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23.02.2021 / 11:09AA
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Estonian Parliament - I am concerned about the developments in Georgia, this is a critical moment for democracy
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Estonian Parliament - I am concerned about the developments in Georgia, this is a critical moment for democracy

The attack on the offices of the opposition and the arrest of the opposition leaders are inconsistent with the aspirations of the Georgian government, according to the Estonian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, Marco Mihkelson, wrote on Twitter.

"I am deeply concerned about the developments in Georgia. The storming of opposition offices and the arrest of opposition leaders are inconsistent with the aspirations of the Georgian government. "This is a critical moment for democracy in Georgia," Marco Mickelson wrote.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643529-estonetis-parlamentis-sagareo-urtiertobebis-komitetis-tavmjdomare-sheshpotebuli-var-sakartveloshi-ganvitarebuli-movlenebis-gamo-es-demokratiistvis-kritikuli-momentia

23.02.2021 / 10:34AA
Latvian Foreign Minister - I call on the government and the opposition to show restraint, engage in political dialogue to resolve the current political crisis
Latvian Foreign Minister - I call on the government and the opposition to show restraint, engage in political dialogue to resolve the current political crisis

Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics Melia 's detention.

"We are observing the developments in Georgia. "I urge both sides, the government and the opposition, to show restraint and engage in political dialogue to resolve the current political crisis," Rinkevics wrote on his Twitter page.

For information, the special task force detained Nika Melia , the chairman of the "National Movement" . Law enforcers picked up Nika Melia in the party office, in his own office. Before that, in the party office, the law enforcers arrested the so-called Pepper spray was released.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643513-latviis-sagareo-sakmeta-ministri-movucodeb-mtavrobas-da-opozicias-gamoichinon-tavshekaveba-chaerton-politikur-dialogshi-rata-mogvardes-arsebuli-politikuri-krizisi

23.02.2021 / 10:33AA
Lithuanian Foreign Minister - Violence is not a way to resolve political differences, I hope we, our Georgian friends, can avoid a deeper crisis
Lithuanian Foreign Minister - Violence is not a way to resolve political differences, I hope we, our Georgian friends, can avoid a deeper crisis

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis responded to the developments in Georgia today on the social network "Twitter".

"It is unfortunate to see what is happening in Tbilisi this morning. Violence is not a way to resolve political differences. I hope that our Georgian friends can avoid falling into a deeper crisis. "Restraint and commitment to democracy must win!" Wrote Gabrielius Landsbergis.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643512-lietuvis-sagareo-sakmeta-ministri-zaladoba-ar-aris-politikuri-utanxmoebis-mogvarebis-gza-imedi-makvs-chven-kartvel-megobrebs-upro-grma-krizisshi-chavardnis-tavidan-acileba-sheuzliat

Politics
23.02.2021 / 10:19AA
Andrew Kalindra on the arrest of Nika Melia - we call on all parties to refrain for the future of Georgia
Andrew Kalindra on the arrest of Nika Melia - we call on all parties to refrain for the future of Georgia

- The sad start of the day in Tbilisi, due to the events in the office of the opposition party, - the Ambassador of Lithuania to Georgia, Andrius Kalindra wrote on the social network "Twitter".

"We call on all sides to show restraint for the future of Georgia. "Violence and escalation can not lead to positive results," the diplomat wrote.

For information, the special task force detained Nika Melia , the chairman of the "National Movement" . Law enforcers picked up Nika Melia in the party office, in his own office. Before that, the law enforcers released the so-called pepper spray in the party office.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643509-andrius-kalindra-nika-melias-dakavebaze-sakartvelos-momavlistvis-qvela-mxares-tavshekavebisken-movucodebt

23.02.2021 / 09:55AA
Zhigimanta Pavilion - Wake up! Democracy is being attacked! Ivanishvili's regime must pay a price for this!
Zhigimanta Pavilion - Wake up! Democracy is being attacked! Ivanishvili's regime must pay a price for this!

Let's wake up! Democracy is being attacked! The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lithuanian Parliament, Jigimantas Pavilionis, responds to the events that took place today in the office of the United National Movement.

"Let's wake up! Democracy is being attacked! Using gas and violence like Putin. "Ivanishvili's regime must pay the price for this!" Wrote Zhigimanta Pavilion on the social network "Twitter".

For information, the special task force detained Nika Melia , the chairman of the "National Movement" . Law enforcers picked up Nika Melia in the party office, in his own office. Before that, the law enforcers released the so-called pepper spray in the party office.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643499-zhigimantas-pavilionisi-gavigvizot-demokratias-tavs-esxmian-ivanishvilis-rezhimma-amistvis-pasi-unda-gadaixados

23.02.2021 / 09:38AA
Michael Carpenter on the arrest of Nika Melia - very sad events are happening in the Republic of Georgia
Michael Carpenter on the arrest of Nika Melia - very sad events are happening in the Republic of Georgia

Michael Carpenter responds to Nika Melia 's arrest. "Very unfortunate events are happening with the raid on the headquarters of the opposition party in the Republic of Georgia . "I hope the situation can still be calmed down," wrote Michael Carpenter, Managing Director of the Pen Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Involvement on his Twitter page.

We would like to remind you that a special task force has detained Nika Melia , the chairman of the National Movement . Law enforcers picked up Nika Melia in the party office, in his own office. Before that, the law enforcers sprayed the so-called pepper spray in the mentioned room, as well as in the party office as a whole. The special operation started at dawn. Prior to Melia's arrest, law enforcement officers evicted citizens in the party office, including party leaders. "National Movement" in the office for a few days, opposition parties and civil activists were in the Melia 's guarded.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643496-maikl-karpenteri-nika-melias-dakavebaze-zalian-samcuxaro-movlenebi-xdeba-sakartvelos-respublikashi

23.02.2021 / 09:31AA
British Ambassador to Georgia - I am shocked by the scene unfolding at the UNM headquarters this morning
British Ambassador to Georgia - I am shocked by the scene unfolding at the UNM headquarters this morning

- I am shocked by the scene developed this morning at the head office of the "National Movement", - the British Ambassador to Georgia Mark Clayton wrote about it on the social network "Twitter".

"Violence and chaos in Tbilisi is the last thing Georgia needs now. "I urge all parties to act with restraint, now and in the coming days," the British diplomat wrote.

We would like to remind you that a special task force has detained Nika Melia , the chairman of the National Movement . Law enforcers picked up Nika Melia in the party office, in his own office. Before that, the law enforcers sprayed the so-called pepper spray in the mentioned room, as well as in the party office as a whole. The special operation started at dawn. Prior to Melia's arrest, law enforcement officers evicted citizens in the party office, including party leaders. Opposition parties and civil activists defending Nika Melia were present at the UNM office for several days.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643493-britanetis-elchi-sakartveloshi-shezruli-var-nacionaluri-mozraobis-satao-o****hi-dges-dilit-ganvitarebuli-scenit

23.02.2021 / 09:26AA
Adam Kinsinger on the arrest of Nika Melia - this is a very disturbing step of the Georgian government, I call on the government to refrain from this dramatic act
Adam Kinsinger on the arrest of Nika Melia - this is a very disturbing step of the Georgian government, I call on the government to refrain from this dramatic act

US Congressman Adam Kinzinger responds to the developments in the office of the "National Movement" on the social network "Twitter".

"I watched the attack live. As the co-chair of the Group of Friends of Georgia, I am very concerned. We have just introduced the Georgia Support Act, it is not something automatic. This is a very disturbing step of the Georgian government. Given the tense situation, I call on the government to refrain from this dramatic action. We are all watching, "Adam Kinsinger wrote.

We would like to remind you that a special task force has detained Nika Melia , the chairman of the National Movement . Law enforcers picked up Nika Melia in the party office, in his own office. Before that, the law enforcers sprayed the so-called pepper spray in the mentioned room, as well as in the party office as a whole. The special operation started at dawn. Prior to Melia's arrest, law enforcement officers evicted citizens in the party office, including party leaders. Opposition parties and civil activists defending Nika Melia were present at the UNM office for several days

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643491-adam-kinzingeri-nika-melias-dakavebaze-es-sakartvelos-mtavrobis-zalian-shemashpotebeli-nabijia-mtavrobas-movucodeb-tavi-daanebos-am-dramatul-mokmedebas

23.02.2021 / 09:22AA
Ian Kelly on the arrest of Nika Melia - a very sad day
Ian Kelly on the arrest of Nika Melia - a very sad day

US Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly responds to the arrest of Nika Melia , chairman of the United National Movement , and the developments on Twitter.

"A very sad day," writes Ian Kelly.

Special Forces Detained Nika Melia , Chairman of the National Movement . Law enforcers picked up Nika Melia in the party office, in his own office. Before that, the law enforcers sprayed the so-called pepper spray in the mentioned room, as well as in the party office as a whole. The special operation started at dawn. Prior to Melia's arrest, law enforcement officers evicted citizens in the party office, including party leaders. "National Movement" in the office for a few days, opposition parties and civil activists were in the Melia 's guarded.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643490-ian-keli-nika-melias-dakavebaze-zalian-sevdiani-dge

21.02.2021 / 20:21AA
Irakli Gharibashvili to declare no confidence in Cabinet of Ministers at February 22 special sitting
Irakli Gharibashvili to declare no confidence in Cabinet of Ministers at February 22 special sitting

The issue of declaring confidence in the Cabinet of Ministers and the government program nominated by Prime Ministerial candidate Irakli Gharibashvili will be discussed at the plenary session on February 22.

Gharibashvili's cabinet is supported by parliamentary committees by a majority vote.

On February 22, the prime ministerial candidate and cabinet will meet with political groups - the parliamentary majority and the opposition. Parliament, in the format of a plenary session, will make a decision on the declaration of confidence, which requires at least 76 votes.

The following changes are being made in the Cabinet of Ministers: - Irakli Gharibashvili will head the government . Juansher Burchuladze, the Deputy Minister of Defense, has been nominated for the position of the Minister of Defense. Maia Tskitishvili will be replaced by her first deputy Irakli Karseladze as the Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure .

All other ministers remain in office and the cabinet is nominated as follows:

Minister of Internal Affairs - Vakhtang Gomelauri ; Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports - Mikheil Chkhenkeli ; Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs - Eka Tikaradze ; State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality - Tea Akhvlediani ; Minister of Finance - Vano Machavariani; Minister of Foreign Affairs - David Zalkaliani ; Minister of Justice - Gocha Lortkipanidze; Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture - Levan Davitashvili ; Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development - Natia Turnava .

The issue of declaring confidence in the government was raised by the resignation of Giorgi Gakharia .

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643249-22-tebervlis-riggareshe-sxdomaze-irakli-garibashvilis-ministrta-kabinetistvis-ndobis-gamocxadebis-sakitxze-imsjeleben

18.02.2021 / 15:20
9 years and gone 5th Prime Minister - with what property he leaves the post happy

Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia is resigning.

Gakharia made a statement about this a few hours ago. As Gakharia explained, he considers it unjust to arrest Nika Melia in conditions when there is a danger of political escalation. According to Gakharia, the reason for his resignation is that he could not reach an agreement with the team.

According to the property declaration filed on May 30, 2020, Giorgi Gakharia does not own real estate. His income as Prime Minister in September-December 2019 was GEL 12,854; Prior to that, he was the Minister of Internal Affairs - 41,986 GEL. As for his financial situation, at the time of filling out the declaration, he had 99 GEL in his bank account.

As for his wife, according to the declaration, he owns a car - Toyota RAV4, which he bought in 2016. At the moment of filling in the declaration on the bank accounts - 1 161 GEL; He had $ 553,396 and 393 euros. His income last year was 10,175 GEL for the position of doctor-bacteriologist at the Aversi Central Clinic. Also, his annual expenses under the real estate lease agreement amounted to 6,500 GEL.

For reference, Giorgi Gakharia held the position of Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development from November 2016 to November 2017; From November 13, 2017 to September 2019, he was the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister; From April 2019 to September 2019, he was Secretary of the National Security Council; On September 8, 2019, the Parliament of Georgia expressed confidence in the position of Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia.

https://www.bpn.ge/article/78996-9-celi-da-casuli-me-5-premieri-ra-konebit-tovebs-gaxaria-posts/

20.02.2021 / 12:20AA
Nika Melia met with the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lithuanian Parliament
Nika Melia met with the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lithuanian Parliament

Nika Melia Lietuva , Chairman of the United National Movement, met with Jigimanta Pavilionis, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs .

As InterpressNews was informed by the National Movement, the meeting was held at the party office.

According to Nika Melia , the chairman of the United National Movement , the visit of Jigimanta Pavilion to Georgia is important for the country.

"This visit does not specifically support Nika Melia . This visit serves to save democracy, to play an important role in the process of building the Georgian state.

The distinguished leader of one of the key strategic partners arrives and offers cooperation, it is really welcome. "The relationship between the two countries has been confirmed once again, which has existed for many years," Nika Melia said .

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643032-nika-melia-lietuvas-parlamentis-sagareo-urtiertobata-komitetis-tavmjdomares-shexvda

20.02.2021 / 10:22AA
The issue of declaring confidence in the government is being discussed in parliamentary committees
The issue of declaring confidence in the government is being discussed in parliamentary committees

The issue of declaring confidence in the government is being discussed in the committees of the Parliament of Georgia. Candidates for the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, Economy and Sustainable Development, Regional Development and Infrastructure, Finance and Foreign Affairs, and, consequently, the Government Program will be heard in the format of the committees.

The hearing of the other candidates in the parliamentary committees will continue on February 21. On February 22, the candidates for the post of Prime Minister and Minister will meet with the political groups - the parliamentary majority and the opposition. On the same day, the Parliament will make a decision on the declaration of confidence in the format of the plenary session.

There is the following change in the Cabinet of Ministers: Deputy Minister of Defense Juansher Burchuladze has been nominated for the position of Minister of Defense. Maia Tskitishvili has left the post of Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure , who will be replaced by her first deputy Irakli Karseladze. All other ministers remain in office.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643004-parlamentis-komitetebshi-mtavrobisadmi-ndobis-gamocxadebis-sakitxis-ganxilva-mimdinareobs

Part 2
However, membership in these organizations deserves credit. To the outside world, Georgia looks like a hopelessly divided, immature democracy and economy that is not ready for prime time. No NATO government can support a new member state whose democracy, ability to hold free and fair elections, and the rule of law are in question. For clarification: This is not a criticism of the government or the opposition. Moreover, it is a call for both of them to find a way to talk to each other for the interests of all Georgians, regardless of whether he is a voter of the Georgian Dream, the United National Movement, someone else or no one at all. The Georgian people have a very strong sense of identity and Georgia's place in the world. All political leaders must work together to achieve these lofty aspirations of the Georgian people, even if they disagree on certain issues.

Thomas Hendrik Ilves and Kurt Walker write that Georgian leaders need to realize that everything has gone too far and a reset is needed.

"With the resignation of the Prime Minister, the possibility of arresting the leader of the main opposition party, failing to reach an agreement on the elimination of electoral irregularities and calling for new elections without a fair determination as to whether something went wrong during the last election, Georgia is at a dead end. Both sides need to put aside past demands and take a fresh look at what the country needs in the future. If we can facilitate such dialogue, we will. "But the Georgian leaders themselves must realize that everything has gone too far and that a reset is needed," the article reads .

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643003-tomas-hendrik-ilvesi-da-kurt-volkeri-sakartvelo-imqopeba-saxipato-chixshi-romelic-risks-ukmnis-qvelapers-demokratiis-gadatvirtvis-droa

20.02.2021 / 10:14AA
Thomas Hendrik Ilves and Kurt Walker - Georgia is in a dangerous impasse that puts everything at risk - it's time to reset democracy
Thomas Hendrik Ilves and Kurt Walker - Georgia is in a dangerous impasse that puts everything at risk - it's time to reset democracy

Former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and former US Ambassador to NATO Kurt Walker have published an article on recent developments in Georgia, saying that Georgia is in a dangerous impasse and that it is necessary for Georgian political leaders to enter the negotiating table.

"Georgia is in a dangerous impasse, which risks everything that the country has fought so hard to achieve. History, and recent history, has shown that democracy is fragile. Only one defeat and a long and difficult struggle is needed to turn him back. Hard-won victories are not permanent, democracy must always be protected.

The two of us, supporters and friends of Georgia for decades, have defended Georgia's Western call and supported the country even in the most difficult times. Today we are writing to express our deep concern over the recent developments in Georgian democracy. "The people of Georgia deserve to move forward and not be in a dead end," the article reads.

The authors write that integration into transatlantic structures is a merit, no NATO government can support a new member state whose democracy, ability to hold free and fair elections and the rule of law are in question, so all political leaders must cooperate with the Georgian people. To achieve high aspirations.

"Many in the East and in the West are watching this deadlock with joy and satisfaction. The authorities are looking forward to seeing another experiment in democracy, dreaming of returning Georgia to a family of "ruled democracies." Some in the West, who strongly oppose Georgia's integration into "transatlantic structures," see the situation in Georgia as another opportunity to say, "You do not belong to us." We know that Georgians have freedom in their hearts. They want to be among the other freedom-loving people in the world. They want security and prosperity and good governance. Georgia's goal is to join NATO and the European Union. We do not belong to any Georgian opposition or government that disagrees with this.

20.02.2021 / 10:09AA
Leaders of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee - We call on the parties to respect the principles of democracy and to engage in a constructive dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the developments surrounding the Melia case.
Leaders of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee - We call on the parties to respect the principles of democracy and to engage in a constructive dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the developments surrounding the Melia case.

The leaders of the House Foreign Affairs Committee are responding to the current events in Georgia.

According to the Georgian edition of the Voice of America, the chairman of the committee, Democrat Gregory Mix and the leading Republican Congressman Michael McCall call on the political parties to dialogue and a peaceful solution to the events surrounding Melia's case.

"The escalating political tensions in Tbilisi threaten to undermine and destabilize the democratic progress that the Georgian people have fought so hard to achieve.

We call on all parties to respect democratic principles and to engage in a constructive dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the developments surrounding the Melia case. "A strong and resilient Georgian democracy that respects the rule of law and a multi-party system is critical to both Georgia and regional stability," the congressmen said.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/643002-ashsh-is-carmomadgenelta-palatis-sagareo-komitetis-liderebi-movucodebt-mxareebs-pativi-scen-demokratiis-principebs-da-melias-sakmis-irgvliv-ganvitarebuli-movlenebis-mshvidobiani-gadacqvetistvis-chaerton-konstrukciul-dialogshi

20.02.2021 / 08:37AA
US Senators - All sides of the Georgian political spectrum should return to the negotiating table and the political atmosphere should ease
US Senators - All sides of the Georgian political spectrum should return to the negotiating table and the political atmosphere should ease

We are deeply concerned about the recent political developments in Georgia. "The Georgian people deserve the rule of law, democracy and an honest, independent judiciary," said a joint statement by Jim Rish, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Jean Shaheen, chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Cooperation.

According to them, all political parties should return to the negotiating table to defuse the situation.

"During the last few years, we have raised the issue of political persecution with Georgian officials many times. While we are pleased with the reversal of the decision to detain opposition leader Nika Melia , such political persecution and arrests should not take place. Now all sides of the political spectrum must return to the negotiating table and defuse the political atmosphere. "We hope that this political crisis will end quickly and peacefully," the senators said in a statement.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/642998-amerikeli-senatorebi-kartuli-politikuri-spektris-qvela-mxare-molaparakebis-magidas-unda-daubrundes-da-politikuri-atmospero-unda-ganmuxtos

19.02.2021 / 17:36AA
Kote Kemularia - We said that Gakharia threatened Kobakhidze with resignation, which would destroy the government vertical - Gakharia carried out this threat
Kote Kemularia - We said that Gakharia threatened Kobakhidze with resignation, which would destroy the government vertical - Gakharia carried out this threat

We said that Gakharia threatened Kobakhidze with resignation, which would destroy the government vertical - Gakharia carried out this threat, - said one of the leaders of the "Tribuna", Kote Kemularia.

According to him, Giorgi Gakharia also had power and with his resignation, he stopped the next sadistic bloodshed of the innocent, true defenders of the country's interests.

"It will be even better for the country, first of all, if Gakharia says how and by whom the order to shoot the targets was given to the protesters.

We said that Gakharia threatened Kobakhidze with resignation, which would destroy the government vertical. Gakharia carried out this threat and killed the mother of "Otsneba".

Now there is no other way but to negotiate. The opposition is ready to negotiate with a real agenda. The topic of negotiations will be - re-election and fair elections. This was achieved by the unprecedented unity of the society and political forces and the boycott.

There was a real chance of ending polarization. It is also a chance to hold fair elections, to restore institutions, to restore the confidence of the international community, to quickly restore the violated rights of citizens, to take care of development and progress together. "That is why it is even more important now that we stand together to reach a peaceful re-election through peaceful means," Kemularia said.

The press service of the Tribune spreads the mentioned comment.

https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/642946-kote-kemularia-vambobdit-rom-gaxaria-daemukra-kobaxizes-gadadgomit-rac-chamoangrevda-saxelisuplebo-vertikals-gaxariam-es-mukara-sisruleshi-moiqvana

"Gakharia became a victim of an unprecedented special operation: Saakashvili's supporters ..." - What does the Russian media write about the developments in Georgia?

https://www.kvirispalitra.ge/politic/74414-qgakharia-ganukhorcielebeli-specoperaciis-mskhverpli-gakhda-saakashvilis-momkhreebs-kiq-ras-tsers-rusuli-media-saqarthveloshi-ganvitharebul-movlenebze.html

Possibility of a snap election?

After the 2020 election the United Opposition has refused to enter Parliament due to the their belief that the result was tainted. IMHO Georgia needs a stable government to allow a deal to take place which will transform both the region's energy production and transportation, and that of the EU. This could also pave the way for membership of NATO. How does the GD party government lose face and bow to the demands of the United Opposition? Arrest the leader of the United Opposition; get the PM to resign; and then fail to agree on a replacement , triggering a snap election perhaps? A lot of the GD could still win their seats; the United Opposition get their snap election; Georgia could get to join NATO; and the EU and Uncle Sam could finally get a stable government allowing a major energy development.

'The PM’s resignation means that his cabinet is also suspended with immediate effect. Parliament will have to approve a new PM and cabinet within two weeks. Should it fail to do so, the country’s president, Salome Zurabashvili will dismiss parliament and call a snap election.'

Georgia in crisis as PM resigns following court ruling to detain opposition leader
https://emerging-europe.com/news/georgia-in-crisis-as-pm-resigns-following-court-ruling-to-detain-opposition-leader/