanctions, limit, so to speak, "injections", thus maintaining and reviving such a government, seriously intervening and easing the political crisis. These two forces will not be reconciled so easily, neither will give up, so their reconciliation must be forced.
Gharibashvili has been threatening to destroy him since the day he came and I do not think he will reconcile with the opposition now. Auchemia, "National Movement", "National Movement" and swear in flat words. Bless you, you were the Minister of Internal Affairs and if you do not like their sounders, why did you leave them in the Ministry of Internal Affairs? He became the Prime Minister and did not do anything then. Remember how he destroyed the footage of his personal life, which then appeared again and which, by the way, was also used by his service.
- In case of destabilization, what can we get the worst?
- I do not want to imagine ... Maybe the government is calm and thinks it is in control of the situation, but I doubt it. Then such a situation would not exist in the country either politically, economically or militarily. Sunday will not pass, no one will be kidnapped from the border villages, Tskhinvali will fill the budget with the money we paid, and we will apologize and do it.
How many years have passed since 2008 and I believe our police officers have not witnessed their indulgence at least once? I do not call anyone to bloodshed, but they also see this inability and that is why they behave like that ...
In all the processes that have been going on in the country, are going on and will be in the future, the hand of foreign special services is involved. No one can believe that both sides would have acted as they do without their intervention.
The special services have very well studied the psychology and attitudes of any nation and know how to act in the current situation. The ambassador of some countries is not only just an ambassador, but also a resident, i.e. he manages all the spies. Generally, the embassy works on intelligence and it is headed by the ambassador. They know very well what is happening to us, we know and know. If SUS does not know, our case has been well received.
Is it interesting that our special services are listening, or does any intelligence or counter-intelligence receive any information? First, they had to get information from abroad, from here - by themselves, then they analyzed it and provided it to the government. Whether they work properly, it needs to be clarified. It also's clear what the mark is on positions today - not even those who have special education, are Lama children in leadership positions, and they teach experience.
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Part 3
- If you have any suggestions, what scenarios can be prepared by the special services to destabilize us?
- Under no circumstances will the temperature drop, they will aggravate the situation even more. From a tense situation everyone is trying to get the benefit. When the situation changes, the special services of foreign countries become more active and see the benefits. Employees who participate in this mess receive royalties and bonuses.
The worst that can happen is that we lose territories. Nothing is ruled out. Do you think that what is happening now will be useful for Gareja, or that the Russians will gradually have to, do you think that they will not benefit? Therefore, I repeat, in order to prevent escalation, it is necessary to reconcile the government and the opposition.
The West should call directly, otherwise we are concerned and democracy is in danger. See what Gavrilov said? This is also a question of who called and who gave the interview. Ideological and psychological terror is going on in Georgia, in which the special services are making a great contribution. They manage to direct this ideological confrontation in the desired bed and give it the look of terror.
- On the 100th anniversary of the occupation of 1921, what parallels will you draw with the current and current processes, and are "surprises" expected from Russia?
- I have worked in the archives and consider that the situation is identical to Lama. Even then, there was unprofessional government, corruption, nepotism, bribery, and so on. I have no doubt that Russia will surprise us by February 25. They may not even voice it, but nothing remains undisclosed. The only salvation is to really support the West and talk to both the opposition and the government. Where necessary, the ears should be raised on both sides.
I have no doubt, our partners have a lot more information and they should be strongly asked the question, either you will do it, you will negotiate and settle it, or we will move on.
- Has the West invested so much in Georgia and will it "come out" so easily?
- It is true that the West was with us in 1920-21, but it is well able to support Georgia and Russia. There is a real danger that the same thing will happen again. Look what an attack on the church ... Foreign special services have brought the situation in Georgia there, people are talking and doing what they want. These services also have a foothold in all structures here, so what would they become? There are many ignorant, illiterate and unprofessional people in the country ... In short, the beginning of everything is that there is a race of non-professionals in the country. Professionals should work in all structures. A professional will always be loyal to the cause and gather people who think in a state-like way, wanting good for the homeland.
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Part 4
Hopefully, there are still wise people, especially in the special services, and when they are fed, they will take the necessary step themselves. I'm not saying, They will organize a coup - I said, no, they will raise their voice, say something and think about the government. If this country is destroyed, will they not follow in ruins?
I do not have high hopes for reconciliation, but it is necessary. The next stage should be the coalition government, do you want to call early elections, do you want early elections. Partners If you think that the opposition is more or less right and has confirmatory information, tell the authorities, you will stop helping and your case will end.
How can we finance this government when we are unemployed? Where are they funded from? However, they do nothing to get people to start working. You are arranging this because they are financed from the West, otherwise the population here would be begging, working and contributing to the budget.
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Author: Nana Pitskhelauri
https://www.kvirispalitra.ge/politic/74503-qthu-ggoniath-es-marto-ori-shida-dzalis-khelisuflebisa-da-opoziciis-dapirispirebaa-cdebithq.html
Posts: 6,252
02.03.2021 / 13:58AA
Alexander Khojevanishvili, Deputy Head of SUS, has resigned
Alexander Khojevanishvili, Deputy Head of SUS, has resigned
Alexander Khojevanishvili, Deputy Head of the State Security Service, has resigned.
As InterpressNews was told in SUS, Khojevanishvili left the post today based on his own statement.
Alexander Khojevanishvili was appointed Deputy Head of the State Security Service in 2019.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/644677-sus-is-uprosis-moadgilem-aleksandre-xojevanishvilma-tanamdeboba-datova
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Including the PM, that's four resignations from the government since the arrest of the leader of the opposition.
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Posted by Claws75 on the FRR bb :-
https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/03/02/georgian-democracy-on-life-support/
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Posted by Aurora1 on the FRR bb :-
Only Partly Free Sadly
https://civil.ge/archives/403022
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Posted by Aurora1 on the FRR bb :-
Jens Stoltenberg Thu 23:31
Sec-Gen Jens Stoltenberg: NATO’s door remains open for Georgia, Ukraine
Interesting timing looks like another bit of pressure for Georgia to get their house in order
https://agenda.ge/en/news/2021/592
US Defence chatting with Georgia MOD Thu 23:34
https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2524651/readout-of-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iiis-phone-call-with-georgian-mi/
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Badri Japaridze: Anaklia Port Project Remains Priority for EU and U.S.
“I want to ask the Georgian government, what has the country gained by stopping it? Do they feel responsible for the damage done to the country when all resources were mobilized to implement the project?” – Badri Japaridze
Badri Japaridze, the founder of Lelo and former deputy chairman of the Anaklia Development Consortium’s Supervisory Board, responded to today’s statement by the Government of Georgia regarding the Anaklia Port Project.
In his view, the reason the state has resumed talking about this issue is that they are often reminded about the relevance of the project by the European Union and the United States, as it remains their priority.
The Anaklia Port project is not only a significant leap for our country’s economy, but also for our security. I do not recall any other project in Georgia that the Commander of NATO’s Allied Maritime would call the guarantee of Georgia’s security,” Japaridze said on Mtavari Arkhi.
He added that the project creates many opportunities and positions our country as a gateway, as a connecting link between the West and the East.
“Our task is to quickly restore the project. Today, what we have heard is only PR and no investor will discuss partnership under these conditions, especially, knowing the attitude of Georgia towards investors in general.”
Japaridze said that the most important and highly reputable institutions, such as European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Asian Infrastructure Development Bank, The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) were and are still ready to provide $400 million in funding for this project.
He added that the EU made an unprecedented statement three years ago when it said they would provide the guarantees for this project. Not using this kind of opportunity is just a crime.”
“I’m sure that this project will be implemented anyway, but I want to ask the Georgian government, what has the country gained by stopping it? Do they feel responsible for the damage done to the country when all resources were mobilized to implement the project?” Japaridze said.
By Ana Giorgadze
https://georgiatoday.ge/badri-japaridze-anaklia-port-project-remains-priority-for-eu-and-u-s/
Posts: 6,252
04.03.2021 / 20:10
A telephone conversation took place between Archil Talakvadze and the President of the European Parliament
A telephone conversation took place between Archil Talakvadze and the President of the European Parliament
The Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia Archil Talakvadze and the President of the European Parliament David Sasoli had a telephone conversation, the press service of the Parliament reports.
According to them, the conversation focused on current political issues, the issue of access to the Kovid19 vaccine and Georgia's reforms.
"David Sassoli positively assessed the reforms implemented by Georgia on the Association Agenda and expressed the EU's support for Georgia's European integration.
The Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia informed the European counterpart about the current political events in Georgia. "David Sassoli stressed the need to resume political dialogue through the efforts of European Council President Charles Michel and expressed hope that the parties would be able to reduce tensions."
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/645056-archil-talakvazesa-da-evroparlamentis-tavmjdomares-shoris-satelopono-saubari-shedga
IMHO the EU and the USA will keep chipping away.
Posts: 6,252
04.03.2021 / 18:26
Tazo Datunashvili to the Prime Minister - You are lobbying for the interests of Russia, which is hostile to us, and you have a task to spend time with cunning and to postpone the construction of the port of Anaklia indefinitely
Tazo Datunashvili to the Prime Minister - You are lobbying for the interests of Russia, which is hostile to us, and you have a task to spend time with cunning and to postpone the construction of the port of Anaklia indefinitely
You are lobbying for the interests of Russia, which is hostile to us, and you have a task to procrastinate with lies and cowardice and to postpone the construction of the port indefinitely. - Statement made by the Minister regarding Anaklia port today.
As Tazo Datunashvili writes on the social network, the port of Anaklia will definitely be built, but when the "Georgian Dream" is no longer in power, this, according to him, will happen very soon.
"Stop the construction of Anaklia port, you and your teammates, Mr. Prime Minister! Oppose the whole state machine for bringing in American and European investors and building a deep-water port because you are traitors and traitors to Russian interests, Mr. Prime Minister. Now lie, lie and lie, but that's your style, Mr. Prime Minister, you either lie or lie. In this particular case, do not apologize, deliberately lie, because you, Mr. Prime Minister, are as much a traitor as your boss. You are lobbying for the interests of Russia, which is hostile to us, and you have a task to procrastinate with lies and cowardice and to postpone the construction of the port indefinitely, now this move is a step towards that, because you are a traitor, Mr. Prime Minister.
With a short wit, you have a short memory, Mr. Prime Minister, so here we remind you of your teammate, Comrade Kakulia, a year ago "temptations" about that wise man, Russia and your fears ... Crime ... your collective betrayal ... we will not forget, because today the first ships had to enter the port, because the construction of Anaklia City should have been in an active phase, because tens of thousands of people should have been employed in the port and its surrounding infrastructure. A springboard should have been created, because our country should have become an integral part of world trade ... For many reasons, we remember how many chances we missed,That is why Zarkua and Beraia do not believe your lies anymore ...
Anaklia port will definitely be built, but when you are no longer in power, it will happen very soon! We will build the port of Anaklia together with our strategic partners, Mr. Prime Minister! And you and your colleagues will definitely be held accountable for your criminal and treacherous activities! ”Datunashvili wrote.
Datunashvili's opinion regarding Anaklia port is spread by Lelo press service.
Posts: 6,252
Posts: 6,252
04.03.2021 / 15:58
Mikheil Saakashvili - we expect Nika Melia to be released in the coming days - if Ivanishvili does not do so, most of his property will be frozen
Mikheil Saakashvili - we expect Nika Melia to be released in the coming days - if Ivanishvili does not do so, most of his property will be frozen
A third of President Mikheil Saakashvili 's statement, Prime , in the near future, Melia release will have, otherwise, most of the property will be frozen and seized.
He mentioned this while addressing the social network.
"I am convinced that Ivanishvili will soon have to release Nika Melia , as well as several political prisoners, and if he does not do so, most of his property will be frozen and confiscated. He was threatened with direct sanctions. Other measures will be taken against him. "We are expecting the unconditional release of Nika Melia in the coming weeks and in principle, in days , without any manipulations," Mikheil Saakashvili said .
Watch the video: If Ivanishvili does not release Nika Melia , most of his property will be frozen - Mikheil Saakashvili
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/645002-mixeil-saakashvili-uaxloesi-dgeebis-ganmavlobashi-nika-melias-gatavisuplebas-velit-tu-ivanishvili-amas-ar-gaaketebs-misi-konebis-umetesi-nacili-gaqinuli-ikneba
Posts: 6,252
04.03.2021 / 14:00
Kakha Kozhoridze - An open war against investors has been declared and I do not expect the Anaklia project to breathe under this government
Kakha Kozhoridze - An open war against investors has been declared and I do not expect the Anaklia project to breathe under this government
In the situation when an open war against investors has been declared, I do not expect this project to breathe in the conditions of this government, - Leko member Kakha Kozhoridze said at the briefing, thus responding to the statements of the Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili regarding the port of Anaklia.
According to Kozhoridze, he does not believe that the Anaklia port project will "acquire vital force" under the current government.
"How long has it been since the investors terminated the contract ?! More than a year has passed and they are still talking in general phraseology that it is important for Anaklia, the investor should come in, but no concrete steps have been seen.
"In the situation when an open war against investors has been declared, I do not expect that this project will breathe a sigh of relief under this government, the most important project for the development of our country will gain vitality," said Kozhoridze.
As Kozhoridze notes, the Prime Minister's statement today regarding the port of Anaklia, politically "meant the continuation of the line of hypocrisy."
"Politically, it meant continuing the line of hypocrisy. To say that words are important to them and not deeds. These are the words we understand.
We read the words, including the one written in the constitution, that Anaklia is an important project, but they cannot go beyond the magician, nor will they go.
We must understand once again that Russia's interests are against Georgia's interests. Russia does not like to build such an important project in Georgia. These are the words of the representative of the Georgian Dream, not mine.
Of course, this is very close to reality. "In this situation, in the conditions of the Georgian Dream, when you make such statements, you practically refuse sovereignty," Kozhoridze said.
Let us remind you that according to the Prime Minister, Irakli Gharibashvili , the process of selecting a new investor for the Anaklia project will begin in the near future.
As the Prime Minister noted at the government meeting, the Ministry of Economy will start the legal procedures for announcing the tender and will hire an international consultant to assist in the process of selecting an investor.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/644981-kaxa-kozhorize-investorebis-cinaagmdeg-gia-omia-gamocxadebuli-da-ar-makvs-molodini-rom-anakliis-proekti-am-mtavrobis-pirobebshi-amoisuntkavs
Posts: 1,521
Opposition view.
" Giga Bokeria, one of the leaders of European Georgia, says that the general demand of the opposition is to call early elections and to hold a plebiscite in the form of a compromise, where voters will be asked if they want new parliamentary elections.
Bokeria notes that this should be accompanied by the release of Nika Melia and Giorgi Rurua from prison, as well as the reform of the electoral system. One of the leaders of "European Georgia" says that now the main thing is "Ivanishvili to decide on Saakashvili's curse that he agrees to a plebiscite":
"The position of European Georgia and all parties, including the UNM, has been so far and it remains that we want early elections, the release of political prisoners and a package on the election administration, but as a compromise, of course, we will consider a plebiscite where the Georgian people will be asked Whether new elections.
Naturally, all this is happening against the background of the release of political prisoners, Nika Melia, Giorgi Rurua, and the adoption of the package that the opposition has already offered, I mean the changes in the system and the administration. "Now the most important thing is for Ivanishvili to decide on Saakashvili's fault that he agrees to a plebiscite, to release political prisoners, and then to accept defeat first in the plebiscite and then defeat in the elections," Giga Bokeria said.
Today, March 4, Mikheil Saakashvili released a video address saying that in his opinion, the opposition should not agree to the plebiscite model regarding the snap elections.
Saakashvili believes that there are several months left before the local elections and even if the government loses the plebiscite, they will still have several months to bribe and intimidate the voters."
Posts: 6,252
05.03.2021 / 10:46
Ana Dolidze addresses ambassadors accredited to Georgia to jointly create a court modernization plan
Ana Dolidze addresses ambassadors accredited to Georgia to jointly create a court modernization plan
Ana Dolidze , leader of the Movement for the People , addresses the ambassadors accredited to Georgia regarding the fundamental reform of the judiciary .
As InterpressNews was informed by the press service of the Movement for the People, Ana Dolidze offers the ambassadors her own vision for judicial reform - "6 Steps to Judicial Reform", where she talks about the dissolution of the High Council of Justice.
"The current political events in Georgia have once again confirmed that the independence of the judiciary remains a major challenge for our state today.
The political spectrum obsessed with the idea of ??eternal rule has shifted the polarization to the main foundation of the country - the judiciary, which is already in a deep impasse. I have been speaking out on this topic for a long time, and I speak as Parliamentary Secretary to the President, from the rostrum of the High Council of Justice and other public spaces.
Today, all of Georgia's international partners and friends point out that polarization and distrust of the judiciary pose a threat to Georgia's statehood.
However, the fact is that none of the political forces represented in the country has sufficient public confidence and competence to act beyond the polarization to establish sustainable state institutions in Georgia, including an independent judiciary. Believe me, these components are essential.
In such a situation, it is my duty as a citizen to take immediate action for real reform of the judiciary.
I have been working in this direction for a long time. A few years ago, I presented to the public the vision of judicial reform - "Six Steps to Judicial Reform", based on my local and international education, competence and experience.
Your support and involvement of the diplomatic corps in the reform of Georgia's judiciary is essential. "Therefore, we suggest that we move on to the case - let's discuss together and create a plan to modernize the Georgian court, which will be implemented immediately and not in the future, as many political parties predict," - the text of the appeal reads.