Category: News

US Ship To take Part In Trainings In Georgia

Sawassin

In the framework of a friendly visit it is scheduled to hold tactical trainings on the American warship, Prime-News was told by the representatives of the Ministry of Defense of Georgia.

The ship will sail away from the territorial waters of Georgia on April 10th.

Turkish military vessel TURGUTREIS (F-241) entered the territorial waters of Georgia in the framework of tactical training program a day before.

Two Georgian ships – patrol craft œBorti- 202 Mestia” and missile craft “Borti-303 Dioskuria” are taking part in the naval exercises.

Georgian Parliamentary Delegation to Visit Strasburg

The Georgian delegation is to take part in the spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on April 10-13, dedicated to the draft resolution on IDPs and refugees in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

The draft resolution says that condition of the refugees and IDPs in the South Caucasus hinders development of the above-mentioned states, Elene Tevdoradze, Chairwoman of the Human rights Committee of Parliament of Georgia told Prime-News.

According to the draft, the humanitarian needs in the region must be added with the international resources to guarantee future of refugees and IDPs of the South Caucasian countries.

It also highlights positives changes on these countries, saying that all three courtiers are succeeding with regard to local integration of IDPs that would enable those people to maintain their dignity and get prepared for the future.

The draft resolution also welcomes affords of the government of Georgia to settle the territorial conflicts and expresses readiness of the Parliamentary Assembly to support it.

Georgian President Leaves For China

As Prime-News was told by the representatives of the State Chancellery of Georgia, on the first day of the visit Mikheil Saakashvili will attend a special ceremony in the Beijing State Residence. On April 11th Mikheil Saakashvili is to tour the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City.

On April 11th Mikheil Saakashvili is to meet Si Biao, President of the China National Machinery and Equipment Import and Export Company. On the same day an official welcome ceremony will be held in the China National Assembly, where joint documents will be signed.

A Georgian-China trade and economic forum will be opened in the Shangri-la hotel in Beijing on April 12th.

On the same day Mikheil Saakashvili will meet Ruiki Leen, Vice president of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Mikheil Saakashvili is to meet the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the National Assembly of China and the Shanghais City Mayor.

The visit by Mikheil Saakashvili to China lasts through April 15th.

Test To Opposition Coherence Failed

The plenary sessions are to be dedicated to the bill on amendments to the Tax Code. Zurab Tqemaladze will also attend the Bureau sessions and express his attitude toward the bill, Prime-News was told by Giorgi Tsagareishvili, member of the Industrialists faction.

According to him, this decision does not equal to rejection of the political boycott imposed by the opposition factions on plenary sessions and the demands forwarded in the memorandum, as the bill of amendments includes many articles that will make industrialists suffer loses and violate their rights and interests.

“We are responsible to our electorate and it does not give us right to be indifferent to violation of rights of thousands of industrialists”, Giorgi Tsagareishvili said.

The opposition factions have been boycotting plenary sessions of the Parliament after the decision of the ruling faction to suspend MP Valeri Gelashvili from the Republican party of his duties.

Russian Ambassador To Georgia Summoned To Parliament

Vladimer Chkhikvishvili is to appear in the supreme legislative body on Tuesday.

The Georgian PMs want to be presented the documents that served as a basis for prohibition of import of Georgian wines to Russia.

The ban was imposed on Georgian wines on March 27, for alleged low quality.

The Georgian PMs claim that the decision to ban Georgian wines and agricultural products had nothing in common with the economic considerationsa and was dictated by the present political course of the Russian government.

 

New Rules For Entry In Breakaway Abkhazia

Sawassin

According to it, foreign citizens will be divided into four groups Citizens of RussianFederation, CIS Citizens, Oversee Citizens and Georgian Citizens.

The groups will be subjected to different rules for entry in Abkhazia, journalists were told by Alexander Adleiba, representative of the de facto Abkhazian President.

IPAP Implementation To Be Discussed In Foreign Ministry

The IPAP was signed in October 2004. According to it, the government of Georgia has committed itself to implementation of a set of reforms in military field till the end of 2007, elaborate necessary legislative base and settle some social and financial issues to become a candidate of affiliation to NATO.

The Georgian party says that IPAP is being implemented successfully and it may be finished by the end of 2006.

A delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia is to visit Brussels to take part in discussion of the IPAP implementation in Georgia at the NATO Headquarter on April 13.

Parliamentary Opposition Publishes Memorandum

The memorandum will be officially initialled after its signed by the opposition Democratic Front, Industrialist and Right Opposition factions of the Parliament of Georgia, the opposition MPs say.

The memorandum is addressed to the President and the Chairwoman of the Parliament of Georgia. The opposition makes demands that must be met to stop their boycotting of Plenary Sessions. The demands are as follows: amendment of Election Code, election of Mayor and local governmental officials and resignation of Vano Merabishvili, Interior Minister.

The three-paged document features the wrong and illegal decisions implemented by the government and offers means for their eradication.

According to the opposition MPs, the memorandum is not drafted in form of an ultimatum and if taken into consideration it will contribute to development of the ongoing political processes into expedient course.

The opposition factions of the Parliament of Georgia have been boycotting plenary sessions since the decision of the ruling faction of the parliament of Georgia to suspend Valeri Gelashvili from the Republican Party from his duties for alleged illegal business interests on march 31st.

UNHCFR To Study Living Condition Of Georgian Refugees

Guterres will arrive in Vladikavkaz on Sunday. On the same day he will place a wreath at the memorial for victims of the Beslani school.

n Sunday evening António Guterres will meet Teimuraz Mansurov, President of North Ossetian Republic.

A part of citizens of Georgia of Ossetian origin left South Ossetia during the 1991-1992 Georgian-South Ossetian hostilities. Presently the government of Georgia is drafting a bill on return of refugees and property restitution.

Demands By opposition Are Absurd, Davit Kirkitadze Says

It is impossible to meet those demands, Davit Kirkitadze said at the presentation of the website of the party on Saturday.

According to him, the ruling faction is conducting consultations with the opposition ones and it is possible that they would attend the plenary session on the next week.

Davit Kirkitadze did not highlight the opposition faction that the ruling one is consulting with.

“If the opposition does not attend the session, it will be all right”, one of the leaders of the ruling party was quoted as saying.

The opposition faction – Democratic Front, Right Opposition and Industrialists imposed a boycott on plenary sessions of the Parliament at their protest on dismissal of Valeri Gelashvili, member of the Republican Party, from the Parliament.

They forwarded a set of demands to the government, in particular amendment of the Election Code, diversification of the single partisan election commissions, direct election of the city mayors and local governmental officials, dismissal of Vano Merabishvili, Interior Minister, reshuffle of the interior ministry, eradication of wilful action of the “raid groups” of the ruling party and immediate start of investigation into the crimes committed by the above mentioned groups. The opposition claims that it will return to plenary sessions only after fulfilment of these demands.

The memorandum addressed to the President of Georgia and the Chairwoman of the Parliament, providing for the above-mentioned demands, was presented to the media representatives by the members of the Democratic Front faction on Friday. They signed the above mentioned document and sent it to the Right Opposition and Industrialists fir signature.

 

Opposition Democratic Front Faction Refuses To Meet Chairwoman For Consultations

Sawassin

Tbilisi. April 05 (Prime-News) – The opposition democratic Front faction of the Parliament of Georgia rules out possibility of a meeting with Chairwoman of the Parliament for consultations over the ongoing boycott of plenary sessions.

Nino Burdjanadze, Chairwoman of the Parliament is a presidential puppet and consultations with her are useless, Zviad Dzidziguri, member of the Democratic front said.

According to him, Nino Burdjanadze offered him an expedient dialogue during their phone conversation on the Tuesday night. “The invitation was too late and we do not hope for any outcome in case of meeting with her. She has been busy with execution of the presidential orders during her two-year presence in office”, he said.

Zviad Dzidziguri claimed that suspension of MP Valeri Gelashvili from the Republican Party from his duties was ordered by the president.

Nino Burdjanadze offered expedient cooperation to the opposition factions after they have started boycotting plenary sessions of the Parliament on their protest at suspension of MP Valeri Gelashvili from the Republican Party from his duties.

Parliamentary Consultations Fail To Cut Ice

Tbilisi. April 05 (Prime-News) – The 30-minute closed-door Wednesday consultations between the Chairwoman of Parliament and the opposition MP finished without any results.

Nino Burdjanadze, Chairwoman of the Parliament of Georgia met Pikria Chikhradze, member of the Right Opposition faction, after her own invitation.

The consultation was dedicated to the particular reasons of the boycott of plenary session imposed by the opposition factions and the Chairwoman has once again expressed her attitude towards the issue, Pikria Chikhradze told journalists after the meeting.

According to her, Nino Burdjanadzeb termed the situation as “dramatic”, but the opposition factions still doubt that there is a hope for change of attitude to that matter by the government and its intention to sweep further developments to politically expedient course.

Three opposition factions of the Parliament – Right Opposition, Democratic Front and Producers started boycotting plenary sessions of the Parliament in their protest at suspension of MP Valeri Gelashvili from the Republican Party from his duties.

Georgian Foreign Minister Meets CoE Director General

Tbilisi. April 07 (Prime-News)“ Gela Bezhuashvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia met Fokion Fotiadis, CoE Deputy Director General for External Relations in Tbilisi on April 06.

As Prime-News was told by the representatives of the Foreign Ministry, the parties discussed the urgent issues of Georgia-European Union cooperation, including the progress in talks over Georgia’s Action Plan within the European Union Neighbourhood Policy and the issues to be discussed at the next round of negotiations.

Three Ambassadors Present Letters Of Credentials

Apas Djumagulov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, Augustin Cisar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Slovakia and Reena Pandey, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Georgia presented copies of their credentials to Gela Bezhuashvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia on Thursday

The Georgian Foreign Minister and foreign diplomats discussed prospects for the development of bilateral relations and major directions of future cooperation at the meetings following the presentation of credentials ceremony, Prime-News was told by the representatives of the Foreign Affairs.

Georgian MPs To Study Details Of Russian Bases Withdrawal

The session of the committees of Foreign Affairs, Legal Issues and Defense and Security will be open and the NGO representatives will take part in it.

The Georgian–Russian agreement on withdrawal of the Russian military bases was signed in Sochi on March 31. According to it, the Russian military base in Akhalkalaki will be completely dismantled in 2007 and the bas in Batumi – in 2008.

The tentative estimation by the MPs is favourable.

Opposition To Appeal To Constitutional Court

Sawassin
Tbilisi. April 03 (Prime-News) – The opposition parties of the parliament of Georgia plan to appeal to the Constitutional Court to demand abolishment of the decision of the Parliament on suspension of MP Valeri Gelashvili from duties.
The corresponding decision was made by the ruling faction of the parliament of Georgia; the decision was swept by the majority of vote at the balloting on Friday. The opposition factions refused to take part in ballot casting at protest.

Valeri Gelashvili, member of the Republican Party was accuses of alleged business interests and participation in management, prohibited by the law on status of MP.

Davit Ussupashvili, Chairman of the Republican Party said that the decision was dictated by political considerations and there were not proofs for allegations.

People participate in a “Stop the Steal” protest outside the U.S. Supreme Court in support of U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, U.S., December 8, 2020. REUTERS/Erin Scott

NGOs Coalition To Discuss Issue On Crimes In Abkhazia

Tbilisi. April 03 (Prime-News) – The Coalition of the NGOs for Support of International Court will disuses the issue on investigation of crimes committed in the breakaway Abkhazia.

As Prime-News was told, the press conference on Hague International Criminal Court as the International Legal Mean for Inquiry of Crimes Committed in Abkhazia will be held in the News international press center on Monday.

Gogi Khutsishvili, Head of the International Center for Conflicts and Negotiations, Ana Dolidze, Chairwoman of the Georgian Young Lawyers Association and Shorena Lortkipanidze, Coordinator of the Coalition will be the reporters at the press conference.

The members of the coalition will express their points of view on start of legal proceedings in the International Court and their strategy in that regard.

The Coalition of the NGOs for Support of International Court was set up in Georgia at the end of 2004.

The members of the Coalition are International Center for Conflicts and Negotiations, GYLA, Documentation and Information Center for human Rights, International Crime Research Center and Caucasian Institute for Peace, Democracy and Development (CIPDD)

Georgian MP Speaks About Plotted Attack Against President

Tbilisi. April 03 (Prime-News) – Nodar Grigalashvili, member of the ruling Nationalist Movement Party claims that the Georgian criminals are plotting a terrorist attack against Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgian President, Russian mass media says.

According to Nodar Grigalashvili, the reports say that the criminals are dissatisfied with the “intolerable policy of Mikheil Saakashvili aimed at eradication of crime in the country”.

Boycotting MPs Will Not Be Cut Their Wages

The boycott by the opposition MPs was a result of the decision of the ruling party, swept by the majority of votes on Friday, to suspend MP Valeri Gelashvili from the Republican Party from his duties and deprive him of immunity for alleged illegal business activities.

The opposition MPs said that the decision was dictated by political considerations and there were no proofs for allegations.

Nino Burdjanadze, Chairwoman of the Parliament called the opposition factions to stop their boycott.

De Facto South Ossetian Official Sentenced To Two-Month Imprisonment

The corresponding decision was made by the Gori City Court on Monday.

Vaja Khatchapuridze was detained by the officers of the Financial Police of Georgia at the Ergneti Checkpoint in the conflict zone on Saturday. The de facto official was found 1500 boxes of smuggled cigarette covered with a layer of apple in the car.

As Prime-News was told by the representatives of the Shida Kartli Regional Police, Vaja Khatchapuridze admits that he was transporting cigarette without excise duty, but does not plead himself guilty as charged, saying that cigarette was belongs to a certain vulnerable family.

Vaja Khatchapuridze claimed that the decision of the court was “dictated” and the Georgian court ignored his authority and his contribution to the Georgian-South Ossetian peace talks.

Parliamentary Opposition Determined To Continue Boycott

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The boycott will be terminated only if the ruling faction and the government of Georgia stop conducting their wilful political course that causes fair indignation of all parts of society, Mamuka Katsitadze, member of the Right Opposition told Prime-News.

According to him, the Right Opposition and the Democratic Front factions will not attend the plenary session by any means, but it does not mean that the opposition will leave the ruling faction alone and let it conduct its activities comfortably.

Mamuka Katsitadze also said that the opposition parties would join their forces to use all means of peaceful protests provided by the Constitution to curb the wilful policy of the government within the ongoing boycott.

The Right Opposition and the Democratic Front factions of the Parliament of Georgia started to boycott the plenary sessions of the Parliament after the Friday decision of the Parliament to suspend MP Valeri Gelashvili, member of the Republican Party from his duty and respectively deprive him of immunity for alleged illegal business activities.

As Prime-News was told, the press conference on Hague International Criminal Court as the International Legal Mean for Inquiry of Crimes Committed in Abkhazia will be held in the News international press center.

Gogi Khutsishvili, head of the International Center for Conflicts and Negotiations, Ana Dolidze, Chairwoman of the Georgian Young Lawyers Association and Shorena Lortkipanidze, Coordinator of the coalition will be the reporters at the press conference.

The members of the coalition will express their points of view on start of legal proceedings in the International Court and their strategy in that regard.

The Coalition of the NGOs for Support of International Court was set up in Georgia at the end of 2004.

The members of the Coalition are International Center for Conflicts and Negotiations, GYLA, Documentation and Information Center for human Rights, International Crime Research Center and Caucasian Institute for Peace, Democracy and Development (CIPDD)

According to the representatives of the press and public relations, two drunken men with knives arrived close the office and broke the mirrors of rear vision of the car of Shalva Natelashvili, party leader. Later they tried to enter the office and were cursing the party and its officials.

The representatives of the Party had to call to the police that detained the criminals.

There are grounded suspicions that the detainees are the lukewarm of the ruling Nationalist Movement Party, the party officials say.

Tbilisi. April 03 (Prime-News) – The opposition factions of the Parliament of Georgia will hold a meeting on Monday to define means for their boycotting of the work of the Parliament.
The boycott was a result of the decision of the ruling party, swept by the majority of votes on Friday, to suspend MP Valeri Gelashvili from the Republican Party from his duties and deprive him of immunity for alleged illegal business activities.

The opposition MPs claimed that they were suffering external pressure and it was mindless to work in the Parliament.

The major part of the opposition MPs say that their boycott will be used with regard to the plenary sessions but they will continue cooperation for elaboration of the particular issues on legislative acts.

They also plan to forward a set of demands to the government. In case of fulfilment of the demands, the opposition says it will continue its work in the Parliament.

Examination Of Applicants For Returning Officers Starts On Saturday

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Tbilisi. March 31 (Prime-News) – Test examinations of the applicants for certificates of the returning officers starts on Saturday.

The examinations will be held on April 01, 03 and 04, Prime-News was told by the representatives of the Central Election Commission.

Presently 900 applications have been submitted to CEC.

The first examination for certificates of returning officers was held in the last year. 1155 applicants were given the certificates.

Russia Lost to Georgia, Russian Expert Says

Tbilisi. March 31 (Prime-News) – The Georgian-Russian agreement on withdrawal of the Russian military bases from Georgia signed in Sochi on Friday was defeat for Russia, Sergei Makarov, Russian political expert says.

“The Georgian party has been demanding withdrawal of the military bases for a long time. In fact, Tbilisi forwarded the ultimatum – the Russian bases will be subjected to provocative actions and blockade in case of refusal, they said.

“Of course blockade of the Russian military bases would have enjoyed political support by the US and the European Union. Russia failed to find appropriate counter-measures for that”, Sergei Makarov said.

Presidential Visit To Ukraine Postponed

Tbilisi. March 31 (Prime-News) – The planned visit by Mikheil Saakashvili, President of Georgia to the Ukraine on April 03 is postponed.

The reason for postponement is not clear, Prime-News was told by the representatives of the State Chancellery.

Presently Mikheil Saakashvili is paying a visit to Italy.

Opposition MP Suspended From His Duty

Tbilisi. March 31 (Prime-News) – The Parliament of Georgia suspended MP Valeri Gelashvili from the opposition Republican Party from his duty, by 124 votes to nothing on the Friday evening.
he opposition parties were not taking part in the balloting in protest.

The opposition MPs said that they start boycotting the sessions for uncertain period.

The Parliamentary Procedural Issues Committee passed the issue on suspension of immunity to Valeri Gelashvili at the session on March 29 for alleged illegal business interests and participation in management.

The opposition Democratic Front and the Right Opposition factions protested against the decision of the Committee claiming that there were no legal grounds for suspension of the immunity.

By the decision made at the special session of the Parliamentary Bureau of the Parliament on Friday, the issue on suspension of the immunity to Valeri Gelashvuili was included in the Friday agenda.

The ruling Nationalist Movement party charged the Procedural Issues Committee with a task to inquire business interest of Valeri Gelashvili after the fire in the 84th Secondary School. Gigi Ugulava, Tbilisi City Mayor said that the sponsor of the fire was Valeri Gelashvili as he was interested in the adjacent plot of land for ongoing construction of the business center in the same district.

Valeri Gelashvili rejects all allegations by the Government and plans to bring the case to the Strasburg court.

Bagapsh Headed Council Of Gali District Administration

Tbilisi. April 01 (Prime-News) – Sergey Bagapsh, de facto president of the self-acclaimed republic Abkhazia headed council of Gali District administration, Apsnypress news agency informs.

Yuri Ashuba, chairman of the security service, Otar Khetsia, De facto Minister of internal Affairs, Roman Gvinjia, head of archive department, heads of law enforcement bodies and administration of Gali district took part in the council.

Sergey Bagapsh stated that Ruslan Kishamaria is appointed the envoy of the president of the self-acclaimed republic Abkhazia in Gali district.

“Ruslan Kishmaria will fulfill political orders of the president,” Sergey Bagapsh noted.

The council discussed issues on technical-material supply of the law enforcement bodies in Gali district etc.

Russian Military Bases In Georgia Operate In Withdrawal Order

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Tbilisi. March 31 (Prime-News) – The Georgian and Russian parties agreed on withdrawal of the Russian bases and other military installations from Georgia till the end of 2008, Col. Igor Konashenkov, Russian Land Force spokesman says.

Two agreements on withdrawal of the bases and transit of military equipment via Georgia were signed by the Georgian and Russian parties in Sochi on Friday.

Colonel General Aleksei Maslov, Commander-in-Chief of Land Forces of Russia signed the agreement from the Russian party and Mamuka Kudava, Deputy Defense Minister of Georgia – from the Georgian one.

According to the document, the Russian military bases in Akhalkalaki and Batumi start operation in withdrawal order; a joint Georgian-Russia commission will be set up in Tbilisi for oversight on implementation of the agreement.

360 armored vehicles will be transferred to Russia from Georgia. RUB 820 and RUB 510 m will be allocated for withdrawal of the Russian bases from Akhalkalaki and Batumi and other military units in 2007 and 2008 respectively.

Abkhazia Accuses Georgia Of Plotted Nuclear Subversion

Tbilisi. March 31 (Prime-News) – The Office of the de facto President of Abkhazia accuses the Georgian party of plotted nuclear subversion against the peaceful population.
According to the information by the Abkhazian special services, they “had the classified documents seized after capture of the Headquarter of the 24th Brigade by the end of the Georgian-Abkhazian hostilities” that included the plan for elimination of the Abkhazian troops of the East front in Ochamchire District.

According to the de facto law enforcements, the plan was signed by Col. Vashakidze and was adopted by Major-General Paata Datuashvili.

“The plan provided for mass nuclear attacks even against the villages where the Abkhazian troops were not deployed”, the de facto officials say.

According to them, the Georgian army seized the necessary military equipment after capture in the former Russian depots.

“In case of successful execution of the plan the Abkhazian territory and part of the Black See would have been radioactively polluted for years that would have initialed mass death of population and sharp increase in cancer and leukaemia among the population”, they say.

Opposition MP Accuses Ruling Party Counterparts of Illegal Activities

Tbilisi. March 31 (Prime-News) – Kakha Kukava, member of the opposition Democratic Front faction of the Parliament says that the MPs who will vote for suspension of immunity to MP Valeri Gelashvili will commit a crime.
According to him, the opposition has submitted all documents to prove that Valeri Gelashvili had not violated the law, but the Procedural Issues Committee of the Parliament passed the recommendation on suspension of immunity through sheer violation of the legislative norms.

By the decision made at the special session of the Parliamentary Bureau of the Parliament, the issue on suspension of the immunity to Valeri Gelashvuili was included in the Friday agenda.

During the session Davit Zurabishvili, member of the opposition Democratic Front demanded invitation of Aleksandre Lomaia, Education Minister to the Parliament. According to him, Aleksandre Lomaia was the only person who made allegations against Valeri Gelashvili and the opposition forces needed additional explanations.

The Parliamentary Procedural Issues Committee passed the issue on suspension of immunity to Valeri Gelashvili at the session on March 29 for alleged illegal business interests and participation in management.

The opposition Democratic Front and the Right Opposition factions protested against the decision of the Committee claiming that there were no legal grounds for suspension of the immunity.

The ruling Nationalist Movement party charged the Procedural Issues Committee with a task to inquire business interest of Valeri Gelashvili after the fire in the 84th Secondary School. Gigi Ugulava, Tbilisi City Mayor said that the sponsor of the fire was Valeri Gelashvili as he was interested in the adjacent plot of land for ongoing construction of the business center in the same district.

Gamkrelidze Pledges To Continue Active Cooperation With Printing Media

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Tbilisi. November 29 (Prime-News) – Davit Gamkrelidze, presidential candidate, held meeting with the representatives of printing and electronic media at the hotel “Courtyard Marriott” on Thursday.

“I think that printing media ought to take serious place in the society of course if the society wants to achieve progress in the country. Everybody ought to read newspapers and not only political elite… Society ought to get familiar with analytics and not only the information and events covered by various televisions,” stated Gamkrelidze at the meeting and promised journalists to continue active cooperation with them.

MP Gamkrelidze expressed dissatisfaction over the recent developments around the TV Company “Imedi”. Davit Gamkrelidze slammed the officials about their calculations how the shares in TV Company “Imedi” were distributed between Patarkatsishvili and the “News Corporation”.

“No questions are asked about in whose possession Broadcasting Company “Rustavi 2” is or what is the interest of some senior officials in the TV Company “Mze”. However this fact might not encourage politicians to boycott the aforementioned TV companies,” stated Gamkrelidze.

Ministry Of Healthcare Of Abkhazia To Organize Medical Checkup For IDPs

Tbilisi. November 29 (Prime-News) – Ministry of Healthcare of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia will organize medical checkup for Abkhazian refugees residing in various regions of Georgia.

Prime-News was told at the Media Center of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia that the action would take place from November 29 to November 30. 4 500 IDPs residing in the hotel “Rustavi” and metallurgical settlement will undergo medical checkup.

The checkup will continue in West Georgia from November 30 to December 05. IDPs living in Kutaisi, Tskaltubo and Kopitnari settlement will undergo medical checkup.

IDPs will also receive medicaments and humanitarian aid. The aforementioned project is carried out with the support of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, the legitimate government of Abkhazia and international organizations IRD, Ext-Georgia, UMCOR and Counter-Part International.

Aim of the action is to get familiar with social and medical problems of refugees and improvement of their health.

“New Rights” Accuse Saakashvili Of Misuse Of Administrative Resources

Tbilisi. November 29 (Prime-News) – “New Rights Party” accuses presidential candidate Mikheil Saakashvili of misuse of administrative resources.

Mamuka Katsitadze, one of the leaders of “New Rights Party”, declared at the press conference organized on Thursday that Mikheil Saakashvili, former President of Georgia, alleged that after his resignation all candidates would be placed in equal conditions. But presidential candidate Mikheil Saakashvili met IDPs in the building of Tbilisi City Hall together with Koba Subeliani, Minister of Refugees and Resettlement of Georgia, and Gigi Ugulava, Tbilisi City Mayor, and even gave them certain instructions.

“This is a serious violation and we will provide international organizations with the information about that,” admitted Katsitadze.

Issue Of Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship In OSCE To Be Discussed At OSCE Ministerial

Tbilisi. November 29 (Prime-News) – Foreign Ministers of the OSCE 56 member states will discuss the issue of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in OSCE in 2009 at the 15th meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which will be held in Madrid, on November 29-30.

Igor Musalimov, Head of a diplomatic representation of Kazakhstan in Georgia stated about that at the briefing in Hotel “Varazi” on Wednesday.

According to him, USA, Great Britain and Czechia are against Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in the OSCE. According to these countries, Kazakhstan had not undertaken concrete steps towards democratization of the country.

Musalimov noted that role of the Parliament increased in Kazakhstan, electoral legislature improved, and human rights are protected.

Gela Bezhuashvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, will lead the Georgian delegation at the meeting.

Official Tbilisi Did Not Give Consent To Moscow To Open Election Districts In Conflict Zones

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Tbilisi. November 29 (Prime-News) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia does not confirm the statement made by G. Raikov, a member of the Russian Federation’s Central Election Commission, that the Russian side allegedly reached an agreement with the Georgian Foreign Ministry on the setting up of polling stations in the ‘unrecognized republics’ on the territory of Georgia during the elections to the Russian State Duma scheduled for December 02.

According to the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, the Georgian side considered it inexpedient to organize the process of voting in Georgia’s conflict zones – Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region and did not give its consent to the opening of polling stations there in its Notes sent to the Russian side on 12 and 22 November 2007.

The Georgian side consented to the opening of polling stations only on the territory of the Russian Embassy in Tbilisi and to the arranging of preliminary voting process in Batumi (16-19 November) and in Akhalkalaki (23-26 November).

The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds the Russian side once again that organization of the Russian Federation’s any election on the territory of Georgia, including in the conflict zones, should take place by consent of the Georgian Central Authorities. In other case any act of the Russian Federation will be considered as a violation of the universally recognized norms of international law and gross infringement of Georgia’s sovereignty.

Ambassador: Russia Has Not Sent Arms Withdrawn From Georgia To Nagorno-Karabakh

Tbilisi. November 29 (Prime-News) – Russia does not send its arms, which have been withdrawn from Georgia, to Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Azeri news agency “Trend” informs about that referring to Vasili Istratov, Ambassador of Russia to Azerbaijan, while commenting on the information spread in the Azerbaijani media regarding the placement of Russian armaments in the Azerbaijan territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and other territories occupied by Armenia.

Earlier the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan stated that part of Russia’s military equipment withdrawn from Georgia was placed in Azerbaijan’s occupied territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia placed nearly 70% of its military equipment, withdrawn from Georgia, in the 102 military base in the Armenian city of Gurmi. Due to the political situation between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the placement of Russian military equipment in Gurmi increases the risks of a war outbreak.

Azerbaijan considers that Russia’s position presents obstacles for a peaceful settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh. The Defense Ministry in Armenia refuted the statement of the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan that part of the Russian military equipment, withdrawn from Georgia, was placed in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Ambassador said that Russia has repeatedly highlighted this at meetings with the senior officials of Azerbaijan. According to him, the Russian military equipment, which is located in Russia’s military bases in Armenia, cannot be used against Azerbaijan because they are in hands of the Russian military.

Shalva Natelashvili Plans To Annul Post Of President

Tbilisi. November 29 (Prime-News) – Shalva Natelashvili, presidential candidate, plans immediate annulment of the post of president in Georgia if he wins presidential elections scheduled for January 05 2008.

Shalva Natelashvili made the above-mentioned statement in the churchyard of Metekhi Chapel on Thursday, where the presentation of election program of the presidential candidate was held.

According to him, anti-national legislation will be also annulled. Constitutional reforms and main legislation will be adopted by means of plebiscite or referendum. Governors, mayors, judges and chiefs of police will be elected.

Shalva Natelashvili pledged that the political pressure and censorship on mass media would be uprooted. In addition, the labor party leader promises to revise number of court rulings and release political prisoners, redress bank deposits which Georgian citizens lost as the Soviet Union ruined.

Mr. Natelashvili admitted that he claims responsibility that during his presidency national heritage would be returned to Georgia, the problem of unemployment would be solved, investment environment would be improved, temporary unemployed people would receive high compensations, pensions and salaries would be increased. “There will be no poor and hungry people in our country,” noted the leader of “Labour Party of Georgia”.

Natelashvili also vowed state funding of GEL 1 000 for each newborn and GEL 2 000 for each new family.

According to Shalva Natelashvili, emergency service, immediate operations, reanimation will be financed from the state budget. He also said that tariffs on gas, electricity and water consumption would be halved in the event he becomes the president.

Malkhaz Akishbaia To Hold Meetings At UN Headquarters

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Tbilisi. November 29 (Prime-News) – Malkhaz Akishbaia, Chairman of the legitimate government of Abkhazia, will hold meetings with the representatives of the UN Secretariat and leading experts of international law at the UN Headquarters on November 29, where the legal aspects of the repatriation of IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) and refugees will be discussed.

Prime-news was told at the Department of Mass Media and Public Relations of the legitimate government of Abkhazia that the goal of the meeting is to attract interest ant attention of international commonwealth towards the issues related to the repatriation of IDPs and refugees.

“We will try to put forwards the issue related to the repatriation of IDPs to Abkhazia. The above-mentioned discussions ought to promote the successful realization of our initiative, which is aimed at adoption of separate resolution on IDPs by the UN General Assembly,” declares Akishbaia.

According to the information of Giorgi Chikovani, Chairman of “Movement for Restoration of Territorial Integrity Of Georgia”, the speech of the Georgian delegation will be dedicated to the repatriation of the IDPs on the whole territory of Abkhazia.

Irakli Alasania, Permanent representative of Georgia to the UN, invited the Chairman of the government of Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, and the representatives of non-governmental sector.

Parliament To Approve Draft Law On Amnesty Today

Tbilisi. November 29 (Prime-News) – The Parliament of Georgia will approve the draft law on amnesty at the special session scheduled for Thursday.

Levan Bezhashvili, Chairman of Legal Issues Committee, told journalists that inmates convicted of minor crimes, who were detained till November 15 2007, would be amnestied. Punishment will be halved to those prisoners who are convicted of 20 various types of criminal offence.

According to MP Bezhashvili, about 2500-3000 inmates will be amnestied.

Berlin Prosecutor’s Office To Decide Issue Related To Okruashvili’s Extradition Today

Tbilisi. November 29 (Prime-News) – General Prosecutor’s Office of Berlin will presumably decide whether it submits application to the court requesting the extradition of Irakli Okruashvili, former Minister of Defense of Georgia, to Georgia or not.

Michael Grunwald, a spokesman for prosecutors in Berlin, stated about that in an interview with the radio “Tavisupleba”.

According to his explanations, before the extradition, the detainee ought to be presented before the judge and he will be given opportunity to express his own position towards the aforementioned issue. And lately General Prosecutor’s Office ought to decide whether it submits application to the court requesting the detainee’s extradition or not.

Michael Grunwald also noted that Georgian authorities have about 40 days to submit all the necessary paperwork regarding the crimes ex-Georgian defense minister Okruashvili has been charged with and only after the documentation will be received a final decision on Okruashvili’s extradition request will be made.

Grunwald said a judge will decide whether to keep Okruashvili in custody, after which Berlin’s judicial authorities will rule whether an extradition warrant should be issued or not based on the charges against Okruashvili, which should be in line with German criminal legislation.

German law enforcement bodies detained Irakli Okruashvili, former Defense Minister of Georgia, leader of the party “Movement for the United Georgia”, in one of the hotels in Berlin on November 28.

The ex-minister was reportedly arrested following a request from the Georgian authorities via Interpol after he failed to show up at court for a trial last week.

General Prosecutor’s Office accuses Okruashvili of money extortion, money laundering, misuse of power and negligence. The crime envisages imprisonment for 25 years. He was released one month ago for GEL 10 million bail. Okruashvili left Georgia and the Prosecutor’s office announced search on him.

Georgian Diaspora In France Releases Statement On Situation In Georgia

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Tbilisi. November 12 (Prime-News) – Diaspora of Georgian refugees in France releases statement on current situation in Georgia.

“We will not support radical demands of some political parties, which affects state interests of Georgia,” reads the statement.

The statement, signed by Otar Zurabishvili, president of the organization, reads that Georgian Diaspora supports and stays devoted to fundamental principles such as sovereignty of Georgia and freedom of speech and calls on the state, Georgian people and democratic oppositional parties for dialogue.

Political Decision About Release Of Irakli Batiashvili Reached

Tbilisi. November 15 (Prime-News) – The political decision about the release of Irakli Batiashvili has been already reached.

Mamuka Katsitadze, the member of parliamentary faction “New Rights” declared about that after the completion of meeting with Nino Burjanadze, Chairwoman of the Parliament of Georgia.

“The signature of newly elected president is required for the fulfillment of the above-mentioned decision,” noted Katsitadze.

Irakli Batiashvili was detained for displaying intellectual support to rebelled Emzar Kvitsiani. He was sentenced to seven-year imprisonment.

Issue Of Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship In OSCE To Be Discussed At OSCE Ministerial In Madrid

Tbilisi. November 28 (Prime-News) –Foreign Ministers of the OSCE 56 member states will discuss the issue of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in OSCE in 2009 at the 15th meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which will be held in Madrid, on November 29-30.

Igor Musalimov, Head of a diplomatic representation of Kazakhstan in Georgia stated about that at the briefing in Hotel “Varazi” today.

According to him, USA, Great Britain and Czechia are against Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in the OSCE. According to these countries, Kazakhstan had not undertaken concrete steps towards democratization of the country.

Musalimov noted that role of the Parliament increased in Kazakhstan, electoral legislature improved, and human rights are protected.

Gela Bezhuashvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, will lead the Georgian delegation at the meeting.

Special Parliamentary Session To Be Held On Thursday

Tbilisi. November 29 (Prime-News) – The Parliament of Georgia will hold a special session on Thursday.

The abovementioned decision was made at the Bureau session today.

All important issues, which should be considered and solved till the end of 2007, including the law on “Amnesty” will be considered during the session.

Mikheil Machavariani, acting Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, appealed to committees to agree and coordinate issues to be considered at the special session.

Bezhuashvili To Provide OSCE Ministerial With Updated Information On Recent Developments In Georgia

Tbilisi. November 29 (Prime-News) – The 15th meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will be held in Madrid, on November 29-30.

Prime-News was told at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia that the Foreign Ministers of the OSCE member-states would discuss and assess the activity of the organization. Gela Bezhuashvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, will lead the Georgian delegation at the meeting.

On 29 November, Georgian Foreign Minister will address the meeting of the OSCE Council of Foreign Ministers and will provide participants of the meeting with updated information on the recent developments in Georgia and lead-up for presidential elections scheduled for January 05, 2008, given that maximum involvement of international observers is the most important factor in ensuring free and fair processes.

Representatives of the OSCE member states and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will be once again invited to monitor the elections.

Bezhuashvili will focus on the existing situation in Georgia’s conflict zones and the Georgian Authorities’ peace initiatives with respect to resolution of these conflicts.  

Special accent will be put on the importance of ratification of the Adapted Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty CFE Treaty for ensuring peace and stability in the region.

The Head of the Georgian Foreign Ministry in the frames of the OSCE Ministerial will hold bilateral meetings with General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, OSCE Secretary, Urmas Paet, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, Daniel Fried, Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Jean Asselborn, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Jim Murphy, Minister of State for Europe of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of France.

In the frames of the OSCE Ministerial meetings of the GUAM Foreign Ministers and heads of delegations of the CIS countries will be held as well.

NATO Comments On Situation In Georgia

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Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – Jaap de Hoff Scheffer, Secretary General of the NATO, asked Ambassador Robert Simmons, NATO’s Special Representative for the Caucasus, to express to the Georgian Foreign Minister the Alliance’s view that all parties must exercise restraint, avoid violence and act within the law.

“NATO is following closely and with concern events in Georgia. The imposition of Emergency Rule, and the closure of media outlets in Georgia, a Partner with which the Alliance has an Intensified Dialogue, are of particular concern and not in line with Euro-Atlantic values,” reads the statement of the Secretary General of the NATO.

Bezhuashvili Informed German Colleague On Situation In Georgia

Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – Gela Bezhuashvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, held a telephone conversation with Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Federal Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany, today.

 

Prime-News was told at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia that Bezhuashvili provided his German counterpart with the latest information on the current situation in Georgia.

The Ministers agreed to maintain contacts both on the aforesaid and other issues.

Natelashvili To Run At Presidential Elections In 2008

Tbilisi. November 12 (Prime-News) – Shalva Natelashvili, leader of the “Labour” party of Georgia, will run at the early presidential elections in Georgia scheduled for January 05 2008.

Soso Shatberashvili, member of the Party, stated at the press conference today that the political committee of the party decided to nominate Natelashvili as candidate of the party for presidential elections.

According to him, Natelashvili will appear in front of mass media in the nearest future.

The General Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia stated on November 09 that Natelashvili would face charges for espionage and conspiracy to overthrow the government. However, softened stance and said “investigators have decided to question Natelashvili as a witness.”

Mikheil Saakashvili, President of Georgia stated on November 10 that Natelashvili would not be arrested and he could freely run for the presidency at January 05 elections.

United Opposition To Name Candidate For Presidential Elections Today

Tbilisi. November 12 (Prime-News) – The united opposition will name their candidate for presidential elections at Tbilisi Marriott Hotel today.

Gia Tsagaresihvili, one of the leaders of the united opposition, told Prime-News that the candidate would be a member of the united opposition.

Kakha Kukava, leader of the parliamentary faction “Democratic Front”, told journalists that Shalva Natelashvili is not a candidate of the united opposition for presidential elections.

At the moment candidates for presidential elections scheduled for January 05, 2008 are: Mikheil Saakashvili, acting president of Georgia, David Gamkrelidze, leader of the “New Rights”, Gia Maisashvili, leader of the “Party of future”, businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili and Shalva Natelashvili, leader of the “Labour” party.

United Nominated Levan Gachechiladze For Presidential Elections

Tbilisi. November 12 (Prime-News) – Nine oppositional parties nominated independent MP Levan Gachechiladze for running at the early presidential elections in Georgia scheduled for January 05, 2008.

Levan Gachechiladze sated at the special briefing today that in case of being elected as president he would retire to political pension.

The candidature of Levan Gachechiladze is supported by Republicans, Conservatives, “Way of Georgia”, “People’s party”, “Freedom”, “Ourselves”, “Movement for the united Georgia”, “National Forum” and “Kartuli Dasi”.

All these parties except for the “Labour party, were involved in the protest campaign against the government of Georgia.

The “Labour” party nominated their leader Shalva Natelashvili as a candidate for the presidential elections.

At the moment candidates for presidential elections scheduled for January 05, 2008 are: Mikheil Saakashvili, acting president of Georgia, David Gamkrelidze, leader of the “New Rights”, Gia Maisashvili, leader of the “Party of future”, businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili and Shalva Natelashvili, leader of the “Labour” party.

Patriarch Reckons That President’s Decision Was Timely

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Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – The Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia Ilia II reckons that Mikheil Saakashvili, president of Georgia, made a timely decision by announcing early presidential elections.

The Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia Ilia II told journalists after meeting with the opposition today that the president undertook all steps to release tension in the country.

The Patriarch noted that representatives of the opposition and government expressed their will to release tension during the meeting with him.

He expressed hopes that dialogue between the sides would resume and end with positive result.

Parliament Approved State Of Emergency In Georgia For 15 Days

Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – The Parliament of Georgia unanimously (with 149 votes) supported decision of the president of Georgia and approved the state of emergency on the territory of Georgia for 15 days.

Nino Burjanadze, Chairwoman of Georgian Parliament, stated at the plenary session today that although the situation has stabilized in Tbilisi since November 07 and in the rest of Georgia, threat to stability still exists.

Burjanadze expressed gratitude to the Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia Ilia II for his appeal towards the nation not to yield to provocations of external forces.

Burjanadze appealed to a “healthy representatives” of the opposition for dialogue and noted that she was ready to meet them after completion of the session today.

The presidential decree, which was signed at 23:30 on November 07 imposed restrictions on the press, demonstrations, and strikes, among other activities. The state of emergency expires on November 22.

State Of Emergency Not To Hamper Presidential Elections On January 05

Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – State of emergency announced in Georgia will not hamper early presidential elections scheduled for January 05, 2008.

Khatuna Gogorishvili, Chairwoman of the parliamentary committee on procedural issues, told journalists about that today.

The Parliament of Georgia unanimously (with 149 votes) supported decision of the president of Georgia and approved the state of emergency on the territory of Georgia for 15 days.

The presidential decree, which was signed at 23:30 on November 07, imposed restrictions on the press, demonstrations, and strikes, among other activities. The state of emergency expires on November 22. Legislature enables president to lift the state of emergency before November 22 or on the other hand demand prolongation of the state of emergency; the president needs approval of the Parliament for this.

Mikheil Saakashvili, president of Georgia, appointed presidential elections in Georgia on January 05, 2008.

According to the constitution, holding of the elections is allowed only after the state of emergency is lifted.

Gogorishvili states that according to the constitution for participation in the presidential elections Mikheil Saakashvili should resign since November 21 (45 days prior to presidential elections).

Namely, there are all conditions for Mikheil Saakashvili to resign on November 22, after the state of Emergency will be lifted at 23:30. At the same time the Parliament will be able to announce date of the residential elections scheduled to January 05.

As to candidates for running at presidential elections, they should submit appeals to the Central Election Commission of Georgia (CEC) 40 days before the elections. Hence, candidates for presidential elections will become known till November 27.

At the moment presidential candidates are: Mikheil Saakashvili, acting president of Georgia, David Gamkrelidze, leader of the “New Rights” and Gia Maisashvili, leader of the “Party of future”.

Bezhuashvili Met With Lithuanian Colleague

Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – Gela Bezhuashvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, met with Petras Vaitiek

Prime-News was told at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia that the Georgian Foreign Minister provided his Lithuanian counterpart with the latest information on the existing situation in Georgia.

The sides discussed a broad spectrum of bilateral relations. Discussions also focused on the process of Georgia’s integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures and the issues of regional cooperation.

The Georgian Foreign Minister reaffirmed the irreversibility and firmness of the priorities of Georgia’s foreign policy, including in terms of integration with the European Union and NATO.

Charges Preferred To Badri Patarkatsishvili

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Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – Prosecutor General’s Office preferred charges to businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili.

Nika Gvaramia, Deputy Prosecutor General, stated at the briefing today that Arkadi (Badri) Patarkatsishvili is suspected of conspiracy to overthrow the government (315 article of the Criminal Code of Georgia).

“All the necessary legal proceedings will be undertaken to summon Patarkatsishvili for an interrogation in a status of a suspect,” Gvaramia stated.

International search on businessman will be presumably announced via Interpol tomorrow.

Opposition Reckons Expedient To Hold Dialogue With Government With Participation Of Patriarch

Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – The united opposition is ready to meet with the Chairwoman of Georgian parliament, however it is expedient to hold the dialogue at the Patriarchy of Georgia with participation of the Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia Ilia II.

Tina Khidasheli, member of the “Republican” party, told Prime-News about that after the meeting between the united opposition and the Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia Ilia II today.

According to her, representatives of the opposition find it necessary to lift the state of emergency in the country and lift restrictions on mass media in order to establish corresponding conditions for preparation for the presidential elections.

She noted that in other case nomination of united candidate for presidential elections from opposition is pointless.

Zurabishvili: Opposition To Nominate One Candidate For Presidential Elections

Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – David Zurabishvili, member of the parliamentary faction “Democratic Front”, states that the opposition will nominate one candidate for presidential elections in 2008.

According to him, their candidate will be a big surprise for everyone and he has a great chance of winning the elections.

“It will not be businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili, Irakli Okruashvili, former Defense Minister of Georgia or Tina Khidasheli, member of the “republican” party,” Zurabishvili stated.

According to him, it is necessary to lift the state of emergency for fruitful dialogue.

Opposition Does Not Attend Plenary Session Today

Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – The Parliamentary opposition does not attend a special plenary session of Georgian Parliament today.

 

“Right Opposition”, “Democratic Front” and “Industrialists” exclude their participation in adoption of the state of emergency in the country.

Statement released by the “Right Opposition” reads that the abovementioned decision of Georgian president is illegal. With adoption of this decree the Parliament will participate in facilitation of human rights protection and personal leadership in Georgia.

The parliamentary opposition reckons that the state of emergency should be lifted and releasing of free information allowed.

Plenary session of the Georgian Parliament regarding current developments in the country and approval of the presidential decree on the state of emergency in the country is held at the Parliament today.

Official Tbilisi Evaluates Critics From Russian Side As Inappropriate

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Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – The Georgian government, in accordance with the democratic norms and principles, provides for the realization of the freedom of speech and manifestation by Georgian citizens. The clear proof of that are the recent manifestations and meetings in Tbilisi.

“At the same time, the Government bears a responsibility to take necessary measures to protect national security, in particular to prevent the actions aimed at the violent overthrow of the democratically elected government, especially when the secret services of a neighboring country are actively involved in this process,” reads the statement of the Foreign Ministry of Georgia.

“There is no human rights crisis in Georgia. The declaration of the state of emergency is a practice common in the whole world, whereas an extreme measure is being taken for the provision of the public order and national security. In this particular case, the state of emergency has been declared in full accordance with the country’s constitution, the relevant legislation and international norms,” the statement reads.

“The decision announced by the President and the reaction to it of the Georgian political spectrum, have clearly proven that the Georgian leadership and whole society firmly stand at protection of the democratic principles and possess significant political resources to solve any problem,” states the foreign Ministry of Georgia.

According to the Foreign Ministry of Georgia, the criticism related to human rights situation in Georgia on the part of the Russian Federation is inadequate, taking into account the dismal record of human rights situation and other democratic rights and freedoms in this country.

“It should be underlined that this dismal human rights situation is largely acknowledged by the democratic international community. It would be more appropriate if more attention was paid in Russia to the human rights situation inside the country rather than focusing on the human rights situation in the neighboring states,” reads the statement.

UN High Commissioner For Human Rights Concerned Over State Of Emergency In Georgia

Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – Louise Arbour, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, was following with concern developments in Georgia, where a state of emergency has been imposed.

The statement released by the UN High Commissioner reads that she was particularly worried over reports of disproportionate use of force, including against Georgia’s Public Defender, the detention of opposition leaders and the beating of demonstrators. She also expressed concern that independent TV stations have reportedly been raided by Special Forces and made to stop broadcasting.

The High Commissioner expressed support for the Public Defender and stressed that his independence and inviolability must be respected at all times.

“Georgia is a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which stipulates that fundamental rights, such as the right to life, the prohibition of arbitrary detention, torture and cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment, cannot be suspended, even in times of emergency.  Any restriction of rights must be proportionate and may only be applied to the extent and for the time strictly required by the situation,” the High Commissioner recalled.

Terry Davis Welcomes Early Presidential Elections In Georgia

Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe welcomes announcement of early presidential elections and calls for lifting the state of emergency in Georgia.

Prime-News was told at the CoE representation in Georgia that Terry Davis made the following statement today.

“I welcome the announcement of early presidential elections as a way to resolve the current political difficulties in Georgia. However, this requires that the state of emergency be lifted and that freedom of expression and association be fully restored, in compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights. In the run-up to the elections, the authorities and the opposition should refrain from any provocation and intimidation which could jeopardise the prospects for a peaceful and democratic solution to the present situation,” states Terri Davis.

USA Welcomed Decision To Hold Early Presidential Elections In Georgia

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Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – The U.S. Department of State welcomed decision of the Georgian government to hold early presidential elections and a plebiscite on date of parliamentary elections.

“At the same time, we urge the Government of Georgia to lift the state of emergency and restore all media broadcasts. These are necessary steps to restore the democratic conditions for the election and referendum. We call on all parties to maintain calm, respect the rule of law, and address their differences through serious discussions to strengthen Georgia’s democratic political system. These discussions should take place in a spirit of compromise and in support of Georgia’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and commitment to human rights,” reads the statement of the U.S. Department of State.

Co-rapporteurs Of CoE To Visit Georgia

Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – Matthias Eorsi and Kastriot Islami, co-rapporteurs of the CoE Parliamentary Assembly, arrived in Georgia due to the latest developments in the country today.

Prime-News was told at CoE representation in Georgia that the visit aims at getting familiar with situation in the country after announcement of the state of emergency.

Matthias Eorsi and Kastriot Islami will stay in Georgia till November 11. They intend to meet Georgian officials, members of the opposition, representatives of mass media and Ambassadors.

They will hold press conference on November 11.

Whereabouts Of Shalva Natelashvili Unknown For Members Of “Labour” Party

Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – Members of the “Labour” party are not informed about whereabouts of Shalva Natelashvili, leader of the party.

Paata Jibladze, member of the “Labour” party, told journalists that he does not know if Natelashvili is in Georgia or abroad at the moment. He is absent for the third day.

Jibladze along with other leaders of the opposition is meeting with the Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia Ilia II today.

The Prosecutor General’s Office instituted case against Shalva Natelashvili and Tsotne Gamsakhurdia, son of Zviad Gamsakhurdia, Georgia’s first president. They are accused of espionage and conspiracy to overthrow the government.

Nika Gvaramia, Deputy Prosecutor General, stated to Public Broadcasting that the Prosecutor’s Office would appeal to all procedures envisaged by the law to prefer charges.

According to widespread information Tsotne Gamsakhurdia is in Moscow.

The MIA released video and audiotapes of Natelashvili and a separate videotape of Tsotne Gamsakhurdia, meeting and speaking with Russian embassy employees, who were employees of counterespionage service.

These materials also include Levan Berdzenishvili, member of the “Republican” party, Konstantin Gamsakhurdia, leader of the “Freedom” party, and Goga Khaindrava, member of the “Equality Institute”, speaking with an unnamed man in Russian on the phone. The man, according to the MIA, was a Russian intelligence operative. They will be interrogated as witnesses.

 

Opposition Welcomes President’s Initiative Regarding Elections

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Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – The united opposition welcomes initiative of Mikheil Saakashvili, president of Georgia, regarding appointing presidential elections on January 05, 2008.

According to the opposition, it is a victory of the whole country and points to resolution of political crisis.

“We offered Saakashvili to hold elections in spring, but stubbornness of Saakashvili and his surrounding and their inadequate reaction to peaceful demonstration tensed the situation. I think it is the most optimal solution of the president and it is good both for the country and the president,” David Usupashvili, leader of the “Republican party”, stated after the meeting of leaders of the united opposition.

Giorgi Tsagareishvili, member of the party “Movement for the United Georgia” evaluated president’s initiative as victory of people and stated that they should bring it to the end by winning the presidential elections on January 05.

Mikheil Saakashvili, president of Georgia, appointed presidential elections in Georgia on January 05, 2008. His presidential term expires in 2009. Saakashvili noted that he had reduced his presidential term for the second time, thus he expressed hope to be elected by the people again.

Dialogue Between Opposition And Government To Resume Today

Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – Dialogue between representatives of the opposition and Nino Burjanadze, Chairwoman of Georgian Parliament, will resume today.

In the interview with the Public Broadcast Nino Burjanadze stated that the sides would gather at the Patriarchy of Georgia on November 09 and continue dialogue at the Parliament of Georgia afterwards.

Nino Burjanadze did not name representatives of the opposition who will participate in the dialogue. It is known that “New Rights” and “Industrialists” will participate in the talks.

Other participants of the process will become known today. Burjanadze hopes that concrete consensus will be achieved during the meetings.

Burjanadze also commented on initiative of Mikheil Saakashvili, president of Georgia, regarding appointing presidential elections on January 05, 2008 and stated that it would release the tension.

According to her the state of emergency will be annulled in the nearest future.

Bezhuashvili Denies Allegations On Georgia’s Intents To Launch Military Operations In Conflict Regions

Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – Gela Bezhuashvili, Foreign Minister of Georgia, denies allegations of some Russian Federation officials on Georgian Government’s alleged intents to launch military operations in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region.

“In this regard, we deem it necessary to categorically declare that such accusations are absolutely groundless and aim at straining the rather tense situation in the country. Georgia was, is and always will be dedicated to timely and final resolution of the conflicts on its territory, certainly by political means,” reads the statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.

“To solve conflicts the Georgian government pursues entirely transparent and predictable policy, aimed at the peaceful reintegration of the conflict regions and their residents into the unified Georgian state. One of the components of this policy is the economic and social rehabilitation of the regions and conduct of multiple confidence-building measures as we are conscious of our responsibility to all our citizens, including those in conflict regions,” reads the statement.

“Accordingly, we will carry on the political negotiations process in all existing formats. We will also continue to make efforts towards creation of more effective negotiation formats. This is the very reason why Georgia proposed to commence the result oriented, comprehensive and in-depth review of the peace process under UN aegis,” the statement concludes.

Burjanadze Met With Catholicos-Patriarch

Tbilisi. November 09 (Prime-News) – Nino Burjanadze, Chairwoman of Georgian Parliament, and members of the parliamentary majority met with the Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia Ilia II today.

Burjanadze told journalists after the meeting that she informed the Patriarch about her position that she welcomes his appeal for restraint and constructive dialogue.

Burjanadze expressed gratitude to all citizens who stayed calm and assists stabilization of the situation in the country.

According to her dialogue between the government and the opposition would continue and the right decision will be achieved.

Burjanadze will meet the united opposition in the evening today. After meeting with Burjanadze, the Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia Ilia II is meeting the opposition.

Georgian Side Accused Popov Of Misinformation

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Tbilisi. October 26 (Prime-News) – Dimitri Manjavidze, Deputy State Minister of Georgia for Conflicts Resolution, accused Yuri Popov, Russian Special Envoy of misinformation.

At the press conference today, Manjavidze responded to the claims by Yuri Popov, saying that the session of the Joint Control Commission for Georgian-South Ossetian Conflict Resolution (JCC) had failed owing to the Georgian party.

According to Manjavidze, the Russian party had forwarded the issue on Dimitri Sanakoev at the first day of the JCC session itself. Continue reading “Georgian Side Accused Popov Of Misinformation”

JCC Session To Be Held In Tbilisi On October 23-24

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Tbilisi. October 19 (Prime-News) – Session of the Joint Control Commission (JCC) on resolution of the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict will be held at the Office of the OSCE mission to Georgia in Tbilisi on October 23-24.

Russian mass media informs about that referring to Yuri Popov, Envoy at large of the Russian Foreign Ministry, co-chairman of the JCC from the Russian side.

According to him, the sides will discuss issues on resolution of the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict.

“We will discuss security issues, work of the Russian peacekeepers, optimization of checkpoints, possible fortifications, cooperation of the law enforcement bodies,” stated Popov. Continue reading “JCC Session To Be Held In Tbilisi On October 23-24”

De Facto Government Of Tskhinvali Criticizes OSCE

Sawassin
Tbilisi. October 19 (Prime-News) – De facto government of the unrecognized republic South Ossetia negatively evaluates appointment of Terhi Hakala on the position of the Head the OSCE Mission to Georgia.

The statement released by the Press and Information Committee of the unrecognized republic South Ossetia that with this step “The international community, including the OSCE, has been trying its best to legalize a puppet administration of Dimitri Sanakoev, Head of the Provisional Administrative-Territorial Entity on the Territory of Former Autonomous District South Ossetia”. Continue reading “De Facto Government Of Tskhinvali Criticizes OSCE”