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Gipps51 - That area get mentioned a few times in the translations (and I think in some articles). This is from Translation 1
But where are these supplies?

J1 - Why is there no extraction and so on? If we have any

Zaza - How does it not happen? Extraction takes place. We have been very successful in drilling and testing. As soon as we decided to go to the stage of large-scale development of these mines, it was from here that very big problems began, which continue to this day. And these are the problems, starting from the revocation of the license and the contract ...

J1 - And where is this oil reserve in Georgia?

Zaza - It is located in South Kakheti - Dedoplistskaro and Sagarejo district.

Total PAID amount = US$832.75 / GBP696.10 and we are currently up to date with all translations.

All the translations and a breakdown of the above amounts can be found here -

https://www.lse.co.uk/chat/general/commodities-and-mining/frontera-fund-archive-summaries-and-translations-D96851FC-955C-41C6-A7B6-A469ADEE64E6.html

Just catching up with the last 3 days posts and some great comments and articles. A few quick observations

Mole - you wondered what work if any, was ongoing. If you look at translation #18 Pt.2 which i recently posted it would seem there is no work going on at the moment - "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."

The 99% issue - I take this to mean that FRR had no issue handing back the undeveloped territories post Award - Zaza seemed happy to do so. My take is that included in that 99% was an area FRR contested as developed but relinquished it anyway, so out of the 100% of the land they considered developed, they retained 99% - it was not given to them by the authorities, as not theirs to give.

US Ambassador - for me this is a very crucial development. We now have support from the Executive level of the USA, essentially making sure a deal is done that suits both parties is US foreign policy. The GD can no longer dismiss this as interference for a few "paid lobbyists".

Lastly, a likely silly question for Mole - would Zaza / SN have access to the same litigation insurance policy coverage that Hope enjoys? he can use his position as a company director for access to funds but Zaza / SN can not?

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.

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.

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.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.

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.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

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.

Hi Pophead - yes, Hope is covered by an FRC insurance policy. You can dig back through my posts to find the court papers (in June I think) or I will try to post them tomorrow if I have time.

Or try search S. Hope v certain London Underwriters at San Mateo Court (I think) and these docs are free to access. The case then moved to another court but you need PACER access -https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/17016424/hope-v-certain-underwriters-at-lloyds-london-subscribing-to-policy-no/

Hope that helps

If it was mere editorialising I would agree, but this seems to be a direct quote from the minister.

Remember Zaza called for a joint statement - if a deal has been done to the best interests of all concerned I would have hoped to see more of that, handshakes all round, how it will benefit Georgia, lots of positive comments from the USA etc. Not this level of sniping, and not from the Minister who initiated the call for talks (with the DM). Maybe it is all about saving face for the local audience. An odd way to start a new chapter of a business with the biggest USA investor while also hoping to placate the US govt.

Hopefully the next translations will help to clear things up.

This doesn't detract from the huge and welcome news that the 27th July would now appear to be just another Monday.

Have to say, the messaging is very strange given they want to continue to work with FRR. No wonder Zaza is sceptical.

This article pretty much follows the text that DomFok posted and after the part about the staff not being paid it quotes this from her. Don't think we have seen this one before -

At the same time, the Minister of Economy Natia Turnava said that a liquidator has been appointed in Frontera and the company has many creditors.

He also noted that a few days ago, the Georgian State Oil and Gas Corporation received a message that one of the creditors had won a lawsuit against Frontera and that the oil and gas pipelines would be put up for sale at an auction to cover the debt.

"It seems that this is the general style of Frontera's activity and the problem that it is not fulfilling its obligations, and this is a problem not only in Georgia but all over the world," Natia Turnava said.

https://sputnik-georgia.com/economy/20200723/249060643/skandali-amerikuli-kompaniis-irgvliv-grZeldeba-Frontera-pirobebiT-ukmayofiloa.html

Seth CHAR: "It’s easy to start a business in Georgia but difficult to make it work"

I wont cut and paste as its quite long and no overt mention of FRR, but he talks about the Senators letters etc.

https://english.caucasianjournal.org/2020/07/seth-char-its-easy-to-start-business-in.html#more

Hi Zeps - I think its worth proceeding with this translation as the article is relatively short compared to the 8m TV piece. The article might have neatly summarised the interviews but we still might learn something new.

Usually, if it's a short interview and a long article the translator usually comes back and says not worth translating.

It is possible this translation #18 and #19 which I just shared are very similar, but as they both include Zaza its worth taking the chance to see what he is saying.

https://rustavi2.ge/ka/news/171022

Nice find Mills240 - this will be Translation #18, US$30.00, due date 25/07