Chris Heminway, Exec-Chair at Time To ACT, explains why now is the right time for the Group to IPO. Watch the video here.
Pt.3 (and final part)
J1 - Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation started a lawsuit against „Frontera“ in the Arbitration Court in 2018, citing breach of contract. In April of this year, a Copenhagen court ruled that the American oil company had violated certain clauses of the contract, and the arbitral tribunal ordered the return of 99% of „Frontera's“ license to Georgia. The company has complied with the tribunal's decision and is currently conducting oil and gas exploration at the remaining 1%. The management team says that "Frontera" has the opportunity to use this chance. He will have the full support of the state, part of the opposition claims that the lawsuit has negatively affected the image of Georgia and scared foreign investors.
Giga Bokeria, Member of Parliament Fraction “European Georgia”, (GB) - First they created a whole scandal from this story, which has damaged the investment image of the country and everyone should understand that it does not only concern the interests of rich companies, but also ordinary, middle and poor classes, when the country has an image and when spending money here is risky.
Roman Gotsiridze, Chairman of Parliament Fraction “National Movement”, (RG) - „Frontera“ will have the right to continue operating until 2027, and on the other hand, the government will have to fulfill its obligations. Business must do its job and the government must not interfere in the business.
Kahkaber Kukava, Vice-speaker of Parliament, (KK) - Not only the government has won this dispute, it also has the right to terminate the contract in full, but precisely because we value the investment with the representatives of our partner country, we try to fully support the environment that will allow them to work in good faith. That was the essence of this offer.
Giorgi Volsky, First vice-speaker of Parliament, (GV) - This is an area of 50 square kilometers on which they operate and there were 10 times more area where absolutely no work was done and the contract was changed many times. Therefore, I think that if someone makes a statement to Washington and, moreover, spreads misinformation, it is the representation of "Frontera".
J1 - "Frontera" entered Georgia in 1997. The company has invested up to half a billion and has been able to extract only $ 60 million worth of oil and natural gas during that time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZghWiKCBcJ8&feature=emb_title
Pt.2
J1 - "Frontera“ has been making a number of serious allegations against the Georgian government for years. To voice these allegations, according to representatives of the ruling team, the company has repeatedly used individual US congressmen and senators with the help of lobbyists, for which it has spent quite a large sum, more than $ 240,000. This is against the background of the fact that the former employees of the company have been demanding payment of the salary arrears for months. According to the decision of the Government of Georgia, the contract with "Frontera Resources" will no longer be terminated and the company will be given the opportunity to continue operating in 1% of the exploration area, only in Dedoplistskaro. The head of government explained this decision by saying that the country's investment climate and a secure business environment are important for Georgia. The Chairman of the Parliament noted that the offer of the Georgian government to the company "Frontera" once again confirms the responsible approach of the government towards American investments.
Archil Talakvadze, Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, (AT) - This reaffirms our government's approach and responsible approach to American investment, and in this case, I think, we have once again shown to our partners that we have a constructive position and that any international and foreign investment in Georgia is safe.
Davit Zalkaniani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, (DZ) - A commercial dispute cannot be detrimental to relations between 2 strategic partner states. In order to avoid any speculation, we think that this is an extremely important decision, to show the good will of the Georgian government, and our main strategic partners already see this very well.
Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia, (GG) - We should not allow anyone, even by spreading false information, to question an investment environment and the business climate of the country. This one, the most important and the second - No one should be allowed to use the strategic partnership here for some purpose. And the third issue - of course, there are Georgian employees who say that they worked for this company and, of course, the interests of these people must be taken into account.
Translation #22, 1TV, Kelly Duggan and others, 7m7s,
Pt.1
Journalist 1 (J1) - Yesterday's decision of the Ministry of Economy failed to put an end to the dispute over Frontera. Following allegations of business harassment, the American company accuses the government of conducting a disinformation campaign. The American oil company considers as defamatory the government's move, according to which, despite winning the international arbitration dispute, the government will not terminate the contract with the company and will allow oil exploration to continue in 1% of the territory in Dedoplistskaro. Relations with the company, which entered Georgia 23 years ago to extract oil, were strained with the government 2 years ago. The dispute, which started with the argument of non-fulfillment of the contract, soon continued in the International Court of Arbitration.
J1 (Contd) - Threats, intimidation, slander, and misinformation from the state - the American oil company continues to claim that it is under pressure from the government. "Frontera" states that they are not allowed to operate freely in the Georgian market. The company notes that there is no legal basis for the unilateral termination of the contract and that the government is driven by only one goal - to make the American private sector lose interest in foreign direct investment in Georgia. What the American company writes in a statement blaming the Georgian government will be discussed by the US ambassador to Georgia in the context of disputes. In any case, Kelly Degnan, unlike the company, has not made any accusations against the Georgian side today. She did not discuss the details of the dispute either. The American diplomat only pointed out that giving the Georgian government another chance for “Frontera” means that the government is ready for open communication with business.
US Ambassador - I welcome yesterday's offer and statement of the Government of Georgia as a good sign that the communication channel with business is open. Disputes occur. It is important for companies to sit down with the government and resolve disputes.
Pt.2
Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia, - One percent, on which Georgia, legally, could have started the return process, refused to start this process and I will easily explain why. Because for us, in Georgia, today, the investment and business climate of the country is extremely important and we should not allow anyone, even by spreading false information, to question this investment environment and the business climate of the country. This one, the most important and the second - No one should be allowed to use the strategic partnership here for some purpose.
Giga Bokeria, Opposition MP - This is a political example of savagery. However, it is absolutely foolish and harmful for the country. First they created a whole scandal from this story, which has damaged the investment image of the country and everyone should understand that it does not only concern the interests of rich companies, but also ordinary, middle and poor classes, when the country has an image and when spending money here is risky. First they started this campaign, then they said that “We have won” and they had spent millions of our common money on this “win”, the money of taxpayers. Now, it turns out that they have to retreat, but they also retreat in such a way that the problem is not solved until the end. In other words, only the Ivanishvili regime can do so much nonsense and harm together.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLAJf7zoTeU
Translation #21 TVKavkasia, PM and others, 3m55s,24/07, US$20
Pt.1
J1 - American energy company Frontera calls on the Georgian government to stop its disinformation campaign. The company responded to a government statement issued yesterday stating that it would not cancel its contract with Frontera. According to the company, the government statement was packed with slanderous and false statements aimed at insidiously obstructing the inflow of foreign direct investment from the United States. Frontera clarifies that there was never any legal basis for the unilateral termination of the contract.
FRR Statement - “The Government of Georgia continued a public disinformation campaign regarding its contract with our company and the results of the recent arbitration action that the government initiated against us in 2018. We call on the Prime Ministre and his government to please stop this intentionally deceptive, damaging and disingenuous practice and, instead, engage honestly with the public and directly with our company to advance a true spirit of substantive partnership.
After years of commercially debilitating threats and harassment to the contrary, officials suddenly announced in the media that “the government had decided not to cancel our contract”. This announcement was wrapped in a litany of slanderous statements that served only to defame the character of our company and advance false statements about the work.
We wish to once again be clear that no legal basis has ever existed for the unilateral cancellation of our contract. The Government of Georgia`s continued insinuation to the contrary is wrong and amounts to intentional harassment.
Since April of this year, we have requested numerous meetings with the Government of Georgia. All of these requests have either been rejected or ignored. Now, senior officials make a public announcement without making any effort to constructively meet with our company. This is not normal behavior when it comes to working with the largest provate-sector U.S. investor in Georgia.
J1 - Responding to “Frontera's” statement, the Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Gakharia, stated that the country's business environment is important and no one should be allowed to question the investment environment and business climate by spreading false information. The opposition accuses the government of damaging the country's investment climate and says that the extension of the agreement with “Frontera” is the result of international pressure.
Here is an updated summary - 26/07
#1 - radio show $110, PAID, POSTED 07/06
https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/????-????????????-?????????-????????????-??-??????????????-??????/30639322.html
#2 - Short Youtube clip $5.15, PAID, POSTED 15/06
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL97SI8cjzQ
#3 - TV interview 16/06 $41.20,PAID, POSTED 18/06
https://mtavari.tv/ghamis-mtavari/7642
#4 – Interview from early May, $66.95 PAID, POSTED 22/06
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bDj5hEHyEU
#5 – Interview with Zaza & Govt official, 05/06, CANCELLED 29/06 US$87.55
https://palitranews.ge/video/sakme-frontera-vs-sakartvelos-mtavroba
#6 – TV Imedia news 5.23m US$20.60, PAID, POSTED 21/06
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=84RjV2oahC0
#7 – News segment with GOGC from 17/6, US$55.00, PAID, POSTED 27/06
https://www.imedi.ge/ge/video/54942/saertashoriso-skandalshi-gakhveuli-da-skhvadaskhva-qvekanashi-taglitobashi-mkhilebuli-prontera
#8 – Zaza TV interview, 23/06 from 37m mark, US$36.05, PAID, POSTED 26/06
https://www.facebook.com/107065540663565/videos/????-???????-??????-?????/211402503272921/
#9 – News segment via YouTube, 23/06, 5.30m, US$25.75, PAID, POSTED 24/06
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7KRHadw7oY&feature=youtu.be
#10 Zaza interview TV Kavkasia, 25/06, 26m US$72.10, PAID, POSTED 30/06
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhio3tzMsqM&app=desktop
#11 Zaza statement, Formulanews, 25/06, 3m30s, US$15.45, PAID, POSTED 28/06
https://formulanews.ge/News/32135
#12 GSAC long version of #11, 25/06, 21m US$66.95, PAID, POSTED 02/07
https://www.facebook.com/GSAC.GE/videos/270839824170062/
#13 Interview about US interests in Georgia, US$40, FREE, POSTED 06/07
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0kTGqyOv1SU&list=UUOpMeFzNjG2EQHtJzkJsgVw
#14 Mtavaria with Mullin, Zaza and others, US$ 30, FREE, POSTED 06/07
https://mtavari.tv/news/9192-ivanishvilisa-putinis-sakhipato-kavshirebi-morigi
#15 Forbes TV clip on FRR, 6m30s, 28/06, US$25, (US$10) POSTED 07/07
https://bm.ge/ka/video/fronteras-saqmis-peripetiebi/19240
#16 Mtavari with Zaza, others Time TBC, US$100, PAID, POSTED 13/07
https://www.facebook.com/107065540663565/videos/????-???????-?????????-?????/271993324056247/
#17, Imedi TV, FRR & Sanctions Bill, 12/07, 12m, US$40 POSTED 22/07
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI4IgmD29rw&list=PLMys-CD6bNrJmlrUh8D8n0PDNVYFvOqs6
#18 1TV with Zaza & others, 23/07, 7m9s, US$30, POSTED 25/07
https://1tv.ge/video/ekonomikis-saministros-gadawyvetileba-2/
#19 Rustavi2 TV, Zaza & others, 23/07, 5m59s, US$30, POSTED 26/07
https://rustavi2.ge/ka/news/171022
#20, Mtavari with Zaza, others, 24/07, 4m US20 POSTED 25/07
Total PAID amount = US$832.75 / GBP696.19
I asked the translator -
"We know this is the correct translation, but in In English the meaning is unclear. I wonder if in its original Georgian it makes more sense, but that the meaning of the comments don't translate well?"
He has just responded -
"The main idea of the text is this - "Georgia claims that 99% of the territories was transferred to the state and the rest 1% was given to "Frontera" according to the court decision. But "Frontera" says that it is quite opposite, 1% was given to the State and the rest to the company."
The issue is that when the respondent is answering the question of the journalist, he/she answers the question without any prewritten text, so their speech is less organized and sometimes use more words in the sentence than they need. So, when I translate the text word by word, this ma be the reason why the meaning in English is so unclear.
If you want, I will try to translate the idea of the text, and won't use word by word translation technique. Which one do you prefer?"
Not sure that wholly clears up the issue, and the translator is no FRR expert.
Unless anyone objects I say we go with the "idea of the text" version of translations going forward.
Pt.2
J2 - The fact that there is a problem with the audience, was confirmed today by the US Ambassador to Georgia. Kelly Degnan welcomes the government's decision, but says communication between the parties should be more.
Kelly Duggan, US Ambassador - We welcome the statement and offer of the Government of Georgia. This is a good sign that the Georgian government is open to communication, communication with the company. It will be good if this communication takes place and this issue is resolved through dialogue and agreement.
J2 - As you have heard, “Frontera” accuses the Georgian government of harassing its activities. The Georgian government itself accuses the American company "Frontera" of dishonesty. All this is written in a 152-page document, the decision of the International Tribunal in The Hague, which is strictly confidential on both sides, therefore it is difficult for us to talk about which side is telling the truth and which is lying.
https://mtavari.tv/news/11360-pronteras-cinaaghmdeg-mtavrobam-4-celshi-42
Translation #20, 4 min interview with Zaza, US$20
Pt.1
J1 - American energy company Frontera calls on the Georgian government to stop disinformation. The statements made by the members of the government yesterday that the contract with "Frontera" will not be terminated, it turns out that the representatives of the company found out through the media. Tatia Tsotsonava joins us live on "Frontera" case.
J2 - The director of the American company "Frontera" told us that they learned about the decision of the Georgian government to extend the contract with the company "Frontera". However, Zaza Mamulaishvili tells us that the Georgian government is conducting a kind of disinformation campaign against the American company, as he says that the Georgian government does not have the right to terminate or extend the contract so unilaterally, as the contract states that this can be done only by mutual agreement. Zaza Mamulaishvili also says that this decision seems to have been made by the Georgian government against the backdrop of unprecedented international pressure in recent months, as the Georgian government is now trying to justify the millions of dollars spent from the budget, Which the Georgian government has squandered in lawsuits against an American company. Such is 42 million GEL, at least, Zaza Mamulaishvili tells us this amount. This is exactly the amount that the Georgian government has spent for 4 years in various services against the American company "Frontera". The company "Frontera" expresses its readiness to restore this audience with the Government of Georgia, to allow them to fully operate on the territory of Georgia.
Zaza - He publicly states that as if 99% remains with the state and 1% with the company. Which does not correspond to reality. In fact, it is the opposite. 1% remains for Georgia, which was returned by Mr. Gakharia and his government, 99% remains for the company. GEL 42 million is paid for the services of foreign lawyers, experts and lobbyists. This is all that was used in the arbitration trial against “Frontera” and the fight against us politically or otherwise. The government has completely illegally frozen our bank accounts, banned us from exporting oil, does not pay us our due VAT, which owes several tens of millions of GEL, and does not allow us to conduct operations normally.
Pt.3 (and final part)
Rati Ionatamishvili, Chairman of parliament fraction “Georgian Dream”, (RT) - It is very important for us that the investment climate is as transparent as possible for each investor, and this fact should not inspire even a single interpretation of one of our strategic friends.
J2 - American "Frontera" started its activities in Georgia in 1997. After 20 years of operation, the state has appealed to international arbitration. Arbitration disputes have repeatedly been the subject of political speculation. Mutual accusations were also often heard. Frontera has also been the subject of letters and statements from a number of congressmen and senators as an example of the harassment of American and European investment in Georgia. Material found on the Internet reports that Frontera is one of the sponsors of Malin, one of the authors of these statements, a Republican congressman. Today, the American research organization OperSecrects.org published data on the financial assistance of US congressmen from Frontera. According to the survey, Frontera raised $ 200,000 in 2019 to support Republicans and Democrats. As of 2020, this amount exceeds $ 44,000. According to the research organization, the oil company has limited financial assistance to any political force in the United States. Because of this, Frontera supports Republicans and Democrats through individual transfers.
https://rustavi2.ge/ka/news/171022
Pt.2
Zaza - There was a whole list of slanderous allegations.
J2 - Frontera's office accuses the government of slander. The decision to terminate the contract is also illegal for the American company. According to Zaza Mamulaishvili, the government rejected its intention only because the Congress Committee approved the draft military budget, which also addresses the issue of funding for Georgia. A representative of Frontera also spoke about the harassment of American investments by the rulling party and said that with this in mind, the company has a hard time predicting future activities.
Zaza - We are no exception. There are other American companies in the country that are also experiencing harassment. What is the reason for this is difficult for me to say, although it is obvious that, on the one hand, they are narrowing down American investments, but, on the other hand, they are paving the way for Russian, Chinese, Iranian investments in the country. So that this balance is very unfair.
J2 - The decision to leave „Frontera“ in Georgia became the reason for political assessments. The move that the UNM welcomes for European Georgia is overdue. In the majority party, the main focus was on the transparency of the investment climate and strategic cooperation with the United States.
Roman Gotsiridze, Chairman of political fraction “National Movement”, (RG) - The government made the right decision not to hinder „Frontera“ from continuing its work. And if there is any dispute between the company and the government, it should be decided by the court.
Irakli Abesadze, Member of political fraction “European Georgia – Movement for Freedom”, (IA) - When US congressmen made statements about corruption in Georgia, including the issue of raising sanctions against Georgia in the US Congress, they now say that they are ready to continue the relationship with "Frontera" and this is an issue that they could have done from the beginning.
Translation #19 Rustavi2 TV, Zaza & others, 23/07, 5m59s, US$30,
Pt.1
Journalist 1 (J1) - "Georgia has such large reserves of oil and gas that it can even start exporting energy resources," said Frontera, a company that entered Georgia in 1997. Georgia could not become an exporter of energy resources, but Frontera was allowed to continue its exploration work today. However, in only 1% of the area, the remaining 99% has already been lost by an American oil company in an arbitration tribunal. Why did the government change the previously announced decision and to whom the government has given an account? The American oil company, to which the congressmen even dedicated their own tweets, continues to drill in Georgia even after 23 years.
Natia Turnava, Minister of Economics and Sustainable Development of Georgia (NT) -We
have made a decision and are suspending the request to terminate our contract. We are leaving this 1% area which ...
Journalist 2 (J2) - The government will no longer cancel the contract with Frontera, which is about to expire on July 27. According to the decision of the government, the company will be left with 1% of the search area for the activity. 99%, “Frontera returned to the state by the decision of the arbitral tribunal. The authorities explain that they have taken a compromise step. The reason is foreign policy and international image.
NT - Fundamentally important to us is our relationship with the United States as a strategic partner, which in no way should be overshadowed by the defense campaign launched by one particular company. Practically, we make such a compromise decision.
Davit Zalkaniani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, (DZ) - In order for the ordinary, routine, commercial dispute not to become detrimental to interstate relations, we have therefore made this decision.
J2 - The compromising government today reminded Frontera of its unfulfilled obligations and methods of struggle, which the ruling team qualifies as discrediting. The government hopes the company will pay off its several-month debt to its employees.
NT - Instead of focusing its resources on fulfilling its obligations, instead of paying off its debts to people employed for more than 14 months, it turned its attention to launching an unprecedented discrediting campaign against the Georgian state. We express our hope and call on Frontera that at least now that we have made this decision, it may settle its obligations.
Pt.3 (and final part)
Irakli Abesadze, Member of political fraction “European Georgia – Movement for Freedom”, (IA) - From the very beginning, the issue could have been negotiated in such a way that the interests of all parties would have been protected and the country would not have received such a heavy blow in terms of its international image.
Rati Ionatamishvili, Chairman of parliament fraction “Georgian Dream”, (RI) - It is very important for us that the investment climate is as transparent as possible for each investor, and this fact should not inspire even a single interpretation of one of our strategic friends. Therefore, I welcome this decision.
Giorgi Volsky, Dep. Chair Parliament (GV) - "Frontera" is one of the best examples to see how Georgia takes care of a foreign company, despite their dishonesty, how much concessions it makes. Approximately $ 240,000 has been spent on lobbying to put Georgia in an awkward position, or to be punished by the United States in the interests of “Frontera”. Money is big enough to talk about immorality.
J2 - Former employees of the company have repeatedly held protest rallies in front of the Georgian office of “Frontera”. They demanded repayment of several months of debt from the company. To date, “Frontera” has not paid salaries to more than 70 employees.
https://1tv.ge/video/ekonomikis-saministros-gadawyvetileba-2/
Pt.2
Davit Zalkaniani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, (DZ) - At the official level, the issue of Frontera has never been a topic of discussion, and it has not been as important as the Frontera leaders tried to portray it. It will also be further confirmation that Georgia's strategic partnership with the United States in all areas, including in terms of increasing its investment potential, as well as in the wider use of the opportunities that Georgia offers to our key strategic partner, is justified.
Zaza - The Georgian government is not interested in the existence of projects created with American capital in the country.
J2 - The company, which has been conducting oil exploration and extraction work in Kakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions since 1997, has been accusing the state of harassment for years. According to Zaza Mamulaishvili, up to half a billion dollars have been invested in oil exploration and extraction, and $ 60 million worth of oil and natural gas have been extracted. As for future plans, Frontera says that if the state does not change its attitude towards them, it will be difficult to think about attracting additional investment. At the same time, Zaza Mamulaishvili explains that the company will be able to pay off the debts of employees who have been left without pay for a long time only when they will be able to continue the work in full.
Zaza - Exports were closed to us illegally. It's just that the state railway no longer provided us with tanks to export our products. It froze our accounts completely illegally. That's why we can no longer meet our payroll obligations, but as soon as the state adheres to the terms of the contract and allows us to work under the terms of the contract, of course, we will immediately restore normal workflow and settle that debt with all the employees we have.
J2 - The issue of "Frontera" became topical in the agenda of Georgian politics after some congressmen on behalf of the company mentioned it in the letters sent to the Prime Minister and made statements in support of "Frontera". As it turns out, against the background of non-payment of salary obligations for employees, "Frontera" has paid more than $ 240,000 for the services of lobbyists. As for the current decision of the government that "Frontera" will remain on the Georgian market, both the ruling party and some opposition MPs have received positive assessments.
Roman Gotsiridze, Chairman of political fraction “National Movement”, (RG) - Interpretation is different. The government explains in one way, "Frontera" explains in the second way. But the main thing today is that the company should continue to work and it is welcome that the government has made such a decision.
Translation #18 1TV with Zaza & others, 23/07, 7m9s, US$30,
Pt.1
Journalist 1 (J1) - The American company "Frontera" remains in Georgia. Despite winning an international arbitration dispute, the government does not terminate its contract with the company and allows exploration to be carried out on 1% of the area in Dedoplistskaro to extract oil and gas. The decision is explained by the Ministry of Economy on the grounds that the commercial dispute should not be used to damage the relationship between the two strategic partners. However, Frontera has some complaints about the offer, again talking about harassment and making certain conditions to meet its financial obligations to employees. The dispute between the Oil and Gas Corporation, which entered the Georgian market in 1997, started years ago with the motive of violating the terms of the contract.
Journalist 2 (J2) - Even after losing a number of allegations, criticisms and arbitration disputes against Georgia, the American oil company "Frontera Resources" will continue to operate in our country. However, this time the company will be able to extract oil and gas only in Dedoplistskaro, because, according to the authorities, according to the arbitral decision, "Frontera" returned 99% of the exploration territory to the state and only 1% of the initial contract area remains for the company on which territory the exploration works have been performing since USSR period. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, David Zalkaniani, the decision made by the state regarding "Frontera" is conditioned by the strategic goals of the country. The Minister of Economy clarifies that the image that Georgia has in terms of investment should not be overshadowed. Therefore, Natia Turnava calls on the company to fulfill its obligations, pay the accumulated salary arrears to the employees and instead of mobilizing lobbyists, make efforts to search.
Natia Turnava, Minister of Economics and Sustainable Development of Georgia, (NT) - We think this decision will once again be a testament to how important it is for us to continue our very successful relationship with our strategic partner, the United States. We express our hope and call on Frontera that, at least from now on, when we have made this decision, maybe it will settle its part of the obligation, to look after the workers who have been really waiting in vain for so many months to receive their salaries.
Pt.4 (and final part)
(KK) - If we follow how and what statements they made and how they tried to sell this information, I have the impression that they are either very incompetent and do not understand what they are talking about, or do not know English well and can not read the document or deliberately make these statements to the detriment of countries for their personal political reasons.
(J2) - In fact, under the bill, our country will receive at least $ 132,025,000 from a strategic partner, and the fate of 15% of that aid will be decided by the State Department. The State Department should report on whether Georgia is working to strengthen democratic institutions in the fight against corruption, the rule of law in the private sector, and the protection of foreign investment in the country.
(GV) - This congress will be based on the report of the State Department and not only on the topic of Georgia. The rule and number is as follows. Can you help everyone? But, the record of that is in the report card and this part of the report card is actually done by people who are interested in our interests.
(J2) - Why is the National Movement and its split party trying to undermine the strategic partnership? The ruling team has one answer - narrow party interest. And, in some cases, possibly individual American politicians as well.
(GV) - Isn't this a connection of interest, say, between Frontera lobbyists and our opposition? Isn't this the interest of the people who come out today as if they were defenders of democratic institutions and its guardians? Exactly, they are with their lobbying groups.
(J2) - The case of Frontera is a classic example. It is a documented fact that the congressmen who talk about the deterioration of the business environment in Georgia because of "Frontera" are in fact open lobbyists of this company. The document shows even more. For example, the author of critical letters and statements to Georgia, Texas Congressmen Marquin Malin, Brian Babin and Pete Olson, have been receiving donations from Frontera in recent years. However, in all cases, the Georgian side still has to contact all interested parties and explain the real situation. Precisely because Georgia is a strategic partner of the United States and it is important to have accurate information about our country.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI4IgmD29rw&list=PLMys-CD6bNrJmlrUh8D8n0PDNVYFvOqs6
Pt.3
(KK) - If we follow how and what statements they made and how they tried to sell this information, I have the impression that they are either very incompetent and do not understand what they are talking about, or do not know English well and can not read the document or deliberately make these statements to the detriment of countries for their personal political reasons.
In fact, under the bill, our country will receive at least $ 132,025,000 from a strategic partner, and the fate of 15% of that aid will be decided by the State Department. The State Department should report on whether Georgia is working to strengthen democratic institutions in the fight against corruption, the rule of law in the private sector, and the protection of foreign investment in the country.
Giorgi Volsky, First vice speaker of Parliament, (GV) - This congress will be based on the report of the State Department and not only on the topic of Georgia. The rule and number is as follows. Can you help everyone? But, the record of that is in the report card and this part of the report card is actually done by people who are interested in our interests.
(J2) - Why is the National Movement and its split party trying to undermine the strategic partnership? The ruling team has one answer - narrow party interest. And, in some cases, possibly individual American politicians as well.
(GV) - Isn't this a connection of interest, say, between Frontera lobbyists and our opposition? Isn't this the interest of the people who come out today as if they were defenders of democratic institutions and its guardians? Exactly, they are with their lobbying groups.
(J2) - The case of Frontera is a classic example. It is a documented fact that the congressmen who talk about the deterioration of the business environment in Georgia because of "Frontera" are in fact open lobbyists of this company. The document shows even more. For example, the author of critical letters and statements to Georgia, Texas Congressmen Marquin Malin, Brian Babin and Pete Olson, have been receiving donations from Frontera in recent years. However, in all cases, the Georgian side still has to contact all interested parties and explain the real situation. Precisely because Georgia is a strategic partner of the United States and it is important to have accurate information about our country.
Pt.2
(J2) - Staffers are those whose information is relied upon in various reports and letters by congressmen and senators. As it turned out, the National Movement pays a lot of money for informing them. This is also an official document. It states that the National Movement pays the PR company $ 250,000 for lobbying in America. The contract is for 1 year and expires in October 2020. Under the agreement, lobbyists are not only required to send letters. They have to plan meetings for the guests from Georgia. For example, this group, which held meetings in the United States last December, was commissioned by the National Movement and organized by American lobbyists.
Kakhaber Kuchava, Deputy Chairman of Parliament, (KK) - You can not play with the strategic partner of the country on such sensitive issues because of your personal goals. Here we are talking about the unprecedented high level of relations between the American and Georgian peoples, the unprecedented high level of cooperation and partnership between our countries, which has the status of a strategic partnership, and thus speculating to achieve your personal party goal is really detrimental to the country.
(J2) - Kakha Kuchava, who often communicates with his American counterparts, is well acquainted with their attitude towards Georgia. In the interview, he explains how the efforts of individual political forces could affect, not the Georgian Dream government, but the whole country.
Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia, (GG) - Due to some of our so-called politicians, there are attempts to involve our foreign partners in these internal political controversies. This is bad because in the end, it does not hurt any political force, in the end it hurts the country.
(J2) - Examples, unfortunately, have accumulated a lot. The United National Movement and European Georgia present the criticism of Georgia, which, as it turned out, is often written in various documents through their efforts, as their personal victory.
Irakli Beraia, (IB) - This on their part, of course, is not surprising because these are ordinary pests and they are ready to harm and destroy the whole country for their own narrow personal interests.
(J2) - Often their attempts actually hurt the country. However, more often than not they just show that the relationship between the government and the strategic partner can no longer go the old-fashioned way. A recent example is the draft law, which, among many other topics, discussed the terms of financial assistance to Georgia. The project is still at the committee level and has a long way to go, but the destructive opposition is trying to present as if the United States has reduced its aid to Georgia by 15% and this is an already resolved issue.
Translation #17, Discussion on FRR and the Sanctions Bill, 12 mins, US$40,
Pt.1
Journalist 1 (J1) - The former government team is celebrating and spreading false information, as if the states have reduced financial assistance to Georgia by 15%. However, the reality is quite different. There is a record in the draft state budget of the United States for 2020-2021, according to which more than 132 million dollars will be allocated for Georgia. However, there is also a condition that 15% of aid should be suspended until the State Department finds that the independence of institutions, the democratic environment and anti-corruption regulations in Georgia have improved. We are now talking about a project that has a long way to go before it can be approved and eventually signed by President Trump. Probably everyone is wondering how and why this condition appeared in the budget bill. Let us recall the processes that preceded this, but with specific documents, and openly state who is trying to discredit Georgia in the United States. We have reviewed the document published on the website of the Department of Justice of the United States, where the terms of the agreement between the National Movement and the lobbyists and the activity report are published. After getting acquainted with this document, it is easy to understand who provides US congressmen, senators, and international research organizations with incorrect information about Georgia. Lobbyists have a direct indication from customers that these people and organizations should talk about anti-democratic processes in Georgia and pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for it. See the harmful games of anti-democrats for the country.
David Zalkaniani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, (DZ) - Here it is. Randy Scheunemann send e-mail to Sebastian DeLuca who is the staffer of Kinzinge, and it is indicated right in the subject: anti-democratic developments in Georgia. More emails from Randy Scheunemann, in this case to the staffer of Senator Risch. Scheunemann once more… Scheunemann… Scheunemann…
Journalist 2 - (J2) - Together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, I am reading a report on the activities of American lobbyists commissioned by the United National Movement. A document released by the US Department of Justice details who the lobbyists met and what they talked about. According to the report, their main goal is to convince US congressmen and senators, as well as large organizations, which Georgia is developing in an anti-democratic way. The task is being done by Randy Scheunemann and Michael Mitchell, longtime UNM partners who have been meeting for months and sending emails with information that is damaging to Georgia.
DZ - This is the order of a particular political party. This is their lobbyist, and he gets paid for it, and, naturally, whatever this political party orders, he tries to bring this narrative to the relevant staffs of Congress and the Senate.
NEW PRICE STRUCTURE
To streamline prices and save time with negotiations, the following price table will apply.
0-5m = $20
5-10m = $30
10-15m = $40
15-20m = $50
20-25m = $60
25-30m = $70
30-40m = $80
40-50m = $90
50-60m = $100
On shorter projects we will pay a little more but we pay less on the longer projects. This is a general guide only as exceptional cases may sometimes crop up. This table does not include the small amount we pay in PayPal commissions.