27.07.2022 / 16:01AA
Giorgi Gakharia - Ivanishvili's letter is another confirmation that he is behind the ongoing anti-Western propaganda.
All this shows how a person can fall and destroy the myth of his own benevolence, leaving Georgia in isolation and completely alone in the face of the occupying force, - former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia writes on Twitter, responding to the letter of Bidzina Ivanishvili , the founder of Georgian Dream. .
According to him, Bidzina Ivanishvili is trading Georgia's European future due to personal interests.
"Ivanishvili's letter is another confirmation that he is the one behind the current anti-Western propaganda and is trading Georgia's European future for personal interests. All this shows how a person can fall and destroy the myth of his own benevolence, leaving Georgia in isolation and completely alone in the face of the occupying force," Gakharia wrote.
As a reminder, former Prime Minister of Georgia, founder of "Georgian Dream" Bidzina Ivanishvili issued a statement today. Bidzina Ivanishvili confirms that a meeting took place between her and the US Ambassador to Georgia, Kelly Degnan. As Ivanishvili explains, the meeting was held on March 21 at the ambassador's request and "lasted about three hours".
He also talks about the political situation in the region and notes that today, when the threat of war has been neutralized, the ruling team has the opportunity to shift its attention to the most important priority and ensure that Georgia's relations with the USA and the European Union are not damaged. In addition, as Bidzina Ivanishvili explains, "certain forces actively tried to drag Georgia into the war, and this goal is still relevant today - the ruling team worked correctly and overcame the first stage of the threat of war." In his statement, Ivanishvili evaluates both the situation in the country and the ongoing dispute between him and the Swiss bank and notes that "it doesn't matter what the Swiss bank planned to spend the funds on."
The day's high on TSX was 50c, which is 32p.
https://www.barchart.com/stocks/quotes/SOLG.TO/overview
https://www.dollars2pounds.com/CAD/GBP
The GD have 6 months to meet the criteria set by the EU. IMHO if they meet the criteria, they will have cut ties with BI and aligned with the West. Alternatively, if the GD continue to keep ties with Russia, via Putin's puppet, then the fight goes on. IMHO until this is resolved, then no money or takeover of Block 12 will be forthcoming and the silence will continue.
BLOE - 16 billion cubic metres is not a threat to Putin's control of the EU gas supply. FRR - 202tcf - 5720 billion cubic metres is a threat to Putin's control of the EU gas supply. IMHO with the Georgian Dream controlled by Putin's puppet, Bidzina Ivanishvili, it explains why there's no extension to the PSA, which would allow a deal with the big boys. Therefore, it's not an indicator that if a company can produce it will get the support they need.
BLOE - 16 billion cubic metres is not a threat to Putin's control of the EU gas supply. FRR - 202tcf - 5720 billion cubic metres is a treat to Putin's control of the EU gas supply. IMHO with the Georgian Dream controlled by Putin's puppet, Bidzina Ivanishvili, it explains why there's no extension to the PSA, which would allow a deal with the big boys. Therefore, it's not an indicator that if a company can produce it will get the support they need.
Contra - That's what I've been stating, based upon the way the GD have been run by Putin's puppet BI, I think the united opposition is more favourable to FRR's success. Whereas, Looed is sure that the shareholders won't be involved if the opposition win. All I'm asking is how he can be sure?
Looed - ' the opposition has looked like being more favourable to a successful outcome for FRR' is NOT 'will automatically be good news for FRC.' When an outcome is 51% and above it has a more favourable chance of success; at 50% it has an equal chance; and at 49% and less, it has a less favourable chance of success. Whereas, automatically good news implies that an outcome has a 100% chance of occurring as a necessary consequence. There's a huge difference between 51%+ and 100%. Stop twisting my words and answer why you are so sure that a win for the united opposition results in a deal without FRR shareholders?
Just to clarify I think there's a 51% + chance of success for FRR and it's shareholders if the GD is ousted. Whereas, you're sure that if the opposition win any deal will not include the shareholders. 'Sure' implies certainty which is 100%.
Looed - How about enlightening us as to why you're sure that if the united opposition wins FRR shareholders will not be involved. The GD have been detrimental to FRR since they came to power and are still controlled by Putin's puppet, Bidzina Ivanishvili.
The opposition is fractured with so many parties, but they're united on one crucial issue. They all want to end the country's rule from Russia through BI and the GD. This is why for most of the 30 seats in the second part of the election, only one candidate was chosen to represent all the parties in the opposition. Therefore, as Putin wants to control the energy supply to Europe, with BI as his puppet controlling the GD, there's little chance of success for FRR (FRR's Block 12 could reduce or even replace Russian O + G).
Looed - That's not the argument, although I will highlight where I have already answered that point. The argument is how can you be sure that if the opposition wins, FRR shareholders will not be involved?
' The drama over the senator letters and other issues ensured vast amounts of publicity and airtime for ZM and the Opposition. I imagine they are heavily indebted to each other and I assume remain so given not one of them has come out and rebuffed ZM. I find that quite telling. Who knows what deals might have been talked about in the event of an opposition win? They didn’t include us shareholders in any such talk that’s for sure.'
I don't have any hard proof. Hence, why I stated:-
'It's possible that both Zaza and SN have tried to work with both sides in Georgia. What we do know is that the GD with BI pulling the strings have not helped expediate the exploration and development of Block 12. Hence, the opposition has looked like being more favourable to a successful outcome for FRR.'
Looed - That's not the argument, although I will highlight where I have already answered that point. The argument is how can you be sure that if the opposition wins, FRR shareholders will not be involved?
' The drama over the senator letters and other issues ensured vast amounts of publicity and airtime for ZM and the Opposition. I imagine they are heavily indebted to each other and I assume remain so given not one of them has come out and rebuffed ZM. I find that quite telling. Who knows what deals might have been talked about in the event of an opposition win? They didn’t include us shareholders in any such talk that’s for sure.'
I don't have any hard proof. Hence, why I stated:-
It's possible that both Zaza and SN have tried to work with both sides in Georgia. What we do know is that the GD with BI pulling the strings have not helped expediate the exploration and development of Block 12. Hence, the opposition has looked like being more favourable to a successful outcome for FRR.
Looed - The opposition is made up of around 60 political parties who want to stop Putin's puppet, Bidzina Ivanishvili from running the country. BI's party, the GD is on the record for hounding Western companies out of Georgia and trying to take Block 12 after the arbitration. The GD has hampered FRR's development. Why haven't the GD granted an extension to the PSA?
Have you actually read any of the 'cherry picked confetti'? Do you seriously think that these events aren't orchestrated by the GD to make it more difficult for the EU and NATO to accept Georgia? You might be fooled, but the EU, Uncle Sam and the tens of thousands demonstrating aren't fooled b y the actions of the GD.
The opposition were not the only one's supporting Zaza, as if we didn't support him, we wouldn't have bought shares in FRR. He fooled everyone, including the BoD who worked closely with him. That doesn't mean that he's still supported.
Looed - Recent events show that the GD is still controlled by BI and is still placing obstacles in the way of it's path into the EU and NATO. The GD gaols the anchor and owner of the pro-opposition Mtavari TV; assaults Vato Tsereteli, the founder of "Pirveli" television station, in the US embassy on US Independence Day; and accuses Carl Bildt of taking millions from the budget during the tenure of the National Movement. The people of Georgia can see what the GD are doing, hence the current rally on Rustaveli Avenue.
Judge sentences anchor and owner of pro-opposition Mtavari TV to three-and-a-half years in prison.https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/16/georgia-jails-critical-pro-opposition-journalist-nika-gvaramia
Kelly Degnani on the Okhanashvili-Tsereteli controversy - Violence is unacceptable - We were disappointed that this incident overshadowed our event, which was extraordinary and celebrated US Independence Day
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/717770-keli-degnani-oxanashvili-ceretlis-dapirispirebaze-zaladoba-aris-miugebeli-imedgacruebuli-davrchit-rom-am-incident
Carl Bildt - this guy, I'm talking about the Prime Minister of Georgia, is no longer subject to rehabilitation - he went off the rails
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/716479-karl-bildti-es-bichi-vsaubrob-sakartvelos-premier-ministrze-reabilitacias-agar-ekvemdebareba-relsebidan-gavida
On Rustaveli Avenue, the "Home to Europe" rally was opened with the anthems of Georgia and the European Union
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/717947-rustavelis-gamzirze-akcia-shin-evropisken-sakartvelosa-da-evrokavshiris-himnebit-gaixsna
Opposition parties or parties in government the World over do not make a habit of distancing themselves from people or events that can have a negative impact. They only tend to proffer an excuse when forced by a leak or rumour, and usually when a more prominent event allows the article to be buried. They prefer that people just forget, so that they can sweep it under the carpet.
Looed - I'm sure that the GD was detrimental to the success of FRR. Markwayne Mullin's statement that you posted is an example of why I think that way. Would you please enlighten me as to why you're sure that if the opposition win, any deals will not include 'us shareholders'?
' The drama over the senator letters and other issues ensured vast amounts of publicity and airtime for ZM and the Opposition. I imagine they are heavily indebted to each other and I assume remain so given not one of them has come out and rebuffed ZM. I find that quite telling. Who knows what deals might have been talked about in the event of an opposition win? They didn’t include us shareholders in any such talk that’s for sure.'
Pt.3
The world looks to the United States as an example and if we don’t hold Russia accountable for eroding freedom, who will?
The Georgian people want a prosperous economy and to become a true democracy. Every Georgian has a right to expect this. As Americans, it is also in our national security interest to support these efforts to prevent further Russian influence throughout the globe. We must stand with the Georgian people in their fight for freedom.
Markwayne Mullin represents the 2nd District of Oklahoma.
https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/foreign-policy/505506-the-united-states-must-stand-with-georgias-fight-for
https://www.lse.co.uk/chat/general/commodities-and-mining/frontera-archive-41C7D130-7E51-4344-82E7-83B697F53322.html?page=102
Pt.2
Despite this, Ivanishvili’s government has aggressively sought to advance state-capture and expropriate Frontera’s holdings.
Iconia Capital LLC, an investment management firm and real estate investment company from Hawaii, has been pursuing large-scale development projects in Georgia since 2014. Throughout the past five years, it has been the target of an aggressive expropriation effort which included defamation by a pro-government TV station and attacks by politically connected individuals seeking to illegally seize their property in Tbilisi.
Other American companies like Miami-based Georgian American Alloys’ local Georgian subsidiary, Georgia Manganese, has seen its holdings seized. The U.S. multinational Philip Morris also experienced similar attack by the Ivanishvili-led Georgian government.
Attempted state-capture of high value U.S. private-sector investments has been a common theme for all of the above, with an objective of sending competitive advantage to corrupt allies in Russia, China and Iran via overt and covert business arrangements.
Last year, I introduced the Georgia Fair Business Practices Sanctions Act. It directs the president to submit a report to Congress about U.S. government and non-government investment in Georgia and if the Georgian government is working to undermine those investments. It also seeks to identify current or former Georgian government officials who are responsible for such actions. If the president determines Georgia has committed such actions, the president must impose financial and trade sanctions on the government of Georgia, as well as visa and property blocking sanctions on identified individuals.
Enacting my legislation would be a good first step in holding bad actors accountable and showing we support the fight for freedom. With this, there must also be a broader strategy of support for the Georgian people to further deter this corrupt behavior. Failure to stand with the Georgian people not only threatens to erode the friendship between the peoples of the United States and Georgia, but also undermines the rule of law and democracy across the globe.
The Republican Study Committee, the conservative caucus of House Republicans, recently unveiled their National Security Strategy called Strengthening America & Countering Global Threats.This proposal is a solutions-oriented plan for preserving American leadership around the globe and promoting a U.S. foreign policy which advances the interests of Americans at home and abroad. It acknowledges the influence Putin’s authoritarian regime has had on Georgia and proposes the strictest ever sanctions on his cronies, including Ivanishvili.
Posted by Looed on the 1st July 2020 :-
Markwayne Mullin article from The Hill - FRR mentioned
Pt.1
The United States must stand with Georgia's fight for freedom
Vladimir Putin and his influence remain a top threat to democracy, not only in the United States, but across the globe. Look no further than the current situation in Georgia to see firsthand the impact it is having on those who are fighting for freedom.
Georgia is controlled by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a Russian-schooled oligarch who made billions in the corrupt feeding frenzy on abandoned Russian industries after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He led the “Georgia Dream” coalition to power in 2012, similar to the playbook that has been used over the years in Russia and Ukraine to disrupt/hijack economic and democratic progress. As founder and financier of the Georgian Dream party, Ivanishvili abandoned his Russian citizenship to return to Georgia to become the country’s prime minister in 2012.
After establishing power by installing loyal individuals, many of whom were part of his business empire, into senior government positions, he abruptly left office in 2013. Despite resigning, he remained the de facto head of the Georgian government and formally returned to the chairmanship of the Georgian Dream party in May of 2018.
The Georgian Dream party promised to implement constitutional amendments to move to fully proportional parliamentary elections in 2020. The promise of this was a huge step toward becoming a true democracy. Last fall, Georgian Dream went back on their word, sparking protests, causing the opposition in parliament to boycott all legislative and voting activities, and significantly eroding international confidence, particularly within the United States. On March 8, the Georgian Dream and the United Opposition parties reached a seemingly tenuous agreement on electoral reform and the inadmissibility of political interference in the judicial system, including the release of political prisoners. However, the implementation of this agreement is still in question with more work still to be done.
Ivanishvili’s need for unmitigated consolidation of power and control isn’t confined to Georgia’s government. The Putin ally is working vigorously to expel American businesses operating legally in the country. Here are some examples...
Since 1997, Houston-based company, Frontera Resources, has invested more than $500 million in its “Block 12” license area. The company has financed and deployed significant technology from the U.S. to explore for and develop oil and natural gas resources in Georgia. The result has been the identification of billions of barrels of oil and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas. Frontera’s investment in the country has given Georgia the prospect of energy independence and placed it on a path to potentially become a net energy exporter.
Looed - I never stated that Zaza that Zaza has switched sides or that he was aligned with the opposition. Plus, I don't really care whose side he's now on, as he's no longer on the board and just a shareholder like us, but with a sizeable chunk of shares. Furthermore, there's also the possibility that he may lose the shares if FRR take him to court.
I stated that Zaza must have some friends in the GD to be able to steal Block 12 and to register it in what appeared to be record time. Furthermore, when Zaza was at loggerheads with the GG, the GG were trying to take all of Block 12 through a technical breach of the PSA. It's possible that both Zaza and SN have tried to work with both sides in Georgia. What we do know is that the GD with BI pulling the strings have not helped expediate the exploration and development of Block 12. Hence, the opposition has looked like being more favourable to a successful outcome for FRR.
Dulwichman - Agreed. I'm only listing Uncle Sam and the EU as they're the most obvious in this instance, with regular media quotes from Kelly Degan and Charles Michel.
Zaza must also have close links somewhere within the Georgian Dream, as they were still in government when Zaza was able to steal Block 12. If not, then they turned a blind eye to what was happening, with some other unknown future scenario planned for Block 12. What we do know is that the GD has been aligned towards Russia with BI in control.
Uncle Sam and the EU would never advocate for government change in another country, even if that was the ulterior motive. They will use diplomacy to get the GD to oust BI and his followers and align with the West, or for GD to lose power to the pro-West opposition. As a complete about face by the GD has looked the least likely, then early elections and a pro-West opposition in power has looked like the best scenario for FRR. However, which eventual government will be best suited to a successful outcome for FRR and it's SH's is unknown to us SH's, but the current GD government with BI pulling the strings, we know is pro-Russia and detrimental to a successful outcome for FRR and it's SH's.