Roundtable Discussion; The Future of Mineral Sands. Watch the video here.
Part 2
"The former president of Georgia is in prison. Do you all remember how Ukraine's rapprochement with the EU affected the arrest of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko? Unfortunately, despite unprecedented efforts at the EU level, "Michel's agreement has not been implemented yet. Moreover, just when the commission started drafting a recommendation for Georgia's EU candidate status, a head of media critical of the government was arrested, adding another dark spot to Georgia 's image," MEPs said.
In a statement on Georgia's position on Ukraine, MEPs added that the Georgian government should understand that "Ukraine, like an icebreaker, also opens the door to Moldova and Georgia as candidate countries."
Opposition parties should also find the strength to offer the people of Georgia a credible strategy for European integration, which is needed to accomplish this task. "If this does not happen, the Georgian people may have to make a choice - whether under the current political structure, led by Ivanishvili and the Georgian Dream, or Georgia's European future," the MEPs added.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/714037-evroparlamentarebi-andrius-kubiliusi-da-rasa-iuknevichiene-kartvel-xalxs-gia-cerilit-mimartaven
06.06.2022 / 23:33AA
MEPs Andrew Kubilius and Rasa Yuknevichien address the Georgian people in an open letter
MEPs Andrew Kubilius and Rasa Yuknevichien address the Georgian people in an open letter
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MEPs Andrew Kubilius and Rasa Yuknevichien addressed an open letter to the Georgian people.
The letter states that if the outcome on the path to EU membership is less optimistic, the Georgian people should not be disappointed.
"In mid-June, the European Commission will make the long-awaited recommendations on the EU candidate status of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. Then, at the end of June, the EU member states will make a final decision. It is difficult to predict the outcome. "We urge the Georgian people not to be disappointed if the outcome is less optimistic, instead, to join forces for the common cause of Georgia's accession to the European Union," the letter reads.
As for the situation in Georgia, according to MEPs, the situation in the country has deteriorated over the past two years.
"For a long time, Georgia has been at the forefront of the path to EU integration. However, today, in the EU and the European Parliament, the prevailing perception is that the situation in Georgia has deteriorated over the past two years. "This has also complicated the work of Georgia's friends in the EU and the US. As a result, the picture is quite bleak when viewed with different eyes. Oligarchization and consequently polarization in Georgia remain high and concentrated in the hands of one person who is not accountable to the people for democratic elections." In the letter.
The MEPs said in a letter that the arrest of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and General Director of the Main Channel, Nika Gvaramia, had some impact on the EU path.
Possibly the translation, as the article is pushing for a move towards the West and commenting on Georgia moving in the wrong direction.
24.05.2022 / 20:22AA
Ian Kelly and David Kramer - Putin loses in Ukraine, but wins in Georgia
Ian Kelly and David Kramer - Putin loses in Ukraine, but wins in Georgia
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Putin loses in Ukraine, but wins in Georgia - this is the title of a joint article published on the American news website The Bulwark by former US Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly and former US Assistant Secretary of State David Kramer during the George W. Bush administration.
The article talks about Georgia going in the wrong direction and emphasizes that especially after the crisis in Ukraine, the Georgian government is becoming more and more similar to the Russian model, with full one-party rule and persecution of the opposition.
"We owe it to many Georgians who hope to join the European Union and NATO to impose travel bans and other sanctions on those who undermine hope for a future with the West," the statement said.
The authors add that the latest disturbing step on Georgia's path to authoritarianism came last week when a judge sentenced Nika Gvaramia, director of the main opposition TV station Main Channel, to more than three years in prison on politically motivated charges.
Ian Kelly and David Kramer claim that the Georgian Dream has strong control over the judiciary and law enforcement agencies. According to them, the ruling party has been campaigning against the leaders of the opposition, especially the United National Movement.
"Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili , who was arrested after returning to Georgia from Ukraine last fall, has suffered from deteriorating health and ill-treatment in prison," the authors said.
The article says that the Georgian Dream government seems to base its decisions not on whether it promotes integration with Western norms, but on whether their concrete move could offend the Kremlin dictator.
The American authors publish in the publication the failure of the Georgian Dream to carry out reforms to ensure an independent judiciary. They also note the annulment of the April 19 agreement and the cancellation of the construction of the Anaklia deep-water port.
Kelly and Kramer consider the Georgian Dream's policy towards the ongoing war in Ukraine to be the most disturbing. According to them, like Putin, the leaders of the "Georgian Dream" seem to see the war primarily as an opportunity to attack opponents.
"Why did Georgia take such a position of intimidation [against Russia], especially when three-quarters of Georgians surveyed believe that Russian aggression against Georgia is still ongoing and why [the Georgian government] is attacking Ukrainian leaders?" The authors ask.
The publication says that the United States and its European allies must act to persuade the Georgian government, and especially those behind the scenes, to make decisions and pursue policies that move Georgia further away from the West and closer to Russia.
Retired colonel gives rare realistic analysis on Russian TV
Steve Rosenberg
BBC Russia editor
It was an extraordinary piece of television.
60 Minutes is the flagship talk show on Russian state TV: studio discussion promoting the Kremlin line in everything, including President Putin’s so-called "special military operation" in Ukraine. The Kremlin still maintains that the Russian offensive is going according to plan.
But studio guest Mikhail Khodarenok, a military analyst and retired colonel, painted a very different picture.
He warned that “the situation [for Russia] will clearly get worse” as Ukraine receives additional military assistance from the West and that “the Ukrainian army can arm a million people”.
Referring to Ukrainian soldiers, he noted that “the desire to defend their motherland very much exists".
"Ultimate victory on the battlefield is determined by the high morale of troops who are spilling blood for the ideas they are ready to fight for.”
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“The biggest problem with [Russia’s] military and political situation”, he continued, “is that we are in total political isolation and the whole world is against us, even if we don’t want to admit it. We need to resolve this situation.”
“The situation cannot be considered normal when against us is a coalition of 42 countries and when our resources, military-political and military-technical, are limited.”
The other guests in the studio were silent; even the host, Olga Skabeyeva, normally fierce and vocal in her defence of the Kremlin, appeared unusually subdued.
It’s rare to hear such realistic analysis on Russian TV. The Kremlin has gone out its way to control the informational landscape here: shutting down independent Russian news sources, and ensuring that television – the principal tool in Russia for shaping public opinion - is on message.
So, what happened on 60 Minutes? Was this a spontaneous and unexpected wake-up call on Ukraine that slipped through the net? Was it pre-planned to prepare Russians for negative news on the "special military operation"?
It’s too early to say. Stay tuned to Russian TV for further signals.
https://twitter.com/BBCSteveR/status/1526329765065539592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1526329765065539592%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flive%2Fworld-europe-61461805
When there's something negative StarRage usually appears. I just looked him up on the members link top right, and it shows his last post was on 24th Jan 2019. It seems that most of his posting history has been removed?
09.05.2022 / 15:04AA
Karl Hartzel on the EU Accession Questionnaire - I have to be very careful when talking about this process, because it is not only a very important, but also a delicate process
Karl Hartzel on the EU Accession Questionnaire - I have to be very careful when talking about this process, because it is not only a very important, but also a delicate process
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"I have to be very careful when talking about this process, because it is not only very important, but also a delicate process, but my prediction is that we will see the conclusion next month," said EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzel. On the process of joining the EU Accession Questionnaire.
"We are waiting for the government's answers to the second part of the questionnaire. I do not know yet when and how this will end and therefore this question should be asked to a government official. As for the process, after submitting the answers to these two parts of the questionnaire, the European Commission should develop a conclusion, which will be submitted to the member states for a decision in the Council of Europe. I have to be very careful when talking about this process, because it is not only very important, but also a delicate process, but my prediction is that we will see the conclusion next month and also at least the first decisions from EU member states, which if you allow me, we do not want to speculate now. "- said the ambassador.
Watch the video: Karl Hartzel on the EU Accession Questionnaire - I have to be very careful when talking about this process, because it is not only very important, but also a delicate process
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/709692-karl-harceli-evrokavshirshi-gacevrianebis-kitxvarze-am-procesze-saubrisas-didi-siprtxile-unda-gamovichino-radgan-es-aris-ara-mxolod-zalian-mnishvnelovani-aramed-delikaturi-procesi
IMHO as more time elapses since the PFS without SOLG raising money, currently 19 days, the greater the chance that a raise isn't required. Eventually, the market will realise this and act accordingly.
Mining Journal 15th March ’22:
‘It's rumoured Henry and Newcrest boss Sandeep Biswas have recently held talks to cut a takeover deal. The two companies ARE EXPECTED TO BID following the release in May of the long-delayed Alpala preliminary feasibility study’.
Part 2
Since his disbarment four years ago, Mercouris has reinvented himself as a writer and commentator on all things Russia and the law. He is an editor at news site The Duran, runs a professional Facebook page which has over 4,000 followers and appears on TV discussing current affairs.
But it seems the past has come back to bite him, in the shape of a £200,000 damages claim brought by Jamous.
Jamous, now 54, has filed a claim against Mercouris, now 55, in the High Court, alleging his new career has left her and her son feeling anxious and depressed. The Evening Standard reports Mercouris, represented by 9 Gough Square’s Gaurang Naik, attempted to have the case thrown out, claiming: “all [Mercouris] has done is moved on with his life.”
However, Master Davison last week decided the case could progress. It will be heard at a date to be confirmed. Jamous said:
I couldn’t believe he was holding himself out as an expert on these shows. I have been fighting this case on my own and am pleased it will now go to trial.
https://www.legalcheek.com/2017/07/barrister-who-was-disbarred-after-forging-lady-hale-letter-sued-for-200000-by-ex-client/
The phrase 'scraping the barrel' comes to mind, after looking up Alexander Mercouris. A story teller who tried to pass off his fiction as fact and got disbarred.
Barrister who was disbarred after forging Lady Hale letter sued for £200,000 by ex-client
By Katie King
on Jul 17 2017 11:55am
Alexander Mercouris has reinvented himself as a Russian commentator, his former client isn’t happy about this
An ex-barrister who forged a letter from Lady Hale is set to be sued for hundreds of thousands of pounds by a former client.
Alexander Mercouris was booted out of the profession in 2012 after a disciplinary tribunal found he’d brought the profession into disrepute thanks to his handling of Lorna Jamous’ claim (Jamous is the former client who is now suing him).
Beautician Jamous instructed Mercouris in a damages claim against Westminster Council, which stemmed from a care hearing involving her son, Tariq. Though the local authority offered Jamous £5,000 to settle, her barrister said he’d managed to win her a whopping £983,000, which he had in fact not done. This prompted Jamous to borrow money, go on holiday and look at new houses because she was expecting a windfall.
But with the windfall failing to materialise, Mercouris then — in the words of Stephen Mooney, acting for the Bar Standards Board (BSB) — “embarked on ever more bizarre assertions to hide the truth”. These included fabricating a letter from Lady Hale, now the deputy president of the Supreme Court, expressing concern about the near £1 million payment not having been made by Westminster.
He later claimed that he had been detained by bogus police officers and taken to a meeting with Lord Phillips, then president of the Supreme Court, and offered £50,000 to drop the claim. Mercouris, who was called in 2006, at one point also said that his brother had stolen the whole payout.
Mooney described Mercouris’ actions as “tortuous deceit”; former Royal Courts of Justice advisor Mercouris put them down to a nervous breakdown and subsequent depressive illness. Representing himself at the BSB-led hearing, Mercouris admitted the five counts against him and said:
I’m very sorry. I worked very hard to become a barrister and disbarment is a bitter thought.
Looed - Apology extended to the translator, please pass this on.
Regarding ZM, as previously stated, even the BoD were in the dark to his shenanigans. However, my reason to keep shtum was always concerning the political and jurisdictional elements. Hence, when the court case moved to California, I refrained from pointing out the difference in the relevant case law for over 6 months. Also, when taking the Ukraine government to court over the tender process, I pointed out the politics of returning Dolphin in a way that didn't look like returning the asset, due to it being offshore, in a world of pushing towards renewables. There are other reasons for some of FRR's actions/inactions which I won't comment about, plus if I did, they would probably quickly be removed.
I agree that keeping shtum might have aided ZM and been disastrous for FRR. However, contacting an investigative journalist might have been just as disastrous, in a different way. Anyway, time to move on and look forward and not back.
Last updated: Apr 24, 2022
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This year, Frontera Resources Corp. is projected to spend $1M on IT, according to Aberdeen.
https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/frontera-resources-corp/technology
Avi8r - Yes. The link is below for the Frontera Archive, all 126 pages of selected posts from October 2018 to October 2020.
The second link is for the Frontera Fund Archive - Summaries and translations, posted by Looed from July 2020 to the the present date.
Frontera Archive
https://www.lse.co.uk/chat/general/commodities-and-mining/frontera-archive-41C7D130-7E51-4344-82E7-83B697F53322.html
https://www.lse.co.uk/chat/general/commodities-and-mining/frontera-fund-archive-summaries-and-translations-D96851FC-955C-41C6-A7B6-A469ADEE64E6.html
I have made many wrong elaborate scenarios out of the limited information available to us since de-listing, yet recent cases have highlighted that even the BoD were unaware of some events. Therefore, it was virtually impossible to know exactly what was happening and we will probably never find out the true story. While commenting on these scenarios I have had criticism as well as some praise and therefore, it has been difficult to know who to trust. Also, as FRR has been fighting not just SH/O, but also the GG through BI and TW et al, it seeds an element of doubt. Hence, I questioned Looed's objectives when wanting to contact an investigative journalist twice. I have constantly referred to the need to keep shtum about the FRR's withholding of information. Hence, with Looed's recent posts it is now time for me to apologise to Looed for doubting him. Looed, I apologise. You may not forgive, but with your posting about the need to keep shtum, I hope at least the reasons for my doubt are now clear.
Politics
07.04.2022 / 15:56AA
Nikoloz Khatiashvili, Foreign Policy Research Fellow at Geocase, comments on NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's statement
Nikoloz Khatiashvili, Foreign Policy Research Fellow at Geocase, comments on NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's statement
twitter
Nikoloz Khatiashvili, Foreign Policy Research Fellow at Geocase, comments on NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's statement.
As he mentions, Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's statement on Georgia and the fact that one of the main issues of the NATO Ministerial is to increase assistance to Georgia, once again confirms importance and role of our country for the Alliance.
“Despite unprecedented military, humanitarian and economic assistance from the West to Ukraine, some steps unfortunately were behindhand, including in terms of political and military support. Given the new geopolitical environment, the member countries of the alliance are well aware that after Ukraine, Georgia may become the next target of Russian aggression, and realize that now is the time to strengthen support for Georgia as quickly and timely as possible. The future decisions of the NATO may open a window of new opportunities for Georgia and provide it with new mechanisms that will make the country more resilient against threats coming from Russia. Coordinated, consistent and active work is now needed with Georgia's key strategic partner - the United States and other member states of NATO - in various areas, including Black Sea security.Georgia on the one hand, has a real potential to play an important role in strengthening energy security and elaboration of alternative energy supply routes for EU countries, and on the other hand, enhance security and stability in the Black Sea region, which will be vital for the future of European security,” said Nikoloz Khatiashvili.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/en/article/119282-nikoloz-khatiashvili-foreign-policy-research-fellow-at-geocase-comments-on-nato-secretary-general-jens-stoltenbergs-statement
Dulwichman - IMHO it's something else, greed! He doesn't want local competition for his hydrocarbon business.
Why Russia is Invading Ukraine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If61baWF4GE&t=752s
Megla - Eagle Ford Condensate is only a dollar less than WTI, so the 30% - 40% applies to the whole amount. Therefore, the increased revenue from the rising PoO is on between 11,100bbls/d (30% of 37,000bbls/d) and 17,200bbls/d (40% of 43,000bbls/d). If the average oil price was $100/bbl for this year, which is quite possible with the Ukraine invasion, then the oil and condensate revenue would be between $1.1m/d and $1.72m/d. A not inconsiderable $401.5m to $627.8m.
'Ø Capricorn WI production to average 37,000-43,000 boepd with 2022 exit rates forecast to exceed top end of guidance range
o Oil and condensate expected to comprise 35%-40% of production mix
Ø Production costs forecast to be US$4.5 - US$5.5 boe'
Megla - The Full Year Accounts show that 35% - 40% of production is oil or condensate.