Member Info for Madpunter

Posted by Madpunter on the 6th July :-

POSTV - Analytics: Shalva Shavgulidze is lying!
http://kvira.ge/475961

Internet TV POSTV publishes a video about the torture of Sulkhan Molashvili in prison.

Molashvili also accused Giga Bokeria of organizing torture. Molashvili's lawyer, Shalva Shavgulidze, demanded a criminal investigation into the incident and publicly mentioned Bokeria among the believers in TV interviews. This is confirmed by the archival material used in the POSTV video, where Sulkhan Molashvili and Shalva Shavgulidze mention Giga Bokeria.

"Today Shalva Shavgulidze is a teammate of Bokeria and Saakashvili. Shavgulidze answers the question raised by Bokeria about the alleged organization of Molashvili's torture, that he never asked for a criminal investigation to be launched into this fact, which is a lie, ”POSTV said.

Posted by Madpunter on the 6th July :-

According to the citizen, POPTV's program STOP XAM has staged a confrontation in Gori
https://netgazeti.ge/news/263878/

A Gori watchdog says a POSTV camera crew paid 20 lakhs for insulting the host of the STOP XAM show from a BMW M5 parked at a zebra crossing.

Davit Makharashvili, a citizen, applied to the Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics against POSTV for possible concealment of facts, violation of good faith, discrimination and intentional distortion of the fact. The Charter recognized this statement as admissible.
According to Davit Makharashvili, the material is falsified because the citizens are not really drivers. He said, "On the second day after the end of the program, the mentioned citizen admits that he received a salary of 20 GEL from the employees of POST TV for the falsification of the story."

According to the applicant, Levan Kenchoshvili, the host of the program, deliberately spreads false information, and in both cases, the incorrect parking was falsified, and the respondents' statements were staged.

"As a result, we see clearly negative and hateful calls from different parts of Georgia against Gori and Gori residents," the statement said.

The show STOP XAM is a very popular project in Russia. Levan Kenchoshvili made a similar project in Georgia two years ago. Last year, STOP XAM aired on POSTV's entertainment category.

"Hang on everyone, I'll stop where I want to go" - the author of the show and his entourage with this inscription stickers on the windshields of cars that break the traffic rules - stand on the curb and zebra crossing.

A few days ago, a parking lot supervisor in Gori said that the POSTV film crew put it in the M5 and paid 20 GEL for the curses.

Levan Kenchoshvili, the host of the program, told Netgazeti that he could only say before the Charter session that "no journalistic code has been violated."

Netgazeti contacted POSTV chief Shalva Ramishvili when asked if he knew how the STOP XAM program was being prepared, to which he replied that he would make his position clear and unambiguous at the Charter public meeting, and would not comment on the matter until then.

It seems that not only is POSTV an anti-Western channel, but it also pays people to create false news items.

Posted by Madpunter on the 6th July :-

Part 3
Opinions about NATO:

1. The program "Conservatory": "If Russia sees that your entry into NATO is real, it may want to swallow you;"
2. The program "Recipe": "The political game in which we are involved is becoming increasingly dangerous, and NATO integration in the frozen form in which it is now, in addition to the prospects, carries a great danger. Therefore, our strategic partners must be formed on time, whether they take responsibility for our security, otherwise everything will end for us with a scenario that has already been repeated many times, and then their anger, condemnation and sanctions will no longer be of any importance. "
3. The program "MediaARGEN": "If TV (Public Broadcaster) has to write NATO propaganda in the charter, will anything come out of that TV?" Why, Tho? Is it really the budget of 52 million people or our people, and NATO does not allow us to try or humanize Sazmau? Should we leave the Union of Fighting Gods (NGOs)? ”

Posted by Madpunter on the 6th July :-

Part 2
In POSTV programs, you will often hear quotes typical of the Russian narrative that Europe and NATO have weakened, so Georgia's place is no longer there; That joining our Western unions will irritate Russia and swallow us up; That liberalism in Eastern Europe is already perceived as hypocrisy, and so on.

We have been monitoring these online media outlets for 3 months and share their views on the air.

Quotes about Europe:

1. "Gurism": "In Europe, for example, neo-Nazism is a direct reaction to political correctness, multiculturalism and liberal democracy."
2. International Panorama: "The percentage of supporters of ultra-right parties is growing. In short, the liberal system is in crisis in Europe. Europe does not have a recipe to fight today's challenges."
3. International Panorama: "The Political Spirit of Conservatism Has Been Strengthened in Europe ????? In short, the results of the Austrian Parliamentary elections will be the same as in most European countries. And, how do you think this is caused in part? With the migration crisis… ”
4. International Panorama: "Eastern European countries, as before, are no longer attracted to the Western social model and perceive the European liberal elite as hypocrites."
5. International Panorama: The authors of the Paris Declaration declare that the biggest threat to Europe is not Muslim migrants and Russian political adventurism, but false human values ??preached by false Europe. Europe has declared itself the crown of world progress, but the European society, which is really immersed in individualism, is in severe isolation and the path is chaotic. ”

From POSTV presenters you will learn that liberals hate Putin and that Russophobia still hurts us:

1. The program "Gurism": "Liberals are always using Vazha's" Aluda Ketelauri ". This is done to illustrate what it takes to be a stranger, how to be tolerant, and so on. In other words, the love of the enemy, however, will be forgotten in the case of Russia. "
2. The Conservative program: "A liberal today is one who can't stand Putin."
3. The program "Recipe": "People are insisted and methodically repeated that everything they believe, what they are worried about, what their position is, Russian propaganda and believe me, no one has thought that after so many cries this average Georgian will stand up and say that it is good. , If everything I believe in is what bothers me and what is the essence of my identity is pro-Russian, then I am also pro-Russian. And then these anxious NGOs stand up and write reports that the pro-Western course in Georgia is in danger. ”
4. FB Review: After Misha, our own damaging Russophobia is no longer a state policy, and it has become exclusive to the Nazis and their equals. Not only all Russians are condemned, but everything that is at least slightly associated with Russia. "

Posted by Madpunter on the 6th July :-

POSTV - a media outlet with anti-Western values
https://www.ifact.ge/postv/

POSTV is online media

It has more than 300 thousand users on Facebook

Its mission is:"POSTV is a kind of intellectual mutruk, which speaks to the public from its own worldview and is free from false political correctness. He has neither the mainstream character nor the phobia of marginalization, nor is he complicated by the media standard of religious dogma, nor is he afraid of the media inquisitors defending that standard. He does not criticize the government where criticism is already excessive and where he is criticized as Misha's narrative. POSTV is ambushed elsewhere. "As far as Gde-nibudya is concerned, instead of the words" Hello ", the personal address of" Hi "will be announced. We criticize the critics, the opposition, the media, the experts and the engineers who cut Misha's template. That is our mission. "

Lasha Natsvlishvili, the founder of this online media outlet, has been taking care of the public relations of the Georgian Dream party lately. It was not surprising that he was transferred to this position after the quotes that Natsvlishvili voiced on POSTV:
1. The program "Replica of Lasha Natsvlishvili": "Even in the boldest imagination we could not imagine the appearance of Bidzina Ivanishvili. His entry into the field of Georgian despair was like a vitamin injection in a weakened organism. The virus was receding, and eventually the sun's rays penetrated even the petrified masks, and the person, the memory, and the dignity were suddenly revived in humans. ”
2. The program "Replica of Lasha Natsvlishvili": "Ivanishvili is the last symbol of the people's service. The symbol does not need any legitimacy, it exists in itself as a hero, as a moral sovereign, as the last secular authority. He does not need power, because he himself is a source of moral power for Georgians. He does not need to be sculpted, because he himself breaks the idols. He does not need our money, because he is richer than all Georgians. He doesn’t need a fence because he lives in a glass house. There is no wall between Bidzina and the people because Bidzina is a people. It does not need an elite because it is egalitarian. He does not need to be glorified because he has already glorified his deeds. He does not need tyranny and a strong hand because his hand is ripe. He needs Georgia and the Georgians to serve them. "
3. Shalva Ramishvili's program "Mediargent": "I am neither a moralist nor a lawyer, but hitting Bidzina's morals, his lifestyle and his family in general is immoral, it is super perspective, because there is no trick in this direction."
4. The program "Lasha Natsvlishvili's Replica": Its treatment is not only conservative, but can only be performed by a doctor (Bidzina) who has already won a tyrannosaurus (Misha). ”

Posted by Looed on the 6th July :-

Zaza seems to be talking about A startup cable channel POSTV -

"POSTV started broadcasting on November 25.

The company has a common broadcaster license and will be available throughout Georgia.

According to Shalva Ramishvili, socio-political programs will be aired on the TV company, including those that have been aired on Post TV.

"We have been on the air since November 25. This is common broadcasting. We have news, entertainment, analytical shows that were on Post TV - the form has changed, but the idea remains the same. This is a new vision of the current events, ”Shalva Ramishvili told us. Ramishvili did not answer the question about the number of employees and the budget.

The Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC) decided on November 21 to authorize the general broadcasting of Postvi Ltd.

Temur Charelashvili is the CEO and 28% owner of Postvi Ltd; Nugzar Rukhadze is the director of public relations and owns 16% of the shares; Zviad Bliadze owns a 16% stake; Shalva Ramishvili owns 24%, Anna Shengelia and Vakhtang Komakhidze own 8% -8%."

https://publika.ge/postv-im-satelevizio-mauwyebloba-daiwyo/

Posted by Looed on the 6th July :-

Pt.4 (and final part)

Seth Char, Iconia LLC - To tell the American Congressmen that they are just lobbyists is a great irresponsibility and disrespect from the Georgian officials, which will not have a positive effect on Georgian-American relations. If Georgian officials talk about the fact that what the congressmen are saying is not true, then they should substantiate it with arguments and explain why they are mistaken. However, so far they have not done anything like that and are only limited to attacking the reputation of congressmen. This is bad diplomacy.

J2 - Markwayne Malin, one of the authors of the sanctions bill, says the United States is monitoring the ongoing democratic process in Georgia and the Georgian people's struggle for freedom. If the government does not follow the advice of friends, then the relationship between the partners will become much more difficult.

https://mtavari.tv/news/9192-ivanishvilisa-putinis-sakhipato-kavshirebi-morigi

Posted by Looed on the 6th July :-

Pt.3

Goirgi Vashadze, Opposition Leader - No one has the right, especially the chairman of the Georgian Foreign Ministry, to accuse any congressman of lobbying. This negative attitude must be urgently terminated because disaster strikes. We entered into a conflict with literally our main ally. This is the result of the diplomacy of the “Georgian Dream”.

Giga Brokeri, Opposition Leader - All this is, in general, a message about how concerned Georgia's strategic friends are pragmatically and based on the values of where Ivanishvili is leading the country, how he has put a dead end in all directions. Democracy, security, economic cooperation, selective justice, political prisoners - the whole range of problems.

J2 - In her letter, Markayne Mullin traditionally devotes much of his time to the harassment of American businesses, citing the example of “Frontera”, “Georgian Manganese” and “Iconia Capital”, where the Georgian government is threatening to shut down these companies and expel them from the country. Against this background, as the head of "Frontera Risours" tells us, the government is providing incorrect statistics on American investments to the Georgian Ambassador to the United States. Zaza Mamulaishvili also tells us about scandalous news.

Zaza - The Georgian Economy Minister meets with the US Ambassador and tells him that US investment has increased by 34% in the first quarter, and if you look at which companies the Minister says this is a Georgian, Russian, Iranian-owned capital. Georgian companies and not American ones, which is claimed by our minister. And, from one such company you may have been familiar with, POSTV. So Mr. Ramishvili is an American investor in the country. And, from one such company, you may have been well acquainted with it, is POSTV. So Mr. Ramishvili is an American investor in the country.

Posted by Looed on the 6th July :-

Pt.2
J2 - "America must stand by Georgia in the fight for freedom." The Republican Congressman published an article with this title in Hills today. Oklahoma lawmaker wrote in a scathing letter that Russia-raised Ivanishvili, who became rich through corruption, is the biggest threat to Georgian democracy.

Journalist 3 (J3) - Mr Putin and his influence remain a top threat to democracy, not only in the United States, but across the globe. Look no further than the current situation in Georgia to see firsthand the impact it is having on those who are fighting for freedom. Although Bidzina Ivanishvili unexpectedly and quickly resigned as prime minister in 2013, he remains the de facto ruler of the government to this day. The promise made by the Georgian Dream to change the electoral system was a step forward for democracy. However, last autumn the Georgian Dream withdrew its word, which became an excuse for rallies and protests.

J2 - Despite such the heaviest formulations, the rhetoric of the „Dream” remains unchanged. The harsh calls of the US Congressman for the ruling team are still the opinion of one legislator who is a victim of misinformation or is only engaged in lobbying.

Unknown Speaker 1 - Markwayne Mullin, and another 1-2 exceptions may be. They have their own subjective views, some political sympathies, which may be caused by the activities of the lobbying organization, but the main thing for us is that we have an unprecedented, higher assessment of the international community. Despite his skeptical attitude, political sympathy and lobbying, we will continue to work with him and we are confident that sooner or later he will be able to determine the position of the entire international ...

Unknown Speaker 2 - As for the congressman's statement in particular, it is probably dictated by certain political or business interests.

J2 - After such reactions and statements by the government, the open and critical assessments of the partners were not unexpected for the opposition. When a friendly country accuses it of being an ally of the occupier, it is already a verdict for Ivanishvili, ”said members of the political party.

Posted by Looed on the 6th July :-

Translation #14 Mtavaria with Mullin, Zaza and others, US$ 30, DUE 06/07
Pt.1

Journalist 1 (J1) - Georgian authorities have received another crushing message. The American Congressman, Markwayne Mullin, openly accuses the Georgian Dream of having ties with the Kremlin. The Republican Congressman focuses primarily on oligarch Ivanishvili. He recalls that the source of his billions is Russia and, along with many other arguments, names him as the emissary of Vladimir Putin. In his analytical letter, the American politician predicts that the Russian government of the Georgian Dream will eventually lead the country to the worst crisis. After the publication of the article, our colleague Natia Gogsadze recorded an exclusive interview with Mullin and she is now joining us live. Natia, what dangers does Georgian billionaire Ivanishvili pose? What is an American congressman talking to you about?

Journalist 2 (J2) - "Putin is constantly aggressive towards his neighbours and is trying to interfere in the elections and influence them," said Markwayne Mullin, noting that it is very dangerous that he has an ally in Georgia at the time, Bidzina Ivanishvili, who became rich in Russia. The US Congressman, who I known for co-authoring of the Sanctions Bill, said it was important for the country to develop democratic processes. "I am a friend of the countries that are fighting for freedom," said Markwayne Mullin, adding that "it is interesting to see how things turn out for the 2020 elections." It is not ruled out that the congressman will arrive in Georgia as well, but it will depend on whether the air traffic between the United States and Georgia will be restored. However, one and the most important thing that worries Georgia's allies and friends is the special, recent attitude towards the Russian government when they see that, for example, by harassing American business and breaking promised deals, Ivanishvili's regime gradually resembles Putin's Russia. Markwayne Mullin also spoke about Bidzina Ivanishvili's and Putin's dangerous connections in an exclusive interview with us. Republican lawmaker has long observed the actions of the Georgian government and its questionable rapprochement with Russia. Markwayne Mullin who was introduced to the Georgian society by the so called "Sanctions Bill", says that "one of the biggest threats to Georgia is Russia, which is being helped by Bidzina Ivanishvili."

MarkWayne Mullin - It is no secret that Ivanishvili has ties to Putin. Its capital is not Georgian. His property is also linked to Russia and Putin. However, no one can deny its influence in the political arena inside Georgia. At the same time, his ties to Putin should be the red flag flying for everyone. In my case, it really is.

Posted by Welloiled on the 6th July :-

Pt1 was posted on the 6th July and not on the 5th July.

Pt3
This raises the question, does the established Development Area cover the whole of Taribani and MGC or just a portion and, if the latter, on what basis will it be determined? Also, is FRR still producing and selling gas from MGC?

Posted by Welloiled on the 6th July :-

Pt2
On 03/11/2017, FRR announced it had commenced implementation of a program to study commerciality of Block 12 in order to reach conclusion regarding sustainability of commercial production. In the RNS, FRR stated “Pursuant to the terms and provisions of Frontera Resources' production sharing agreement, the Study Program has a 5-year term and it delineates the entire Block 12 as the area where the Study Program will be implemented. Pending completion of the Study Program and notification of respective results, no relinquishment of any part of Block 12 is due for the duration of the Study Program”.

In response the media speculation, FRR released an RNS on 16/04/2018, which reported FRR had received a request for arbitration from GOGC in respect to certain terms of the Product Sharing Contract (PSC). It stated “In respect of potential relinquishment, as announced on 3 November 2017, the Company has commenced implementation of a program to study commerciality of Block 12 (the "Study Program"), in order to reach conclusion regarding sustainability of commercial production. Pursuant to Article 9 of the PSC, the Study Program has a 5-year term and it delineates the entire Block 12 as the area ("Study Area") where the Study Program will be implemented. Under the same Article, pending completion of the Study Program and notification of respective results, no relinquishment of any part of Block 12 is due for the duration of the Study Program. Quoting Article 9.5 of the PSC, in part: "In the event the Contractor [i.e., Frontera] makes a declaration under Article 9.4(c) above, Contractor shall not be obligated to relinquish the relevant Study Area pending the completion of the further work committed under that Article […]."

I presume FRR cited the “Study Program” in the tribunal as the reason it hadn’t relinquished areas that had not been developed for production but this claim must have been unsuccessful. However, assuming the Termination Notice is not going to be implemented, what are the established Development Areas? As FRR have been extracting and selling oil from Taribani it should be included and so should the Mtsarekhevi Gas Complex (MGC) as FRR has been selling gas into Georgia's natural gas distribution grid via the 14-km natural gas pipeline which connects the FRR's natural gas processing facility at MGC. On 14/11/2017, the Ministry of Energy's State Agency of Oil and Gas extended the FRR's natural gas transportation licence until 14/11/2022.

According to FRR, Taribani covers 80 km2 and has 1,033 MMbbl (OOIP) of oil of which 155 MMbbl is recoverable and 4.6 TCF (OGIP) of gas of which 3.2 TCF is recoverable. MGC covers an area of 950 km2 and has 8.3 TCF (OGIP) of gas which 5.8 TCF is recoverable.

Posted by Welloiled on the 5th July :-

Development Area size?
Pt1
In the interview on TV Kavkasia (24/06/20) Zaza said “The Oil and Gas Corporation and the state, which was represented by the Ministry of Economy’s Oil and Gas Agency, had 14 claims against us. Of these 14 requests, 12 counts were not satisfied. Only 2 were satisfied. 1 of these 2 requirements is that the territories where we do not extract oil and gas should be returned to the state”. When asked what percentage of these areas represent, he replied “They try to present it as 99%, but it is unclear how they report it or where it comes from. Anyway, all the areas where we are not doing this work, about 1 month ago, maybe more, 1.5 months ago, we have already returned to the state”. There’s been speculation that this may be more like 1.58% but does the PSA help in any way?

The summary of the Block 12 PSA and mineral licence (from the 2005 Admission and the Placing document issued by Morgan Stanley) stated: “The State may only terminate the Block 12 PSA on ninety days’ notice if Frontera Georgia has committed a material breach of the Block 12 PSA (being a fundamental breach tantamount to a frustration of the Block 12 PSA which may include failure to complete any work programmes approved pursuant to the Block 12 PSA) which is proved at arbitration”.

The PSA stated it has a 25-year term which will expire on 13/11/2022 and included an exploration phase which will expire on 13/11/2012. If commercial production remains possible in relation to any part of Block 12 which is specified in a development area or areas under the PSA, FRR shall be entitled, after the expiration of the PSA, to receive an extension of the term of the PSA and the Mineral Licence regarding such Development Areas for a further period of five years (or the production life of the Development Area if this is shorter). FRR shall relinquish its rights to Block 12 in respect of any area outside of any Development Area at the end of the Exploration Phase. On 16/07/2009, FRR announced it had received an extension to the exploration phase of its PSA from 2012 to 2017.

I think it’s worthwhile to understand why FRR didn’t hand back the B12 areas outside the Development Areas in 2017. On 11/04/2017 FRR filed a Notice of Feasibility of Commercial Production with GOGC in accordance with the terms and provisions of the PSA and FRR noted that this was an important milestone as the Notice is primarily associated with operations targeting the substantial oil bearing Eldari Formation and other related geologic targets.

Posted by Madpunter on the 5th July :-

Ukraine's Zelensky accused by ex-leader of hosting Russian 'fifth column'

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53281086

Posted by Chris572 on the 5th July :-

RE: Iconia Capital LLC
Actually, is more than just cofortimng that others are going through what FRR are going through.

Iconia is evidence of the fact of there being (within Georgia) undue. unjust, politically motivated structural and systemic barriers - indeed, prejudices - towards Western/ foreign investors (be they US, UK etc.). We could imagine what we would be saying US companies like Iconia were flying and it were just FRR getting slaughtered. So, what FRR are going through can be quite easily argued as something out of their control, outside normal business and outside due process - which I absolutely believe.

The fact of Iconia (and perhaps others), means that the US has the evidence it needs (of undue, unjust contraints on US investment) to harden its position on Georgia (I do not say this lightly as I am not natural a supporter of US foreign policy).

I continue to understand what ZM meant when he talked about '...the truth' - that, in this case, there was overwhelming evidence against GG/ in support FRR (and others), meaning it was much easier getting the political establishment on board and in signficant weight. And this is what has happened.

As others have said, let's hope the relative silence these last few days is because they are finally at the table with no daft strings or conditions attached.

Good luck to all the genuine folks here.

Posted by Zibrahimovic on the 5th July :-

Don't forget Georgian Mining too. They had a great business to start with and as soon as they discovered gold etc the government ministries got involved and denied them licences etc much in the same vein as FRR and Iconia.

They have had to completely alter their business and name and pull out. Guess who funded the discoveries? Oh yeah foreign investors. Seems to be a picture building here where foreign investment is welcomed to discover the minerals etc and then the rug is pulled so corrupt officials become mini oligarchs thus leaving the initial investors i.e. US ripped off.

Good thing is we have state backing it seems.

Posted by EkXoc on the 5th July :-

Iconias 10 mil loss was probably not worth making a diplomatic incident about, I can't find figures for georgia mining liss, however I think 500 mil loss for frr is prob impossible to ignore, I can't see the US letting that drop. However the other cases add to a dossier that makes pretty bad reading from a strategic ally of the US. I have little doubt the US are ready to issue sanctions, the question is is there enough will internally in georgia to turn this around? I suspect put in want sanctions levied and ties cut with the US really the question is can this avoided for everyone's benefit? Recent silence after so much activity is intriguing but may be nothing more than silence. I would imagine the US are doing everything they can to get dialogue going

Posted by Looed on the 5th July :-

RE: Translation#13 Interview about US interests in Georgia, US$40, FREE, DUE 04/07Today 13:34
Pt.4 (and final part)

J1 - Mr. Giorgi…

GT - Under the terms of the pandemic, this type of conversation became much more active than, say, 6 months ago, and we are actively involved in this conversation, and we see that if this global initiative materialises, they take concrete steps and there will be many interesting opportunities for Georgia. Also, the second direction I want to tell you. For the past 1.5 years, there has been a growing talk that the United States wants to create an economic development network around the world with countries with which the United States shares: in general, philosophy and the relationship between countries, with what confidence countries need to be equipped and with this confidence what type of investment can be made in countries based on national security interests. That is, the issue that any future partnership and investment and development will not depend only on ... Risks are determined not only by, say, the profitability of any project, and the share of security in this profitability will be much greater, these conversations are much more relevant, and Georgia plays a very active role in these talks and initiatives, and we are actively involved in these talks.

J1 - Finally, I would like to ask you about direct flights to America. What is the situation in this direction? Is there any news?

GT - In this regard, as you know, last year we had a pretty good progress. The Minister of Economy was in the United States. We met with all the airlines, we talked to all the airlines, we talked to some of them about specific dates, specific periods, specific locations, or where these flights could come from from America, and so on. However, even in today's conditions, when all the companies, first of all in America, wether this is the air industry ... and as you also know, the air industry has suffered a huge blow in the United States. Today, talks about the direction of aviation industry is also suspended. We have to wait for the process when this industry will come out of the crisis in America and after the this, of course, we will actively resume the conversation. However, we have not stopped contacting all these companies. We have constant conversations with all these companies and their representatives. We know what the situation is inside and this communication is constant. And as soon as the opportunity arises to go further and take the conversation we even had last year, we will certainly look forward to that conversation.

J1 - Great. Thank you for interesting conversation. Giorgi Tsikolia, the Ambassador of Georgia in USA, answered the questions of the “Business Partner”.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0kTGqyOv1SU&list=UUOpMeFzNjG2EQHtJzkJsgVw

Posted by Looed on the 5th July :-

Pt.3

J1 - Another interesting point - in the face of a pandemic, there is constant talk on the part of the government that we should use the crisis as an opportunity. Discussions have intensified that China's American business could be replaced by other locations. How much chance does Georgia have here and if it is considered, in general, to transfer any kind of business to Georgia?

GT - I would like to emphasize once again that it is too early to talk about how this process will develop and how we will get out of this process. In terms of pandemic, the situation in America is very difficult, in which moving from one state to another leads to a 2-week quarantine. Consequently, it is a little premature to talk about what decisions the American corporate world will make in the next few years and how even the supply chain will change, or how companies will develop their business. However, this does not mean that we should look at this process passively, on the contrary, we should be doubly active and take steps in this direction and go as deep as possible and study the direction that can become competitive. To give you an example of how ideas can be updated. Let’s say there are a few initiatives in America that have sounded over the years, however its relevance has been quite low and the probability that these initiatives will materialize has also been quite low. I mean ideas like the creation of a global energy safety network between America and Japan. An initiative initiated by the United States and Japan. Business environment, general philosophy in terms of its economic development, development of their energy industry, as well as visions coincide that in this type of countries closer coordination and cooperation, investment and larger and richer countries also provide various types of financial assistance to involve other countries in this network.

Posted by Looed on the 5th July :-

Pt.2

J1 - I wonder what happens if we take this opportunity?

GT - Yes, we are still in the first stage of this whole process. We are not out of the pandemic, but I think we are one of the first to enter into this conversation and talk to both our American partners and private companies.

J1 - In addition to talking, what is needed? What is the main challenge today that prevents further interest in American business in Georgia? What is the first thing to do?

GT - Let's just say that when we talk about American business, we are in a completely different reality today. Historically, if we look at American business, 80% of American businesses have always focused on the domestic market. This country is large, voluminous, rich in opportunities and resources. Only a small portion of this business was focused on international investment, international development, and so on. Under the pandemic, of course, all companies that are active in the international market will once again have to reconsider what type and volume of investment they will make and in which countries and how they will see the development of their companies in the coming years. As I mentioned, we are still in the first stage of this discussion. However, our competitive advantages, which we have been talking about for years, allow us to be one of the first to enter into this conversation with companies. The industries I mentioned, we have the potential to offer American companies in the future those who will be interested in the region, quite interesting conditions. For the country, when we talk about Georgia, the biggest problem was the market size and the scarcity of the economy. I think that in this case, for us it can be much more positive than we ever thought, because getting calculations in such a country, getting much more investment is much simpler and faster than entering the big, complex economy and investing there.

Posted by Looed on the 5th July :-

Translation#13 Interview about US interests in Georgia, US$40, FREE, DUE 04/07
Pt.1

Journalist (J1) - Georgia and the United States. What does Georgia's business environment look like from America? Which areas are of interest to American business? And what prevents business relationships from deepening? Mr. Giorgi Tsikolia, Ambassador of Georgia in USA, will answer these questions. Mr. Giorgi, welcome and thank you for participating in the show.

Giorgi Tsikolia, Ambassador to USA (GT) - Greetings. Thanks for you invitation.

J1 - Although the volume of investments in Georgia in general has decreased from the states, as it turns out, there is still an increase. What is the interest of American business in Georgia? And, specifically, in what sectors is this interest?

GT - I welcome your TV viewers and, of course, it is very gratifying that against the background of the global pandemic, against the background of the fact that the economies of countries are declining, in general, the volume of investment is declining in virtually every country, the volume of investment in Georgia is increasing. This once again clearly reflects the progress we have made over the years in our relations with the United States and the importance of the ongoing projects in the country in this regard. I would also like to point out that when it comes to the interest in Georgia in the United States, we can take a good look at the industries that have been investing in the United States over the years, and this can be attributed to Georgia's competitive advantage. Of course, we all know these industries well. We know that logistics and transportation are key industries based on our location. We also know that energy is a key industry for us, and against the backdrop of this pandemic, we also see new opportunities emerging that, along with location and the business environment, can inspire new opportunities for our country.

J1 - What do you mean by new opportunities to be specific if you can?

GT - In the new possibilities, which I mean ... If we take a step back, and look at the United States and its trade balance, take a glance what is most important in terms of products, and from which countries what types of products are imported into the United States, and follow its chain, which countries are pharmaceuticals, or industry in general, which exists around pharmaceuticals, or in this case, to take up the mining industry, if we look at these two industries, we will see that the supply chain is a fairly large volume of imports, the final production of which takes place in America, coming from countries that the United States does not consider to be long-term reliable partners. And, here comes the opportunity for us from different angles. How we can use this opportunity, of course, is too early to talk about...

Posted by Earsbern on the 5th July :-

Justice in Georgia
Whilst on this subject, the Georgian people themselves appear to be aware of the corrupt nature of their courts. Surprisingly, they are also aware that the courts are controlled by a 'clan' of particularly wicked judges - indicating that the pro-opposition press/TV is still alive and kicking among the general population. Here are details of a poll taken in Feb-Mar this year :-

https://civil.ge/archives/357037

The new chairman of the Constitutional Court was 'elected' in June. His record is appalling. Have a look at his picture. What a charmer :-
https://civil.ge/archives/357228