In brief

Metalworks plant in Georgia paralyzed by strike

by | May 21
ferro zestaponi

TBILISI, DFWatch--Metal workers in Zestaponi in western Georgia are on strike and have paralyzed the functioning of a plant which ...

In brief

Hammarberg: Hard to explain how May 17 could happen

by | May 21
Thomas Hammarberg

TBILISI, DFWatch--Thomas Hammarberg says it will be difficult to explain to Europe how the May 17 violence could occur in ...

In brief

Calls for a truth and justice commission

by | May 20
establish justice

TBILISI, DFWatch--Former political prisoners on Sunday held people’s congress at Sport’s Palace in Tbilisi in order to demand the restoration ...

In brief

Suspect in sex tape leak out on bail and fired

by | May 15
gela khvedelidze

TBILISI, DFWatch--Gela Khvedelidze, the Deputy Interior Minister accused of leaking a sex tape, is free on USD 3 000 bail ...

In brief

Georgia preparing second investigation into the 2008 war

by | May 14
2008_war_soldier

TBILISI, DFWatch--A group of eight persons will study crimes commited during and after the Russia-Georgia war in August, 2008. Following a ...

In brief

21 percent more visitors to Georgia in April

by | May 12
tbilisi international airport

TBILISI, DFWatch--21 percent more foreigners visited Georgia in April 2013 than in the same month the year before. In the ...

In brief

OSCE delegation held closed door meetings

by | May 8
OSCE

TBILISI, DFWatch--Parliamentarians from the coalition of Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili and the National Movement (UNM) party of President Saakashvili on ...

In brief

Saakashvili and Aliyev discussed Kars-Akhalkalaki railway

by | May 7
mikheil saakashvili - ilham aliyev 2013-05-07

TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili discussed the construction of the Kars-Akhalkalaki railway with President Ilham Aliyev during his visit to ...

In brief

OSCE parliamentarians visiting Georgia

by | May 7
radisson blu iveria hotel

TBILISI, DFWatch--A delegation from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) chaired by Wolfgang Grossruck, President of the ...

In brief

Romania recognizes Georgia’s neutral passports

by | May 3
sukhumi_woman-300x251

TBILISI, DFWatch--Romania has recognized Georgia's so-called neutral travel documents, which are issued to people living in the breakaway territories Abkhazia ...

In brief

Saakashvili met Kerry and Biden

by | May 2
john kerry - mikheil saakashvili 2013-05-01

TBILISI, DFWatch--President Mikheil Saakashvili Wednesday continued his tour of the US and held meetings with Secretary of State John Kerry ...

In brief

Alasania disappointed by lack of support from Germany

by | May 2
irakli alasania

TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia's Defense Minister Irakli Alasania said on Wednesday that in the past, there have been exceeded expectations about Germany's ...

In brief

Third gold to Georgia in judo championship

by | Apr 27
Avtandil Chrikishvili - 250x210

TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia has its third European judo champion, after Avtandil Chrikishvili won gold medal in men’s 81 kg on Friday. Chrikishvili ...

In brief

Georgia takes second gold in judo championship

by | Apr 26
lasha shavdatuashvili

TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgian Lasha Shavdatuashvili Thursday won gold in the European Judo Championship in Budapest. This is Georgia's second gold in this ...

In brief

Kerry promises to visit Georgia

by | Apr 25
maya panjikidze - john kerry - brussels 2013-04-24

TBILISI, DFWatch--US Secretary of State John Kerry has promised that he will visit Georgia. Kerry made the promise as he met ...

In brief

Saakashvili visits US to meet Biden and Kerry

by | Apr 23
mikheil-saakashvili-2013-01-05

Tbilisi, DFWatch - Next week President Mikheil Saakashvili plans to visit the US next week to meet with Vice President ...

In brief

92% of Georgians trust Patriarch Ilia II

by | Apr 22
Ilia II

TBILISI, DFWatch--92 percent of Georgians say they like Patriarch Ilia II, who for many years has been the most trusted ...

In brief

Ivanishvili to address PACE on Tuesday

by | Apr 20
bidzina-ivanishvili-2012-12-09

TBILISI, DFWatch--Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili will address the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg on Tuesday. His ...

In brief

Georgia to consider legal recognition of church weddings

by | Apr 20
jvriswera - church wedding

TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia may consider granting legal status to weddings conducted by the church. This issue will be studied in the near ...

In brief

Saakashvili’s allies take leave from parliament

by | Apr 18
davit bakradze

TBILISI, DFWatch--Members of Mikheil Saakashvili’s National Movement party have taken the last two days off from work in parliament in ...

In brief

Saakashvili: 100 000 Russian troops crossed border in 2008

by | Apr 17
mikheil saakashvili 2013-03-04

Tbilisi, DF Watch - President Mikheil Saakashvili says it was possible to avoid Russia-Georgian war of August 2008 only if ...

In brief

Ivanishvili visits Germany

by | Apr 15
bidzina_ivanishvili_440x369

TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili is visiting Germany to participate in a conference organized by the German Marshall Fund. Part ...

In brief

Turkey allows Georgian specialists in monastery works

by | Apr 13
Ishkhani monastery - photo buba kudava

TBILISI, DFWatch--Turkey has agreed to allow Georgian specialists to participate in the restoration of a Georgian the 7th century Ishkhani ...

In brief

Saakashvili refuses to cooperate with 2008 war inquest

by | Apr 12
Mikheil Saakashvili - Bronisław Komorowski - 2013-04-11

TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili says he doesn’t plan to cooperate with a new investigation of the Russia-Georgia war in ...

In brief

Hail storm destroyed crops in Georgia

by | Apr 11
hail storm kakheti 2013-04-10 i

TBILISI, DFWatch--A hailstorm Wednesday destroyed harvest and flooded the first floors of houses in the village Ruispiri in eastern Georgia. Information ...

In brief

Saakashvili carries on visit with broken arm

by | Apr 10
mikheil saakashvili - bicycle ride in Turkey, 2013-04-08

TBILISI, DFWatch--Despite having a broken arm, Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili carried on his tour of Turkey Tuesday and met his ...

In brief

Schwarzenberg tells Georgia Czech Republic can not mediate

by | Apr 9
Karel Schwarzenberg

TBILISI, DFWatch--Russia only respects larger states, therefore the Czech Republic cannot be mediator between Georgia and Russia, Czech foreign minister ...

In brief

April 9 remembered in Georgia, 24 years on

by | Apr 9
April 9 remembered 2013

TBILISI, DFWatch--April 9 Georgia remembered that it was 24 years since Soviet troops dispersed a peaceful protest in Tbilisi, and ...

In brief

30 town officials in Sagarejo replaced

by | Apr 9
isfed-300x251

TBILISI, DFWatch--International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) says people are still being fired for political reasons in Georgia ...

In brief

PACE co-rapporteurs visiting Georgia

by | Apr 8
PACE

TBILISI, DFWatch--Michael Aastrup Jensen and Boriss Cilevics from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will arrive in ...

In brief

Six Georgians released by South Ossetia

by | Apr 6
c7957b475200c5ed05a487bfыыыыыыыыыыыыыfb133a89

TBILISI, DFWatch--The de facto government of Georgia’s breakaway region South Ossetia has released six Georgians who were detained for ‘illegally ...

In brief

Number of prisoners halved in Georgia

by | Apr 5
prison_tower

TBILISI, DFWatch--The number of prisoners in Georgia was reduced by 56.2 percent in the first quarter of 2013 compared to ...

In brief

Uncertainty about Georgia’s participation in EU’s Mali mission

by | Apr 2
irakli alasania - soldiers

TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia is waiting for confirmation from the European Union about whether to send military advisers to Mali to assist ...

In brief

Third Georgian released by South Ossetia

by | Mar 29
c7957b475200c5ed05a487bfыыыыыыыыыыыыыfb133a89

Tbilisi, DFWatch - A Georgian was released from prison by the breakaway region South Ossetia Friday. This was the third ...

In brief

MoD proposes draft law increasing accountability to Parliament

by | Mar 29
irakli-alasania

Tbilisi, DFWatch - Ministry of Defense prepared two draft laws which, it argues, will increase its accountability before the parliament. The draft ...

In brief

Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey plan closer cooperation

by | Mar 28
maya panjikidze - ilham aliyev - 2013-03-18

Tbilisi, DFWatch - Foreign ministers of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey will be meeting on Thursday in Batumi, a city on ...

In brief

Missing fisherman found dead after storm

by | Mar 28
fishermen discovered dead body

TBILISI, DFWatch--The crew of a Georgian fishing boat Wednesday discovered the body of a man, 55, drifting in the Black ...

In brief

Saakashvili presents a list of five new ambassadors

by | Mar 26
file copy

Tbilisi, DFWatch -President Saakashvili on Monday presented parliament with a list of five new ambassadors. The candidates are Khatuna Salukvadze for ...

In brief

Two Georgian battalions depart for Afghanistan

by | Mar 22
georgian soldiers afghanistan isaf

TBILISI, DFWatch--The 33rd and 42nd battalions of Georgia’s III and IV infantry brigades are today getting ready to depart for ...

In brief

US ambassador: Georgia has strong and competitive government

by | Mar 21
richard norland 2013-03-21

TBILISI, DFWatch--US Ambassador Richard Norland says Georgia has a strong and competitive government, a competitive parliament, independent media and justice ...

In brief

Georgia’s foreign minister visits Azerbaijan

by | Mar 19
maya panjikidze - ilham aliyev - 2013-03-18

TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maya Panjikidze on Tuesday met with the president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to discuss bilateral ...

In brief

Georgia confirms nine new ambassadors

by | Mar 19
defense_ministry

TBILISI, DFWatch--President of Georgia on Monday approved the list of nine new ambassadors, by signing the document which parliament passed ...

In brief

Storm hits Black Sea coast

by | Mar 18
storm Batumi 2013-03-18

TBILISI, DFWatch--A storm hit Georgia Sunday evening and is threatening to inflict damage. Rescue personnel are mobilized in several regions ...

In brief

Ivanishvili to address PACE

by | Mar 17
PACE

TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s prime minister will participate at a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg ...

In brief

Robakidze video has been edited, examination shows

by | Mar 16
buta robakidze video

TBILISI, DFWatch--A forensic examination has concluded that a video clip of a police operation in 2004 which ended the life ...

In brief

Bushfire in southwest Georgia

by | Mar 16
fire adjara

TBILISI, DFWatch--Firefighters are trying to contain a bushfire that is spreading in the Adjara region in south western Georgia on ...

In brief

Snow blocks two roads in Georgia

by | Mar 15
snow road

TBILISI, DFWatch--A road in the Mtskheta region close to the capital is closed for all traffic after an avalanche. Also ...

In brief

Time schedule for visa liberalization plan ready

by | Mar 15
alex_petriashvili_440x369

TBILISI, DFWatch--A time schedule for implementing the action plan for visa liberalization between Georgia and the EU has been confirmed. Minister ...

In brief

Over 8 000 prisoners were freed in Georgia amnesty

by | Mar 15
gldani prison guard tower

TBILISI, DFWatch--The prisoner amnesty in Georgia ended its term of execution March 13. 8 322 prisoners were freed in total. According ...

In brief

Georgia asks Interpol to help catch ex-official

by | Mar 14
davit chakua - interpol notice

TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia asks for help from Interpol in its search for a former government official. This time, the wanted note is ...

In brief

Prosecutors struggling to deal with flood of complaints

by | Mar 14
Archil Kbilashvili

TBILISI, DFWatch--The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia has created a 12 member investigative group to deal with the mass of complaints ...

In brief

Doctors’ hunger strike over

by | Mar 14
doctors on hunger strike

TBILISI, DFWatch--Four fired doctors on Wednesday ended their week-long hunger strike after learning that the director of the emergency service ...

In brief

Progress in prisoner exchange with Tskhinvali

by | Mar 13
ucha nanuashvili

TBILISI, DFWatch--There are twelve Georgian prisoners in South Ossetia, a breakaway Georgian region, according to the public defender Ucha Nanuashvili. He ...

In brief

Merabishvili ‘connected’ to controversial 2006 killing

by | Mar 13
Vano Merabishvili

TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia's chief prosecutor and justice minister claim that the long time former interior minister Vano Merabishvili was implicated in ...

In brief

Most visitors to Georgia come from neighboring countries

by | Mar 12
visitors 2006-2013

TBILISI, DFWatch--The majority of foreign visitors to Georgia in 2013 came from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, Ukraine and Iran. As there ...

In brief

Georgia ends use of consecutive sentence

by | Mar 8
city court in tbilisi

TBILISI, DFWatch--The parliament in Georgia on Friday decided to end the practice of mandatory consecutive sentence. Following the amendments to the ...

In brief

Snow and ice is causing traffic problems in Georgia

by | Mar 4
snow road

TBILISI, DFWatch--The latest snowfall has made driving conditions so poor that the road from the winter resort Gudauri to the ...

In brief

Akhalaia to remain in detention

by | Mar 4
bacho akhalaia - tbilisi court v - 2013-02-28

TBILISI, DFWatch--Tbilisi City Court on Saturday held pretrial hearing in two of the five criminal cases currently brought against former ...

In brief

Prosecutor lost appeal in Tbilisi mayor’s case

by | Mar 2
gigi-ugulava

TBILISI, DFWatch--The Prosecutor’s Office lost its appeal about issuing bail conditions for Tbilisi mayor Gigi Ugulava in a case about ...

In brief

Russia and Georgia discussed visa rules

by | Mar 2
zurab abashidze -

TBILISI, DFWatch--One of the main topics of conversation when Georgia and Russia met in Prague yesterday was whether Russia will ...

In brief

Saakashvili reaffirms Georgia’s close ties with neighbor Azerbaijan

by | Mar 1
sandra roelofs - mikheil saakashvili - ilham aliyev - mehriban aliyeva - 2013-02-28

TBILISI, DFWatch--President Mikheil Saakashvili says no matter who is in government, the country will continue the same foreign policy course, ...

In brief

Georgia and Russia meet today in Prague

by | Mar 1
Çàìåñòèòåëü ìèíèñòðà èíîñòðàííûõ äåë ÐÔ Ãðèãîðèé Êàðàñèí

TBILISI, DFWatch--Representatives of Georgia and Russia meet in Prague today to discuss trade, cultural and transport issues. The countries still ...

In brief

Saakashvili visits Azerbaijan

by | Feb 27
mikheil saakashvili - in london 2011

TBILISI, DFWatch--President Mikheil Saakashvili today starts a two day visit to Azerbaijan. The visit will take place on February 27-28 and ...

In brief

EU and Georgia agree on visa action plan

by | Feb 26
cecilia malmstrom - maya panjikidze - 2013-02-25

TBILISI, DFWatch--EU has agreed with Georgia about a visa action plan that may one day allow Georgians to enter Europe ...

In brief

Ugulava free without bail

by | Feb 25
gigi ugulava  ii - 2013-02-23

TBILISI, DFWatch--Tbilisi City Court did not listen to a plea from the Prosecutor's Office to suspend Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Uglava ...

In brief

Georgia and Russia to meet in Prague for direct talks

by | Feb 25
zurab abashidze

TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia and Russia will meet for a second round of direct talks in Prague on March 1. The two ...

In brief

Ex-minister involved in an unexpected killing released on bail

by | Feb 24
lado Vardzelashvili detained

TBILISI, DFWatch -A former sports minister detained for being involved in a fatal gun accident that killed his friend was ...

In brief

Lawmakers in Georgia discuss using national dress

by | Feb 23
zviad dzidziguri - bidzina gujabidze

TBILISI, DFWatch--Lawmakers in Georgia Friday discussed a proposal to allow members of the assembly to wear the national dress Chokha ...

In brief

Akhalaia expected in court today

by | Feb 20
bacho-axalaia-300x251

TBILISI, DFWatch--Tbilisi City Court today holds pretrial hearing in the case against Saakashvili loyalist Bacho Akhalaia and other former government ...

In brief

Cecilia Malmström to visit Georgia

by | Feb 19
news_26510

Tbilisi, DFWatch - Commissioner Cecilia Malmström will visit Georgia and bring action plan for visa liberalization issues on February 24. Maya Panjikidze, ...

In brief

Georgia gets new business ombudsman

by | Feb 19
giorgi gakharia - appointed as business ombudsman 2013-02-19

TBILISI, DFWatch--The Georgian prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili Tuesday appointed a new business ombudsman. He said this will make it easier ...

In brief

Foreign experts to study high profile cases

by | Feb 18
bidzina ivanishvili 2013-02-17

TBILISI, DFWatch--A group of foreign experts is to monitor ongoing high profile criminal cases in Georgia. Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, who ...

In brief

UNDP chief visits Georgia

by | Feb 17
Helen Clark

TBILISI, DFWatch--UNDP chief Helen Clark is expected in Georgia February 17 for a three-day visit. According to the UNDP, the organization's ...

In brief

Ivanishvili visiting Turkey

by | Feb 14
bidzina-ivanishvili-2012-11-22-press-conf-300x251

TBILISI, DFWatch--The Georgian head of government Bidzina Ivanishvili is on a one-day visit to Turkey accompanied by some of his ...

In brief

Court to consider forcing mayor to come for questioning

by | Feb 14
gigi-ugulava

TBILISI, DFWatch--The Georgian Interior Ministry appeals to Tbilisi City Court asking for it to issue a court order requiring the ...

In brief

Panetta briefed Alasania about Afghanistan plans

by | Feb 13
leon panetta

TBILISI, DFWatch--The US Secretary of Defense Tuesday called Georgia’s Defense Minister and introduced him to the US action plan for ...

In brief

Minibus drivers in Batumi are on strike

by | Feb 12
yellow minibuses

TBILISI, DFWatch--A correspondent for Interpressnews in the Black Sea port reports that 350 drivers have been on strike from Tuesday ...

In brief

Georgia and Turkey plan defense cooperation

by | Feb 12
irakli-alasania

TBILISI, DFWatch--The prime minister and defense minister of Georgia will go to Turkey this week to discuss relations between the ...

In brief

Informal Eastern Partnership talks in Georgia

by | Feb 12
Maya Panjikidze

TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia will host the session of the informal dialogue within the Eastern Partnership February 12 and 13. Georgia's Foreign Affairs ...

In brief

Saakashvili to negotiate with government today

by | Feb 11
saakashvili-palace

TBILISI, DFWatch--The Georgian president will meet with the speaker of parliament in the evening today to discuss topics which lie ...

In brief

Two people fined for Friday’s violence

by | Feb 11
Irakli Gharibashvili - National Library - 2013-02-08 IPN

TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office asks Tbilisi City Court to impose pre-trial measures against Gela Mamaladze, the man who is accused ...

In brief

Georgia and South Korea sign visa treaty

by | Feb 8
Nikoloz Apkhazava - Anh Ho-young

TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia and South Korea have signed their first inter-governmental treaty about visa free travel for citizens holding diplomatic, official ...

In brief

Saakashvili to address the nation today

by | Feb 8
mikheil_saakashvili_state_of_the_nation7_2012-155x129

Tbilisi, DF Watch - The President of Georgia will address the nation at 18:00 today from the National Library. The ...

In brief

Saakashvili to hold state of the nation address from library

by | Feb 8
mikheil_saakashvili_state_of_the_nation3_2012

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili will address the nation from the National Library instead of from parliament. Saakashvili should ...

In brief

President’s annual address postponed

by | Feb 7
davit usupashvili

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The president’s annual speech to parliament is postponed indefinitely. This is a decision made by the ruling coalition. ...

In brief

Georgia to set up three new investment funds

by | Feb 6
bidzina ivanishvili v 2013-02-05

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Three new funds will be established in Georgia, which will be sovereign fund of Georgia, a private ...

In brief

Saakashvili in Germany for Marshall Fund conference

by | Feb 5
mikheil saakashvili - jet

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili and Mayor of Tbilisi Gigi Ugulava have left for Germany to participate in ...

In brief

Saakashvili to address parliament February 8

by | Feb 3
mikheil_saakashvili_state_of_the_nation3_2012

TBILISI, DFWatch -- President Mikheil Saakashvili's annual address to parliament will take place on February 8, 2013. “As a result of ...

In brief

Moscow denies talks with Georgia about CIS return

by | Feb 1
kremlin

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Moscow denies rumors about ongoing negotiations with Georgia to bring the country back as member of the ...

In brief

Ex minister risks 15 years for making fake cognac

by | Feb 1
davit kezerashvili

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Another official from Mikheil Saakashvili’s government was Wednesday charged with abuse of powers and bribery. The Finance Ministry’s ...

In brief

Agreement about foreign policy course

by | Jan 31
davit usupashvili

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The governing Georgian Dream coalition is ready to cooperate with the opposition about the foreign policy. Speaker of ...

In brief

Wants guarantees for Georgia’s western course

by | Jan 30
giorgi baramidze

TBILISI, DFWatch -- President Mikheil Saakashvili's National Movement party wants to tie Georgia to the mast in terms of the ...

In brief

BA cancels flights to Georgia

by | Jan 30
British Airways

TBILISI, DFWatch -- British Airways will temporarily cancel its flights to Georgia from April 1, 2013, spokesperson Irakli Gordeli told ...

In brief

Flights to Tbilisi canceled due to fog

by | Jan 28
tbilisi airport

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Tbilisi international airport on Monday had to cancel or divert several incoming international and local flights due ...

In brief

Three Georgian soldiers wounded in Afghanistan

by | Jan 25
afghanistan shooting incident Jan 24, 2013

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Three Georgian soldiers have been wounded in Afghanistan when insurgents opened fire as they were out on ...

In brief

Georgia and Russia to meet at PACE spring session

by | Jan 25
Tedo Japaridze

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Representatives of Georgia and Russia will meet at the spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the ...

In brief

Medvedev and Ivanishvili’s 2-minute chat

by | Jan 25
Maya Panjikidze

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maya Panjikidze on Thursday confirmed that the prime ministers of Russia and Georgia ...

In brief

Ivanishvili and Medvedev meet at Davos

by | Jan 24
bidzina ivanishvili in davos 2013-01-24

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The Georgian and Russian Prime Ministers met for the first time in Davos Thursday and had a ...

In brief

Georgian patriarch met Putin

by | Jan 24
Ilia II

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgian Patriarch Illia II on Wednesday met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and passed on greetings from ...

In brief

Canada and Georgia sign defense agreement

by | Jan 24
Christopher R. Kilford - Davit Nardaia - 2013-01-23

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgia and Canada Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding about defense policy. The agreement was signed by Colonel ...

In brief

Saakashvili era foreign policy deputy resigns

by | Jan 22
Nikoloz Vashakidze

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgia's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Nikoloz Vashakidze resigned on Tuesday, citing incompatibility with the current foreign policy ...

In brief

Georgian patriarch Ilia II visiting Moscow

by | Jan 21
ilia ii moscow 2013-01-20

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgia’s Patriarch Illia II on Sunday left for Russia to receive an award. His visit will also ...

In brief

Political prisoners were blessed by the patriarch

by | Jan 19
politpatimrebis dalocva

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Political prisoners, who were released last Sunday when the new amnesty law came into force, visited the ...

In brief

Saakashvili loses security force

by | Jan 19
special_police

TBILISI,DFWatch -- The Special State Protection Service of Georgia is now under the control of the government, and not the ...

In brief

Tbilisi vice mayor released on bail

by | Jan 18
shota khizanishvili

TBILISI, DFWatch -- A former Interior Ministry top was Thursday released on bail. Shota Khizanishvili, who after the National Movement's election ...

In brief

Rikoti tunnel closed for repair work

by | Jan 17
Rikoti tunnel - Photo Ministry of Regional Development and Infrasctructure

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The Rikoti tunnel, which connects the western and eastern parts Georgia, will be closed from January 18 ...

In brief

Ex intelligence official detained for abuse of powers

by | Jan 16
handcuffed

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Police in Georgia have detained a regional director of the feared domestic intelligence service, the Constitutional Security ...

In brief

UK has new temporary ambassador to Georgia

by | Jan 16
David Moran

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Ambassador David Moran on January 14 began work as the temporary trustee of the UK to Georgia, ...

In brief

21 Georgians detained in France for bank card theft

by | Jan 15
france arrested

TBILISI, DFWatch -- French gendarmes have detained 21 Georgians suspected of cooperation with Russian mafia. According to reports in French ...

In brief

Orthodox church leaders leaving Georgia

by | Jan 14
bidzina-ivanishvili-patriarch-ilia-ii-2013-01-13

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Clerics from different Orthodox countries will leave today, Monday. The guests arrived five days ago in order ...

In brief

Saakashvili wants a doubling of pensions for veterans

by | Jan 12
mikheil saakashvili - -

TBILISI, DFWatch -- President Mikheil Saakashvili has presented a new initiative to double pensions for veterans and allocate permanent pensions ...

In brief

Three Russian climbers dead in avalanche

by | Jan 10
Elbrus

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Four Russian climbers have been taken by an avalanche in the Kazbegi mountains in northern Georgia. One ...

In brief

Jubilee brings congregation of world church leaders to Tbilisi

by | Jan 8
ilia_ii_and_bidzina_ivanishvili_2011-11-15_03

TBILISI, DFWatch -- A large number of clerics from different Orthodox countries will start gathering in Tbilisi tomorrow to mark ...

In brief

Heavy snow fall in Georgia

by | Jan 7
White Christmas. (Interpressnews.)

TBILISI, DFWatch -- There are restrictions on road traffic in northern Georgia due to heavy snow fall. There is danger ...

In brief

Two Alilo processions in Tbilisi

by | Jan 7
70f5fad1a899fd367d17ff1046fafaa5

Tbilisi, DF Watch - Georgia marks Christmas on January 7 by Julian calendar by two major picturesque processions in Tbilisi ...

In brief

Ilia II to receive religious award

by | Jan 4
ilia_ii

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgian Patriarch Ilia II will visit Russia in the end of January to receive a special award. He ...

In brief

Georgia becomes chair of GUAM

by | Jan 3
maya_panjikidze

TBILISI, DFWatch -- From January 1, 2013, Georgia holds the chairmanship of GUAM, an international organization between Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan ...

In brief

Crime is under control, says government

by | Dec 31
mia_shark

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The crime situation in Georgia stabilized in December, as the number of criminal incidents has been significantly ...

In brief

Another Stalin statue goes up in Georgia

by | Dec 31
stalin monument - Akura

TBILISI, DFWatch -- A statue of Josef Stalin which had been torn down has been put up again in a ...

In brief

Saakashvili presents downsized amnesty bill

by | Dec 28
Mikheil_Saakashvili_blue_suit

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili has vetoed the coming into force of a law on amnesty, and sent ...

In brief

Ivanishvili and Aliyev discussed energy export

by | Dec 26
ilham aliyev - ilham aliyev 2012-12-26

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili Tuesday met the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, during an official visit ...

In brief

Earthquake hits Georgia again

by | Dec 26
earthquake kobuleti

TBILISI, DFWatch -- An earthquake hit Georgia Wednesday morning; the second one in three days. Two strong quakes were felt early ...

In brief

Georgian sailors returning home

by | Dec 25
panama sailors maria del carmen 2

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The twelve Georgian sailors who have been adrift on a ship abandoned by its owner off the ...

In brief

Georgia sends rescue team to Afghanistan

by | Dec 25
Georgian_ISAF_soldiers_Afghanistan

TBILISI, DFWatch -- A military search team left for Afghanistan on Monday in order to search for a Georgian soldier ...

In brief

Georgia’s Interior Ministry auctions off luxury cars

by | Dec 24
black cars - interior ministry

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgia’s Interior Ministry has decided to put its luxurious cars up for auction. The new leadership at the ...

In brief

Phone outage after earthquake in Georgia

by | Dec 23
seismogram

TBILISI, DFWatch -- There was an earthquake in Georgia on Sunday, causing minor damage in parts of the country. According to ...

In brief

Saakashvili addresses party, delegates return to parliament

by | Dec 23
mikheil saakashvili - 2012-12-23 i

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The National Movement party of President Mikheil Saakashvili will return to parliament on Monday. This became clear at ...

In brief

Georgia gives 3 500 prisoners amnesty

by | Dec 22
prison_tower

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The parliament in Georgia has finally passed an amnesty law which will mean that 3500 prisoners will ...

In brief

Kitsmarishvili fined for damaging Maestro’s equipment

by | Dec 22
erosi_kitsmarishvili_220x185

TBILISI, DFWatch -- A court has fined the former manager of Maestro TV, Erosi Kitsmarishvili, with USD 845 204 for ...

In brief

ICC to investigate 2008 Georgia-Russia war

by | Dec 20
2008_war_soldier

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) is considering launching an investigation into the war between Georgia and Russia ...

In brief

Ivanishvili looks forward to meeting Putin

by | Dec 19
bidzina ivanishvili 2012-11-22 - press conf 4

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili hopes to meet with the Russian leaders Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev in ...

In brief

Okruashvili is on hunger strike

by | Dec 18
irakli okruashvili 2012-12-10

TBILISI, DFWatch -- A former defense minister who is in prison awaiting trial has gone on hunger strike. Irakli Okruashvili, who ...

In brief

Friends of Buta Robakidze will not be prosecuted

by | Dec 17
city court in tbilisi

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Tbilisi City Court has ruled out that there will be criminal charges brought against the friends of ...

In brief

Stranded Georgian sailors plan lawsuit in Panama

by | Dec 17
sailors - pan

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The Georgian sailors who are stranded off the coast of Panama plan a lawsuit at the marine ...

In brief

Traffic restrictions after first snowfall

by | Dec 16
snow

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The season's first snowfall has led to restrictions on traffic several places in Georgia. The snow is ...

In brief

Georgia and Russia’s first step towards mending relations

by | Dec 15
zurab abashidze -

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgia and Russia representatives on Friday agreed to continue the dialogue. Zurab Abashidze, the Prime Minister’s special representative ...

In brief

US supports Georgia having direct talks with Russia

by | Dec 13
thomas o melia 2012-12-12

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The US supports Georgia's decision to start direct talks with Russia, Thomas O. Melia, US Deputy Assistant ...

In brief

Georgia and Russia plan rare meeting Friday

by | Dec 13
Grigory Karasin

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The two countries fought a brief war in August 2008. Tomorrow they will meet face to face ...

In brief

U.S. monitoring how Ivanishvili and Saakashvili cooperate

by | Dec 13
tomas melia 2012-12-12

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The U.S. is closely monitoring the transition of power from President Saakashvili's National Movement to Prime Minister ...

In brief

MP investigated for beating of businessman

by | Dec 12
police

TBILISI, DFWatch -- A member of parliament from Saakashvili's National Movement party is being called in for questioning regarding the ...

In brief

U.S. officials visit Georgia

by | Dec 12
state_dep

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Two U.S. government officials arrived in Georgia Wednesday as part of a tour of the Caucasus. Thomas Melia ...

In brief

Georgia to chair GUAM in 2013

by | Dec 10
maya_panjikidze

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgia will have the chairmanship of GUAM in 2013. Foreign Affairs Minister Maya Panjikidze said at Monday's regular ...

In brief

Saakashvili criticizes government’s handling of NATO

by | Dec 7
mikheil_saakashvili

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili says the meeting of the NATO-Georgia commission on Wednesday was not a step ...

In brief

Rasmussen says NATO will not interfere in detention cases

by | Dec 6
anders_fogh_rasmussen_in_Georgia_September_2012

TBILISI, DFWatch -- NATO will not interfere in the legal process in Georgia in regard to the recent detentions of ...

In brief

Georgian patriarch hosts Israeli ambassador

by | Dec 6
patriarch Ilia II - Yuval Fuchs - 2012-12-05

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgian Patriarch Ilia II hosted Israeli Ambassador Yuval Fuchs and his wife at the Patriarch's residence in ...

In brief

Rasmussen comments on Georgia

by | Dec 5
anders fogh rasmussen 2012-11-14

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Bucharest decision that Georgia will become a member of NATO stands if Georgia fulfills necessary criteria, NATO ...

In brief

Court detains Data Akhalaia in absentia

by | Dec 4
data akhalaia

TBILISI, DFWatch -- A former Interior Ministry official has been sentenced to pre-trial detention in absentia. Data Akhalaia, former chair of ...

In brief

Weapons cache discovered in Tbilisi

by | Dec 4
weapons cache 2012-12-03

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Military Police in Georgia have seized about a hundred weapons of different types at an apartment in ...

In brief

Seven die in road accident

by | Dec 4
road accident Imereti traffic 2012-12-03

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Seven persons died Monday evening in a car accident in Western Georgia, according to the Interior Ministry. In ...

In brief

NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels

by | Dec 3
nato_flag

TBILISI, DFWatch -- NATO's Foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels December 4 and 5. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO Secretary General, will ...

In brief

Justice Minister in doubt about charges against ex-official

by | Dec 3
mia_shark

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The court released a former interior ministry official on bail until the trial, in the most controversial ...

In brief

New round of Georgia-EU free trade talks

by | Nov 27
mfa

TBILISI, DFWatch -- EU-Georgia today opened the fourth round of negotiations of the proposed Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement ...

In brief

Rubin visiting Georgia for defense and security talks

by | Nov 27
eric rubin

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Eric Rubin, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in EU and Eurasian Affairs, is visiting Georgia. Rubin will ...

In brief

Ashton visiting Georgia

by | Nov 26
Catherine-Ashton

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Catherine Ashton, EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, visits Georgia. Her one day visit includes ...

In brief

Three Georgians released by Tskhinvali authorities

by | Nov 25
forest

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Three Georgian citizens have been released from prison in occupied Tskhinvali region. The three were arrested for crossing ...

In brief

Friend of Tbilisi Mayor released on bail

by | Nov 23
Giorgi Kelbakiani 2

TBILISI, DFWatch -- A friend of the Tbilisi Mayor suspected of money laundering was today released on a USD 90 ...

In brief

Estonia recognizes Georgia-issued neutral passports

by | Nov 22
sukhumi

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Estonia has recognized so-called neutral passports as travel documents. The Reintegration Minister's office November 12 received a note ...

In brief

Georgia ready to extend Afghanistan mission

by | Nov 21
maya_panjikidze

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgia will continue its participation in the NATO-led ISAF operation in Afghanistan also after 2014. Foreign Affairs Minister ...

In brief

Lidington visits Georgia

by | Nov 21
David Lidington

TBILISI, DFWatch -- David Lidington, the UK's Minister of State for Europe, will visit Georgia on November 21 and 22. Wednesday, ...

In brief

NATO-Georgia Commission meeting in Brussels Tuesday

by | Nov 20
nato_flag

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Alexi Petriashvili, State Minister for Euro-Atlantic Integration, November 19 left for Brussels to attend the session. Defense ...

In brief

Georgian sailors abandoned by ship’s owner

by | Nov 19
maya_panjikidze

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Twelve Georgian sailors have asked for help from Panama as they are five km away from the ...

In brief

Germany to help Georgia mend relations to Russia

by | Nov 18
guido_westerwelle

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Germany wants to play a positive role in the process of restoring relations between Georgia and Russia, ...

In brief

U.S. envoy discussed Georgia’s new approach to Russia

by | Nov 17
philip gordon . .

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgia’s defense and foreign ministers on Saturday met the U.S. Philip Gordon, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State. Gordon, ...

In brief

Gordon calls on Saakashvili and Ivanishivli to cooperate

by | Nov 17
Philip Gordon -

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The U.S. diplomat Philip Gordon Friday met government and other officials in Georgia. Gordon, whose full title is ...

In brief

NATO visit postponed to next year

by | Nov 15
irakli alasania

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The delayed visit by NATO's Military Committee will take place in the first half of 2013. “The parties ...

In brief

Gordon to visit Georgia Friday

by | Nov 15
philip gordon

TBILISI, DFWatch -- U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Philip Gordon, is visiting Georgia Friday. Gordon will ...

In brief

Fogh Rasmussen’s Facebook page flooded with criticism

by | Nov 15
anders fogh rasmussen 2012-11-14

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Anders Fogh Rasmussen's Facebook page has seen an influx of traffic the last week from Georgian users ...

In brief

Workers protest continues at Telasi

by | Nov 14
telasi protest

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The crisis at an energy company continued Wednesday as three employees went on hunger strike. The strike at ...

In brief

NATO criticizes new Georgian government

by | Nov 13
nato_flag

TBILISI, DFWatch -- NATO's Parliamentary Assembly criticizes the new government for putting pressure on the public broadcaster and local government ...

In brief

Ex-minister accused of torture

by | Nov 13
bacho akhalaia 2012-11-07

TBILISI, DFWatch -- A jailed former minister was Monday handed additional charges under a section of the law which deals ...

In brief

Fogh Rasmussen concerned about detentions in Georgia

by | Nov 12
anders_fogh_rasmussen_in_Georgia_September_2012

TBILISI, DFWatch -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen expresses concern about the detention of political and military officials in ...

In brief

Officers accused of abusing staff suspended

by | Nov 12
giorgi kalandadze

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Two military officers who were detained together with a former interior minister for abuse of powers, were ...

In brief

Poti strike over

by | Nov 11
poti

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The strike among port workers in Poti has ended, as workers were promised a 20 percent pay ...

In brief

Ivanishvili visits Brussels November 12

by | Nov 9
bidzina ivanishvili - press conference 2012-10-02

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili's first visit abroad after assuming office will be to Brussels on November 12 ...

In brief

Georgia’s ambassador to the U.S. resigns

by | Nov 9
temur iakobashvili

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgia's ambassador to the U.S. resigned on Thursday. A new ambassador should be presented by the new ...

In brief

New Georgian PM plans NATO strategy

by | Nov 9
bidzina ivanishvili

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgia's NATO integration coordinating commission held its 39. session at the government office on Thursday. Chair of the ...

In brief

Hillary Clinton talks to Saakashvili and Georgia’s FM

by | Nov 5
hillary clinton

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Hillary Cliton has had a phone conversation with President and Foreign Affairs Minister of Georgia. The press office ...

In brief

Telecom investor offers more details about eavesdropping

by | Nov 2
mamia sanadiradze

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The former owner of a telecommunication company accuses other companies of illegal eavesdropping. Mamia Sanadiradze, founder and former ...

In brief

Ivanishvili unveils deputy ministers

by | Nov 1
bidzina ivanishvili - press conference 2012-10-02

TBILISI, DFWatch -- New candidates have been unveiled for deputy ministers in the new government. Despite an offer from Prime Minister ...

In brief

EU continues negotiations with Georgia

by | Oct 23
Thornike Gordadze

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Negotiations are continuing Tuesday between Georgia and the EU about an association agreement. This is the eleventh ...

In brief

Saakashvili presents Ivanishvili’s new government

by | Oct 23
mikheil saakashvili in parliament kutaisi

TBILISI, DFWatch -- President Mikheil Saakashvili on Monday officially presented the new government list to parliament together with a new ...

In brief

New government ready

by | Oct 22
manana manjgaladze

TBILISI, DFWatch -- The candidate for prime minister in Georgia has presented his list of government ministers to the president. The ...

In brief

Results show Georgian Dream short of two third majority

by | Oct 20
new_parliament_kutaisi

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Georgia's Central Election Commission (CEC) has approved the final results of the October 1 parliamentary election. According to ...

In brief

NATO envoy says Tbilisi has passed the test

by | Oct 18
james appathurai

TBILISI, DFWatch -- NATO envoy James Appathurai yesterday evening arrived in Georgia for a working visit to meet with former ...

In brief

Several earthquakes in Georgia and Azerbaijan

by | Oct 14
seismogram

TBILISI, DFWatch -- A 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border at about 14:15 on Sunday. The epicenter was 10 ...

In brief

Georgian soldier dies in Afghanistan

by | Oct 12
Georgia's ISAF mission

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Corporal Mindia Abashidze was the eighteenth Georgian soldier to die while serving in the NATO-led ISAF operation ...

In brief

EU signs 23 million euro aid package with Georgia

by | Oct 10
Marcus Cornaro

TBILISI, DFWatch -- Two financial agreements have been signed between Georgia and the EU. According to press office of the State ...

In brief

111 organizations to observe Georgia election

by | Sep 29
cesko_CEC

TBILISI, DFWatch - 111 different organizations have been approved as election observers for the parliamentary election in Georgia on Monday ...

In brief

NDI to hold election monitoring

by | Sep 29
NDI

TBILISI, DFWatch – The U.S. National Democratic Institute will observe Georgia’s parliamentary election on October 1. According to NDI’s Georgia office, ...

In brief

Students on hunger strike over detainees

by | Sep 24
protesters outside gldani tuesday 19.09.12

TBILISI, DFWatch - Seven students have been on hunger strike for two days, protesting against the justice minister. They demand the ...

In brief

Public broadcaster’s board warns against bias

by | Sep 24
GPB - public broadcaster

TBILISI, DFWatch – The Public Council of Georgia’s Public Broadcaster demands from GPB to cover news about prisoner abuse properly, ...

In brief

Prisoners go on hunger strike over abuse

by | Sep 23
gldani prison tower

TBILISI, DFWatch – The Public Defender’s Office informs that several prisoners at facility No 15 in Mtskheta near Tbilisi have ...

In brief

Police beat and arrested demonstrators

by | Sep 22
filarmonia protest 2012-09-18

TBILISI, DFWatch – Saturday, a crowd of demonstrators tried to move in on a public service building in Tbilisi as ...

In brief

Post-war observers in Georgia to stay another year

by | Sep 15
EUMM_observers

TBILISI, DFWatch - EU Monitoring Mission to Georgia (EUMM) will continue its activity for one more year until September 14, ...

In brief

Russian election observers rejected by Georgia

by | Sep 15
cesko_CEC

TBILISI, DFWatch - Georgia's Central Election Commission has rejected applications from two Russian organizations to register as observers for the ...

In brief

Slight modification in election arrangements

by | Sep 14
ballot_box-155x130

TBILISI, DFWatch - Georgia's Central Election Commission says 54 963 Georgians abroad have registered to vote at their country's embassy. The list ...

In brief

Support for killed U.S. diplomats

by | Sep 14
US_embassy_support

TBILISI, DFWatch - NGOs gathered at the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi to show their sympathy with the victims of the ...

In brief

NATO ambassadors in Georgia for election talks

by | Sep 14
nato_flag

TBILISI, DFWatch - NATO ambassadors are visiting Georgia, holding meetings with officials. The ambassadors have met with Public Defender Giorgi Tughushi, ...

In brief

Estonian FM Paet urges respect for election result

by | Sep 13
Urmas Paet

TBILISI DFWatch – The Foreign Affairs Minister of Estonia says every political party in Georgia should recognize the results of ...

In brief

Foreign ministers swarming to Georgia

by | Sep 11
mfa

TBILISI, DFWatch – The foreign affair ministers of five countries will visit Georgia September 17. Nino Kalandadze, Georgia's Deputy Foreign Affairs ...

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