Member Info for Madpunter

Pages of articles about the protests.
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/category/5-politika?page=1
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/category/5-politika?page=2
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/category/5-politika?page=3
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/category/5-politika?page=4
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/category/5-politika?page=5

Police Uses Water Canons against the Protesters Gathered Near CEC

The Georgian police used water cannon against protesters who are gathered in front of the Central Election Commission. Additional police groups and special forces are mobilized on the spot.

Nika Melia, one of the leaders of the "National Movement" called on the participants of the protest rally in front of the Parliament to picket the CEC.

"Let's stay and set a curfew in the CEC building. No one can enter and no one can leave until new elections are scheduled. Tamar Zhvania should go home," Melia said, adding that this was part of a plan drawn up by the opposition.

The demonstrators are protesting the results of the election, not only in Tbilisi but in Batumi, too. They are also accusing the police of being politically biased and encourage them to stand by their fellow citizens.

By Nini Dakhundaridze

Image source: Radiotavisupleba

08 November 2020 22:18

http://georgiatoday.ge/news/22976/Police-Uses-Water-Canons-Against-the-Protesters-Gathered-Near-CEC

Part 4

Nika Melia - Elections stolen with weapons, beatings and humiliation will not be selected
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627092-nika-melia-iaragit-cema-tqepit-da-damcirebit-moparuli-archevnebi-ar-sherchebat

Gia Zhorzholiani Says Preliminary Results Published by Election Commission Do Not Reflect Reality
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627097-gia-zhorzholiani-acxadebs-rom-saarchevno-komisiis-mier-gamokveqnebuli-cinascari-shedegebi-realobas-ar-asaxavs

Vano Machavariani - Now it is important for the opposition to reach an agreement on a joint action plan
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627089-vano-machavariani-axla-mnishvnelovania-opoziciashi-saerto-mokmedebis-gegmaze-shetanxmeba-shedges

Aleko Elisashvili - The CEC and "Georgian Dream" were deliberately insulting us, we must fight back
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627090-aleko-elisashvili-cesko-da-kartuli-ocneba-dagegmilad-gvaqenebdnen-sheuracxqopas-amaze-brzolit-unda-gavcet-pasuxi

The protesters moved to Bidzina Ivanishvili's residence
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627093-akciis-monacileebma-bizina-ivanishvilis-rezidenciastan-gadainacvles

Part 3

Sergi Kapanadze - Boycott of the Parliament is one of the versions that is really being considered, but the final decision will be made within the party
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627034-sergi-kapanaze-parlamentis-boikoti-ert-erti-versiaa-romelic-namdvilad-ganixileba-tumca-saboloo-gadacqvetilebas-partiis-shignit-mivigebt

Davit Berdzenishvili - The government in Georgia can not change only with the ballot paper, the ballot paper needs to be used and protected inside the country
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627024-davit-berzenishvili-sakartveloshi-mxolod-biuletenit-ver-icvleba-xolme-xelisupleba-biuletens-schirdeba-mixmareba-da-dacva-kveqnis-shignit

Mariam Jashi - We do not recognize the election results
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627021-mariam-jashi-chven-archevnebis-shedegebs-ar-vagiarebt

Giorgi Margvelashvili - "Dream" failed to do what the "Nationals" failed to do: admit that people turned their backs - I do not see a force in the opposition that will sign these results and commit suicide
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627014-giorgi-margvelashvili-ocnebam-ver-shezlo-is-rac-nacionalebma-shezles-agiareba-rom-xalxma-zurgi-akcia-ver-vxedav-opoziciashi-zalas-romelic-am-shedegebze-da-tavis-suicidze-xels-moacers

Salome Samadashvili - Ivanishvili's rigged elections will have no legitimacy, either inside or outside the country - the government will have to call new elections
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627012-salome-samadashvili-ivanishvilis-mier-gaqalbebul-archevnebs-arc-kveqnis-shignit-da-arc-kveqnis-garet-legitimacia-ar-ekneba-xelisuplebas-axali-archevnebis-danishvna-moucevs

Tina Khidasheli - For the first time since 2003, I would also vote for Nika Melia, the candidate of the National Movement - Voters punished "Dream" for the illegality it committed against Melia
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627009-tina-xidasheli-2003-clis-shemdeg-pirvelad-mec-xmas-mivcemdi-nacmozraobis-kandidat-nika-melias-amomrchevelma-dasaja-ocneba-im-ukanonobistvis-rac-melias-mimart-ganaxorciela

Ahmed Imamkuliev - Yesterday's election was not an election, Ivanishvili conducted a special operation
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/626997-ahmed-imamkulievi-gushindeli-archevnebi-ar-iqo-archevnebi-ivanishvilma-chaatara-specoperacia

United Georgia Representative - None of the data released by Tamar Zhvania is true
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/626964-ertiani-sakartvelos-carmomadgeneli-arcerti-monacemi-rasac-tamar-zhvania-avrcelebs-simartles-ar-sheesabameba

Gia Khukhashvili - Early elections will most likely be held
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627001-gia-xuxashvili-magali-albatobit-vadamdeli-archevnebi-ikneba

Part 2

According to Zurab Japaridze, the decision on whether to enter the parliament has not been made by any party yet
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627057-zurab-japarizis-inpormaciit-parlamentshi-shesvla-arshesvlis-sakitxze-gadacqvetileba-jer-arcerti-partiis-mier-ar-aris-migebuli

Badri Japaridze - This can not be called a democratic election, it was a day full of fraud, violence
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627056-badri-japarize-amas-ar-sheizleba-demokratiuli-archevnebi-ecodos-es-iqo-siqalbit-zaladobit-gajerebuli-dge

Giorgi Vashadze - I am in favor of boycotting the Parliament - Early elections are one of the ways we can go
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627055-giorgi-vashaze-parlamentis-boikotirebisken-vixrebi-vadamdeli-archevnebi-ert-erti-gzaa-ra-gzitac-sheizleba-cavidet

Nino Burjanadze - My party's entry into the parliament depends on whether Nino Burjanadze will be silent and send a message to Ivanishvili, whether she will be more or less obedient
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627051-nino-burjanaze-chemi-partiis-parlamentshi-shesvla-arshesvla-imazea-damokidebuli-gachumdeba-tu-ara-nino-burjanaze-da-ivanishvils-gaugzavnis-mesijs-ikneba-tu-ara-met-naklebad-morchili

"Civil Platform 20/20" releases a statement regarding the parliamentary elections
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627049-samokalako-platporma-2020-saparlamento-archevnebtan-dakavshirebit-gancxadebas-avrcelebs

Roman Gotsiridze - If the issue cannot be resolved at the table, then it will be decided by the street
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627047-roman-gocirize-tu-magidastan-ver-cqdeba-sakitxi-mashin-mas-gadacqvets-kucha

Gigi Ugulava - it was everything except elections, Aslan Abashidze, not even Shevardnadze - held such elections - there will be a common opposition rally
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627043-gigi-ugulava-es-iqo-qvelaperi-archevnebis-garda-aset-archevnebs-atarebda-aslan-abashize-shevardnazec-ki-ara-ikneba-saerto-opoziciuri-akcia

Ana Dolidze - We must do everything to leave "Georgian Dream" "alone at home" today
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627038-ana-dolize-qvelaperi-unda-gavaketot-imistvis-rom-dges-kartuli-ocneba-davtovot-marto-saxlshi

"Lelo" - we do not recognize the results of this election - early elections are the only way out of this impasse
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627035-lelo-ar-vagiarebt-am-archevnebis-shedegs-vadamdeli-archevnebi-ertaderti-gamosavalia-am-chixidan

Eka Beselia - Elections should not be legitimized, so it will be impossible to run the country
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627031-eka-beselia-archevnebis-legitimacia-ar-unda-moxdes-ase-kveqnis-martva-sheuzlebeli-ikneba

Opposition leader's views

Badri Japaridze - We are deprived of our freedom - we do not admit the falsity of what happened yesterday
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627083-badri-japarize-chven-gvartmeven-tavisuplebas-ar-vagiarebt-siqalbes-rac-gushin-moxda

Tako Charkviani - I am not a follower of this unworthy parliament
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627075-tako-charkviani-am-ugirs-parlamentshi-pexis-shemdgmeli-ar-var

Tina Bokuchava - It is important to be uncompromising and not tolerate the results of rigged elections, which were told to us by Ivanishvili and Nana Devdarian Tamar Zhvania
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627073-tina-bokuchava-mnishvnelovania-viqot-ukompromiso-da-ar-sheveguot-gaqalbebuli-archevnebis-shedegebs-rac-dagvido-ivanishvilma-da-nana-devdarianad-kceulma-tamar-zhvaniam

Khatia Dekanoidze - This fight will not stop until the new elections, do not think that we will get tired and drop the shield-sword
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627070-xatia-dekanoize-es-brzola-ar-gacherdeba-axal-archevnebamde-nu-ggoniat-rom-daviglebit-da-par-xmals-davqrit

Tornike Janashvili - We state unequivocally that "Reformer" does not recognize the election results
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627069-tornike-janashvili-chven-calsaxad-vacxadebt-rom-repormeri-ar-agiarebs-archevnebis-shedegebs

Irakli Okruashvili - These elections are not legitimate, refusal of mandates will automatically lead to re-elections
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627066-irakli-okruashvili-es-archevnebi-ar-aris-legitimuri-mandatebze-uaris-tkma-avtomaturad-gamoicvevs-xelaxal-archevnebs

Pikria Chikhradze - We call on our political colleagues to do everything possible to prevent the illegitimate parliament from gaining legitimacy in today's reality
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627064-pikria-chixraze-movucodebt-politikur-kolegebs-qvelaperi-gavaketot-imisatvis-rom-aralegitimurma-parlamentma-ver-sheizinos-legitimacia-dgevandel-realobashi

Giorgi Kvirikashvili - It frustrates sane people when they do not take even half a step towards national consolidation, it brings dangerous results
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627062-giorgi-kvirikashvili-sagad-moazrovne-adamianebis-imedgacruebas-icvevs-roca-naxevar-nabijsac-ar-dgam-erovnuli-konsolidaciisken-es-saxipato-shedegis-momtania

Zaal Udumashvili - The opposition will not have any legitimacy in this election, we will leave Ivanishvili and his team alone
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627061-zaal-udumashvili-aranairi-legitimacia-ar-ekneba-opoziciis-mxridan-am-archevnebs-marto-davtovebt-ivanishvils-da-mis-gunds

Salome Samadashvili - We will not get these results, we demand new elections
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/627060-salome-samadashvili-am-shedegebs-ar-mivigebt-vitxovt-axal-archevnebs

Edison Research publishes the results of a public opinion poll on pre-election sentiments
https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/623313-edison-research-i-cinasaarchevno-gancqobebis-shesaxeb-sazogadoebrivi-azris-kvlevis-shedegebs-akveqnebs

Posted Earsbern on the 5th September :-

Document 80 - California
Nothing to worry about.
Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim has drawn the short straw and is now responsible for any discovery disputes in this case. She's started off well by immediately denying H/OMF's motion {Doc 78), and stating that all discovery disputes have to be filed in a joint letter brief by both parties after they have met and conferred, in compliance with standing orders.
Did H/OMF's attorneys make a mistake in filing this motion outside of standing orders; or were they just trying their luck? My guess is the latter. Not very impressive, either way.

Posted DomFok on the 5th September :-

Shalva Natelashvili: If the Russian occupation continues, we will be forced to deploy US military bases on our territory with space nuclear weapons to survive

Timer timer.ge
Author: timer timer.ge
September 5, 2020 16:02

"If the Russian occupation continues, we will be forced to deploy US military bases on our territory with space nuclear weapons to survive," Labor Party leader Shalva Natelashvili said at a briefing.

According to Natelashvili, he wants good relations with the Russian Federation, but this is possible only in the event of the withdrawal of Russian forces from the occupied territories.

At the same time, Natelashvili expressed readiness for debates with Russian politicians.

"If anyone wants good relations with the Russian Federation, stabilization, I am one of the first, but it must happen if the occupying Russian armed forces leave the territory of Georgia, and Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region return to mother Georgia. Otherwise, you will not have Ivanishvili for a long time, you have a maximum of two months left. Then, if negotiations on the restoration of territorial integrity do not begin, if our territories continue to be razed, fenced, occupied, kidnapped, killed, tortured and wounded, I repeat, we will be forced to deploy US military bases in Georgia with space nuclear weapons. Then do not start meaningless chatter in Moscow. Blame yourself. If Mr. and Mrs. Deputies, Russian politicians want debate and controversy with me, I am ready! I met them on any square, anywhere, including Moscow. "But I hope they will not hide polonium and Novichok tea, but we are not afraid of Magi either," Shalva Natelashvili said.

According to the leader of the "Labor Party", his previous statement that Georgian flags were being flown in the occupied territories and on Russian bases caused hysteria in Moscow.

"My previous statement that Georgian flags were being flown in the occupied territories and on Russian bases was hysterical in Moscow, as it was not even on the day of Hitler's attack on the Soviet Union. Statements were made by the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State Duma, the Federation Council, strategic centers, publicists and journalists. Their statements are aggressive, full of threats, unfriendly. I want to tell them directly: no one is afraid of you. "Frighten those who intimidated you in Sololaki, your slave, who brought Georgia, including relations with you, to this point," Natelashvili said.

https://www.timer.ge/shalva-nathelashvili-rusethis-mkhridan-okupacia-thu-gagrdzelda-idzulebuli-viqnebith-gadarchenisthvis-chvens-teritoriaze-ganvalagoth-ashsh-is-samkhedro-bazebi-kosmosur-birthvuli-sheiaraghebith/

Posted Looed on the 5th September :-

Election stuff
There will be a 1001 articles out there on the election. I will try to only post those that impact the election process, or if i think in some way relevant to FRR.

If the day-in-day-out of the elections is of interest, the following site has recently started a live blog and seems to cover both GD and opposition developments -

https://civil.ge/archives/363949

I am sure more will appear as Oct 31 approaches.

If you have nothing to do on 8th Oct then this might be for you -

VIRTUAL EVENT. GEORGIAN ELECTION 2020: WHAT TO EXPECT AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT
Thursday, October 8, 2020, 12:00pm EDT, Zoom webinar & YouTube Live

Please join the Harriman Institute for a panel discussion about the 2020 parliamentary election in Georgia.

On October 31, 2020, Georgia will go to the polls to elect a new parliament. Since the last parliamentary election four years ago, Georgia has experienced a spate of opposition demonstrations, continued slow annexation by Russia into Georgian territory and, like the rest of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic. The election will test Georgia’s ability to further consolidate its democracy, give opposition forces an opportunity to strengthen and diversify their voices in parliament, challenge the governing Georgian Dream coalition to persuade the Georgian people they deserve to remain in power, and will chart Georgia’s political course for the next four years. This panel of Georgian and American scholars and activists will discuss this election and its meaning from several key perspectives.

Info on how to access and details of the speakers can be found here -

https://harriman.columbia.edu/event/virtual-event-georgian-election-2020

Posted Madpunter on the 5th September :-

The GD polled 39% last time and got 75% of the seats. This time they would probably get less than 59 of the 150 seats. 39% of the 120 seats under PR = 46.8 seats. If they won 39% of the 30 majority seats = 11.7 seats. The opposition parties are with the exception of one party, nominating a candidate to represent the united opposition parties in the majority seats, so they don't split the vote and let the GD win those seats. Therefore, if the GD polled 39%, the remaining 61% is available to the nominated opposition candidate and the candidate for the party that didn't agree to stand down. This should make it more difficult for the GD to win these seats. The result is likely to be a coalition of the united opposition parties.
If no candidate has more than 50% of the vote, there's a second round consisting of the first two candidates in the majority seats. If the GD polls 39%, they would be unlikely to win any of these majority seats this time, whereas the previous elections, with many parties, 39% would be enough for first past the post.

Posted Looed on the 5th September :-

News round up
The Caucasus Online sage rumbles on. Does this quote sound familiar ?

“We hope the Government of Georgia will intervene and ensure the rule of law is upheld and our investments are protected.”

https://www.interpressnews.ge/en/article/109051-final-countdown-georgias-ultimatum-for-caucasus-online-acquisition-capacitymedia

More carrots from the US Govt -

"Today, Ambassador Kelly C. Degnan joined Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia David Zalkaliani to announce the U.S. Embassy and the InformationCenter on NATO and the EU will continue their partnership for two more years to provide information to Georgians at 13 regional centers about Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration. Georgia’s western integration process contributes to the growth of foreign investments, reduction of unemployment, and improvement of the quality of life of every citizen of Georgia. The U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section also provides assistance to complementary projects supporting strategic communications, promoting resilience towards anti-western narratives, and supporting conferences on the Black Sea security and other topics."

https://ge.usembassy.gov/ambassador-kelly-degnan-visits-nato-eu-information-center/

Mole thanks for your reply. I didn't realise SN was even less communicative than Zaza.

In your reply you say - "The company are just not engaging with shareholders in any way at all since things got complicated in mid 2019"

Does that mean FSHG had comms until then (as I thought there had been no comms from the company) or are you talking about your personal comms with Zaza. I know you have mentioned a few times you had comms for a while with Zaza, and as you have mentioned them here are you able to share any details of those chats?

I would say the politics has stopped of late (with the exception of translation #29). We wait to see if thats because he's been canned or not. He no longer appears on TV with opposition leaders. Even when he did it was to call for changes within the government. I used to wonder is he using the opposition leaders or are they using him. I think the US Govt, various local polling points to a GD victory though it might be with a reduced majority or in need to form a coalition. Thats why the emphaisis is to discipline the GD pre-election and not regime change, not so far anyway.

Again, I think we would all appreciate it if you clarify the 'public record' around FSGH / your comms with Zaza so we have clear timeline of events.

Posted Looed on the 5th September :-

"The National Democratic Institute (NDI) will not send international observers to Georgia."
(This isn't a result of any actions by the GD or Georgian electoral commission. A robust systems will still allow monitoring)

"NDI will continue to cooperate with international and diplomatic partners in these efforts, as well as with Georgian election monitors. NDI deeply appreciates the significant efforts the Government of Georgia has undertaken to facilitate deployment of international observers and the warm reception that its pre-election team received from all electoral stakeholders. NDI recognizes and commends the great work of the Georgian people and authorities in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the safety of deploying a mission of international delegates also depends on conditions elsewhere. The global COVID-19 pandemic is still not under control internationally, including in the United States. After reviewing these international conditions, and considering carefully its own capacity to mitigate risks to its partners and itself in this environment, NDI has decided it will not deploy an in-person international observer delegation to Georgia in late October for election day.

While NDI regrets conditions are such to force this decision, the Institute nonetheless feels fully confident that its election support program as outlined above, in cooperation with partners inside and outside Georgia, is sufficient to enable an informed and comprehensive perspective on the conduct of the upcoming elections. The Institute’s commitment and capacity to monitor, analyze and ultimately report on conditions in support of a credible, transparent and representative electoral process, through October and beyond, remains strong."

Full article and details of the monitoring program can be found here - https://www.interpressnews.ge/en/article/109046-ndi-will-not-send-international-observers-to-georgia

Posted DomFok on the 4th September :-

Government Suspends Underground Gas Storage Project
“ The underground gas storage project is to ensure Georgia’s energy independence and to use the natural gas crossing Shah Deniz pipeline.”

HEADLINE- Government Suspends Underground Gas Storage Project to Spend EUR 120 million on COVID Crisis

Government Suspends Underground Gas Storage Project to Spend EUR 120 million on COVID Crisis The former Prime Minister of Georgia Mamuka Bakhtadze signed an agreement on EUR 150 million loans in 2018, as part of the visit that German Chancellor Angela Merkel paid to Georgia.

As a result of negotiations for several years, the Development Bank of Germany (KfW) agreed to allocate the mentioned financial resource for implementation of the underground gas storage project in Georgia.

According to the document that the Government has sent to the Parliament, amid the COVID-19 outbreak, the Georgian Government and KfW held negotiations and the purpose of this loan has been changed. And EUR 120 million of EUR 150 million will be spent on COVID-19 crisis elimination campaigns. Furthermore, the Government has change the purpose of other loans too, namely, Batumi Communal Water development project with the budget of EUR 60 million. On the whole, the Government has reclassified loans of EUR 180 million and these resources will be directed to the State Treasury. Georgia and KfW signed a new agreement on August 7.

The maturity of the 180-million EUR loan is 3 years, including 2-year grace period. The underground gas storage project is to ensure Georgia’s energy independence and to use the natural gas crossing Shah Deniz pipeline. Total investment value of the project is EUR 220-250 million. Total storage capacity of the facility is 400 million cubic meters, that is 10-15% of Georgia’s annual consumption.

https://cbw.ge/economy/government-suspends-underground-gas-storage-project-to-spend-eur-120-million-on-covid-crisis

Posted Madpunter on the 4th September :-

IMHO it will be won and lost in Georgia and the cases in the US are just noise. If the asset transfer is deemed not to have been allowed by the GOGC, then it remains in an insolvent company and the GOGC take back Block 12, as there would be insufficient funds to comply with the PSA. If the GOGC have allowed the asset transfer and are negotiating a deal, maybe involving the removal of ZM, then monies from a farm in can payoff FRR's debts.
Also there's the strong possibility that with a united opposition, PR, US and EU political pressure and international observers that the GD lose the election. If this happens, then with the boot on the other foot, will the GD find themselves in court and a possible prison sentence? A deal with FRR, especially if it involves US and EU diplomats may include a 'get out of gaol free card' for representatives of the GD party. All still to play for IMHO.

Posted Moleinahole on the 4th September :-

Jonathon - I'm not that daft. I think I'm coming at this whole sorry episode from a totally different perspective these days . the more I see in the court and other documents the less credible I find all the alternative theories and excuses.

But equally if this really has become a political play then there is a time to fight and a time to find a settlement. I'm really not seeing the kind of political backing for FRR I would expect if this was a pure east vs west game to provide cover for the politics they have decided to get involved in. They have used the influence they did have I fear to retain the 1% after they were unable to retain 100% in the arbitration. The onus to me looking in now was on FRR to make the next positive move. Continuing the highly political media campaign in my mind was pushing it too far. That's my just how I see it - I would prefer them to tone that down and sort it out round a table. If FRR have the political backing and major in the wings then that is what should have happened even with the GD.

This one is going to stand or fall based on whats going on in US courts not Georgia. Whether Georgians extend the license or not is irrelevant if its lost to FTI and the long queue of creditors. I find the the major in the wings and massive resources carrot if we drill some more unconvincing. Its been dangled and pulled up and down too many times since 2016 which coincides with when the finances went south as they could not resolve the Outrider situation. If there is a massive resource and the means to get it out is known we would be getting more backing. We are not.

To me I'm seeing a series of commercial disputes whose root is FRR lack of bookable assets and cash to fund both short term liabilities and long term development items. Bedex mused why is it still going yesterday. Well I think the answer to that is that the creditors have to move carefully to ensure they can extract the remaining assets away cleanly.

If everything was fine the company would have no issue making even token attempts at communication. They continue to fail to keep shareholders informed. The fact people don't even know who might be on the board at the moment speaks for itself.

This may not be a popular view but its how I see it I'm afraid.

Posted Moleinahole on the 4th September :-

Looed if true that Zaza has scuttled off (like Levan did) and we have no way of validating it that I can think of then for those who have been around a while we had even less luck with Steve at the helm for many years. He never replied to any communication attempt I am aware of - those who have spoken to him have had to go face to face to the AGM. The company are just not engaging with shareholders in any way at all since things got complicated in mid 2019 and with no listing requirements are unfettered and can say nothing. The company articles give them leeway to say nothing - which is exactly what they have decided to do.

But I have to say I think the public opposition that Zaza has spearheaded was and is not a good idea. I know some people here thing it was inevitable but I think they should have eased off in public once the loss of license threat was removed.

The real important action to watch for is in the New York case in my opinion. It might be that the New York case is pending resolution of the California case given the irreversible consequences of that proceeding to conclusion. The statement on the California case was made by Steve - I've not seen any disposition from Zaza in those cases.

Whatever is going on its heading towards an end game in my view sooner rather than later and for FRR shareholders to come out of this intact is a very slim chance.

Posted Jonathansxx on the 4th September :-

Not sure I agree with you Mole.

"But I have to say I think the public opposition that Zaza has spearheaded was and is not a good idea. I know some people here thing it was inevitable but I think they should have eased off in public once the loss of license threat was removed."

So you're ok with dealing with Bidzina, and everything will be hunky dory, now?

Big Bada Boom thread on the 3rd September removed. JJ.Carter posted about Zaza removed from the board and CEO position by the board and Steve Nicandros.

Posted Madpunter on the 4th September :-

I did mention yesterday that IF Zaza has been removed the GD could put spin on his recent interviews, due to board removal possibly discrediting him. This could be in return of a licence extension for Block 12, as without it the media publicity could be more detrimental to the GD. Also, this would reduce any future threat of Zaza as a political opponent to BI and the GD.

Posted RainbowRider on the 4th September :-

Cyber attack on Georgia
https://agenda.ge/en/news/2020/2725

Posted Looed on the 4th September :-

Russians at it again
There are no biological threats in Georgia

"According to the Chairman of the Committee on Defence and Security, Irakli Sesiashvili, an attack on the Lugar Lab is part of Russia's hybrid war.

He said the aim of the above was to discredit the Georgia-US relations.

"The Lugar Lab is unique not only in Georgia, but in the Transcaucasia and it only serves the health system.

We periodically see the intentional attacks of Russia's representatives on this lab. These are disinformation-based statements aimed at discrediting the Georgia-US relations and proving that there are biological threats in Georgia, which is absurd. This is part of Russia's hybrid war and we, as well as the embassy of the United States, have made a number of clear statements about it', said Sesiashvili."

https://www.interpressnews.ge/en/article/109025-irakli-sesiashvili-there-are-no-biological-threats-in-georgia/