Member Info for Madpunter

Posted by Blownitalready on the 9th July :-

Saladze on U.S. preconditions: This is a clearer message and warning
GYLA Chairman Sulkhan Saladze responds to the list of commitments published by the US Legislature, according to which he will have to meet the conditions to maintain the financial part of Georgia.

According to him, the United States is interested in making positive changes in Georgia.

"It simply came to our notice then. The fact that the United States welcomes the change in the electoral system and a number of significant, positive changes does not mean that the government should not continue to make changes in this direction.

There is a need to make it public, not only for the government, but for all those who are interested in a better election environment in the country and in support of democratic processes in general, "- said Sulkhan Saladze.

The list of obligations of the state legislature states that in order to fully receive the 132 million aid package, electoral reform in Georgia must be effective , the judiciary must be independent, the informal influence of oligarchs must be restricted, and the rights of free media and opposition political parties must be protected.

https://formulanews.ge/News/33108

Posted by EkXoc on the 9th July :-

On July 6, the United States House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs approved a Fiscal Year 2021 State and Foreign Operations Funding bill, which also refers to Georgia.

According to the bill, proposed by the House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey, of the funds appropriated under bilateral economic and international security assistance, “not less than USD 132,025,000 shall be made available for assistance for Georgia.”

The bill, however, envisages withholding the assistance funds. In particular, 15% of the funds made available for assistance for the Government of Georgia, “may not be obligated” until the Secretary of State determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that the central Georgian Government is taking effective steps to:

strengthen democratic institutions;
combat corruption within the government, including in the application of anti-corruption laws and regulations; and
ensure the rule of law in the private sector is consistent with internationally recognized standards.

The latter, according to the bill, includes “protecting the rights of foreign businesses to operate free from harassment and to fully realize all due commercial and financial benefits resulting from investments made in Georgia.”

The withholding shall not apply to programs that support democracy, the rule of law, civil society and the media, or programs to reduce gender-based violence and to protect vulnerable populations.

The Secretary may waive the application of withholding funds paragraph if the Secretary determines and reports to the Committees that to do so serves the national interest of the U.S.

The bill now heads to the full Committee for markup.

Posted by EkXoc on the 9th July :-

Part 2
Recommending continued support for “critical allies” – including Georgia -“who are on the front line in opposition to renewed Russian aggression,” the committee maintained that the security and stability of U.S. allies directly affect the United States.

The Committee said it “remains concerned” by Moscow’s cyber-attacks against Georgia and other security partners and allies, adding that it directs the Secretary of State to prioritize funding to assist U.S. partners “in improving their cybersecurity capabilities and resilience to hybrid threats and information warfare, including through both bilateral assistance and assistance through multilateral initiatives to counter such threats.”

The Committee noted that it continues the prohibition of funds for the central governments of the countries recognizing the independence of or having established diplomatic relations with the Russian-occupied Georgian territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia.

Posted by EkXoc on the 9th July :-

RE: Article - U.S. House Committee’s Further Notes on Georgia Assistance
On July 8, the United States House Appropriations Committee released its report and accompanying views for the fiscal year 2021 Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill, which also refers to Georgia, ahead of Thursday’s markups.
Possible Withholding of 15% of the Funds

Referring to withholding 15% of assistance funds made available to the central Georgian Government, the detailed report adds that the Secretary of State shall consider whether the Government of Georgia is taking effective steps to:

effectively implementing electoral reform;
respecting the independence of the judiciary, including from legislative or executive interference;
effectively implementing the necessary policies to ensure accountability and transparency, including unfettered access to public information;
protecting the rights of civil society, opposition political parties, and the independence of the media; and
limiting the informal influence of oligarchs over functions of government and the application of laws and regulations.

Noteworthy that 15 % of the funds that may become conditional on Georgia’s democratic performance refer to the aid made available under Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia amounting to a total of at least USD 88, 025, 000.

The Committee directed the Secretary of State and the USAID Administrator to prioritize programs aimed at strengthening the rule of law and democratic institutions to promote transparency and good governance. It added that “ongoing threats by the Russian government underscore the importance of continuing United States foreign assistance to former communist countries, including Georgia, in their continued efforts in areas of democracy and the rule of law.”

The report, in this context, praised the Georgian Parliament’s adoption of constitutional amendments on June 29, which aims to establish a largely proportional representation system.
Detailed Breakdown of the Assistance

The Committee recommended not less than USD 132,025,000 to be made available from funds in the Act for assistance for Georgia.

USD 88, 025, 000, as mentioned, will be made available under Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia. Georgia will also receive USD 35,000, 000 under the foreign military financing program; additional USD 5,700, 000 will be allocated for the country for international narcotics control and law enforcement.

Further, Georgia will receive USD 2, 200, 000 for International Military Education and Training and USD 1, 100, 000 under Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs.
Georgia – a Critical U.S. Ally

Posted by Looed on the 9th July :-

Article - U.S. House Committee’s Further Notes on Georgia Assistance
Sorry can someone help to check and cut and paste if of interest as on phone -

https://civil.ge/archives/358914

Thanks in advance

Posted by Earsbern on the 9th July :-

That fiduciary case
With FRR about to make arrangements to get evidence/witnesses (Cairns?, illegal SP manipulation in UK?, news from Yorktown?), it looks like FRR are preparing a strong case in California (Oh, how I hope so!). This really could be very important.

If Hope/OMF are proved to have made gains, or to have attempted to make gains, through the illicit use of a directorship, then they have committed a breach of fiduciary duty - a serious offence. Illicit behaviour by a director includes putting your own commercial interests in front of that of the company you are directing, especially if it is as gross as preventing the company from paying off a loan in which you have an interest, in the expectation that the resultant debt will cause the company to lose their assets; thereby enabling you to make a further profit by effectively seizing those assets. (Good Grief!).

So, if Hope/OMF are proved in breach of their fiduciary duties in the manner described above, then attempts to make further gains through this illicit behaviour would also be illegal, and that would include the liquidation, and the drive to gain shares (in the Texas case). I would think that these activities, too, would collapse like a house of cards.

Remember way back in the Caymans, Justice Kawaley said that FRR's fiduciary case could win in the appeal court. And that was before any subsequent discoveries and Hope/OMF's attempt to crystallize their illicit gains.

It still leaves the difficulties in Georgia, of course, but at least it would wind up the side shows (and any costs and damages would be useful!).

P.S. Just noticed that FRR have no fewer than 7 attorneys listed for court in this case.
Looks like they're taking it very seriously.
(Perhaps irrelevant, but Hope/OMF 'only' have 4).

Posted by Looed on the 9th July :-

Here is another article that seems to have the full quote from Zaza. The wording helps clarify the "company can no longer invest" statement

Zaza Mamulashvili, director of Frontera, also spoke about Georgia's business environment sanctioning act, which is joined by more and more congressmen every month, arguing that the business environment in Georgia is unfavorable for US investment and the government is doing nothing to correct it. According to him, for these reasons, the company is no longer able to invest in Georgia, which means that the Georgian Dream violates the terms of the agreement with the company.

(This is Zaza's quote) "The authorities prevent us from agreeing that the terms of the contract, which we agreed on in the free environment with the Georgian state a long time ago, do not allow us to operate under this contract and make investments. In general, the environment is very bad for American companies and investments like ours. In addition to this bill, which we talked about today, the Georgian Business Environment Sanction Act, initiated by more and more congressmen every month and supported by this act, seems to be growing" - says the president of "Frontera Incorporation".

https://infonews.ge/????????????-??????-????/

And another one -

"The government does not allow us to operate under this contract and make investments" - Mamulashvili

Zaza Mamulashvili, director of Frontera, said that Georgia's business environment sanctioning act, which is joined by more and more congressmen every month, has been initiated, arguing that the business environment in Georgia is unfavorable for American investment.

According to him, due to these reasons, the company is no longer able to invest in Georgia, which means that the "Georgian Dream" violates the terms of the agreement with the company.

"The authorities are preventing us from allowing the terms of the contract, which we negotiated with the Georgian government in the free environment a long time ago, to operate and invest in this contract. The environment is very bad for American companies and investments like ours. Initiated by this bill we talked about today. Georgia's Business Environment Sanctions Act, which is joined by more and more congressmen each month, is expected to increase support for the act, Mamulashvili said.

http://pirveliradio.ge/?newsid=146948

Note - Pirveli radio is one of the two national radio stations run by the Georgian Public Broadcasting service.

Posted by Looed on the 8th July :-

Article - "Int. experts praise Georgian fiscal policy during pandemic"
I wouldn't normally post this type of backslapping didn't-we-do-well type stuff about CV. I find it of interest as the site is run by the Govt, they are linking CV and investment opportunities and that the country will need to depend on ongoing fiscal support. It specifically highlights the importance of US financial support, some of which could now be under threat.

"International experts have praised Georgia’s fiscal policy during the pandemic, calling it ‘correct and prompt’, reports the government’s press office.

Global experts working on Georgia’s post-crisis economic plan have arrived in Georgia today.

They mentioned that the Georgian government’s steps towards supporting citizens affected by the pandemic, and businesses, are in line with the world’s best practice and are ‘significantly larger than the country’s resources’.

The experts have recommended Georgia continue its ongoing reforms and work on the development of even more effective mechanisms to support the private sector.

While discussing the existing taxes in Georgia, experts mentioned that the share of the country’s budget revenues in GDP is lower than in other countries, which once again illustrates that Georgia has low taxes.

With the financial support of USAID (United States Agency for International Development), the Georgian government continues working on the country’s medium and long-term economic recovery plans in cooperation with international experts.

In mid-June experts from Deloitte noted that Georgia has highly assessed the anti-crisis measures taken by the government of Georgia and its sectoral support, noting that the country has good opportunities to become a more attractive investment platform in the region.

https://agenda.ge/en/news/2020/2166

Posted by EkXoc on the 8th July :-

Overview
Russia lead by Putin has shownmastery at subtle machinations to infiltrate and subvert other states with the prime objective of domianting the global energy markets. Venezuela for example, I visted Venezeual years ago when it was lead by Chavez it saddened me then the Us's stance on a nation that shoukd really be helping as a neighbour rather than sanctioning which was a result of cynical subversive and dominating actions by US companies much like what Russia is doing today.
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Crude-Oil/Venezuelas-Oil-Riches-Are-Quietly-Falling-Under-Russian-Control.html

Reading the article posted by MP yesterday (thanks MP) I was very concered to see how far Russia has inflitrated Georgia ..to the extent of reposting its localised 'spy' network ijn Tbilisi.. I think this demostrates just how far Russia has gone in subjugating Georgia, however I don't believe they have won hearts and minds and thier power there seems to be focused through a few uber powerful individuals. I wish I had more faith in the US ability to influence other regions. There is clearly will and all levels to facilitate fundamental change in Georgia. The electorial reforms could go a long way. However these are not yet a given and ew have seen them resisted already, even if they go through Russia can unfluence the elections in other ways. As such I am not optimistic about July 27th, I think Russian will, will be done, quite what the result of terminating the contract will be I cannot say, there was a time such an attack on an american commerical interest would have resulted in a very harsh response. The election still represents a real opportunity for change however I still haven't gotten over the ridiculous debarcle in our country over Brexit and can't help drawing parallels with the political situation in Georgia.
The recent silence by senators Zaza and GG is odd to say the least.

Posted by Blownitalready on the 8th July :-

Link
https://formulanews.ge/News/%E1%83%98%E1%83%9B%E1%83%94%E1%83%93%E1%83%98%E1%83%90%2C_%E1%83%90%E1%83%A0%E1%83%A9%E1%83%94%E1%83%95%E1%83%9C%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%98_%E1%83%93%E1%83%90%E1%83%90%E1%83%A1%E1%83%A0%E1%83%A3%E1%83%9A%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%A1_%E1%83%99%E1%83%A0%E1%83%98%E1%83%9B%E1%83%98%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1_%E1%83%90%E1%83%A6%E1%83%96%E1%83%94%E1%83%95%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%90%E1%83%A1_%E1%83%93%E1%83%90_%E1%83%A1%E1%83%90%E1%83%AE%E1%83%94%E1%83%9A%E1%83%9B%E1%83%AC%E1%83%98%E1%83%A4%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A1_%E1%83%9C%E1%83%92%E1%83%A0%E1%83%94%E1%83%95%E1%83%90%E1%83%A1_-_%E1%83%93%E1%83%94%E1%83%99%E1%83%90%E1%83%9C%E1%83%9D%E1%83%96%E1%83%98_%E1%83%98%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98%E1%83%90/33046

Posted by Blownitalready on the 8th July :-

cleric point of view is interesting
Hopefully, the elections will end the rise of crime and the collapse of the state - Archpriest Ilia

Archpriest Ilia Chighladze responds to the recent high-profile murders - the cleric calls the case of the player's death a national tragedy and says that the tragedy of the case is doubled by the unprofessional approach of law enforcement.

The dean wrote in a post on the social network that it is obvious that the criminal world is being strengthened due to the selfish tendencies of specific individuals.

"George Shakarashvili murder is a national tragedy, a tragedy aorketsebs called Weakness of the law enforcement agencies - unprofessionalism , or even criminal complicity in the case, which is daily exacerbated by the disclosure of new facts. There is a great deal of corruption in the state structures , the strengthening of the criminal world and the deliberate destruction of the Georgian state at the expense of satisfying personal selfish desires. Hopefully, the October elections will put an end to the oligarchy, the rise of crime and the collapse of the state, otherwise Georgia will have immeasurably more Shakarashvilis and Salaridzes , ”the dean wrote.

The cleric also responded to the tragedy in Mtskheta, saying the killings had become a daily occurrence in the country, prompting authorities to rise above the law.

"Sadistic killings are taking place every day in this small country. Yesterday, a man sentenced to 10 days in prison for his murder killed his father and grandfather in Mtskheta. All this is facilitated by the excessive jogging of the Criminal Code on the heaviest and most irreparable crime of murder, sanctioned 7-15 years of imprisonment for premeditated murder really puts a straw price on a person’s life.

May God grant the establishment of truth and lawfulness in this exalted homeland of ours, I have high hopes for this. Feelings of injustice and insecurity are the greatest stress for a person. The biggest problem of the Georgian people is that we have not been able to establish ourselves as a law-abiding society. Different types of "authorities" stand above the law, justice, truth, honesty and other true divine values, "said the cleric.

Posted by Avi8r on the 8th July :-

RE: Article - "Opposition deems it as victory - our opponents are working to damage the country"
Gia Volski - deputy leader of the GD party - hardly the sort of person you'd trust with your wallet and I'd have to check its raining if he told me too: https://factcheck.ge/en/page/persons/giorgi-volski

'"Opposition deems it as victory. This is a lie of the opposition. While we are working on integration with NATO, on strengthening cooperation with the US, our opponents are working to damage our country, in order for the assistance and political support to be diminished. There is also the trace of "Frontera". The dispute between "Frontera" and Georgia has been reviewed under the Stockholm international arbitration and it's been established that "Frontera" isn't right."

Clearly someone who likes to mix messages and confuse situations. Why mention FRR in a negative light in the same statement as NATO and strengthening ties with the USA. Makes no sense and suggests they have nothing except rhetoric.

Posted by Looed on the 8th July :-

I checked if Zaza is right to say more and more senators are joining. The bill 'only' has 11 sponsors (I don't know how many you need) but they are bi-partisan and many are recent sponsors -

https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1461/cosponsors?r=2&s=1&searchResultViewType=expanded

The previous post was on the 8th July and not the 7thJuly.

Posted by DomFok on the 8th July :-

The Business Environment Sanction Act has also been initiated - the president of Frontera
Zaza Mamulashvili, director of Frontera, also speaks about the fact that more and more congressmen are joining the Georgian Business Environment Sanction Act every month. He said that for these reasons, the company is no longer able to invest in Georgia, which means that the Georgian Dream violates the terms of the agreement with the company.

The authorities prevent us from agreeing that the terms of the contract, which we agreed on in the free environment with the Georgian state a long time ago, do not allow us to operate under this contract and make investments. In general, the environment is very bad for American companies and investments like ours. In addition to this bill, which we talked about today, the Georgian Business Environment Sanctions Act has been initiated, which is joined by more and more congressmen every month, and support for this act seems to be growing, - said the president of Frontera Incorporation.

https://mtavari.tv/news/9693-initsirebulia-biznes-garemos-sanktsirebis-aktits

Posted by Looed on the 8th July :-

A short TV clip of Zaza
Very short - less than a minute. I don't think its worth translating as wait for more substantial interviews.

Zaza Mamulashvili, director of Frontera, also speaks about the fact that more and more congressmen are joining the Georgian Business Environment Sanction Act every month. He said that for these reasons, the company is no longer able to invest in Georgia, which means that the Georgian Dream violates the terms of the agreement with the company.

https://mtavari.tv/news/9693-initsirebulia-biznes-garemos-sanktsirebis-aktits

A more detailed article on the previous short TV clip

Zaza Mamulashvili, director of Frontera, also speaks about the fact that more and more congressmen are joining the Georgian Business Environment Sanction Act every month. He said that for these reasons, the company is no longer able to invest in Georgia, which means that the Georgian Dream violates the terms of the agreement with the company.

The authorities prevent us from agreeing that the terms of the contract, which we agreed on in the free environment with the Georgian state a long time ago, do not allow us to operate under this contract and make investments. In general, the environment is very bad for American companies and investments like ours. In addition to this bill, which we talked about today, the Act of Sanctioning the Business Environment of Georgia, which is joined by more and more congressmen every month and supported by this act, seems to be growing, - says the president of "Frontera Incorporation".

http://m.guriismoambe.com/single.php?i=90839

Posted by Looed on the 7th July :-

Article - "Opposition deems it as victory - our opponents are working to damage the country"
Lots of articles about the latest US move - this one has a reference to FRR (and is a variation on the earlier post by DomFok)

"I would like to calm down our opponents, the country won't bear any losses, despite such intensive and furious fight", - stated the Vice Speaker of the Parliament, MP Gia Volski in response to the bill of House of Representatives.
"Opposition deems it as victory. This is a lie of the opposition. While we are working on integration with NATO, on strengthening cooperation with the US, our opponents are working to damage our country, in order for the assistance and political support to be diminished. There is also the trace of "Frontera". The dispute between "Frontera" and Georgia has been reviewed under the Stockholm international arbitration and it's been established that "Frontera" isn't right. Naturally, it doesn't have anything to do with limiting the US investments, especially given the serious OPEC investment in Georgia that is being carried out now. In addition, there is a group of Congressman that is know to us, who drafted the bill which is to be discussed in the Committee, then to another Committee and eventually it should be signed by the whole Congress, this doesn't seem to be realistic. Therefore, I would like to calm down our opponents, the country won't bear any losses, despite such intensive and furious fight", - stated Volski.
For the record, the House of Representatives bill states that $132,025,000 financial assistance will be allocated for Georgia. However, the document notes that 15% of the funds may not be obligated if State Secretary doesn't determine and report that the Georgian government is meeting certain conditions which include: strengthening democratic institutions; combating corruption within the government; ensuring the rule of law in the private sector. The document also notes that he withholding of funds doesn't apply to programs that support "democracy, the rule of law, civil society and the media, or programs to reduce gender-based violence and to protect vulnerable populations".

https://www.interpressnews.ge/en/article/108284-gia-volksi-on-house-of-representatives-bill-opposition-deems-it-as-victory-our-opponents-are-working-to-damage-the-country

Posted by DomFok on the 7th July :-

Mtavari Arkhi TV- Zaza at 17 minutes
https://www.facebook.com/107065540663565/videos/%E1%83%93%E1%83%A6%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%A1%E1%83%A2%E1%83%A3%E1%83%9B%E1%83%90%E1%83%A0%E1%83%98-%E1%83%9E%E1%83%98%E1%83%A0%E1%83%93%E1%83%90%E1%83%9E%E1%83%98%E1%83%A0%E1%83%98-%E1%83%94%E1%83%97%E1%83%94%E1%83%A0%E1%83%98/271993324056247/

Posted by Madpunter on the 7th July :-

Translation of the program title and list of guests, plus information and articles on the two guests with Zaza.

Guest of the day | Live
?? Salome Samadashvili, Nodar Kharshiladze and Zaza Mamulaishvili

Salome Samadashvili (Georgian: ?????? ???????????; born 2 April 1976) is a Georgian politician who is a United National Movement Member of the Parliament of Georgia. She was member of Parliament of Georgia two times (2004, 2016).[1]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salome_Samadashvili

Salome Samadashvili. “Muzzling the Bear. Strategic Defence for Russia’s Undeclared Information War on Europe.”
https://stratcomcoe.org/salome-samadashvili-muzzling-bear-strategic-defence-russias-undeclared-information-war-europe

Nodar Kharshiladze: "International support in countering Russian aggression remains while Ukraine, Georgia has lost it of its own free will"
https://cacds.org.ua/en/?p=8467

Posted by Looed on the 7th July :-

The translator has done a quick check and says the comments by Zaza and the other speaker are related to comments made speakers in the first half of the show, so we will translate the whole show.

Zaza has made a few appearances on this channel and at least 2 of our translations are from here.

https://www.facebook.com/107065540663565/videos/????-???????-?????????-?????/271993324056247/

Posted by DomFok on the 7th July :-

Washington moves from warning to sanctions - Georgia could cut US aid
Official Washington has moved to a regime of warning and strict messages - US Congress is giving direct instructions to Ivanishvili's government. This is a message that means that the main strategic partner of the country no longer trusts the government of the "Dream".

For the first time in the history of Georgian-American relations, the Budget Committee of the US House of Representatives has registered an unprecedented bill. Of Georgia's $ 132 million in aid, which has already been allocated and approved, 15% will no longer be disbursed until the State Department finds that democratic development in the country is not threatened, corruption is not protected and the rule of law is protected.

This heaviest political verdict is not in the form of advice and letters, but in the form of a bill that could be voted on in the fall. In this case, this part of the aid will be frozen and Georgia will not be able to receive it.

This fact is a proof for the opposition that the Georgian Dream has finally lost the trust of its international partners. They put the full responsibility for what happened to the management team.

The most important thing in this bill is part of the corruption, because in the conditions of its existence, the financial assistance allocated by the United States will not reach the population of the country.

The United States is a friend of Georgia, has helped our security and democracy in all situations since independence, but when they see that even because of the will of the Georgian people, the government of a key country is at a dead end and fundamentally opposes its principles and pragmatic interests. - Giga Bokeria, Chairman of the Political Council of "European Georgia" states.
Independent MP Tamar Chugoshvili argues that the move is tantamount to sanctions.

This is not a very large percentage of the amount, but it is a precedent that the American political body, in order for Georgia not to fulfill its obligations, began to reduce the allocated funds, - explains Chugoshvili.
Representatives of the Georgian Dream are still appealing the opposition's lies.

This is the lie of the opposition, first of all, we are working to integrate with NATO, increase the quality of cooperation with the United States, our opponents are working, how can we harm the country, reduce aid and political support, - said Gia Volski, Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
According to him, "Frontera's hand is also felt in this case."

It should be noted that anyone can view the bill on the website of the US Congress.

https://mtavari.tv/news/9632-vashingtoni-gaprtkhilebis-rezhimidan-sanktsiebze

Posted by Looed on the 7th July :-

Article - In the US, they proposed to cut aid to Georgia
The US Congress proposed a 15% cut in aid to Georgia, which in 2021 should amount to more than 132 million dollars. Such statements have been sharply criticized by the Georgian opposition, the correspondent of VZGLYAD newspaper in Tbilisi reports.

A US congressional document says aid could be cut back if the State Department fails to provide an argument about Georgia’s effective policies to strengthen democratic institutions and fight corruption, as well as protect foreign investors.

A source of the newspaper VZGLYAD, close to the government of Georgia, noted that "this is only the initial version, the final document will go through a lot of approvals and statements before approval." He also expressed confidence that the State Department would confirm "the important steps of the Georgian government to strengthen democracy."

According to him, "the document shows the efforts of the lobbyists Frontera Resources and Conti Group, who lost their jobs in Georgia."

Meanwhile, the leader of the New Georgia opposition party, Georgy Vashadze, said that "the US is imposing sanctions on Georgia."

The chairman of the opposition Democratic Movement, ex-speaker of the parliament, Nino Burjanadze, said that "the document considered by Congress is a disastrous signal for the" Georgian Dream ". She stated that if the Georgian authorities did not hold free and transparent parliamentary elections in October, US cooperation with Georgia would be irreparably damaged.

Earlier, the US ambassador to Georgia, Kelly Degnan, did not rule out that Russia supposedly could interfere in the parliamentary elections in Georgia on October 31.

https://vz.ru/news/2020/7/7/1048736.html

Posted by Looed on the 7th July :-

Pt.2 (and final part)

For business media, this case, or the dispute between “Frontera Resources” and Georgia, became equivalent to Anaklia case in 2020. And these two things have only one thing in common - it's the affected side. And, as I told you, this victim is Georgia. On the one hand, against the background of a completely civilized and correct decision to defend their rights with the disputed investor, all this has returned to the country with unprecedented reputational damage. And against this background, the Georgian government is now ready to consider restoring the old business status quo for Frontera if it receives guarantees due to this pressure. But “Frontera” refuses. But here's my question - 13, 12, 7, or even your favorite 41, or 48, a congressman or senator will make a statement, a letter or a memo that the problem is over, Georgia is a successful country and it is an example for foreign investors. I have some doubts. I doubt it, because when and if there was anything to be said for Anaklia's consortium for any reason, for example, "Stop this business. I don’t have skill to do this.” Sit down and talk about peaceful and business separation. Instead, we got a pre-invented simple three-act soap opera to launder money, blaming systemic bank shareholders for disrupting Anaklia's project and terminating a contract, the prospect of which is also international, but with several lawsuits, with tens of millions of dollars invested perhaps with its penalties and obligations. This is how the themes of "Frontera" and Anaklia are like the twin brothers of Siam or you want like sisters, or brother and sister. They have ruined the reputation of our country. The reputation of local and foreign investors was also damaged, with which other foreign investors looked up to (Country's investment image and ongoing projects). The reputation of the country, which is much more valuable today than in any other mineral in this century, has been damaged. And, what was needed for that? Decisions and skills were needed and definitely communication with the opposing parties, in conditions of maximum publicity, and here the government has played a crucial role and will always have a responsibility as it is responsible for both the real situation and the action. And it doesn't matter who you're dealing with at the moment, Frontera, which has been in Georgia for more than two decades with constant delays. Anaklia project, which ended as it started. Long live the united Georgia with the traditional, first toast, may God be with us. We wanted it to be better, but it worked out as usual.

https://bm.ge/ka/video/fronteras-saqmis-peripetiebi/19240

Posted by Looed on the 7th July :-

Translation #15 "The vicissitudes of the Frontera case", Forbes TV, $25 ($10)
(NOTE: We don't know who the speaker is. I asked the translator if he could tell if this was a politician, businessman etc from the way he spoke. He replied the "talking is strange". He explained almost all TV news is scripted but this guy talks in an off the cuff, and so unscripted way. Some of it is possibly meant to pass for humour.

Pt.1

"I would like to dedicate part of my introduction to the dispute between Frontera and the state. Ideally, I should have talked about the dispute in the past tense. However, the parties are really pushing their own measurements at the expense of the country's image, and so far I have not seen any profit in all this. Here, the loser, traditionally, is a country whose reputation, as always, is always taken care of at the very end, when all this is either too late, or in vain, or just too expensive, and therefore does not produce the desired result. After several letters, which was signed by several representatives of the United States Legislature, Minister of Economy received with great pleasure the Ambassador of the United States of America to Georgia and spoke about the prospects of “Frontera Resources” in Georgia, where according to the available information, the international arbitration dispute ended in favor of the Georgian government. To confirm this, the company "Frontera" states that the Ministry of Economy should stop ignoring the decision of the International Court of Arbitration. In short, despite the fact that the public is unable to see the decision of the Arbitration Court due to the relevant court reservations, the parties offered a drastic Latin drama on Georgian-Texas motifs, where the actors publicly interact with each other. The letters are sent to congress, senate, with Falcon on Mars with help of Elon Musk and perhaps a special UN session will be held, where they will ask “Frontera” and Georgian government to stop the argument and tell them that they are ready not to use the right of veto within the UN mandate. Let's be a little more serious now, I will tell you that the Georgian government is ready, despite the announced victory in the Arbitration Court. I quote Deputy Minister Tvalabeishvili - "Let's go through these issues with the company and try to find such a compromise that it is possible to continue working on certain conditions on the mins of the company “Frontera", of course, by receiving the appropriate guarantee from it. And, all of this after we’ve lost the count, the media and the business community in connection with the letters that none of them were accompanied by any kind of joy. As I told you, the fact is that against the backdrop of another high-profile dispute, when we don’t read what the court has decided, the victim is still known and he is in the face. A country called Georgia.

Posted by FinnFCR on the 6th July :-

Doc 76 cali dated yesterday
76

Jul 5, 2020

Main Doc

Amend/Correct

Apologies if already posted and covered

Posted by Earsbern on the 6th July :-

I've struggled a bit to understand this - my lack of legal knowledge is getting in the way.
The legal attachments submitted with regard to docs. 75 & 76 appear identical, so it appears that the difference in the documents is written in the Docket Text. It says that responses (presumably to FRR's request for continuance of the case) have to be in by 20/07/20, and that replies (presumably to the responses) have to be in by 27/07/20. With both sides having thus given their opinion on the request, there will then be a hearing in front of Judge Seeborg on 13/08/20, presumably to decide whether the continuance will proceed as FRR has requested.
All quite simple once you've had a chance to work it out, and probably routine procedure for the lawyers involved. So, I'm sure no surprise for the FRR legal eagles.
I suppose the next event to look forward to in this case will be that hearing on 13/08/20.