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‘This Is Only the Start,’ MEPs Say on Suggested Aid Cut to Georgia, Conditionality
07/04/2021
“All political groups agreed that it’s time to introduce the principle of conditionality” for the EU assistance toward Georgia, said MEP Marina Kaljurand, Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the South Caucasus, during an online discussion hosted by the Georgian Institute of Politics, a think-tank, on April 7.
MEP Kaljurand said the move will become necessary if they “do not see a political commitment from Georgian side” in response to EU’s support for reforms and integration path.
The remarks came in response to some of the ruling Georgian Dream party representatives, which suggested that April 1 statement by the leading MEPs on EU-Georgia relations reflected only the views of “six or seven” European lawmakers. In the statement, following another failed round of the EU-mediated political dialogue on Georgia’s political crisis, the MEPs warned about introducing conditionality and suspending EU financial assistance to Georgia.
MEP Andreas Kubilius, another signatory of the April 1 statement, agreed to MEP Kaljurand during the today’s discussion. Noting that the statement was signed by representatives of different groups and delegations in the European Parliament, Kubilius said “if such a statement is made by such a group of people, usually that is supported by the majority of the [European] Parliament.”
MEP Kubilius also said that “either Georgia is resolving the crisis,” or it “will pay some price,” recalling that the EU applied the principle of conditionality in the case of Moldova before.
“We were so patient for so long now, that actually we are almost a little bit late with our statement,” said MEP Viola von Cramon-Taubadel today during the online discussion, remarking that “this is only the start.” Von Cramon-Taubadel, who recently payed a visit to Tbilisi, was among the signatories of starkly-worded April 1 missive.
https://civil.ge/archives/411160
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Good to see some solid movement from EU now hopefully USA also follow all just in time for the 15th protests
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EU Warns Georgia Aid Cut Over ‘Hastily Adopted’ Court Law Changes
07/04/2021 - 22:13 25 1 minute read
The European Union’s External Action Service decried today Georgia’s “hastily designed and adopted” April 1 changes to the selection process of the Supreme Court Justices. The EU’s foreign policy arm said revising the selection process of top court judges in line with Venice Commission recommendations is “a condition for the disbursement of the second tranche of macro-financial assistance to Georgia.”
According to the statement, while the EU welcomes the initiative to amend the legal framework of the selection process, “it is disappointing that the Georgian Parliament hastily designed and adopted these amendments without an inclusive consultation process.” The EEAS also expressed regrets that Georgia had already amended the legislation “in a rushed process without a timely request to or awaiting the final opinion of the Venice Commission.”
Noting that Georgia’s highest judicial instance is crucial to be composed of “judges of utmost professional competence and integrity,” the EU’s foreign policy arm “strongly recommended” the country to request as soon as possible a Venice Commission assessment on whether the adopted amendments comply with its previous recommendations.
https://civil.ge/archives/411387
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08.04.2021 / 10:37AA
George Kent - It is time for political leaders to focus on the challenges facing Georgia - the internal political crisis created by the actions of the ruling party and the opposition
George Kent - It is time for political leaders to focus on the challenges facing Georgia - the internal political crisis created by the actions of the ruling party and the opposition
It is time for Georgia's political leaders to focus on the challenges facing Georgia as a country, and this is the internal political crisis in Georgia, which, frankly, is provoked and created by the actions of both the ruling party and the opposition, the US said. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs George Kent said during a discussion on Georgia - developments in the South Caucasus and future Eurasian policy.
"Georgia, which has long been the United States' closest strategic partner in the Caucasus, contributes to regional security, including fighting NATO missions in countries such as Afghanistan, instead of focusing on changing geopolitical challenges in the Caucasus. That they were working on economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, politicians made progress in domestic drama. We have sincerely told our Georgian friends, both in the government and in the opposition, that now is the time for Georgian political leaders to focus on the challenges that Georgia as a country faces, and that is the internal political crisis in Georgia, which, frankly, is provoked and created by both sides. "Because of the actions of both the ruling party and the opposition," said George Kent.
According to him, steps should be taken by all parties to reach a compromise and agreement in Georgia.
"Each side must take steps to compromise and agree to advance the rules of the game so that Georgia focuses on national challenges, rather than partisan issues, which hinders Georgia's progress and raises questions about the political culture and elite that for many years sought to integrate into Euro-Atlantic and European structures. Whether it is the EU or NATO, however, now political leaders do not model democratic values, which is a key precondition for a serious dialogue. I think now the Georgian political elite is facing the moment of truth and the question of where they want to take the country, which five years ago was not as intense a topic of conversation as it is now.
The first meeting of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee under the Biden administration was on Georgia, not on Afghanistan, Iraq or terrorism, but on Georgia. "This has not happened since 2009, when Russia invaded Georgia and there was a war," said George Kent.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/650417-jorj-kenti-droa-politikurma-liderebma-quradgeba-gaamaxvilon-im-gamocvevebze-romelta-cinashec-sakartvelo-dgas-shidapolitikuri-krizisi-shekmnilia-mmartveli-partiis-da-opoziciis-kmedebebis-gamo
Posts: 6,250
08.04.2021 / 10:37AA
George Kent - It is time for political leaders to focus on the challenges facing Georgia - the internal political crisis created by the actions of the ruling party and the opposition
George Kent - It is time for political leaders to focus on the challenges facing Georgia - the internal political crisis created by the actions of the ruling party and the opposition
It is time for Georgia's political leaders to focus on the challenges facing Georgia as a country, and this is the internal political crisis in Georgia, which, frankly, is provoked and created by the actions of both the ruling party and the opposition, the US said. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs George Kent said during a discussion on Georgia - developments in the South Caucasus and future Eurasian policy.
"Georgia, which has long been the United States' closest strategic partner in the Caucasus, contributes to regional security, including fighting NATO missions in countries such as Afghanistan, instead of focusing on changing geopolitical challenges in the Caucasus. That they were working on economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, politicians made progress in domestic drama. We have sincerely told our Georgian friends, both in the government and in the opposition, that now is the time for Georgian political leaders to focus on the challenges that Georgia as a country faces, and that is the internal political crisis in Georgia, which, frankly, is provoked and created by both sides. "Because of the actions of both the ruling party and the opposition," said George Kent.
According to him, steps should be taken by all parties to reach a compromise and agreement in Georgia.
"Each side must take steps to compromise and agree to advance the rules of the game so that Georgia focuses on national challenges, rather than partisan issues, which hinders Georgia's progress and raises questions about the political culture and elite that for many years sought to integrate into Euro-Atlantic and European structures. Whether it is the EU or NATO, however, now political leaders do not model democratic values, which is a key precondition for a serious dialogue. I think now the Georgian political elite is facing the moment of truth and the question of where they want to take the country, which five years ago was not as intense a topic of conversation as it is now.
The first meeting of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee under the Biden administration was on Georgia, not on Afghanistan, Iraq or terrorism, but on Georgia. "This has not happened since 2009, when Russia invaded Georgia and there was a war," said George Kent.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/650417-jorj-kenti-droa-politikurma-liderebma-quradgeba-gaamaxvilon-im-gamocvevebze-romelta-cinashec-sakartvelo-dgas-shidapolitikuri-krizisi-shekmnilia-mmartveli-partiis-da-opoziciis-kmedebebis-gamo
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EU says further financial aid will made conditional on Georgian judiciary reforms
https://agenda.ge/en/news/2021/927
Posts: 6,250
08.04.2021 / 12:23AA
Roman Gotsiridze - It is the rule of Tibetan monks: if they tell you something and it does not fit in your head, they hit you with a big plank - it is simpler in Georgian: you have to pour cold water to revive it
Roman Gotsiridze - It is the rule of Tibetan monks: if they tell you something and it does not fit in your head, they hit you with a big plank - it is simpler in Georgian: you have to pour cold water to revive it
to wake up, very seriously bashing back - Tibetan monks rule, if something gichichineben and they were right, take the big board and beats her head and, in this chapter of the hit mind ginatdeba - EU after the statement maybe dawn Ivanishvili and did not bring the case more Before the big sanctions, Roman Gotsiridze , a member of the United National Movement, told reporters in response to a statement issued by the European Union stating that the Supreme Court's selection process was in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission, a second tranche of macro-financial assistance to Georgia.
As Gotsiridze explained, the EU statement was a direct signal that the Georgian government will have to pay a very heavy political price for the processes taking place in the country, including the arrest of Nika Melia .
At the same time, according to Roman Gotsiridze , the government can not withstand external pressure.
"It is very difficult to predict how Bidzina Ivanishvili read itYesterday's EU statement. It was a very heavy text. "Georgian Dream" was boasting that the call for democratic processes in the country would not be stopped, it turns out that this was a statement of some politicians or MEPs, and it turns out that the government did not say that, but last night the government announced that Georgia would suspend a 280 million grant. In the amount of GEL. This is the last part. One billion and a half GEL was provided to us during the pandemic period by the European Union, and out of this, one billion was a grant, and this is the last part of this grant, which is direct budget assistance and is called a macroeconomic support tranche. This is free money! Which could be applied in any direction and is directly related to this already the rule of appointment of judges of the Supreme Court and the law which was not agreed with the Venice Commission. To be honest, this is just an excuse - why did the EU want to make a statement at midnight? - This was a direct signal that the Georgian government will have to pay a very heavy political price for the processes that are taking place, includingDue to the arrest of Nika Melia . The cost of losing 280 million GEL is reflected in this today, if we approach it financially. Naturally, this money, which was allocated by the EU, is almost fully used in the 5 billion package, but in the future there will be no budget for Georgia, if there is no similar assistance from our partner countries and it will hinder future processes.
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Part 2
They had to wake up, they hit their heads very seriously. It is the rule of Tibetan monks, if they say something to you and do not come to you, they take a big plank and hit you on the head, and after hitting this head, your mind lights up and after yesterday's statement, maybe Bidzina Ivanishvili will be enlightened and will not lead to bigger sanctions Will have a serious impact on everything. Until they personally touch the members of the government and the leaders of the "Georgian Dream" and Bidzina IvanishviliBefore that it is better to take action. If we use the Tibetan method of waking up in this chapter for awakening, but it is simpler in Georgian - you have to pour cold water to revive it, then hopefully they will learn something. "When will this happen today, or tomorrow, if tomorrow is a matter of time, it is impossible for the government to withstand external pressure," Gotsiridze said.
For information, the EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Affairs, Nabla Masrali, has issued a statement regarding the selection process of judges of the Supreme Court of Georgia.
The statement said that in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission, the improvement of the selection process of judges of the Supreme Court is a condition for the allocation of the second tranche of macro-financial assistance under the current program for Georgia.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/650448-roman-gocirize-tibeteli-berebis-cesia-tu-ragacas-gichichineben-da-tavshi-ar-shegdis-did-picars-girtqamen-kartulad-upro-martivia-civi-cqali-unda-gadaasxa-rom-gamococxldes
The reference to the Tibetan Monk's methods made me laugh.
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08.04.2021 / 18:21AA
Giorgi Vashadze - I can tell you that a new content document will be posted on all 5 issues next week - if you see, there will definitely be an agreement!
Giorgi Vashadze - I can tell you that a new content document will be posted on all 5 issues next week - if you see, there will definitely be an agreement!
I am waiting for the mechanism to open this vicious circle next week, if the third round is scheduled, it will end with an agreement , - Giorgi Vashadze , the leader of "Strategy Builder" said.
As he explained to Palitranius' Daily News program, based on talks with facilitators in recent days, he expects three options for next week - a date for the start of the third round, a new content of the document, or direct talks next week.
"I have had very intensive communication with our facilitation parties for the last two days and I can tell you that we have to wait for the news next week. News because something has to put an end to this process. According to the document of Charles Michel, a final document should be drawn up and we should see who signs this agreement and who does not. Next week may be a certain date when it will be the third round, it may be the new content of the document that will be posted, it may be a direct already negotiated appointment next week, I look forward to all three options because it gives me the opportunity to say so in recent days My contacts with our partners , To whom I shared my vision.
I think this new strategy that I have after the second round will bring results for the third round, you see, there will definitely be an agreement! I'm 90% sure this will happen. If the third round is scheduled, it will end in agreement. I can probably tell you my mood in this regard, because I have talked to a lot and the issue of Georgia has already been raised very high, "said Giorgi Vashadze .
He also noted that the document, which could be signed by the mediators next week, will address all five issues identified by Charles Michel.
"How long should this process take ?! We must put an end to this issue. Consequently, I have a very simple strategy in these negotiations and not only do I ask the mediators, but they also have a certain obligation to fulfill this role. When Charles Michel arrived, 5 points were written, including the issue of political prisoners and the issue of early elections, and all 5 of these issues need to be resolved.
I can tell you that a document will be posted on all 5 issues. I will tell you the principles and not the content. The principles are: the release of political prisoners and a record of early elections, how we proceed to early elections, which does not mean that early elections will be guaranteed, but rather that people will decide whether or not there should be early elections. "The most correct version for me is a plebiscite," Vashadze said.
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As for what "Strategy Builder" will do, if the new document, which may be submitted by the mediators next week, will not have the support of all opposition parties, Vashadze said, the decision will be made individually.
"My number one task is to join this document in opposition unity. I will do my best to agree with all parties involved if I see that it is the correct document. "If I do not see this and there will still be some destruction, a radically different opinion and I will have a different opinion, it will not be difficult for me to say that I can sign this document," Vashadze said.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/650546-giorgi-vashaze-shemizlia-gitxrat-rom-momaval-kviras-5-ve-sakitxtan-dakavshirebit-daideba-axali-shinaarsis-dokumenti-ager-naxet-shetanxmeba-aucileblad-ikneba
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Ukraine conflict: Moscow could 'defend' Russia-backed rebels
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-56678665
Is this Putin's answer to what is being negotiated in Georgia, to throw a spanner in the works and destabilize the whole region?
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Part of a Strategy? US Mulls Sending Warships to Black Sea to Warn Russia Over Ukraine, Report Says
https://sputniknews.com/world/202104091082578722-part-of-a-strategy-us-mulls-sending-warships-to-black-sea-to-warn-russia-over-ukraine-report-says/
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President Talks Unity, Euro-Atlantic Path, Namakhvani in April 9 Address to Parliament
https://civil.ge/archives/411778
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NATO PA President: political situation in Georgia remains cause of deep concern
During a virtual discussion yesterday the Georgia-NATO Interparliamentary Council discussed Georgia's political crisis, its NATO Integration and regional security. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge
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Agenda.ge, 10 Apr 2021 - 14:12, Tbilisi,Georgia
President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Gerald Connolly said about the failed EU-mediated talks between the Georgian ruling party and the opposition that ‘the political situation in Georgia remains a cause of deep concern’.
Throughout this crisis, our Assembly has been calling on the Georgian government to act with restraint and for the opposition to respect the rule of law. We have called on majority and opposition to act in a constructive spirit and good faith, in the interest of a stable and democratic Georgia that can pursue and advance its path towards Euro-Atlantic integration”, Connolly stated
The NATO PA leadership and members of the Georgian delegation held ‘a frank and open exchange of views’ on the evolving political crisis in Georgia, wider developments in the region, cooperation with NATO and the NATO PA, as well as the country’s active contribution to Euro-Atlantic security during the meeting in the framework of the Georgia-NATO Interparliamentary Council (GNIC) yesterday.
EU-mediated talks between Georgian political parties fail again
The Assembly has reported that this parliamentary dialogue between the allied and Georgian lawmakers ‘comes as yet another attempt at mediating the protracted political crisis failed last week’.
Irakli Beraia, the chair of the Georgian delegation has tweeted:
Stressing the importance of adherence to democratic values as a key condition for NATO membership, President Connolly affirmed the Assembly’s ongoing readiness to ‘support Georgia on its Euro-Atlantic and democratic path’.
Georgian FM congratulates US congressman Connolly on being elected NATO PA President
With Russia building up its military presence in and around Ukraine in what President Connolly called ‘reckless and irresponsible’ actions, Connolly has also reaffirmed the NATO PA’s condemnation of Russia’s ongoing aggression and the Assembly’s ‘unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity’.
https://agenda.ge/en/news/2021/948
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Georgia is suddenly making international headlines. But its crisis isn't new
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/odr/georgia-has-been-crisis-long-time/
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European Georgia Party Elects New Leaders
https://civil.ge/archives/411941
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14.04.2021 / 12:14AA
Giorgi Khojevanishvili on leaving the Georgian Dream - we feel responsible for the mistakes and it is with this sense of responsibility that we take this step
Giorgi Khojevanishvili on leaving the Georgian Dream - we feel responsible for the mistakes and it is with this sense of responsibility that we take this step
Of course, we feel responsible for the mistakes and we are taking this step with the same sense of responsibility, - Giorgi Khojevanishvili , the MP from the majority, said at a briefing in the Parliament.
He said that the population is facing challenges such as pandemics, unemployment, hardship and they are interested in these issues and not the endless quarrel between the parties. According to Khojevanishvili, they see these problems and are not afraid to tell the truth.
"We were members of the Georgian Dream and therefore share the successes and failures that have occurred during this period. At the same time, of course, we feel responsible for our mistakes, and it is with this sense of responsibility that we take this step. Our country is facing serious challenges, citizens have to deal with problems such as pandemics, economic crisis, unemployment, poverty on a daily basis, and these are the problems that interest our citizens and the population, not the endless confrontation and quarrel of political parties. We see these problems, we are not afraid to tell the truth and turn a blind eye to the problems. We will tell you about the future plans in detail together with the team leader later, ”Khojevanishvili said.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/651337-giorgi-xojevanishvili-kartuli-ocnebis-datovebaze-vgrznobt-pasuxismgeblobas-shecdomebze-da-scored-am-pasuxismgeblobis-grznobit-vdgamt-am-nabijs
Posts: 6,250
14.04.2021 / 12:07AA
6 deputies of the parliamentary majority are leaving the Georgian Dream
6 deputies of the parliamentary majority are leaving the Georgian Dream
Georgian Dream MPs Giorgi Khojevanishvili , Alexander Motserelia, Beka Liluashvili, Shalva Kereselidze, Mikheil Daushvili and Ana Buchukuri are leaving the ruling party.
The deputies made a statement about it in the parliament.
"Each of you knows very well that we are Giorgi Gakharia's team. We are like-minded and share values. By joint decision with Gakharia, we are moving to a new phase of party building. "We will leave the Georgian Dream and continue working in the parliament as independent MPs," Giorgi Khojevanishvili said .
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/651334-saparlamento-umravlesobis-6-deputati-kartul-ocnebas-tovebs
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14.04.2021 / 12:39AA
Giorgi Khojevanishvili denies information that the party formed by Giorgi Gakharia has ties with Bidzina Ivanishvili
Giorgi Khojevanishvili denies information that the party formed by Giorgi Gakharia has ties with Bidzina Ivanishvili
Majority MP Giorgi Khojevanishvili denies the information that the party formed by Giorgi Gakharia has ties with Bidzina Ivanishvili .
Asked whether Bidzina Ivanishvili is behind their party , Khojevanishvili said: "This, of course, is not true."
Georgian Dream MPs Giorgi Khojevanishvili , Alexander Motserelia, Beka Liluashvili, Shalva Kereselidze, Mikheil Daushvili and Ana Buchukuri have left the ruling party.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/651347-giorgi-xojevanishvili-uarqops-inpormacias-rom-partias-romelsac-giorgi-gaxaria-shekmnis-bizina-ivanishviltan-kavshiri-akvs
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Six Georgian Dream MPs defect to new Gakharia party
14 April 2021
By
Shota Kincha
Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia casting his ballot on 31 October. Photo: Mariam Nikuradze/OC Media.
Six Georgian Dream MPs have left the party to join a new party to be led by former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia.
In a press conference in parliament on Wednesday, one of the MPs, Giorgi Khojevanishvili, said that they were in the process of building the new party but gave no further details.
The six said that for now they would act as independent MPs.
Most of the MPs leaving the majority on 14 April were newcomers to politics who joined Georgian Dream in the run-up to the 31 October parliamentary elections. Giorgi Gakharia led the electoral list.
The six MPs — Giorgi Khojevanishvili, Aleksandre Motserelia, Beka Liluashvili, Shalva Kereselidze, Mikheil Daushvili, Ana Buchukuri — identified themselves as ‘members of Giorgi Gakharia’s team’.
In February, Gakharia became the latest Georgian Prime Minister previously allied with party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili to abruptly leave his post.
He stepped down citing disagreements within the party over whether or not to arrest the leader of the opposition UNM party, Nika Melia.
[Read more on OC Media: Gakharia resigns as Georgian PM over Melia arrest]
Less than 24 hours after his departure, police raided the UNM headquarters and arrested Melia, leading to renewed protests and widespread international condemnation, and a deepening of the political crisis in the country.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Giorgi Khojevanishvili said that they would ‘share the successes and failures’ of Georgian Dream while they were members but that the public expected politicians to ‘deal with the pandemic, economic crisis, unemployment, poverty […] instead of endless conflicts between political parties and squabbles’.
https://oc-media.org/six-georgian-dream-mps-defect-to-new-gakharia-party/
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14.04.2021 / 15:35AA
Davit Chichinadze - Gakharia is being formed as a political leader, which will cause a political crisis and early elections will be called
Davit Chichinadze - Gakharia is being formed as a political leader, which will cause a political crisis and early elections will be called
If Gakharia does not face any problems from Ivanishvili's government and does not answer many questions that actually exist, then this so-called "Georgian Dream" The crisis is artificial and Ivanishvili's project - this is how the leader of "Tribuna" Davit Chichinadze responds to the resignation of 6 deputies of "Georgian Dream" and the formation of a team together with former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia .
According to him, Gakharia is being created as a political leader, which in turn will create a political crisis in the country.
"If they are not summoned to the prosecutor's office, they will not have any questions with them, even during Gakharia's term as Minister of Internal Affairs. In general, if Gakharia does not explain and answer the many questions that actually exist, then the so-called The crisis is artificial and Ivanishvili's project. Gakharia is being created as a political leader, which in turn will create a political crisis in the country, early elections will be called and as long as part of the opposition is constantly talking about entering and leaving parliament, those who come out will stay through Gakharia, along with the remnants of the "dream" handed over to Kobakhidze. We will see all this very soon, if those unprincipled businessmen start in his team, who are only interested in their own comfort, ”said Davit Chichinadze.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/651414-davit-chichinaze-gaxarias-kmnian-politikur-liderad-romelic-gamoicvevs-politikur-kriziss-da-dainishneba-vadamdeli-archevnebi
Posts: 6,250
14.04.2021 / 14:59AA
Giga Bokeria - I am not in favor of conspiracy theories, but the version that there is an attempt to make a "B" team around Ivanishvili has grounds
Giga Bokeria - I am not in favor of conspiracy theories, but the version that there is an attempt to make a "B" team around Ivanishvili has grounds
According to Giga Bokeria , Chairman of European Georgia , the fluctuations in Bidzina Ivanishvili's entourage and in the Georgian Dream are natural, given the difficult situation that this team has created, "with its harmful and irresponsible steps in the country."
As Bokeria explains, the MPs who left the parliamentary majority today must state their position on the early elections, as well as the issue of releasing political prisoners.
"As for the departure of these people and the so-called Gakharia factor, first to clearly state the position. Giorgi Gakharia gave answers to many questions that are with him. Fix a position on early elections as well as the release of political prisoners. Then let's see the number of these people. In itself, everything that in one way or another will accelerate the process of holding normal early elections and releasing political prisoners is positive for us, the society.
Despite his calculations, so far we have not heard any political position from Gakharia and his entourage. Therefore, I am not in favor of conspiracy theories, but of course, the version that all this is an attempt to make Team B around Ivanishvili is grounded. If this is not so show us by his actions.
If they support the distrust of the government, the release of political prisoners and early elections are very good. At the same time, Giorgi Gakharia must answer the questions. "Being in the shadows and creating an expectation regime looks unserious," Giga Bokeria said .
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/651398-giga-bokeria-ar-var-shetkmulebis-teoriebis-momxre-magram-versias-rom-aris-mcdeloba-ivanishvilis-garshemo-b-gundis-gaketebis-sapuzveli-akvs
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15.04.2021 / 17:09AA
Platform 20/20 - Although the 2020 parliamentary elections were held in a competitive environment, they were not fair and free, which had a final impact on the results
Platform 20/20 - Although the 2020 parliamentary elections were held in a competitive environment, they were not fair and free, which had a final impact on the results
The 2020 parliamentary elections were tough. Although it was held in a competitive environment, it was not fair and free, which had a final impact on the results, which does not reflect the will of the Georgian electorate, - said in the final report of the NGO Platform 20/20, which is published in 2020. Refers to the October 31 parliamentary elections in Georgia.
According to the Civic Platform 20/20, this circumstance has caused a political crisis in the country, which harms the interest of the state and threatens the democratic development of the country.
"We consider the possibility of overcoming the crisis to hold early parliamentary elections, which should be held in a free and fair environment, taking into account the recommendations of non-governmental organizations and international partners.
A (A) IP Civic Platform 20/20 launched a long-term observation mission for the October 31, 2020 parliamentary elections on September 1, 2020. Our task was to evaluate the elections as a result of the pre-election period and observation of the voting, and to inform the public about the issues related to the conduct of elections in the respective constituencies.
A (A) IP Civic Platform 20/20 observed the pre-election process. The pre-election period of the October 31, 2020 parliamentary elections highlighted issues of concern. In particular, the tense and polarized environment, which was most negatively affected by the so-called. The investigation into the "cartographers' case" has started. "Signs of biased activity were revealed at all levels of the election administration, which was most evident in the process of election disputes and the election of members of commissions designated on a professional basis in district / precinct commissions," the statement said.
According to the Civic Platform 20/20, the election campaign was conducted in a tense environment, there were significant incidents, many of which were not adequately responded to by law enforcement agencies and in many cases, inadequate. The facts of physical violence against journalists and observers were especially unfortunate.
According to them, on the voting day of the October 31, 2020 parliamentary elections, the "Civic Platform 20/20" was represented in all majoritarian constituencies by 250 PEC observers and 40 mobile groups.
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Part 2
The observers of "Civic Platform 20/20" were met with a hostile environment in the precinct election commissions. 85.4% of observers assessed the quality of cooperation by the precinct commissions as negative. According to 51.8% of observers, the procedures for opening the polling station were violated. The main problems were the incomplete or irregular voting procedures at the polling station, the illegal restriction of the observers' powers and the presence of unauthorized persons on the territory of the polling station.
The Central and District Election Administrations formally considered election disputes. Without paying attention to its essence and content, there were often cases of unscrupulous interpretations of the law. Such a superficial approach to significant irregularities fails to ensure confidence in the election results and the election administration, leaving the electoral administration eager not to expose or eliminate irregularities but to formally justify mistakes or offenses made by lower-level election administration.
The final report of "Civic Platform 20/20" fully assesses the election process and progress. "Along with the election assessment report, our organization has developed 12 recommendations that will reduce distrust of the election administration in the future and, if they are taken into account, will allow less political crises," the Civic Platform said in a statement issued by 20/20.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/651618-platporma-2020-miuxedavad-imisa-rom-2020-clis-saparlamento-archevnebi-konkurentul-garemoshi-chatarda-ar-iqo-samartliani-da-tavisupali-ramac-saboloo-gavlena-ikonia-shedegebze
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15.04.2021 / 22:00AA
Ana Dolidze - You can not become an opposition by moving 6-7 people from one place to another in the parliament - Gakharia's political purge consists of at least 10 issues
Ana Dolidze - You can not become an opposition by moving 6-7 people from one place to another in the parliament - Gakharia's political purge consists of at least 10 issues
"I do not think it is right to move from one wing of the parliament to another, call the opposition and say goodbye to all the mistakes and crimes related to your eight-year career," said Ana Dolidze , leader of the People's Party, about the return of former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia to politics.
As Ana Dolidze explains, she invites Giorgi Gakharia to talk about the court on any air.
According to him, the Georgian economy was destroyed during the whole seven years when Gakharia held responsible positions in the government.
"I want to share my views on the formation of Gakharia's party and his second appearance in politics. I would simply like to evaluate this process as not the entry of any new force that the public can expect, but rather the return of an already well-known and experienced. Mr. Gakharia and his future, new party have a political refinement to go. This is a concept in religion when a person is held accountable for sins committed. Returning to politics as an oppositionist is not so easy, by moving six or seven people from one seat to another in parliament, you will not become an oppositionist. Political purge Gakharias consists of at least 10 questions that his party members, most of whom are MIA and SUS cadres (this is also noteworthy), will have to answer.
1. Western or Russian vector. What we see in Gakharia's biography, who by the way was in the Georgian government for eight years, is that he has very serious ties with Russia. Until 2016, he was a Russian citizen, ie when he was already a public servant in Georgia. What I told Georgian Dream was that a Russian citizen held a high position, including the position of business ombudsman. Throughout his 20-year Russian career, he has made relevant connections and worked as a Russian citizen in various institutions in this country. Now we need an explanation - what kind of vector will his team have, none of whose members have a Western education.
2. Gavrilov's night - Gakharia was the Minister of Internal Affairs and this night there was a clear abuse of power and disproportionate force. There are other cases of use of force that I will not name here. Here I will recall a special forces raid on a power plant in Pankisi.
3. The third issue concerns the court. I invite Mr. Gakharia to talk about the court at any time. No economic reform and prosperity can happen without judicial reform. The man has been in power for eight years, including two years as prime minister, before that as interior minister and economy minister.
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Part 2
Nothing has been done about the court. He never once raised his voice against the Murusidze-Chinchaladze clan, or about how the government challenged justice. Nothing has been done about the reform.
4. Signing the Namakhvani HPP contract. Journalists ask the members of Gakharia team, with what example and conscience did they sign the sale of our lands? Both the sale and that 99-year contract are his responsibility from beginning to end, and he will have to seriously answer that question.
5. Restoring Justice - I know that part of the Georgian Dream may sympathize with Mr. Gakharia. Look at his deeds and not at his sweet or bitter conversation. When we were fighting in the streets of Tbilisi, when I was leaving the house and several SOD and CSD cars were following us, while you, the political prisoners, were being chased and chased, Giorgi Gakharia felt very comfortable in his office in Moscow. He has never done anything to restore justice. So please do not listen to the person talking, check his deeds.
6. Gambling - It was during Gakharia's premiere that our campaign against gambling, we collected 10,000 signatures on a petition and appealed to him on behalf of the people to restrict gambling activities. Unfortunately, nothing was done as the Prime Minister to regulate this business. Moreover, it was during his presidency that completely free and liberal gambling activities took place. So there is a serious assumption that Gambling is happy to patronize itself.
7. Extended Occupation - During Gakharia's presidency and ministry, the creeping occupation continued, intensified and expanded. Our government has done nothing to reduce the occupation.
8. We have not made any progress on the international side - neither in the EU nor in NATO. Not a single step has been taken towards the West, and this also shows Gakharia's pro-Russian orientation.
9. Destroyed and collapsed economy - The Georgian economy was destroyed during the whole seven years when Gakharia held responsible positions in power. It has nothing to do with Covid, which has been around for the past year. The only hard way we managed to stem the first wave of the pandemic was to collapse the economy, shut it down, and then what happened in the summer, as well as during Gakharia's presidency, we know very well - absolute ineffective governance, fiasco, runaway lari, expensive mortgages, unbuilt factories, collapsed factories. All this is the legacy of this government and Gakharia's eight-year partnership.
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Part 3
10. Lastly, it is about sharing the legacy of the Georgian Dream. Do not forget the correspondence about Anaklia, which was never answered by the investigation; Do not forget the collapsed SUS and the information leaked from there; Do not forget the collapsed institutions, look at the audit findings, rigged tenders, prevailing corruption, nepotism in public service. The responsibility for all this is shared directly by the person who was the co-builder of this government for eight years, more to say the co-destroyer, who was the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Economy, then the Business Ombudsman and then the Prime Minister during all these failures.
These are just 10 questions that Gakharia and his team must answer in order to pass the purge in order to return to Georgian politics as an oppositionist. All the lost time, the lost resources, the economy, the lives, however, in relation to the gambling that has taken place in recent years - this requires sharing responsibility. "I do not think it is right to move from one wing to another in the parliament, the opposition was called and thus say goodbye to all the mistakes and crimes related to your eight-year career," - said Ana Dolidze in a live address.
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Gakharia's party formula will be "The End of a Dream, Hope, Faith, Deed, Point" - Igor Kveselava
" George Gakharia party will not be created nor" Georgian Dream "and Ivanishvili 's. This party is formed taking into account the political opinion of the Georgian society, which is waiting for the country to get out of the political impasse and develop - this is how political scientist Igor Kveselava responds to the departure of former Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia from the Georgian Dream. "At the stage of construction", - the newspaper "Resonance" writes in the article, with the headline Gakharia's party formula will be "End of a dream, hope, faith, deed, point" - Igor Kveselava.
Back in 2019, I said that "Georgian Dream" will win the 2020 elections, but may not stay until 2024, because "Dream" has exhausted its program minimum and failed to implement the program maximum. I also said that the Georgian political space needs a new breath and a new face. I did not rule out that this new force could be created in the heart of the "dream" again. Of course, the "Dream" feels threatened that the "Nationals" will not be their political opponent, the force that is coming now. The mistake of "Dream" is that they do not look ahead, they think that what is today should not be revised. Gakharia's party will be neither the second nor the third force. It will be the first party to fight for power and come to power. Gakharia will not take away anyone's votes, he will win votes. Thank you so much for what "Dream" did, But he exhausted his ability. "Georgian society needs to be renewed and get out of the crisis in which the country is, so this power is coming," Igor Kveselava told the publication's correspondent.
Gakharia 's party will not be a spare team "B", nor the party created by "Dream" or Ivanishvili. It will be an "A" class party and will be based only on the political opinion of the Georgian society. Not only the opposition, I want to tell everyone that Gakharia has long been out of Ivanishvili's ghost. I kept telling "Dream" that they should go out to the people, but we see that "Dream" could not become a popular party. I hope you are happy to be among the people. His party should definitely include people of all generations and nationalities. Gakharia's first statements also showed that he wants to end polarization, radicalism and do business in the country. In other words, in my opinion, there will be such a formula as "The end of a dream: hope, faith, deed, point - joy" - The respondent thinks and the question - "Will the newly formed party manage to participate in the local elections?" - Answers:
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Part 2
"It takes time to form a party, but I think it will happen soon. Of course, the new party led by Gakharia must run in the local elections, because it will be a very important election, and here Gakharia must show his strength. "I do not rule out the possibility of holding early elections right after the self-government's advice."
"As for the fact that there should be opposition in the country, no one disputes that, but there should be a constructive opposition, which will make sense, not with a sword in its hand. People do not trust our radical opposition and therefore can not take part in rallies, so it will be on May 15. "The opposition is spreading today and will probably disintegrate soon, because the society is tired of radicalism, it must end," Igor Kveselava added.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/651687-kartuli-presis-mimoxilva-16042021
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Georgia’s ruling party signs EU-mediated agreement but opposition refuses to sign
https://dfwatch.net/georgias-ruling-party-signs-eu-mediated-agreement-but-opposition-refuses-to-sign-54677