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    Ivanishvili: Georgia needs support in dialogue with Russia

    By | April 23rd, 2013|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: |

    Prime Minister of Georgia, Bidzina Ivanishvili, says the new dialogue with Russia doesn’t mean his country no longer needs support from its partners. TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says the fact that there is a dialogue between Tbilisi and Moscow shouldn’t create the impression that the country doesn’t need support from its partners anymore. He said this in a speech at a session […]

      Police in Georgia detain brothel owners

      By | April 23rd, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

      The owner of this hotel was detained for providing space for organized prostitution. (Police.ge.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Police in Georgia have detained several hotel owners for providing space for organized prostitution. On Monday, the Interior Ministry informed that police from Adjara’s main police department had detained a man named Gela (born in 1984), […]

        Russia to discuss Georgia’s foreign policy in PACE

        By | April 22nd, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

        Prime Minister of Georgia, Bidzina Ivanishvili, is preparing for an important speech in Strasbourg tomorrow. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Russian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) plans to bring up the issue of changing Georgia’s foreign policy towards Russia during the ongoing session in Strasbourg. Alexey K. Pushkov, director of […]

          92% of Georgians trust Patriarch Ilia II

          By | April 22nd, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

          Patriarch Ilia II has long been the most trusted person in Georgia. (Photo courtesy of the Georgian Orthodox Church.) TBILISI, DFWatch–92 percent of Georgians say they like Patriarch Ilia II, who for many years has been the most trusted person in the country. According to a new survey published by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) on Monday, 75 percent say they like Prime […]

            Ivanishvili bloc leading ahead of Georgian presidential election

            By | April 22nd, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News, Politics|Tags: |

            National Democratic Institute’s Country Director for Georgia, Luis Navarro, presenting the poll on Monday. (DF Watch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–If public attitudes stay the same until fall, the Georgian Dream coalition’s candidate will win the presidential election clearly, without the need for a second round. 58 percent of Georgians say they would like to see the Georgian Dream candidate […]

              US State Dep hails Georgian election in new report

              By | April 22nd, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

              TBILISI, DFWatch–The U.S. State Department has published a report on human rights which describes the October election in Georgia as historic. The report deals with the parliamentary election in October, the prison torture, problems within the justice system […]

                Authorities in Georgia explain that ID cards are not sign of Antichrist

                By | April 21st, 2013|Categories: Society|Tags: |

                ID cards with micro chip are mandatory, but some believe they are a sign of the Antichrist. (Scene from the new commercial.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Ministry of Justice has produced a six-minute commercial to explain that a new ID card with a micro chip is not a sign of the Antichrist, as many locals believe. Clerics and part of the parish planned a rally at the Ministry of Justice […]

                  Saakashvili’s party allies attack former intelligence head

                  By | April 21st, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                  Tabula editor Tamar Chergoleishvili called Data Akhalaia a ‘maniaki’ (a serial killer). (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Supporters of President Mikheil Saakashvili’s party, the National Movement, are speaking out against a former head of the domestic intelligence service CSD/KUD, who criticized the party strongly last week. A message was posted to the Facebook […]

                    Ivanishvili to address PACE on Tuesday

                    By | April 20th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                    TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili will address the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg on Tuesday. His speech is expected to deal with the new reforms his government has begun of the courts and the constitution, […]

                      Georgia to consider legal recognition of church weddings

                      By | April 20th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                      Jvristsera, church weddings, are not legally recognized in today’s Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia may consider granting legal status to weddings conducted by the church. This issue will be studied in the near future by the commission which handles relations between the state and the Orthodox Church. Today, a marriage […]

                        Saakashvili says government is partly Russian-friendly

                        By | April 19th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                        The Ivanishvili government is ‘partly friendly towards Russia’, President Mikheil Saakashvili claimed at a rally of his party, the National Movement, on Friday. (DF Watch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–In a speech Friday, President Mikheil Saakashvili accused the Georgian government of being ‘partly friendly towards Russia’. He was speaking at a rally of his party, the United National Movement, in Tbilisi in order to show off popular support […]

                          Saakashvili’s supporters gathering in Tbilisi for rally

                          By | April 19th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                          TBILISI, DFWatch–The United National Movement (UNM) party of President Mikheil Saakashvili will be subject to intense scrutiny today as it launches this year’s election campaign outside the old parliament in Tbilisi. Two organizations have informed that they […]

                            Yushchenko offers to pay for hot bath massage

                            By | April 19th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: , |

                            Viktor Yushchenko, former president of Ukraine, wants to pay back USD 400 for a hot bath that was paid for by the state during Saakashvili’s government. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Viktor Yushchenko, the former president of Ukraine, has jumped into a political squabble in Georgia by saying he is willing to pay back USD 400 he was given for a visit to one of Tbilisi’s hot baths. The ex-president says through his spokesperson […]

                              Saakashvili allies rally in Tbilisi today

                              By | April 19th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                              TBILISI, DFWatch–Saakashvili’s National Movement party is holding a protest rally at the old parliament building in Tbilisi today. According to the Interior Ministry, several streets and squares will be blocked off in connection with the event. There will be no traffic […]

                                Soldiers detained for harassment on religious grounds

                                By | April 19th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                Locals in Tsikhisdziri after the incident. (TV9.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia has published details of the military employees who a few days ago harassed and physically abused people on religious grounds. According to a statement issued on Thursday, Onise Khabulava, Chairman […]

                                  TI criticizes absence of GNCC chairman

                                  By | April 18th, 2013|Categories: NGO news|Tags: |

                                  The office of Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC) in Tbilisi. (DFWatch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Transparency International Georgia (TIG) says the head of the commission that oversees and regulates the telecommunication and broadcasting sectors is not tending to his duties. TIG now calls on parliament to investigate if Irakli Chikovani […]

                                    Another store of unused emergency supplies found in Georgia

                                    By | April 18th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                    The emergency aid found in Gori last month. (Ministry of Refugees.) TBILISI, DFWatch–For the third time the Refugee Ministry has discovered a warehouse where there has been kept products and household items meant to be distributed to the refugees from the Russia-Georgia war in 2008, but instead has been locked away all this time. […]

                                      Saakashvili and Ivanishvili exchanging corruption accusations

                                      By | April 18th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                      President Mikheil Saakashvili (right) during a visit by Russian journalist Ksenia Sokolova (left) in October, 2010. The president’s protection service, the SSPS, covered her stay with USD 6 000 and in addition paid for a USD 1 800 necklace for her. TBILISI, DFWatch–Two days before a planned rally by President Mikheil Saakashvili’s United National Movement, the ruling Georgian Dream coalition accuses it of embezzlement of state money. But the UNM claims the government is presenting […]

                                        Saakashvili’s allies take leave from parliament

                                        By | April 18th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                        TBILISI, DFWatch–Members of Mikheil Saakashvili’s National Movement party have taken the last two days off from work in parliament in order to prepare for a big rally on April 19. One of the party’s leaders, Davit Bakradze, on Wednesday explained that for two […]

                                          Saakashvili: 100 000 Russian troops crossed border in 2008

                                          By | April 17th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|

                                          Tbilisi, DF Watch – President Mikheil Saakashvili says it was possible to avoid Russia-Georgian war of August 2008 only if Georgia would give up its statehood. He also remembered details of war saying that more than […]

                                            Merabishvili claims criticism is the result of pressure

                                            By | April 17th, 2013|Categories: News|

                                            Merabishvili claims UNM members are under pressure (DFWatch Photo) Tbilisi, DFWatch – Former Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili claims that a scathing attack on him by a former colleague was the result of pressure. A message posted to Facebook and allegedly written by Data Akhalaia, the former head of the domestic […]

                                              Soldiers terrorized village in hunt for non-Christians

                                              By | April 17th, 2013|Categories: Society|Tags: |

                                              Marina Dolidze, mother of Amiran. (Info9.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Locals in a village close to the Black Sea shore claim that a group of soldiers late at night verbally and physically abused seven locals based on religious views. The locals say three military police department employees stopped Levan Meskhidze […]

                                                Drivers on strike in Imereti

                                                By | April 17th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                Tamaz Khetsuriani, one of the drivers on strike in Imereti. (Maestro.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Problems are building for the local population as drivers on a minibus route between Zestaponi and Samtredia, two small towns in western Georgia, are on strike against a cut in their salaries. The strike is especially causing problems for small scale […]

                                                  Ex intelligence head attacks former interior minister

                                                  By | April 16th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: , , |

                                                  Data Akhalaia, former head of Georgia’s domestic intelligence service CSD/KUD, attacks former interior minister Vano Merabishvili in an open letter on Facebook. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A message posted on Facebook allegedly by a former official who fled from Georgia after the October elections has triggered a massive outcry in the country. The message purports to be written by Data Akhalaia, former head of Georgia’s domestic […]

                                                    42% of Georgians think Russia is an exaggerated threat

                                                    By | April 16th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                    TBILISI, DFWatch–42 percent of Georgians think that Russia is a threat to Georgia, but that the threat is exaggerated. 26 percent think Russia is a real threat to Georgia, while 23 percent think Russia is no threat to Georgia. 9 percent don’t know, while one percent refused to answer […]

                                                      Georgians support constitutional amendment

                                                      By | April 16th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: , |

                                                      TBILISI, DFWatch–Most Georgians agree with a new constitutional amendment, which was recently passed and reduced the rights of the president. People also support an initiative to reverse a decision to have parliament in the country’s second biggest city Kutaisi, […]

                                                        President Saakashvili won’t get a military parade this year

                                                        By | April 16th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                        TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia has not invited President Mikheil Saakashvili to the celebration of Independence Day May 26, which this year will not involve a military parade. Vice Speaker of Parliament Manana Kobakhidze said the president still […]

                                                          Ugulava calls investigation ‘betrayal’

                                                          By | April 15th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                          TBILISI, DFWatch–Mayor of Tbilisi Gigi Ugulava has threatened that any investigator involved in the planned new investigation of the 2008 Georgia-Russia war will be participating in ‘betrayal’ and will be ‘punished’ when the right time comes. The government of […]

                                                            Hammarberg: Investigation will not ask who started ’08 war

                                                            By | April 15th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                            Thomas Hammarberg, the EU’s special representative to Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Thomas Hammarberg, the EU’s Special Representative in Georgia, says both sides of in the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008 made mistakes and it is good if it will be investigated. Finishing off a visit, Hammarberg said at a press conference Sunday […]

                                                              Ivanishvili visits Germany

                                                              By | April 15th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                              TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili is visiting Germany to participate in a conference organized by the German Marshall Fund. Part of the delegation are also Speaker of Parliament Davit Usupashvili, Foreign Affair Minister Maia Panjikidze, […]

                                                                Controversy continues over 2008 war inquest

                                                                By | April 14th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                TBILISI, DFWatch–The Ivanishvili government’s decision to launch a new investigation into the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008 is receiving a lot of criticism from opponents and former government officials, who claim that the decision is ‘anti-state’ and will […]

                                                                  Turkey allows Georgian specialists in monastery works

                                                                  By | April 13th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                  Ishkhani is a Georgian monastery from the 7th century which lies inside Turkey. (Photo: Buba Kudava.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Turkey has agreed to allow Georgian specialists to participate in the restoration of a Georgian the 7th century Ishkhani Monastery on its territory. A meeting was held on Friday at the Ministry of Culture of Turkey in Ankara, where representatives […]

                                                                    Georgia considers a softer way to mark its national day

                                                                    By | April 13th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                    TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s president, Mikheil Saakashvili, says Georgia has a government which is ashamed of conducting an independence day parade and this way gives up the key to its independence. Georgia marks its independence day on May 26. […]

                                                                      Kutaisi mayor deposed by city assembly

                                                                      By | April 13th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                                                                      TBILISI, DFWatch–The city assembly in Kutaisi, Georgia’s second largest city, has dismissed its mayor by 14 votes against five. Besik Bregadze, former Kutaisi mayor, said that he now has an opportunity to rest, but still doesn’t know if he will remain […]

                                                                        Woman detained for forcing daugther to appear in child pornography

                                                                        By | April 12th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                        TBILISI, DFWatch–Police in Georgia have detained a 45 year old woman who is suspected of making and selling pornographic photo and video material of her 11 year old daughter. A 42 year old man was simultaneously detained in Israel, suspected of distributing […]

                                                                          Saakashvili refuses to cooperate with 2008 war inquest

                                                                          By | April 12th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: , |

                                                                          Georgia’s president Mikheil Saakashvili and Poland’s president Bronisław Komorowski in Warsaw Friday. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili says he doesn’t plan to cooperate with a new investigation of the Russia-Georgia war in August, 2008. “I, as president, distance myself completely from the statement by the prime minister that it was a fault […]

                                                                            PayPal enters Georgia

                                                                            By | April 12th, 2013|Categories: Economy, News|Tags: , |

                                                                            USA2Georgia, one of the companies that offers online shopping to Georgians. (DFWatch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The e-commerce company PayPal will now offer its services in the country Georgia. It is not easy to get onto the company’s list of countries it covers, Deputy Economy Minister Dimitry Kumsishvili said Thursday. “But thanks to the efforts […]

                                                                              Eight villages in Georgia had crops damaged by hail

                                                                              By | April 12th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                              The large hail stones caused damage to mainly peach trees and vineyards. TBILISI, DFWatch–Eight villages were affected by the hailstorm April 10, which lasted about 20 minutes and destroyed crops, mainly peach trees and vineyards. Among the villages that were damaged were Ruispiri, Ikalto, Kondoli and Tsinandali. In some of the villages, […]

                                                                                Restoration halted at Georgian monastery in Turkey

                                                                                By | April 11th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                Ishkhani Monastery in Turkey is undergoing restoration work. TBILISI, DFWatch–The rehabilitation of the Georgian Ishkhani Monastery on Turkish territory has been partly suspended. The Ministry of Culture a few days ago asked for a halt in rehabilitation work at the 7th century monastery until Georgian specialists have had […]

                                                                                  Four prison staff suspected of torture and rape in Georgia

                                                                                  By | April 11th, 2013|Categories: News, Prisoner abuse|Tags: |

                                                                                  TBILISI, DFWatch–Police in Georgia have detained two prison employees for torturing and raping a prisoner in 2012. The detentions took place at Ksani prison north of the capital. Two other employees are being searched for in the same case. The Prosecutor’s Office […]

                                                                                    Russia allows import of Georgia’s Borjomi mineral water

                                                                                    By | April 11th, 2013|Categories: Economy, News|Tags: |

                                                                                    The Georgian mineral water Borjomi will soon be on sale in Russian supermarkets. TBILISI, DFWatch–After a second round of inspection, the Georgian mineral water Borjomi has been allowed to export to Russia. The watershed decision became known in Russian media on Thursday. Russian customer rights’ service known as Rospotrebnadzor has completed […]

                                                                                      Hail storm destroyed crops in Georgia

                                                                                      By | April 11th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                      The hail left a 7-8 cm thick layer on the ground some places. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A hailstorm Wednesday destroyed harvest and flooded the first floors of houses in the village Ruispiri in eastern Georgia. Information Center of Kakheti reports that the hailstorm lasted 20 minutes and ripped the flowers off trees. “The hail […]

                                                                                        Ivanishvili defends new inquest into 2008 war

                                                                                        By | April 11th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: , |

                                                                                        TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili has defended an initiative to investigate what happened during the war in 2008 between Russia and Georgia. The small Caucasus nation fought a brief war against Russia in August that year, and as Russia […]

                                                                                          Georgia to study mistakes made in 2008 war

                                                                                          By | April 10th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: , |

                                                                                          The evaluation will not touch on the question of whether Russia started the war, which Defense Minister Irakli Alasania says is proven by the facts. (Info9.) TBILISI, DFWatch–In the next few days, Georgia will begin an evaluation of its own military actions during the war with Russia in August, 2008. Georgian military experts who have studied the August war have for a long time said it is necessary to have an official […]

                                                                                            Ivanishvili dares Saakashvili to announce new election

                                                                                            By | April 10th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                                                                                            TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili has a clear message to President Mikheil Saakashvili: If you want to dismiss the government and announce a new election for parliament, go ahead and see what happens. Ivanishvili said he would welcome […]

                                                                                              Saakashvili carries on visit with broken arm

                                                                                              By | April 10th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                              Georgia’s president, Mikheil Saakashvili (left), two days after he broke his arm in three places in a bicycle accident. Turkish president Abdullah Gül right. TBILISI, DFWatch–Despite having a broken arm, Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili carried on his tour of Turkey Tuesday and met his Turkish counterpart, Abdullah Gül. On Sunday, Saakashvili crashed with a trailer in Antalya during his daily bicycle exercise. […]

                                                                                                Schwarzenberg tells Georgia Czech Republic can not mediate

                                                                                                By | April 9th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: , , |

                                                                                                Czech foreign minister Karel Schwarzenberg says his country can not mediate between Georgia and Russia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia only respects larger states, therefore the Czech Republic cannot be mediator between Georgia and Russia, Czech foreign minister Karel Schwarzenberg said on Tuesday. The minister, who is visiting Georgia, said this at a joint press conference […]

                                                                                                  April 9 remembered in Georgia, 24 years on

                                                                                                  By | April 9th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                  People gathered outside the old parliament in Tbilisi to pay tribute to those who were killed on April 9, 1989. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–April 9 Georgia remembered that it was 24 years since Soviet troops dispersed a peaceful protest in Tbilisi, and 22 years since the day when Georgia restored its independence. People started arriving late night yesterday at the April 9 memorial […]

                                                                                                    Georgia to guarantee free textbooks for all pupils

                                                                                                    By | April 9th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                    Education Minister Giorgi Margvelashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s education minister Giorgi Margvelashvili has announced that school books will be free for every pupil in 2013-2014. He made the announcement at a press conference at one of the schools in Tbilisi on Monday. Margvelashvili underlined […]

                                                                                                      30 town officials in Sagarejo replaced

                                                                                                      By | April 9th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: , |

                                                                                                      TBILISI, DFWatch–International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) says people are still being fired for political reasons in Georgia and calls on the government to prevent it. The call comes after the dismissal of several employees of the local […]

                                                                                                        Saakashvili hospitalized with broken arm after bike ride

                                                                                                        By | April 8th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                        Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili broke his arm Monday as he was out cycling in Antalya, Turkey. TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili has broken his arm while riding a bicycle during a visit to Turkey. He is undergoing medical treatment in Istanbul and all his meetings are postponed. The accident was reported by Turkish media, […]

                                                                                                          Georgia will re-investigate 2008 war and question Saakashvili

                                                                                                          By | April 8th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: , |

                                                                                                          Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s justice minister says it is necessary to question President Mikheil Saakashvili about the Russian-Georgian war in August 2008. Minister of Justice Thea Tsulukiani on Monday told local journalists that when the time comes for questioning […]

                                                                                                            CEC approves candidates for Georgian by-election

                                                                                                            By | April 8th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                            Tamar Kordzaia is Georgian Dream’s candidate for the Nadzaladevi district in the capital Tbilisi. (Georgian Dream photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Central Election Commission in Georgia has confirmed the list of candidates for the by-elections on April 27. The two major political blocs in Georgia presented their majoritarian candidates one week ago. The election is needed because three […]

                                                                                                              PACE co-rapporteurs visiting Georgia

                                                                                                              By | April 8th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                              TBILISI, DFWatch–Michael Aastrup Jensen and Boriss Cilevics from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will arrive in Georgia on Monday for a five-day visit. On Monday, the co-rapporteurs have planned to hold meetings with Prime Minister Bidzina […]

                                                                                                                Saakashvili visits Turkey

                                                                                                                By | April 8th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                President Mikheil Saakashvili met with Georgians in the Turkish city Bursa. (President’s photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s president Mikheil Saakashvili is on an official visit to Turkey, and has already held meetings with the Turkish prime minister and ethnic Georgians living in the northern industrial city Bursa. After meeting with the prime minister, […]

                                                                                                                  Uncertainty remains about restoration of Rabati castle

                                                                                                                  By | April 7th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                  From the reopening of Rabati castle in August, 2012. (President’s photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Friday a round table discussion was held about the rehabilitation of historic Rabati castle in the south of Georgia, but it ended without agreement. Representatives of the Culture Ministry, arts experts, archeologists, clerics, as well as the Secretary […]

                                                                                                                    Georgian parliament passes court reform bill

                                                                                                                    By | April 7th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                    TBILISI, DFWatch–Parliament has finally passed the bill about common courts after months of discussions. But the law still requires the president’s signature in order to come into force, which it is expected that President Mikheil Saakashvili will refuse to provide. […]

                                                                                                                      Six Georgians released by South Ossetia

                                                                                                                      By | April 6th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                      TBILISI, DFWatch–The de facto government of Georgia’s breakaway region South Ossetia has released six Georgians who were detained for ‘illegally crossing the border.’ Two of them have been detained since September 19, 2012. Malkhaz Titvelashvili and Givi […]

                                                                                                                        Georgia defends Ivanishvili’s Virgin Islands assets

                                                                                                                        By | April 6th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                        TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government on Friday defended Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili after he was listed in an article in the Guardian as one of the people who own secret companies registered on the British Virgin Islands. The reason he didn’t disclose […]

                                                                                                                          Georgia to conduct census in November 2014

                                                                                                                          By | April 6th, 2013|Categories: Society|Tags: |

                                                                                                                          TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia will conduct a population census November 5-19, 2014. An action plan is already ready and preparations for the census will start in 2013. Minister for Regional Development and Infrastructure Davit Narmania and Head of the National […]

                                                                                                                            Number of prisoners halved in Georgia

                                                                                                                            By | April 5th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                            TBILISI, DFWatch–The number of prisoners in Georgia was reduced by 56.2 percent in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, according to the Ministry of Corrections. The number of prisoners has been a cause of alarm during the last years. […]

                                                                                                                              Agreement about not changing the course of Mtkvari

                                                                                                                              By | April 5th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                              The Mtkvari is the longest river in Georgia. TBILISI, DFWatch–The course of one of the main rivers in Georgia will not be changed, the energy minister said at a meeting with members of President Saakashvili’s party on Thursday. Mtkvari is the longest river in Georgia, and crosses the whole country from west […]

                                                                                                                                Saakashvili loses control of Kutaisi

                                                                                                                                By | April 5th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                TBILISI, DFWatch–Saakashvili’s National Movement party has lost its majority in Kutaisi city assembly. This is the second largest city in Georgia, and where the parliament currently is located. A nearby air field also newly connected the city by international […]

                                                                                                                                  Turkey confirms Rabati castle agreement

                                                                                                                                  By | April 5th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                  Rabati castle in Akhaltsikhe, Georgia. (Ministry of Culture.) Turkey’s ambassador to Georgia confirms that experts from Turkey have visited Rabati castle and requested certain ‘changes and improvements’ for the complex. Two days ago, a spokesperson for President Mikheil Saakashvili presented a draft of an agreement […]

                                                                                                                                    Police chief hospitalized after quarrel with lawyers

                                                                                                                                    By | April 4th, 2013|Categories: NGO news|

                                                                                                                                    Tbilisi, DFWatch – The head of Adjara police has been taken to hospital with convulsions and strong anxiety after he was accused of violence and an organization demanded his suspension. Doctors say police chief Valerian Telia, who was brought […]

                                                                                                                                      Saakashvili’s party criticizes easing of A, SO travel rules

                                                                                                                                      By | April 4th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                      TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili’s party is critical to a process to amend the law on the occupied territories. The amendment deals with rules for how to travel to the breakaway regions Abkhazia and South Ossetia and punishment for breaking the rules. […]

                                                                                                                                        Government prepares to move parliament back to the capital

                                                                                                                                        By | April 4th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                        TBILISI, DFWatch–The government has announced a USD 3 million tender for the rehabilitation reconstruction of the old parliament building in Tbilisi. On Mikheil Saakashvili’s initiative, a new parliament was built in Kutaisi, the second largest city in the country. […]

                                                                                                                                          Prisoner abuse a persistent problem in Georgia

                                                                                                                                          By | April 3rd, 2013|Categories: News, Prisoner abuse|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                          TBILISI, DFWatch–Several hundred prisoners have complained to the public defender’s office from September of 2012 until the end of the year saying they were subject to mistreatment by prison staff. The disturbing figures are included in the ombudsman’s annual […]

                                                                                                                                            Saakashvili’s party withdraws bill about white collar crime amnesty

                                                                                                                                            By | April 3rd, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                            TBILISI, DFWatch–President Saakashvili’s United National Movement (UNM) party is withdrawing a proposal to give amnesty to people guilty of financial fraud, saying it would fail to get the necessary votes. Member of Parliament for UNM Zurab Japaridze on Wednesday […]

                                                                                                                                              Saakashvili: ‘Government plans drastic changes at historic castle’

                                                                                                                                              By | April 3rd, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                              President Mikheil Saakashvili at the reopening of Rabati Castle in August 2012. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili claims that the Ivanishvili government plans to make a deal with Turkey about removing Christian symbols from the historic Rabati Castle, but the Ministry of Culture claims Rabati won’t be destroyed in any of case. […]

                                                                                                                                                Long overdue Georgia census in the works

                                                                                                                                                By | April 3rd, 2013|Categories: Society|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                TBILISI, DFWatch–In 2014, Georgia will conduct its first population census in 25 years. This was decided by the State Coordination Commission on Tuesday. Head of the commission is Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. The last census was conducted in 1989 […]

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

                                                                                                                                                  By | April 2nd, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                  TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is waiting for confirmation from the European Union about whether to send military advisers to Mali to assist the Union’s mission there. Georgia told the EU in December it would contribute militarily to the fight against an Islamist insurgency […]

                                                                                                                                                    More people complaining about police harassing them

                                                                                                                                                    By | April 2nd, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: , |

                                                                                                                                                    Five policemen who detained Tengiz Gunava, a former Interior Ministry employee, were later fired. Many Georgians are now complaining about police violating procedural rules. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A new report says a growing number of people are complaining about assaults and threats from the police. The troubling statistic appears in the Georgian ombudsman’s annual report to parliament, which takes stock of the human rights situation […]

                                                                                                                                                      Georgia won’t jail for illegal entering in occupied territories

                                                                                                                                                      By | April 2nd, 2013|Categories: News|

                                                                                                                                                      Tbilisi, DFWatch – Georgia eases sanctions for entering its breakaway regions without proper procedures prescribed by the law on occupied territories. Violating this law first time will entail administrative sanctions, not criminal persecution and imprisonment as it is now. […]

                                                                                                                                                        Russia balks Borjomi comeback to its market

                                                                                                                                                        By | April 2nd, 2013|Categories: Economy, News|

                                                                                                                                                        Tbilisi, DFWatch – Rospotrebnadzor, a Russian state customer rights’ service, unexpectedly blocked comeback of Borjomi, the best-known Georgian mineral water brand, to the Russian market for undefined period. Even though Borjomi […]

                                                                                                                                                          Church against minority languages charter

                                                                                                                                                          By | April 1st, 2013|Categories: News|

                                                                                                                                                            Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II says it is unacceptable to renew talks about adopting the language charter (IPN photo) Tbilisi, DFWatch – Illia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgian Orthodox Church, considers unacceptable to renew talks about adopting the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, […]

                                                                                                                                                            Saakashvili may be interrogated for 2008 war and Imedi TV seizure, prosecutor says

                                                                                                                                                            By | April 1st, 2013|Categories: News|

                                                                                                                                                            Tbilisi, DFWatch – As Archil Kbilashvili, the Chief Prosecutor, said the president might be interrogated on the 2008 war between Georgia and Russia, seizure of independent TV by Saakashvili’s close ally and ‘some other cases’. […]

                                                                                                                                                              No religious split-lines, ROC says to Abkhaz

                                                                                                                                                              By | March 31st, 2013|Categories: News|

                                                                                                                                                              Tbilisi, DFWatch – Abkhaz de facto leader was evidently informed that Russian Orthodox Church, unlike the Kremlin which recognized Abkhazia as an independent country, wouldn’t tolerate drawing ecclesiastical borders along political split-lines, at least formally. […]

                                                                                                                                                                More communication with Europe needed, GNP argues

                                                                                                                                                                By | March 30th, 2013|Categories: NGO news|

                                                                                                                                                                Tbilisi, DFWatch – Georgia’s National Platform, an umbrella group of the tens of local NGOs, claims that information about current events of Georgia is incorrectly reported abroad and such situation evokes many challenges during a process […]

                                                                                                                                                                  7 members called for questioning, embattled UNM still holds ground in Tbilisi Sakrebulo

                                                                                                                                                                  By | March 30th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|

                                                                                                                                                                  Zaal Samadashvili will retain the post of City Assembly Chairman for the next three months (Official Photo) Tbilisi, DFWatch – Seven members of Tbilisi City Assembly, all from the Saakashvili’s United National Movement, were summoned on Friday for interrogation to the investigative body of the Ministry […]

                                                                                                                                                                    Third Georgian released by South Ossetia

                                                                                                                                                                    By | March 29th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|

                                                                                                                                                                    Tbilisi, DFWatch – A Georgian was released from prison by the breakaway region South Ossetia Friday. This was the third Georgian prisoner to be released in the same number of days. The de facto authorities of the region on Friday released Ushangi Dotiashvili, […]

                                                                                                                                                                      MoD proposes draft law increasing accountability to Parliament

                                                                                                                                                                      By | March 29th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|

                                                                                                                                                                      Tbilisi, DFWatch – Ministry of Defense prepared two draft laws which, it argues, will increase its accountability before the parliament. The draft is about public and secret procurement […]

                                                                                                                                                                        Georgia counting damage of the storm

                                                                                                                                                                        By | March 29th, 2013|Categories: News|

                                                                                                                                                                        Storm damaged boulevard of Batumi (President Press-office Photo) Tbilisi, DFWatch – The extent of damage after a storm March 23 continues to increase and has now reached about USD 4 million, according to the latest estimate. Energy Minister Kakhi Kaladze on Thursday informed that the worst losses was damaged houses […]

                                                                                                                                                                          Georgia’s Mali mission finally decided, no details clear so far

                                                                                                                                                                          By | March 28th, 2013|Categories: News|

                                                                                                                                                                          Tbilisi, DFWatch – Georgia’s participation in the EU led mission in Mali is finally decided but the details has been yet to be defined, nor is it clear how many Georgian officers will participate in operation in the war-torn African nation, Vako Avaliani, Advisor of the Defense Minister, told DF Watch. […]

                                                                                                                                                                            Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey plan closer cooperation

                                                                                                                                                                            By | March 28th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|

                                                                                                                                                                            Tbilisi, DFWatch – Foreign ministers of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey will be meeting on Thursday in Batumi, a city on the Black Sea coast. […]

                                                                                                                                                                              Missing fisherman found dead after storm

                                                                                                                                                                              By | March 28th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                              The body belonged to a man who was seen falling overboard in the middle of a storm four days earlier. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The crew of a Georgian fishing boat Wednesday discovered the body of a man, 55, drifting in the Black Sea. The deceased, Davit Geladze, had been lost at sea during the storm of March 23 and was the subject of a search operation at the time his […]

                                                                                                                                                                                Saakashvili signs constitutional amendment

                                                                                                                                                                                By | March 27th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|

                                                                                                                                                                                Tbilisi, DFWatch – President Mikheil Saakashvili has signed the constitutional amendment which reduces his power, and it will be enforced as soon as it is published on Georgia’s legislative website. Speaker of Parliament […]

                                                                                                                                                                                  Georgia half-way through Russia’s quality control for wine

                                                                                                                                                                                  By | March 27th, 2013|Categories: Economy, News|

                                                                                                                                                                                  Tbilisi, DFWatch – A second group of Russian experts who should have arrived in Georgia on March 25 to monitor about 40 companies have rescheduled their visit for the beginning of April. […]

                                                                                                                                                                                    OSCE supports reform of public broadcaster

                                                                                                                                                                                    By | March 27th, 2013|Categories: Media, News|

                                                                                                                                                                                    Tbilisi, DFWatch – OSCE supports a draft law to reform Georgia’s public broadcaster, but has some critical remarks. The organization’s media freedom representative, Dunja Mijatović, thinks the amendments of the law on broadcasting can provide for pluralism and transparency […]

                                                                                                                                                                                      Agriculture University gets back authorization

                                                                                                                                                                                      By | March 27th, 2013|Categories: Society|

                                                                                                                                                                                      Agriculture University students perform at Education Ministry (DFWatch Photo) Tbilisi, DFWatch –  The Agricultural University got its authorization back on March 26, two weeks after it was suspended by the authorization commission. The university is now allowed to carry on with all its 25 accredited programs. […]

                                                                                                                                                                                        Saakashvili presents a list of five new ambassadors

                                                                                                                                                                                        By | March 26th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|

                                                                                                                                                                                        Tbilisi, DFWatch -President Saakashvili on Monday presented parliament with a list of five new ambassadors. The candidates are Khatuna Salukvadze for Lithuania, Zurab Pataradze for Kazakhstan, Irakli Koplatadze for Turkey, Teimuraz Sharashenidze for Azerbaijan […]

                                                                                                                                                                                          Swiss ambassador rushes to defend Ivanishvili against some European politicians

                                                                                                                                                                                          By | March 26th, 2013|Categories: News|

                                                                                                                                                                                          Tbilisi, DFWatch – Swiss Ambassador’s appealed to Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, besieged by some MEPs mostly from influential European People’s Party, with an open letter which he wrote […]

                                                                                                                                                                                            Saakashvili awards Bagrati architects medals

                                                                                                                                                                                            By | March 26th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                            TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili has awarded the architects behind the rehabilitation of Bagrati Cathedral the Medal of Excellence shortly after the cathedral rehabilitation was awarded the international prize Domus Restoration and Conservation. […]

                                                                                                                                                                                              Parliament waiting for Saakashvili to sign constitution

                                                                                                                                                                                              By | March 26th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: , |

                                                                                                                                                                                              Speaker of Parliament Davit Usupashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The governing coalition in Georgia says parliament will listen to President Mikheil Saakashvili’s annual address as soon as a set of recently passed constitutional amendments are signed into law and enforced. February 8, Saakashvili should have […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                Constitutional amendments are finally passed

                                                                                                                                                                                                By | March 26th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                TBILISI, DFWatch–The constitutional amendments which reduce the powers of President Mikheil Saakashvili were passed on Monday by 114 votes against 0 at the third and final hearing. When the amendments come into force, the president can no longer change […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Saakashvili removes the bill on courts from the parliament’s schedule

                                                                                                                                                                                                  By | March 25th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Tbilisi, DFWAtch – President Saakashvili on Monday barred Parliament from voting on the bill which according to the government will ‘depoliticize’ courts while United National Movement, the former ruling party […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Georgians outraged as one year old boy dies of hunger

                                                                                                                                                                                                    By | March 25th, 2013|Categories: Society|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                    The protesters demand simpler procedures for obtaining social assistance. (DF Watch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–It has caused strong reactions in Georgia that a one year old child died of hunger late at night on March 22. All over the country people are demonstrating against hunger and poverty. According to the doctors, one year-old Gogita Abashidze died […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Hundreds of houses damaged by storm

                                                                                                                                                                                                      By | March 25th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                      The storm also hit Batumi. (Photo: Vako Kavzharadze.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A storm that hit Georgia’s Black Sea coast has inflicted losses of USD 1.8 million in the Adjara region alone, according to preliminary estimates. Archil Khabadze, Chairman of the Adjaria government, said at a briefing Saturday that 43 houses […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metal workers fired as others block railway

                                                                                                                                                                                                        By | March 25th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Striking workers are blocking a railway line in Poti. TBILISI, DFWatch–The management of the metallurgical plant in Poti has fired nine employees the day after the port workers there went on strike. This decision led to a renewal of the workers’ rally, who at first demanded better working conditions and normal salary, […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Fierce storm hits Georgia

                                                                                                                                                                                                          By | March 24th, 2013|Categories: News|

                                                                                                                                                                                                          The storm has damaged Black Sea coast in Georgia (Photo: IPN) Tbilisi, DFWatch – A tearing storm that hit Georgia on Sunday morning and has damaged infrastructure in Batumi city, the most popular tourist sight on Georgia’s Black Sea coast. No casualties reported yet, one fishermen disappeared, Ajara autonomous republic’s local authorities stated. […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Russia asks for renewed visa talks with Georgia

                                                                                                                                                                                                            By | March 24th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                            TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia again has offered to cancel visa requirements for Georgian citizens, if Georgia creates legal guarantees for Russian citizens to safely visiting the country, which means that Georgia will have to amend its law on the occupied territories. […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Workers protest in Poti

                                                                                                                                                                                                              By | March 23rd, 2013|Categories: News, Society|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Port and metal workers in Poti went on strike Saturday to demand better conditions. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Port and metal workers in Poti went on strike Saturday, demanding to improve their work conditions and have a normal salary. Journalists from the port city report that workers at the Georgian-Indian owned metallurgical plant were on strike the whole […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Saakashvili finds new role from the sidelines

                                                                                                                                                                                                                By | March 23rd, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                President Mikheil Saakashvili and his wife Sandra Roelofs. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili says he sees his role as different now than when he was in government. “My goal is to watch over the framework of our constitution and ensure that the government has an effective opposition and that the […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agriculture students continue studies, protesting

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  By | March 23rd, 2013|Categories: Society|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  TBILISI, DFWatch–While the students at the Agricultural University are waiting to see if their learning institution will get its accreditation back, they are continuing to attend lectures and demonstrating outside the Education Ministry. Chances are good that […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Georgia negotiated about EU Association Agreement

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    By | March 23rd, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Davit Zalkaliani. (Ministry photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia held a final round of negotiations about an association agreement with the EU March 21-22. This latest round, which dealt with the political part of the agreement, saw some progress which means that Georgia is better prepared for the Eastern […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Two Georgian battalions depart for Afghanistan

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      By | March 22nd, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A farewell ceremony was held at Vaziani military base outside of Tbilisi. (Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The 33rd and 42nd battalions of Georgia’s III and IV infantry brigades are today getting ready to depart for Afghanistan to participate in NATO’s ISAF mission. According to the Defense Ministry, both battalions have been through a six-month […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        EU Commission makes recommendations to Georgia

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        By | March 22nd, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        EU’s Ambassador to Georgia, Philip Dimitrov. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The European Commission recommends that Georgia amends its law on the occupied territories, improves errors in its election legislation, reforms its justice system, and avoids selective justice. The Commission writes this in a new report about the […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Georgian tug of war on constitution ends in compromise

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          By | March 22nd, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili’s coalition Thursday accepted a demand from President Mikheil Saakashvili’s National Movement party, which let it pass a set of constitutional amendments which reduces the rights of the president. After the […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            US ambassador: Georgia has strong and competitive government

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            By | March 21st, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            US Ambassador to Georgia, Richard Norland. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–US Ambassador Richard Norland says Georgia has a strong and competitive government, a competitive parliament, independent media and justice system, and a strong and experienced opposition. Norland said this during a meeting in parliament Thursday. […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Saakashvili ‘bought 25 000 SIM cards to build Facebook support’

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              By | March 21st, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: , , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Finance Minister Nodar Khaduri (left) and Defense Minister Irakli Alasania inspecting a military camp earlier this month. (Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Defense Minister Irakli Alasania Thursday told parliament that the defense ministry last year purchased 25 000 SIM cards for mobile phones in order to build up Facebook support before the election. Speaking during a meeting with the defense committee […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Constitutional amendments may fail

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                By | March 21st, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                TBILISI, DFWatch–The constitutional amendments to limit the president’s power to dismiss parliament may fail to be passed. The reason is that Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvivi’s Georgian Dream coalition lacks the votes to pass the amendments, while Saakashvili’s […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  More stowed-away post-war supplies discovered in Georgia

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  By | March 21st, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Emergency aid given after the 2008 war has been rotting away in several storehouses around Georgia. (Info9.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Local government and Refugee Ministry representatives have discovered another locked warehouse full of undistributed equipment and supplies intended for people affected by the 2008 Russia-Georgia war. This is the second such discovery. In late 2012 […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agricultural University’s fate to be decided on Tuesday

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  By | March 21st, 2013|Categories: Society|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Students staged a mock lecture in the street in front of the Education Ministry. (Tabula TV.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Education Quality Development Center will March 26 at 18:00 decide whether to reinstate the Agricultural University’s accreditation. The center on Wednesday informed that five issues will be on the agenda of Tuesday’s session, including the issue […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    After mass amnesty, some ex-prisoners go back to jail

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    By | March 20th, 2013|Categories: Society|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Prisoners released in the 2013 amnesty. (Photo is unrelated to the story in the article.) (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tengiz, a man now in his early sixties, was sentenced to 11 years in jail for burglary in 2007. December 7, 2012, he was pardoned by the president because of a difficult health condition after being recommended by Prison Minister Sozar Subari. Two […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Saakashvili’s party agrees to constitutional changes

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      By | March 20th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Member of Parliament Davit Bakradze says the National Movement party will give exactly as many votes to the governing coalition as it needs. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili’s party has agreed to support a set of the constitutional amendments which will limit the powers of the president, but only if Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili’s coalition lacks the required votes. The Georgian […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Georgia’s new ambassador to the US

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        By | March 20th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Georgia’s new ambassador to the US, Archil Gegeshidze. (Radio Liberty.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s new ambassador to the US will continue his activity just like his predecessors did. Newly appointed ambassador Archil Gegeshidze Tuesday said President Mikheil Saakashvili for month didn’t sign the document about […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Former AC Milan player Kaladze to hold final match

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          By | March 20th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          TBILISI, DFWatch–The former AC Milan player who is became Georgia’s Energy Minister plans to hold a farewell football match in the end of May. Kakhi Kaladze, who played for Milan in 2001-2010 and 2010-2012 for Genoa, originally planned to hold a final symbolic […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Ivanishvili’s US visit postponed

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            By | March 19th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili currently has no specific plan to visit the United States. However, there visiting the US is on the list of future plans, according to Archil Gegeshidze, Georgia’s new ambassador to the US. After the […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Georgia’s foreign minister visits Azerbaijan

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              By | March 19th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Georgia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maia Panjikidze, and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev. (Ministry photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maia Panjikidze on Tuesday met with the president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to discuss bilateral relations and further cooperation. During her visit to Azerbaijan, Panjikidze also met with the prime minister […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Georgia confirms nine new ambassadors

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                By | March 19th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                TBILISI, DFWatch–President of Georgia on Monday approved the list of nine new ambassadors, by signing the document which parliament passed February 20. The new ambassadors are those serving in Belgium, Ukraine, France, US, Hungary, Austria, Latvia, Czech Republic […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Georgia to send military instructors to Mali

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  By | March 19th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is considering taking part in military operations held under the auspices of the European Union. First Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Davit Zalkaliani Monday informed the media about planned activities of the ministry. He said that Georgia […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Georgian government answers European People’s Party

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    By | March 18th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    TBILISI, DFWatch–After an exchange of open letters between Georgian government officials and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the European People’s Party, the Georgian government has now published a long memorandum to argue its case against criticism […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Storm hits Black Sea coast

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      By | March 18th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The yacht club in Batumi is closed because of a storm. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A storm hit Georgia Sunday evening and is threatening to inflict damage. Rescue personnel are mobilized in several regions of the country. According to local media, the wind has a speed of 20 meters per second on the Black Sea coast in the Adjara […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Student protest continues despite promises

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        By | March 18th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Students at the Agriculture University continue to protest today, despite promises to restore the school’s accreditation. TBILISI, DFWatch–The Center for Education Quality Development on Saturday informed that the Agriculture University has corrected errors which led to its accreditation being suspended, and the authorization process will start on Monday. The center’s March 12 decision […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Lawmakers start work on constitutional amendments

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          By | March 18th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          TBILISI, DFWatch–Parliament in Georgia will today start reviewing a draft bill for amending the constitution and reduce the president’s right to dismiss the government any time he wants without confirmation from the parliament. The bill, which is signed by 78 MPs, […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Ivanishvili to address PACE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            By | March 17th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s prime minister will participate at a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg from April 20. Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili will address the assembly, according to Tina Khidasheli, a member […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Georgian parliament speaker finishes ‘interesting’ US visit

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              By | March 16th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian speaker of parliament said his week-long visit to the US has been ‘beneficial, interesting and timely.’ Speaker Davit Usupashvili was Saturday meeting with the media after holding nearly 50 meetings with the US Congress, State […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Robakidze video has been edited, examination shows

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                By | March 16th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                TBILISI, DFWatch–A forensic examination has concluded that a video clip of a police operation in 2004 which ended the life of Buta Robakidze has been edited. The Prosecutor’s Office on Friday published the results of an examination of the video, which was released […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bushfire in southwest Georgia

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  By | March 16th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Firefighters have cut down trees to try to contain the fire. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Firefighters are trying to contain a bushfire that is spreading in the Adjara region in south western Georgia on the Black Sea shores, bur wind is making their work is made difficult. Journalists for the local newspaper Batumelebi and the news agency […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The UK’s position on current developments in Georgia

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    By | March 15th, 2013|Categories: Interviews|Tags: , , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Simon Fraser, the UK’s Permanent Under Secretary and Head of the Diplomatic Service, is visiting Georgia. (DF Watch photo.) DF Watch spoke to Simon Fraser, the United Kingdom’s Permanent Under Secretary and Head of the Diplomatic Service, and David Moran, the UK’s Ambassador to Georgia, about the current situation. DF Watch: What is the view of the UK of our domestic processes as we for the […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Snow blocks two roads in Georgia

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      By | March 15th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      TBILISI, DFWatch–A road in the Mtskheta region close to the capital is closed for all traffic after an avalanche. Also part of a road in Gudauri-Kobi in northern Georgia is blocked by masses of snow. The Road Department on Friday said clearance work is in progress. […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        European People’s Party continues educating Georgian leader

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        By | March 15th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wilfried Martens, Belgian veteran politician and co-founder of the European People’s Party, is a staunch supporter of Georgia’s president, Mikheil Saakashvili. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The European People’s Party has published a declaration that highlights a divide in how current events in Georgia are understood in Brussels and Tbilisi. The EPP has adopted a declaration that makes it clear that the party thinks Georgia is no […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Time schedule for visa liberalization plan ready

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          By | March 15th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Minister for Euro-Atlantic Integration Alexi Petriashvili. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A time schedule for implementing the action plan for visa liberalization between Georgia and the EU has been confirmed. Minister for Euro-Atlantic Integration Alexi Petriashvili explained Thursday that the new agreement sets detailed goals for […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Over 8 000 prisoners were freed in Georgia amnesty

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            By | March 15th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            TBILISI, DFWatch–The prisoner amnesty in Georgia ended its term of execution March 13. 8 322 prisoners were freed in total. According to the Prison Ministry, about 800 cases are still pending review in court. Most of them are about charges of fraud, cases which […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Georgian leader responds to center-right MEPs

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              By | March 14th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Prime Minister Bidizina Ivanishvili (Press Office Photo) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s prime minister has sent an open letter in response to a letter signed by 23 members of the European parliament for the European People’s Party (EPP). The center-right EPP criticizes Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili for conducting […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Ivanishvili warns power-sharing is no rose garden

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                By | March 14th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Georgian prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Press office Photo) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian prime minister says Europe has unrealistic expectations about the two political blocs in his country drawing a line over the past. Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili said Europe expects the former and current governments to start […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Georgia asks Interpol to help catch ex-official

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  By | March 14th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Interpol’s notice regarding Davit Chakua. TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia asks for help from Interpol in its search for a former government official. This time, the wanted note is about Davit Chakua, the former head of the prison department, who is charged with abuse of powers, humiliating and inhumane treatment, […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Prosecutors struggling to deal with flood of complaints

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    By | March 14th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Chief Prosecutor Archil Kbilashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia has created a 12 member investigative group to deal with the mass of complaints flowing in. Chief Prosecutor Archil Kbilashvili said on Wednesday that the group consists solely of young prosecutors who finished […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Doctors’ hunger strike over

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      By | March 14th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      TBILISI, DFWatch–Four fired doctors on Wednesday ended their week-long hunger strike after learning that the director of the emergency service where they worked has been removed from his position. The doctors started their protest March 6. They said had they […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agriculture University protest continues

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        By | March 14th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The students continued protesting Wednesday. (DF Watch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–After another day of protest against the suspension of the Agriculture University’s accreditation, students and the education minister agreed to meet again and go through all the details which caused the suspension. On Wednesday, the students were […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Progress in prisoner exchange with Tskhinvali

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          By | March 13th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Public Defender Ucha Nanuashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–There are twelve Georgian prisoners in South Ossetia, a breakaway Georgian region, according to the public defender Ucha Nanuashvili. He told Pirveli Radio Wednesday that his office has received positive signal from non-government organizations in […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Merabishvili ‘connected’ to controversial 2006 killing

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            By | March 13th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Vano Merabishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s chief prosecutor and justice minister claim that the long time former interior minister Vano Merabishvili was implicated in the killing of Sandro Girgvliani, a controversial murder committed by the police in 2006. Chief Prosecutor Archil […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              ‘Misinformed or shameful’ letter by European People’s Party

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              By | March 13th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Speaker of the Georgian parliament, Davit Usupashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–23 members of the European parliament for the European People’s Party are criticized for being either misinformed or else writing a ‘shameful’ letter to the prime minister of Georgia. “That letter is a shame, or the MEPs didn’t know […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Compromise reached in case of fired doctors

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                By | March 12th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                TBILISI, DFWatch–In the case about the doctors on hunger strike, a managing council will be set up to chair the emergency service until the problems are solved. Health Minister Davit Sergeenko said it is being done to find a way out in the case of the four […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Council of Europe rates Georgian court reform

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  By | March 12th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  TBILISI, DFWatch–The Council of Europe’s Venice Commission has published its final recommendations on the draft of law amendments which are meant to reform the court system in Georgia and make the courts truly independent. The draft bill will amend the law on Courts […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most visitors to Georgia come from neighboring countries

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    By | March 12th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Graph showing number of visitors to Georgia 2006-2013. (Ministry of Internal Affairs.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The majority of foreign visitors to Georgia in 2013 came from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, Ukraine and Iran. As there is no mechanism to categorize people crossing the border of the country, the government provides general information about […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Foreign investments to Georgia drops

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      By | March 11th, 2013|Categories: Economy, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      TBILISI, DFWatch–Direct foreign investments in Georgia dropped by 47 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to the previous year, according to a new report by National Statistics Department, GeoStat. According to preliminary data, the total amount of […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Doctors on hunger strike after being fired

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        By | March 11th, 2013|Categories: Society|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Zurab Lataria, one of the doctors on hunger strike. (Info9.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Four emergency service doctors have been on hunger strike since March 6. They are protesting against being fired and demand to replace the local management. The doctors claim that the director of the emergency center illegally fired them and that […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bacho Akhalaia moved back to scandalous prison

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          By | March 11th, 2013|Categories: News, Prisoner abuse|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bacho Akhalaia on the day of his detention, November 7, 2012. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former interior minister and close Saakashvili ally Bacho Akhalaia has been moved from a relatively privileged facility to Prison No 8 in north Tbilisi, notorious for numerous cases of torture and death. Akhalaia, who has been in detention since […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Constitutional amendments may be modified

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            By | March 11th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            TBILISI, DFWatch–A draft law already presented to parliament which will reduce the powers of the president may be amended. According to the draft of constitutional changes, if the president dismisses parliament and government, he won’t have the right to himself […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Venice Commission’s recommendations on Georgian reforms

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              By | March 11th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              TBILISI, DFWatch–The Venice Commission of the Council of Europe is finished preparing its first set of recommendations regarding a draft bill for reforming the Georgian justice system. Even though the recommendations have not yet been published, both President […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Parliament speaker leaves for the US

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                By | March 10th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Tbilisi, DFWatch–Georgia’s Speaker of Parliament on Sunday left for his first visit to the US amidst harsh criticism of the country’s new government from the Congress and US media. Davit Usupashvili, the speaker and the chairman of the Republican Party, […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Shashkin faced with embezzlement accusation

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  By | March 10th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dimitry Shashkin on Rustavi 2. TBILISI, DFWatch–The government want to question newly returned former defense minister Dimitry Shashkin about the embezzlement of state money and appropriation of petrol belonging to the ministry. Defense Minister adviser Vako Avaliani said Friday that an […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Former head of military police charged in abduction case

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    By | March 9th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office has presented a new charge against the former head of the military police for illegal deprivation of liberty and humiliating treatment. Khatuna Paichadze, spokesperson for the Prosecutor’s Office, said Saturday that Megis […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Curious coincidence? Four injured ministers

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      By | March 9th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Minister for Diaspora Issues Kote Surguladze arrived with one hand in a cast. (Palitra TV.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Four out of nineteen ministers appeared at the government session on Thursday with some kind of injury. Journalists were surprised to see minister after minister arriving with a broken arm or a black eye. Energy Minister Kakhi Kaladze, a former AC […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Controversial restoration of Georgian cathedral wins award

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      By | March 8th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi. (National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The controversial restoration of Georgia’s historic Bagrati Cathedral has been awarded the international prize Domus Restoration and Conservation. According to the jury, ‘the intervention of critical reintegration of Bagrati Cathedral, one of the […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Georgia ends use of consecutive sentence

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        By | March 8th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        TBILISI, DFWatch–The parliament in Georgia on Friday decided to end the practice of mandatory consecutive sentence. Following the amendments to the Criminal Law code and Criminal Law Procedure Code, the longer sentence absorbs the shorter one; what is called […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          French university backs Georgia’s justice minister

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          By | March 8th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Georgia’s justice minister, Thea Tsulukiani. (DF Watch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–In a moment resembling the publication of Obama’s birth certificate, Georgia’s justice minister Tuesday appeared on the Public Broadcaster’s Channel 1 holding up two of her university diplomas as proof that she has enough education for the position. […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Georgia declares commitment to EU, US and NATO

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            By | March 8th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian parliament Thursday evening voted unanimously for a resolution that says the country aims to join the EU and NATO and defines the EU and the US as its ‘top strategic partners.’ This comes after a period in which President […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Military tops enriched themselves: Alasania

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              By | March 7th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: , , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Finance Minister Nodar Khaduri (left) and Defense Minister Irakli Alasania. (Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government accuses former officials during Saakashvili’s time in power of having embezzled state money in order to purchase luxurious cars and unnecessary apartments. The apartments were discovered at military bases which are in a […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Financial amnesty falls flat in parliament

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                By | March 7th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili’s proposed amnesty for financial crimes has been rejected in parliament, as it failed to garner support in any of the parliamentary committees. At the plenary session Wednesday it emerged that representatives from […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impeachment of Supreme Court chair not on the agenda

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  By | March 7th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Chairman of the Supreme Court Kote Kublashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishivli says that he and Chairman of the Supreme Court have not discussed the issue of impeaching the latter. “We only spoke about how we should develop and go forward,” Ivanishivli says. Kote Kublashvili has […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Georgia lifts photo ban inside courtrooms

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    By | March 6th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: , , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    TBILISI, DFWatch–The parliament in Georgia today passed a law which allows filming and taking photographs inside courtrooms. Also at today’s plenary session, parliamentarians decided to cancel fees for kindergartens and to separate the garbage fee from the […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Russia approves Georgian wine and fizzy water

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      By | March 6th, 2013|Categories: Economy, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Levan Davitashvili, Chairman of the National Wine Agency. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Russian consumer safety bureau Rospotrebnadzor confirms that 36 Georgian wine companies and four mineral water companies are ready to enter the Russian market. On Wednesday, the agency, which is a federal service for protection consumers’ rights […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Shashkin returns to Georgia, isn’t charged

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        By | March 6th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Former government minister Dimitry Shashkin came back to Georgia today. (Imedi.) TBILISI, DFwatch–A former defense minister returned to Georgia Wednesday morning, accompanied by his family, to answer questions from investigators if it becomes necessary. So far, there are no charges against him. (Updated with comments from the Prosecutor’s Office […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Ivanishvili’s fortune shrinks by one billion

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        By | March 6th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili has a large collection of art. (DF Watch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili is still Georgia’s richest person, but his fortune has shrunk by USD 1.1 billion to USD 5.3 billion, according to a new rating by Forbes Magazine. On Forbes’s new list of the world’s richest people in 2013, Bidzina […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Public broadcaster chairman dismissed

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          By | March 5th, 2013|Categories: Media, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Georgian Public Broadcaster board meeting. (Channel 1.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The supervisory board of Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) has dismissed the company’s chairman because he fired the news chief, allegedly for political reasons. After the change of government in Georgia, TV channels have gone through a period of […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Price drop for Georgian consumers

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            By | March 5th, 2013|Categories: Economy, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            TBILISI, DFWatch–The level of inflation did not significantly change in February, 2013, compared to the preceding month. According to Georgian National Statistics Department, GeoStat, the national currency is up by 0.3 percent. Price changes in the following […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Prison official admits guilt in abuse scandal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              By | March 5th, 2013|Categories: News, Prisoner abuse|Tags: , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              TBILISI, DFWatch–A former high official in the Georgian prison system admits guilt in a case of mistreatment and torture of prisoners, but says he was a victim of the Saakashvili regime.Gaga Mkurnalidze, former deputy chairman of the Prison Department, is one of 17 […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Saakashvili claims Georgian exiles behind Ivanishvili’s election win

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              By | March 5th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              President Mikheil Saakashvili claims a group of Georgian exiles in Russia were behind the Georgian Dream coalition’s election win in October, 2012. (Photo: President’s administration.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili claims that billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili came to power in 2012 thanks to a group of Georgian exiles in Russia who provided funding and support. As he returned from a trip to Azerbaijan last week, Saakashvili […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                President should return to reality, says Ivanishvili

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                By | March 4th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says his meeting with President Mikheil Saakashvili was an exercise in futility. Summing up today’s conversation with Saakashvili, he opened with asking the journalists: “You have met with the president, did you […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Saakashvili outlines Georgia’s democracy challenges

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  By | March 4th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  President Mikheil Saakashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili says three main challenges are facing democracy in Georgia: establishing independent courts, to end pressure against the media and to stop political persecution. He said this after a meeting with Prime Minister Bidzina […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Snow and ice is causing traffic problems in Georgia

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    By | March 4th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Snow chains is a prerequisite on some roads in Georgia these days. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The latest snowfall has made driving conditions so poor that the road from the winter resort Gudauri to the village Kobi has been closed for all traffic. On other roads there are restrictions from some types of traffic. Along the road section from […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Georgian leaders meeting to solve gridlock

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      By | March 4th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      TBILISI, DFWatch–Expectations are high before a meeting between Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili and President Mikheil Saakashvili now at 15:00 Monday to solve a crisis over the constitution. Saakashvili has arrived at the government office in his electric car – this time with an escort […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Saakashvili and Ivanishvili meet at 3 pm

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        By | March 4th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        TBILISI, DFWatch–The president and prime minister of Georgia will meet have their second official meeting today at 15:00 at the government office to discuss ‘important topics for the country.’ The meeting will be closed to the media. Only PR staff working for the […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Akhalaia to remain in detention

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          By | March 4th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Court on Saturday held pretrial hearing in two of the five criminal cases currently brought against former defense minister Bacho Akhalaia to decide on preventive measures before the trial. For the third time, Akhalaia was given pretrial […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Ex minister given further charges of torture

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            By | March 3rd, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office Saturday presented a fifth charge against close Saakashvili ally Bacho Akhalaia, this time about torture through abuse of powers. Those who were tortured were ‘punished’ for their political views, and the crime was […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Prosecutor lost appeal in Tbilisi mayor’s case

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              By | March 2nd, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office lost its appeal about issuing bail conditions for Tbilisi mayor Gigi Ugulava in a case about money laundering and embezzlement. The Appeals Court refused to set a one million GEL (USD 600 000) bail for mayor and suspend him […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Russia and Georgia discussed visa rules

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                By | March 2nd, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                TBILISI, DFWatch–One of the main topics of conversation when Georgia and Russia met in Prague yesterday was whether Russia will simplify visa rules for Georgian citizens. (Article has been updated with comments from Russia’s foreign ministry.) The two countries […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Ivanishvili and Saakashvili to meet Monday morning

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  By | March 2nd, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s president and prime minister will meet on Monday. The main topic of conversation will be ‘important issues of the country’, according to the president. The date of their meeting became known on Friday, after Prime Minister Bidzina […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Ex minister charged with causing fatal prison riot

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    By | March 1st, 2013|Categories: News, Prisoner abuse|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bacho Akhalaia will be charged with setting off a prison riot in 2006 which claimed the lives of seven prisoners. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A former government minister and close Saakashvili ally will be charged with misconduct during the country’s largest prison riot in 2006 which caused seven deaths. The Prosecutor’s Office today presented details of the prison riot and charged Bacho […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Saakashvili reaffirms Georgia’s close ties with neighbor Azerbaijan

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      By | March 1st, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      From left to right: Georgia’s first lady Sandra Roelofs, President Mikheil Saakashvili, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and first lady Mehriban Aliyeva. (President’s administration.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili says no matter who is in government, the country will continue the same foreign policy course, also in relations with neighboring Azerbaijan. The Georgian leader visited Azerbaijan for two days and held meetings with his […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Georgia and Russia meet today in Prague

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        By | March 1st, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Gregory Karasin represents Russia at today’s meeting in Prague. (Atlantic Council.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Representatives of Georgia and Russia meet in Prague today to discuss trade, cultural and transport issues. The countries still have no formal relations after fighting a war in 2008. Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili a few months ago appointed Zurab […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Georgia sees a shift toward processing industry

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          By | March 1st, 2013|Categories: Economy, News|Tags: , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Used cars is no longer Georgia’s number one export article. (MIA.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s economy has shifted toward processing industry, after many years of basing its exports on used cars and scrap metal, according to an economy expert. New figures show that the country’s economy is growing; and now, the export is no longer […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Saakashvili in unusual conflict with own security service

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            By | March 1st, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Mikheil Saakashvili and his electric car. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili has started a boycott of the protection services, testing the limits of the law. The message he wants to get out is that the government has cut his funding so much that they just as well might take away the security […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Akhalaia trial postponed because of new evidence

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            By | March 1st, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The case of former government member Bacho Akhalaia and six others is the most controversial of the current trials.(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The trial of former interior minister Bacho Akhalaia and six others was rescheduled for today, because the judge had to make a decision about whether to allow evidence to be admitted. The new evidence was presented by the Prosecutor’s Office. […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              State health insurance becomes a reality for Georgians

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              By | February 28th, 2013|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Health Minister Davit Sergeenko presented the new health insurance program Thursday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A new health insurance program became available to Georgians from Thursday. The program is open for citizens from the age of 6 to 60 who have not had health insurance before. Health insurance for every Georgian citizen was a part of the Georgian […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Ex interior minister in court, supporters rally

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              By | February 28th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Former interior minister Bacho Akhalaia was back in court Thursday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The most controversial court case against former officials continued on Thursday, as ex interior minister Bacho Akhalaia made another appearance in the city court here in Tbilisi. The close Saakashvili ally is charged with abuse of powers, illegal […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Did Saakashvili drive without escort?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                By | February 28th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili Wednesday appeared to drive his blue Nissan to the airport together with his wife without the protection of guards. He explained that it is the fifth week he hasn’t been using the services of the president’s […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Saakashvili’s gaffe about Russian banks taking over

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  By | February 28th, 2013|Categories: Economy, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili is concerned that Russian banks lately have bought two Georgian banks and plan to make more deals with other banks in Georgia. The Georgian banks in question deny the content of what the president said. Also the banks in […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Competing versions of Georgian events heard in Brussels

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    By | February 27th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili accuses the Ivanishvili government of failing to adopt a common document with EU, while it  accuses him of  telling lies. Tuesday, during a meeting with TV reporters, the president said that for the first time […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Norland asks government to avoid vengeance

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      By | February 27th, 2013|Categories: Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      From left to right: Georgia’s Patriarch Ilia II, the ambassador’s wife Mary Hartnett, and US Ambassador to Georgia Richard Norland. (US Embassy photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–US Ambassador to Georgia Richard Norland asks the Ivanishvili government to avoid vengeance as it seeks to prosecute many of the people who ran the country while President Mikheil Saakashvili held power. “There was a need now to balance the desire for […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Saakashvili visits Azerbaijan

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        By | February 27th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili today starts a two day visit to Azerbaijan. The visit will take place on February 27-28 and includes a personal meeting with Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev, according to the Georgian president’s press office. […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Saakashvili invites Ivanishvili to meeting

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        By | February 27th, 2013|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        President Mikheil Saakashvili talking to TV journalists. (Photo by the president’s administrations.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili says he wants to sit down with Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili to talk about how to solve a gridlocked power-sharing process. “I think we should talk with the government about many issues, like relations with Russia, […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Ivanishvili agrees to give former officials amnesty

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          By | February 26th, 2013|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says his Georgian Dream coalition will agree to a demand put forth by President Mikheil Saakashvili’s National Movement and offer former government officials amnesty. The head of government writes in an open letter […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Russia sends experts to examine Georgian wine making

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            By | February 26th, 2013|Categories: Economy, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Davit Davitashvili, Chairman of the National Wine Agency. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Six Russian experts yesterday landed in Georgia to inspect the production process of wine with an eye to returning the beverage back onto Russian dinner tables. They are sent here by the Russian consumer protection agency CPS to inspect companies […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Two policemen detained in Robakidze case

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              By | February 26th, 2013|Categories: News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              TBILISI, DFWatch–Police have detained two former policemen involved in the Robakidze case; a police operation in 2004 which led to the death of a 19-year old man. The two, Maizer Liparteliani and Levan Lobzhanidze, were detained Monday evening because they changed […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                EU and Georgia agree on visa action plan

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                By | February 26th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Cecilia Malmström (left), EU’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, and Maia Panjikidze, Georgia’s Foreign Affairs Minister. (MFA.) TBILISI, DFWatch–EU has agreed with Georgia about a visa action plan that may one day allow Georgians to enter Europe without a visa. But first, the country must pass through a set of requirements in data safety, border management, migration, public order, security […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Ugulava free without bail

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  By | February 25th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Gigi Ugulava will continue as mayor of Tbilisi until the first trial hearing. He is charged with money laundering and embezzlement. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Court did not listen to a plea from the Prosecutor’s Office to suspend Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Uglava from his position. Neither did it set bail conditions. Monday, the court reviewed the charges against Ugulava, a member of President […]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Georgia and Russia to meet in Prague for direct talks

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    By | February 25th, 2013|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: , |

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Zurab Abashidze represents Georgia in direct talks with Russia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia and Russia will meet for a second round of direct talks in Prague on March 1. The two countries have still not established formal relations following a brief war in 2008. Georgia’s envoy, Zurab Abashidze, told journalists Monday that they will […]