Member Info for Madpunter

23.02.2021 / 20:15AA
Kelly Degnan - We are talking to the government and the opposition, now we know that all parties are ready to find a solution
Kelly Degnan - We are talking to the government and the opposition, now we know that all parties are ready to find a solution

US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan says both the opposition and the government are ready to find a solution.

"We are very concerned. We are talking to the government and the opposition. "Now we know that all sides are ready to find a solution," Kelly Degnan said ahead of a meeting at the EU ambassador's residence.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643668-keli-degnani-vsaubrobt-mtavrobastan-da-opoziciastan-axla-vicit-rom-qvela-mxare-mzadaa-ipovos-gamosavali

23.02.2021 / 19:55AA
Carl Hartzel - The key words today are de-escalation and a return to negotiations to ease tensions
Carl Hartzel - The key words today are de-escalation and a return to negotiations to ease tensions

"The key words today are de-escalation and a return to negotiations to defuse tensions ," EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzel said ahead of a meeting with opposition figures at his residence.

"We have heard many voices from our friends and partners in the last 24 hours. This is one of the reasons why I host guests here. "We will talk to different parties, including me as a mediator, and I look forward to continuing this conversation," the ambassador said.

For information, a meeting with opposition leaders is being held at the residence of the EU Ambassador.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643664-karl-harceli-dges-qvelaze-sakvanzo-sitqvebia-deeskalacia-da-molaparakebebisken-dabruneba-rata-arsebuli-dazabuloba-ganimuxtos

23.02.2021 / 19:42AA
Kelly Degnan arrives at EU Ambassador's residence, where he is meeting with opposition leaders
Kelly Degnan arrives at EU Ambassador's residence, where he is meeting with opposition leaders

US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan arrived at the residence of EU Ambassador Carl Hartzel, where he is meeting with opposition leaders .

Before meeting with the opposition, the diplomatic corps met with the President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili at the Orbeliani Palace. According to the Presidential Administration, the President discussed in detail with the ambassadors the current political situation and ways out of the current situation.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643662-evrokavshiris-elchis-rezidenciashi-sadac-opoziciis-liderebtan-shexvedra-mimdinareobs-keli-degnani-mivida

23.02.2021 / 18:57AA
Administration - Salome Zurabishvili discusses political situation with ambassadors and ways out of current situation
Administration - Salome Zurabishvili discusses political situation with ambassadors and ways out of current situation

The President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili held a meeting with the representatives of the diplomatic corps at the Orbeliani Palace. The information is spread by the Presidential Administration.

The President discussed with the ambassadors in detail the current political situation and ways out of the current situation.

For information, law enforcers have detained Nika Melia , the chairman of the National Movement . The Ministry of Internal Affairs launched a special operation to hire Melia at the party's central office in the morning. During the operation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs used special equipment and special forces. Missed the so-called Pepper spray, thus dispersing the persons in the party office.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643653-administracia-salome-zurabishvilma-elchebtan-shekmnili-politikuri-mdgomareoba-da-arsebuli-situaciidan-gamosvlis-gzebi-ganixila

23.02.2021 / 18:46AA
A meeting with opposition leaders is being held at the residence of the EU Ambassador
A meeting with opposition leaders is being held at the residence of the EU Ambassador

A meeting with opposition leaders is taking place at the residence of EU Ambassador Carl Hartzel.

Sergo Chikhladze, one of the leaders of "Strategy Builder", Nino Burjanadze , leader of "For United Georgia", Salome Samadashvili and Tina Bokuchava , leaders of "National Movement" , Giga Bokeria , one of the leaders of "European Georgia" , "Lelro" Lee have already arrived at the meeting. Japaridze.

The meeting with the ambassadors was scheduled after the arrest of Nika Melia , the leader of the National Movement .

For information, law enforcers have detained Nika Melia , the chairman of the National Movement . The Ministry of Internal Affairs launched a special operation to hire Melia at the party's central office in the morning. During the operation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs used special equipment and special forces. Missed the so-called Pepper spray, thus dispersing the persons in the party office.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643652-evrokavshiris-elchis-rezidenciashi-opoziciis-liderebtan-shexvedra-mimdinareobs

23.02.2021 / 17:43AA
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office - I follow with concern the developments in Tbilisi, I call on the parties to immediately calm down the situation
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office - I follow with concern the developments in Tbilisi, I call on the parties to immediately calm down the situation

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, the Swedish Foreign Minister, responds to the developments in Georgia and calls on the parties to de-escalate the situation.

"I am watching the developments in Tbilisi with concern. "As the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, I reiterate my call on the parties to immediately defuse the situation, resume dialogue and act on their commitments to the OSCE to ensure the progress made by the country," Linde wrote.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643644-euto-s-tavmjdomare-sheshpotebit-vadevneb-tvals-tbilisshi-ganvitarebul-movlenebs-mxareebs-movucodeb-dauqovnebliv-ganmuxton-situacia

23.02.2021 / 17:33AA
MEP Anna Fotiga - The events of this night were a nightmare, we all dream of a different Georgia
MEP Anna Fotiga - The events of this night were a nightmare, we all dream of a different Georgia

- The decision to break into the head office of the main opposition party and arrest the leader of the "United National Movement" Nika Melia is unacceptable, - MEP Anna Fotiga wrote on the social network "Twitter".

According to the Polish politician, the political crisis in Georgia can not be resolved by force.

"The political crisis in Georgia cannot be resolved through the use of force, aggression and insulting statements. The events of that night were a nightmare. We all dream of a different Georgia, "Anna Fotiga wrote.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643641-evroparlamentari-anna-potiga-am-gamis-movlenebi-koshmari-iqo-chven-qvelani-sxvagvar-sakartveloze-vocnebobt

23.02.2021 / 17:24AA
Matthew Bryza - The arrest of Nika Melia and the raid on the headquarters of the largest opposition political party is a dark day in the history of Georgian democracy
Matthew Bryza - The arrest of Nika Melia and the raid on the headquarters of the largest opposition political party is a dark day in the history of Georgian democracy

The only safe way forward is to resume hard work to rebuild democratic institutions, work on further electoral reforms, and hold new elections that will win the confidence of the Georgian people, former US Deputy Secretary of State Matthew Bryza told InterPressNews.

He commented on the arrest of Nika Melia , chairman of the United National Movement, and said it was a "dark day" for Georgian democracy.

The arrest of Nika Melia , the leader of the United National Movement, and the raid on the headquarters of Georgia's largest opposition political party is a dark day in the history of Georgian democracy. .

The maturity of Georgia's democratic political system has already been called into question due to months of parliamentary controversy between the government and the united opposition. "Georgia, like the citizens of any democratic country, deserves a functioning parliament," Bryza said.

According to him, the possibility of escalation poses a threat to Georgia's national security and both the population and political leaders should choose de-escalation.

"Further escalation of the existing tension in the streets of Tbilisi and now Batumi will damage the national security of Georgia. Only countries with developed democracies are eligible for NATO membership. Hopefully, the people of Georgia and their political leaders will choose the wise path of de-escalation, which former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia seemed to support last week when he resigned.

Indeed, the only safe way forward is to resume hard work to rebuild Georgia's damaged democratic institutions by developing further electoral reforms and holding new elections that will win the trust of the Georgian people. Any such effort will be needed and deserves even strong support from the US and the EU.

"However, now it is up to the Georgian people to act responsibly and wisely, which will focus on building a democratic future so that, as in 2012, future political transitions take place peacefully," Matthew Bryza told InterPressNews.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643639-metiu-braiza-nika-melias-dapatimreba-da-udidesi-opoziciuri-politikuri-partiis-shtabis-darbeva-kartuli-demokratiis-istoriashi-bneli-dgea

23.02.2021 / 17:13AA
Hans van Baalen - We call on Georgian Dream to cooperate with opposition to set date for new free and fair elections
Hans van Baalen - We call on Georgian Dream to cooperate with opposition to set date for new free and fair elections

"I am deeply concerned about the tear gas attack on the headquarters of Nika Melia , the leader of the United National Movement party," said Hans van Baalen, President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.

"We urge the ruling Georgian Dream party to join the opposition and work together to set a new date for free, fair and transparent elections, and we urge EU leaders who will meet this weekend to send the same strong message," the Liberals and Democrats said in a statement. The President.

Hans van Baalen calls on the parties to show restraint.

"We urgently call for restraint, calm and the resolution of political disputes in parliament, not through the brutal and arbitrary arrests of opposition figures," said Hans van Baalen.

For information, law enforcers have detained Nika Melia , the chairman of the National Movement . The Ministry of Internal Affairs launched a special operation to hire Melia at the party's central office in the morning. During the operation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs used special equipment and special forces. Missed the so-called Pepper spray, thus dispersing the persons in the party office.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643638-hans-van-baaleni-kartul-ocnebas-movucodebt-opoziciastan-axali-tavisupali-da-samartliani-archevnebis-tarigis-dasadgenad-itanamshromlos

23.02.2021 / 16:14AA
David Kramer - now only smiling in the Kremlin - those responsible for today's decision must be held accountable, which includes the imposition of sanctions by the West
David Kramer - now only smiling in the Kremlin - those responsible for today's decision must be held accountable, which includes the imposition of sanctions by the West

"Today's events are a huge setback for Georgia. "Now they only smile in the Kremlin ," David Kramer, the former US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy and Human Rights, told InterPressNews.

He commented on the arrest of Nika Melia , the chairman of the United National Movement .

"What happened today is a terrible development. The decision to invade the UNM headquarters and arrest Nika Melia is an unpredictable and provocative step that could lead to a dangerous escalation of the crisis. Those responsible for this decision must be held accountable. This includes the imposition of sanctions by the West. Today's events are a huge setback for Georgia. "Now they only smile in the Kremlin," David Kramer told InterPressNews.

For information, law enforcers have arrested Nika Melia , the chairman of the National Movement . The Ministry of Internal Affairs launched a special operation to hire Melia at the party's central office in the morning. During the operation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs used special equipment and special forces. Missed the so-called Pepper spray, thus dispersing the persons in the party office.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643628-devid-krameri-axla-mxolod-kremlshi-igimian-dgevandel-gadacqvetilebaze-pasuxismgebelma-pirebma-pasuxi-unda-agon-rac-dasavletis-mier-sankciebis-dacesebas-moicavs

23.02.2021 / 16:14AA
David Kramer - now only smiling in the Kremlin - those responsible for today's decision must be held accountable, which includes the imposition of sanctions by the West
David Kramer - now only smiling in the Kremlin - those responsible for today's decision must be held accountable, which includes the imposition of sanctions by the West

"Today's events are a huge setback for Georgia. "Now they only smile in the Kremlin ," David Kramer, the former US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy and Human Rights, told InterPressNews.

He commented on the arrest of Nika Melia , the chairman of the United National Movement .

"What happened today is a terrible development. The decision to invade the UNM headquarters and arrest Nika Melia is an unpredictable and provocative step that could lead to a dangerous escalation of the crisis. Those responsible for this decision must be held accountable. This includes the imposition of sanctions by the West. Today's events are a huge setback for Georgia. "Now they only smile in the Kremlin," David Kramer told InterPressNews.

For information, law enforcers have arrested Nika Melia , the chairman of the National Movement . The Ministry of Internal Affairs launched a special operation to hire Melia at the party's central office in the morning. During the operation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs used special equipment and special forces. Missed the so-called Pepper spray, thus dispersing the persons in the party office.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643628-devid-krameri-axla-mxolod-kremlshi-igimian-dgevandel-gadacqvetilebaze-pasuxismgebelma-pirebma-pasuxi-unda-agon-rac-dasavletis-mier-sankciebis-dacesebas-moicavs

Unfortunately the vote on the new PM and parliament yesterday only had one of the GD missing, the former PM, Giogi Gakharia. They needed another 14 to vote against or abstain to force an early election. IMHO months of rallies, international pressure and possibly sanctions will now be required before any Western company invests in Georgia.

23.02.2021 / 15:45AA
Luke Coffey - The situation in Georgia is very serious - only Putin wins
Luke Coffey - The situation in Georgia is very serious - only Putin wins

The government has a responsibility to reduce political tensions. Instead, he stormed the headquarters of the main opposition party and arrested its leader, Luke Coffey, director of the Heritage Foundation's Ellison Foreign Policy Research Center, wrote on Twitter.

"The situation in Georgia is very serious. The government has a responsibility to reduce political tensions. Instead, he stormed the headquarters of the main opposition party and arrested its leader. This is an inappropriate action. Putin alone wins. You need to calm down. Secretary Blinken has to get on a plane! ” - Writes an American researcher.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643617-luk-kopi-sakartveloshi-zalian-seriozuli-vitarebaa-mxolod-putini-igebs

23.02.2021 / 14:55AA
Carl Bildt - Extremely disturbing events have taken place in Georgia
Carl Bildt - Extremely disturbing events have taken place in Georgia

Former Swedish Prime Minister and former Foreign Minister Carl Bildt has responded to developments in Georgia , saying that the condition for EU integration must be a firm commitment to the rule of law.

"Extremely disturbing events have taken place in Georgia, with police raiding the opposition party's headquarters and arresting its leader. "Strong adherence to the rule of law must be a condition for closer cooperation and integration with the European Union," the Swedish politician wrote.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643603-karl-bildti-sakartveloshi-ukiduresad-shemashpotebeli-movlenebi-ganvitarda

23.02.2021 / 13:32AA
MEP Urmas Paet - I'm deeply concerned about the decision of the Georgian government to detain the leader of the main opposition party
MEP Urmas Paet - I'm deeply concerned about the decision of the Georgian government to detain the leader of the main opposition party

- I am deeply concerned about the decision of the Georgian government to arrest the leader of the main opposition party, - Estonian politician, MEP Urmas Paet wrote on the social network "Twitter".

"Instead of using force to resolve differences, we need proper dialogue to end political polarization," he wrote.

For information, law enforcers have arrested Nika Melia , the chairman of the National Movement . The Ministry of Internal Affairs launched a special operation to hire Melia at the party's central office in the morning. During the operation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs used special equipment and special forces. Missed the so-called Pepper spray, thus dispersing the persons in the party office.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643571-evroparlamentari-urmas-paeti-grmad-sheshpotebuli-var-mtavari-opoziciuri-partiis-lideris-dakavebis-shesaxeb-sakartvelos-mtavrobis-gadacqvetilebit

23.02.2021 / 13:25AA
Anders Fogh Rasmussen - What happened in Georgia today is disturbing, the first to lose is the Georgian people
Anders Fogh Rasmussen - What happened in Georgia today is disturbing, the first to lose is the Georgian people

Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has reacted to the current events in the office of the United National Movement and called on the parties to show restraint.

"What happened in Georgia is disturbing. The first to lose are the Georgian people. I call on them to show restraint and not to let Georgia go backwards. "We support those who uphold the rule of law and democracy in Georgia," Anders Fogh Rasmussen wrote on Twitter.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643568-anders-pog-rasmuseni-rac-dges-sakartveloshi-moxda-shemashpotebelia-pirveli-vinc-agebs-kartveli-xalxia

23.02.2021 / 13:08AA
Carl Hartzel - Escalation logic wins, political crisis deepens - Attempts to find common ground should not be abandoned
Carl Hartzel - Escalation logic wins, political crisis deepens - Attempts to find common ground should not be abandoned

The Head of the EU Delegation to Georgia, Karl Hartzel, responds to the ongoing processes in Georgia.

According to Hartzel, the logic of escalation is winning in Georgia and the political crisis is deepening.

"The logic of escalation wins. The political crisis is deepening. All parties must show responsibility and act in the best interests of the country and the people of Georgia. "Attempts to find a common language should not be abandoned," said Carl Hartzel.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643565-karl-harceli-eskalaciis-logika-imarjvebs-politikuri-krizisi-grmavdeba-saerto-enis-gamonaxvis-mcdelobebze-uari-ar-unda-itkvas

23.02.2021 / 12:23AA
Lina Linkevicius - All leaders must show restraint and act in the interests of the state
Lina Linkevicius - All leaders must show restraint and act in the interests of the state

"I am concerned about the tensions in Georgia," Lina Linkevi??ius, Lithuania's former foreign minister, wrote on Twitter, commenting on the events in the United National Movement office today and the arrest of Nika Melia .

"I am concerned about the tensions in Georgia. Our friends have achieved a lot: they are leading the implementation of the Association Agreement / Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, they are one of the most active partners of NATO. To squander all this would be irresponsible. "All leaders must show restraint and act in the interests of the state," Linkevicius wrote.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643551-linas-linkevichusi-qvela-liderma-unda-gamoichinos-tavshekaveba-da-saxelmcipos-interesebidan-gamomdinare-imokmedos

23.02.2021 / 12:12AA
General Ben Hodges - A huge step backwards for Georgia, the only one who benefits from it is the Kremlin and Mr. Bidzina
General Ben Hodges - A huge step backwards for Georgia, the only one who benefits from it is the Kremlin and Mr. Bidzina

a huge step backwards for Georgia - about Europe, the US commander of ground forces in the former Ben Hodges social network "Twitter" writes, making it the "National Movement" leader, Melia 's detention.

"A huge step backwards for Georgia. The only ones who benefit from this are the Kremlin, Mr. Bidzina and his closest circle of supporters. There is nothing good about this for Georgians, especially young people. I hope President Biden shows resilience. "The Kremlin is monitoring," Ben Hodges wrote.

For information, law enforcers have arrested Nika Melia , the chairman of the National Movement . The Ministry of Internal Affairs launched a special operation to hire Melia at the party's central office in the morning. During the operation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs used special equipment and special forces. Missed the so-called Pepper spray, thus dispersing the persons in the party office.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643548-generali-ben-hojesi-uzarmazari-ukan-gadadgmuli-nabiji-sakartvelostvis-ertaderti-vinc-amit-sargeblobs-kremli-da-batoni-bizinaa

23.02.2021 / 12:01AA
US Embassy - Georgia Today Retreats to Stronger Democracy in Euro-Atlantic Family
US Embassy - Georgia Today Retreats to Stronger Democracy in Euro-Atlantic Family

The US Embassy is deeply concerned about the arrest of Nika Melia , the leader of the United National Movement .

"The US Embassy is deeply concerned about the government 's decision to detain the leader of the main opposition party at the party' s headquarters this morning. "Violent methods and aggression are not the way to resolve Georgia's political differences. Today, Georgia has stepped back on the path to a stronger democracy within the family of Euro-Atlantic states," the embassy said in a statement.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643545-ashsh-is-saelcho-dges-sakartvelom-ukan-daixia-evroatlantikur-saxelmcipota-ojaxshi-upro-zlieri-demokratiisken-mimaval-gzaze