News
School children in Tbilisi harassed due to teacher neglect
School children in Tbilisi are being harassed because of their religion, ethnicity, appearance or other reasons, a new study shows. (Ministry of Education.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A new study has found that children in Georgian schools are verbally and physically harassed because of their ethnicity, belief, appearance or for other reasons. The study is based on interviews with all pupils from 8th to 11th grade at six public […]
Why did Georgia declare a ‘moratorium’ on ex-officials?
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–After the government Monday announced a ‘moratorium’ on prosecuting politicians, the National Movement criticizes it for misleading people by not fulfilling its promise. On Monday, Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili in a statement called on […]
Georgian foreign trade in Q1 up 18%
Used cars is Georgia’s most important export item. Here Rustavi car market near Tbilisi. (rustavi.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign trade turnover in the first three months of 2014 was USD 2,523 million. This is 18 percent more than in the same period last year. Preliminary data published by Georgia’s National Statistics Department, GeoStat, show that export […]
What can be done to improve integration of minorities?
Van Baiburt (left), Deputy Head of Armenian Union of Georgia, and Manana Nachkebia from the New Rightists Party. (Click on image to watch video.) (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–DFWatch organized a discussion about the problem minorities are experiencing with getting involved in politics and state affairs. A representative of a minority diaspora and a spokesperson for an opposition party participated in our discussion. […]
Georgian TV crew released by South Ossetia
A Georgian TV crew of three was released by South Ossetia Wednesday evening, after being detained the day before. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Georgian TV crew of three was released by South Ossetia Wednesday evening. Bela Zakaidze, Vakho Lekiashvili and Mikheil Mikhoev were detained Tuesday as they crossed the de facto border near Adzvi. They were taken by Russian border guards to […]
No news about release of Georgian TV crew held in South Ossetia
Vakho Lekiashvili (left) and Bela Zakaidze, two of the TV3 employees who are in detention in South Ossetia. (Interepressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–It is still unknown whether three Georgian journalists detained by South Ossetia will be released today. Neither the Ministry of Internal Affairs nor EUs Monitoring Mission have been informed about when they will be released. The Foreign Ministry […]
Confusion over Georgian justice moratorium
Gigi Ugulava. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–In Georgia, the National Movement is crying foul over the trial against one of their top people, suspended Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava. The reason is that the prime minister recently announced a ‘moratorium’ on prosecuting any member of the National […]
Georgian justice minister calls for fair election campaign
Former Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava was pelted with eggs as he left the Constitutional Court Friday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s minister of justice calls on everyone to allow political parties to conduct their election campaign in a normal environment, after eggs were thrown at National Movement activists last weekend. People threw eggs at former Mayor of Tbilisi […]
Georgian TV crew detained in South Ossetia
Vakho Lekiashvili (left) and Bela Zakaidze from TV3. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Georgian TV crew of three was detained by Russian soldiers Tuesday on the de facto border with South Ossetia. RES, the official news agency of the breakaway region confirmed that three Georgians had been detained, but failed to name the detainees. […]
Abashidze and Karasin will meet tomorrow in Prague
Zurab Abashidze, Georgia’s negotiator. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Negotiatiors for Russia and Georgia are meeting April 16 in Prague, after postponing several times. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gregory Karasin and Georgia’s PM’s Special Representative for Russian Relations Zurab Abashidze should have met on March […]
Georgian lawyer group files lawsuit against Russia
Razor wire in Dvani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A human rights organization in Georgia has taken Russia to the European Court of Human Rights on behalf of 19 people living on the border with the breakaway territory South Ossetia. The case concerns people living in the village Dvani, southwest […]
PM announces ‘moratorium’ on prosecuting ex-officials
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia has introduced a ‘moratorium’ on prosecuting former officials from the National Movement party of Mikheil Saakashvili, out of fear that it may restrict democratic rights. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili said […]
Georgia gets new region and infrastructure minister
From left to right: Davit Narmania, Irakli Gharibashvili and Elhuja Khokrishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Elguja Khokrishvili was Monday appointed as Georgia’s new minister for regional development and infrastructure. He will take over from Davit Narmania, who is stepping down in order to run for Tbilisi mayor in the local elections on June 15. Announcing […]
Georgia to hold local elections on June 15
Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The 2014 local elections in Georgia will be held on June 15. This is decided in a decree by President Giorgi Margvelashvili signed April 10. The decree has been sent to the government for approval and will come into force as soon as it is published […]
Anti-Russia rally outside government office in Tbilisi
The anti-Russia demonstrators want to ban organizations cooperating with Russia and to make it a crime to publicly deny Russian aggression against Georgia. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–An anti-Russia rally outside the government office in Tbilisi Sunday demanded a ban on organizations cooperating with Russia and making it a crime to publicly deny that Russia is an aggressor. The rally was called ‘No to collaboration! No to […]
Pro-EU rally and concert in Tbilisi
The concert was titled ‘We Want Europe’ and brought messages through speeches and music about why Georgia should become a member of the EU. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A concert was held in Tbilisi on Sunday to rally support for Georgia’s integration with the EU. The concert was called We Want Europe. Among the speakers was President Giorgi Margvelashvili who addressed the crowd in the beginning of the concert. […]
Why do so few girls finish school in Duzagrama?
Most girls in Duzagrama get married and drop out of school before ninth grade. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Pariz Alakhverdiani, 17, is in 12th grade at the public school in Duzagrama, a small village in southeast Georgia populated by ethnic Azerbaijanis. Alakhverdiani wants to study at the Medical University in Tbilisi and has decided to become a dentist. […]
MP and former prosecutor charged with abuse of power
Roland Akhalaia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia has officially charged National Movement parliamentarian Roland Akhalaia. Akhalaia is charged with abusing his power as prosecutor by demanding money from the family of a defendant for entering into a plea bargain […]
Georgia may limit questioning of politicians ahead of election
Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani wants guidelines for criminal investigations involving people running in the local election in June. Tsulukiani did not explain more specifically what kind of rules it will be beyond calling for ‘recommendations’. She said […]
Campaigners launch protest camp to defend ancient Georgian site
The Sakdrisi site. (Photo by Georgia’s Culture Ministry.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A campaign to save an ancient gold mine in southern Georgia is planning to start a protest camp on Monday. The Public Committee to Save Sakdrisi, which consists of students, scientists and an initiative group of non-governmental organizations, plans […]
Court ruling supports former GPB board members
Georgian Public Broadcaster. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Constitutional Court has decided that the Public Broadcaster cannot fire members of its board before the end of their term. Meanwhile, parliament has still not selected new board members, a process which has been dragged out over […]
Germany’s Steinmeier to visit Georgia in late April
Germany Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. (Photo by SPD.) TBILISI, DFWatch–German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier will visit Georgia in about ten days. Steinmeier announced the trip after a meeting with Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze who visited him in Germany on Thursday. One of the topics they […]
Georgian FM Panjikidze is visiting Germany
Maia Panjikidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze today begins a working visit to Germany. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Panjikidze’s delegation will hold meetings with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German Chancellor […]
Russian plane flies briefly over Georgia
A plane of the type Antonov An-2. TBILISI, DFWatch–A Russian plane overflew Georgian-controlled territory briefly on Thursday, Georgia’s Interior Ministry confirmed. The plane, of the model Antonov An-2, flew over the village Khurcha near the de facto border with the breakaway region […]
New tuberculosis center to be opened in Tbilisi
Davit Sergeenko. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is opening a new treatment center for tuberculosis in Tbilisi. The government is discussing the new clinic today. Minister of Labour, Health and Social Affairs , David Sergeenko, told reporters Thursday that the clinic, which will be located […]
Georgian MP calls for “return” of breakaway territories
Tina Khidasheli called for a “return” of four territories under Russian control: Crimea, Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transdniestr. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A spokeswoman for Georgia’s coalition government Wednesday told European countries to be tougher against Russia and said four disputed territories currently under Russian control will be “returned”. Member of Parliament Tina Khidasheli drew on the fact […]
Georgian parliament prepares to check safety of large facilities
Gia Tsagareishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is preparing to conduct impact assessments for many large factories and other facilities, built during the Soviet Union. Gia Tsagareishvili, head of parliament’s environmental committee, says many big installations have Soviet-era standards […]
Georgian speaker: What will NATO do if Georgia is attacked?
Davit Usupashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s speaker of parliament says his country could disappear from the world map if abandoned by NATO. “If Georgia takes step towards NATO, this will cause another aggression from Russia,” Speaker of Parliament Davit Usupashvili said Tuesday […]
Georgian minister says there will be no Ukraine scenario here
Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Paata Zakareishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Paata Zakareishvili rules out that there will be a repetition in Georgia of what took place in Ukraine. Three months of protests in the center of Kiev turned violent, ending in President […]
Georgia marks 25 years since deadly clashes with Soviet troops
Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani took part in planting of saplings in remembrance of the 21 who died during a demonstration for Georgian independence April 9, 1989. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Members of the Georgian government today planted saplings in the Ninth of April Garden in Tbilisi, comemmorating the deadly dispersal of protesters by Soviet troops 25 years ago today. In remembrance of the tragedy, cabinet members planted […]
Adjara changes its decision to allow new mosque in Batumi
Muslims praying outside the Orta Jame Mosque in Batumi. (Rustavi 2.) TBILISI, DFWatch–In Georgia’s southwestern Adjara region, authorities have changed their decision to allow the Muslim population to build a new mosque in Batumi, a city on the shores of the Black Sea. Tens of thousands of Muslims live in different villages and […]
Georgia appoints ambassadors to India, Slovenia, Kuwait
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia has appointed new ambassadors to India, Slovenia, Vatican and Kuwait. From May 1, Georgia’s ambassador to Slovenia will be Zurab Bekaia, Tamar Grdzelidze will be ambassador to Vatican from June 1, 2014, Roland Beridze will be ambassador […]
Saakashvili’s party said to be preparing Kiev style protests
Interior Minister Aleksandre Chikaidze said the National Movement is preparing for a Kiev-style protest camp in Tbilisi. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Interior Minister says the National Movement is preparing a Euromaidan scenario in Georgia and that he has information that they have already started collecting tires. Interior Minister Alexandre Chikaidze said in an interview with the […]
Angela Merkel invites Georgia’s PM
Angela Merkel. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Germany’s Angela Merkel has invited Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili to Germany. Gharibashvili will visit Germany in the beginning of June. According to Davit Maghradze, advisor at the international relations department at the government […]
Georgia creates commission to handle election violations
Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani will head the commission. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia has created an interagency commission to handle violations ahead of the local elections, slated for June. The commission will be led by Minister of Justice Thea Tsulukiani. Other members are the deputy interior minister, deputy foreign […]
Minibus drivers in Rustavi on strike, claim tender was rigged
Drivers claim the company Intertrans has ties to Energy Minister Kakhi Kaladze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Drivers of minibuses on the route between Tbilisi and Rustavi have been on strike for the last few days, demonstrating outside the office of the Georgian Dream coalition. They accusing Rustavi city authorities and Energy Minister Kakhi Kaladze […]
Georgia denies reports of mass issuing of Russian passports
The Russian Interests Section. (Radio Voice of Abkhazia.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia denies reports that the consular office for Russian interests in Tbilisi is issuing Russian passports. Deputy Foreign Minister Davit Zalkaliani said this information is false. Georgia and Russia do not have diplomatic […]
Autopsy report published in case of Data Akhalaia witness death
The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia has released the autopsy report in the case of a witness who died. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office on Saturday published more material regarding the death of a witness who testified against a recently convicted Saakashvili ally. Shalva Tatukhashvili died March 23 in his home, after testifying against Data Akhalaia, […]
Bullying in schools is a persistent problem in Georgia
Bullying on religious grounds is a big problem in schools in Georgia, according to the human rights group EMC. (Ministry of Education.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A human rights group in Georgia warns of an alarming trend of intolerance of religious minorities in public schools. Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center (EMC) studied eight schools in Tbilisi and found that the Ministry of Education has not […]
Opposition groups form coalition in Tbilisi
Dimitri Lortkipanidze, the United Opposition’s candidate for Tbilisi Mayor. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A coalition of opposition parties not represented in parliament met on Friday to present their candidate for Tbilisi Mayor: former MP Dimitry Lortkipanidze. The coalition was created by Nino Burjanadze’s Democratic Movement together with three […]
Close Saakashvili ally questioned about embezzlement
Giga Bokeria claims he was called in for questioning for political reasons. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prosecutors in Georgia Friday questioned the former secretary of the country’s Security Council in an embezzlement case. Walking out after five hours inside the Prosecutor’s Office, Giga Bokeria said the interrogation was conducted in a peaceful […]
Saakashvili wants to educate Ukrainians in reforms
Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili is to start a center for the study of reforms in the Ukrainian capital Kiev. Saakashvili, who is currently in Kiev, said in an interview with a TV channel there that he wants to share his experiences […]
Georgia had 8 percent increase in visitors in March
10% more tourists visited Georgia in January-March 2014, compared to the year before. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia had an 8 percent increase in number of visitors in March, 2014, compared to the same period last year. There came 392,725 visitors in the third month of 2014, according to new monthly figures published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. […]
Georgian prosecutors proceed without Saakashvili’s help
Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian prosecutors will not question ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili. The investigation continues without his testimony. Deputy Chief Prosecutor Irakli Shotadze said on Thursday that Saakashvili failed to do his citizen duty and come for […]
Georgian PM visits site of new air, sea and land transit hub
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia on Wednesday confirmed plans for a new airport in conjunction with a port in Anaklia, a small settlement on the Black Sea coast, on the border with Abkhazia. Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili, who visited Anaklia with Infrastructure […]
Lawyer group demands effective investigation of prisoner abuse
Kakha Kojoridze from Georgian Young Lawyer’s Association. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) demands that the government starts investigating several cases of possible mistreatment of prisoners. According to GYLA, 17 persons have contacted the organization the last 2 months, eight of them tell about […]
NATO chief doesn’t exclude Georgian membership plan
Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. (NATO photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen does not rule out that the alliance might give Georgia a Membership Action Plan (MAP) at the summit in Wales in September. At a press conference in Brussels yesterday, a journalist from Georgia’s […]
Videos seem to rule out torture of Data Akhalaia witness
The office of Georgia’s chief prosecutor. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia has described more details surrounding the death of Shalva Tatukhashvili, which it says shows that he could not have been tortured during interrogation. Tatukhashvili, a former deputy department head […]
Poland’s Komorowski urges Georgia to sign EU treaty
President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili (left), and President of Poland, Bronislaw Komorowski. TBILISI, DFWatch–President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, on Wednesday met with his Polish counterpart Bronisław Komorowski. Margvelashvili spoke about Georgia’s integration with Europe and Poland’s experience in the same regard. The two also discussed security […]
NATO chief reiterates support for Georgia’s borders
Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. (NATO photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–As NATO foreign ministers met in Brussels and discussed the Ukraine crisis, the alliance’s secretary general underlined that it supports Georgia’s borders. “At this time, it is more important than ever to stress that the breach of territorial […]
Georgia expects visa free travel with Schengen by 2016
Georgia’s Minister for Euro-Integration Alexi Petriashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government hopes its country’s citizens will be able to travel to Schengen countries visa free from 2016 at the latest. Minister for Euro-Atlantic Integration Alexi Petriashvili said on Monday that he hopes to see the first phase […]
Georgian President Margvelashvili visiting Poland
Giorgi Margvelashvili, President of Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili Wednesday began a two day visit to Poland. On the first day of his visit, Margvelashvili was to meet his Polish colleague, after which they were slated to hold a joint press conference. He will also meet with […]
Poll shows Georgian Dream winning Tbilisi mayoral race
Georgian Dream’s candidate for Tbilisi mayor, Davit Narmania, who currently is Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–In a new poll, 52 percent of Tbilisians say they would vote for the Georgian Dream candidate for mayor if the local elections were held tomorrow. Four percent say they won’t vote for anyone, and 18 percent haven’t decided yet. Another source […]
Live interviews of 27 candidates for Public Broadcaster board
Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB). (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The 27 candidates for the Board of Trustees of Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) will be interviewed live on GPB’s Channel 2 Wednesday and Thursday. After going through a round of interviews, a shortlist of 15 candidates will be sent to parliament, […]
76 prisoners released by parole board
Gldani prison in Tbilisi. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–76 prisoners were released before the end of their sentence term today; two minors and one woman. The Prison Ministry’s local board of parole discussed the cases of about 900 prisoners who have served more than half of their sentence in cases […]
Death of a witness calls into question interrogation methods
TBILISI, DFWatch–The lawyer and the family of a man who died after questioning claim the Prosecutor’s Office tortured him to produce false testimony and that he died as a result of torture. The results of the autopsy will be known by the end of the week. Meanwhile, […]
Improved human rights in Georgia, but minorities are discriminated
Public Defender Ucha Nanuashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Discrimination of sexual, ethnic and religious minorities, child marriage, family violence, bullying in schools, people affected by hydro power development and mistreatment of prisoners. These are some of the human rights challenges in the Georgian […]
Georgia expecting a ‘benificial decision’ at NATO summit
Speaker of Parliament Davit Usupashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is expecting a ‘beneficial decision’ from the NATO summit in Newport, Wales in September. Parliament Speaker Davit Usupashvili said Monday that a statement made by US President Barack Obama last week was a lesson for him and other […]
Tuvalu withdraws recognition of Georgian breakaway regions
Taukelina Finikaso (left), Foreign Minister of Tuvalu, and Maia Panjikidze, Foreign Minister of Georgia. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tuvalu has withdrawn its recognition of the Georgian breakaway regions Abkhazia and South Ossetia. A government delegation from Tuvalu is visiting Georgia these days to sign a protocol establishing diplomatic and consular relations between the two […]
UNM parliamentarian attacked in Tbilisi by masked men
Nugzar Tsiklauri received minor injuries, mostly to his face. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A close ally of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili was attacked Sunday night in Tbilisi. Nugzar Tsiklauri, an outspoken member of parliament for the National Movement Party, recalls that at about 3 am Monday morning he was approached […]
Are interruptions in Georgia’s wine export economic warfare?
Levan Davitashvili, head of Georgia’s National Wine Agency. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–There are interruptions in the export of wine from Georgia to Belarus, although formally the export is not stopped. The sale of wine to Ukraine and Russia is continuing without any restrictions, according to Levan Davitashvili, head […]
Discussion: Ethnic minorities and language skills
Agit Mirzoev (left), Executive Director of Analytical Center for Inter-ethnic Cooperation and Consultations, and Ali Babayev, from the Congress of Georgian Azerbaijanis. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Representatives of NGOs working with minority issues took part in a discussion organized by DFWatch.net about how ethnic minorities often lack skills in Georgia’s only official language – Georgian. Agit Mirzoev, Executive Director of Analytical […]
Controversial preacher holds law lecture at Tbilisi City Court
Father Teodore Gignadze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–One of the most prominent and famous representatives of Georgian clergy, Teodore Gignadze, Saturday held a lecture at Tbilisi City Court. Gignadze is head of Cross Ascension Monastery and has become famous for his controversial […]
Saakashvili offers to give testimony, but only during trial
Mikheil Saakashvili speaking at Independence Square in Kiev March 29, 2014. (Maestro TV.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former President Mikheil Saakashvili offers the current government his own rules of the game; rules which are against Georgian legislation. The rules in question are about how to question witnesses in criminal cases. This issue has been a source […]
Georgia’s EU treaty will be signed by the prime minister
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–When Georgia finally signs the Association Agreement with the EU by the end of June, it will be the prime minister who does the signing, not the president. Exactly who will sign the agreement – president or prime minister – has been a subject of […]
Georgian PM wants constitutional block against same-sex marriage
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian prime minister wants to define a family as a union between a man and a woman. Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili says he has asked the constitutional commission to look at his proposal. “Though according to the current legislation, […]
EU criticizes Georgia for failing to protect human rights
Orthodox priests removing a police block May 17, 2013, that separated their supporters from the LGBT rights group. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The EU criticizes Georgia for not having done enough in 2013 to protect freedom of speech and prevent violent outbreaks of islamophobia and homophobia. The new report is published by the European Commission and is part of the implementation of the […]
Georgians debate Obama’s comment on NATO expansion
Obama’s comments regarding NATO expansion was eagerly debated in Tbilisi Thursday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–US President Barack Obama said on Wednesday that there has not been any immediate plans for expansion of NATO’s membership, referring to Ukraine and Georgia. His statement caused protest and criticism among some in Georgia. On Thursday, […]
Saakashvili refuses to be questioned via Skype
Mikheil Saakashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former President Mikheil Saakashvili has refused an offer from the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office to give witness testimony via Skype. Saakashvili was called to come and answer questions about ten criminal cases, with status as witness, but the […]
Pro- and anti-Russia demonstrators clash in Tbilisi
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two people have been detained during a scuffle at a demonstration against the US sanctions on Russia over Ukraine. The non-governmental organization Earth is our Home held a rally on Pushkin Square in the center of Tbilisi to express support for eleven Russian […]
Georgia to start funding religious minorities
A mosque in Chela, Georgia. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia will finance four traditional religious confessions besides the Orthodox Church. Non-traditional religions will not receive financing. Until now, the Orthodox Church has received financing from the state, the argument being […]
Saakashvili did not show up, supporters and opponents clash
Supporters and opponents of Mikheil Saakashvili fought each other outside the Chief Prosecutor’s office in Tbilisi, where the former Georgian president failed to show up for questioning today. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili was supposed to meet at the Prosecutor’s Office today at 13:00, but he didn’t come. Supporters and opponents had gathered at the office and clashed and two people were detained for hooliganism. “Today I am Misha […]
Zhvania family accuses Saakashvili of lying
The brother and widow of deceased Prime Minsiter Zurab Zhvania accused ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili of lying. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The family of former Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania accuses ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili of lying. Saakashvili said in a recent interview on Rustavi 2 that during the investigation of Zhvania’s death, his widow was only interested in money which […]
LGBT group in Georgia cancels May 17 demonstration
Clerics led the charge against a small LGBT demonstration in Tbilisi May 17, 2013. This year there will be no such event. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Identoba, an organization which protects the rights of sexual minorities in Georgia, has decided to not mark the international day against homophobia May 17. Last year, the organization announced it would organize a demonstration for the rights […]
Armenians and Doukhobors in Gorelovka, Georgia
Due to the cold climate, most people have cattle as a means of subsistence in Gorelovka. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Gorelovka is a small village in Samtskhe-Javakheti, a region to the south of Georgia populated by ethnic Armenians, Russian Doukhobors and Georgians who have been resettled from Adigeni and Khulo because of landslides. The village is small and, […]
Georgia without ambassador to the UK for more than a year
Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia has been without an ambassador to the UK for more than a year. In recent days, a candidate who is being considered for the post became a subject of dispute among politicians. During the process of so-called co-habitation between ex-president […]
Saakashvili refuses to come home for questioning, blames Putin
Mikheil Saakashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili on Tuesday made his first comments regarding the news that he is asked to testify in ten serious criminal cases in his home country. Many of his closest associates have been put on trial in the last two […]
Saakashvili wanted at home, party office sprayed with red paint
Demonstrators called on former President Saakashvili to come home and answer questions about ten criminal cases. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Demonstrators in Georgia Tuesday demanded that former President Mikheil Saakashvili returns to his home country and answers questions from prosecutors. Two people were detained for throwing red paint at party symbols outside the National Movement […]
Strike in Kazreti called off after agreement with RMG Gold
Locals demonstrating in Kazreti in February, 2014. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A protest in the Georgian village Kazreti, where people protested the treatments of workers in the gold mines, ended on Monday. RMG Gold, the company which owns the mines in Kazreti, reached agreement with the demonstrators, who protest against […]
Georgian anti-gay activists warn of tougher line
May 17, 2013, thousands of anti-gay activists disrupted a small peaceful demonstration in Tbilisi to mark the international day against homophobia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Anti-gay activists and clerics want to be more tough toward LGBT rights activists if the latter demonstrate for their rights on May 17, on the one-year anniversary of a violent attacks on them organized by Orthodox priests. Pressed with multiple […]
Supporters and opponents of NATO clash in Tbilisi
A group advocating the Russian-led Eurasian Union planned to demonstrate against NATO, but were interrupted by an angry crowd. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Three people were detained in Tbilisi on Monday as supporters and opponents of NATO clashed outside the Cinema House. Tension was already high during the screening of a 30 minutes long film about NATO’s bombing of Yugoslavia […]
17% increase in Georgia’s foreign trade Jan-Feb confirmed
Georgia’s foreign trade was 17% higher in the two first months of 2014, compared to 2013, but most of the trade is import. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign trade turnover January-February, 2014, was USD 1 567 million. This is a 17 percent increase, compared to the same period last year. Precise figures from Georgian National Statistics Department, GeoStat, show that export accounted […]
Two detainees in Zhvania case placed in pre-trial detention
Tbilisi City Court. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two men detained for negligence in connection with the death of former Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania were Sunday placed in pre-trial detention by Tbilisi City Court. Levan Chachua, who participated in the autopsy on Zhvania’s body in 2005, and Mikheil […]
West warns Georgia against prosecuting Saakashvili
Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves warns that Georgia’s EU treaty may be stalled if the investigation of former officials continues. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Western partners are threatening that prosecuting former President Saakashvili may jeopardize an EU treaty and membership in NATO. Georgia has for years sought closer integration with the European Union and membership in NATO. In June, […]
Georgian soldiers in NATO-Ukraine military exercise
Ukrainian soldiers in the joint NATO exercise Saber Guardian, which was launched Friday in Bulgaria. (Photo by Brooks Fletcher/US Army.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian soldiers are participating in a two-week joint NATO-Ukraine military exercise in eastern Bulgaria, 400 km from Crimea. The exercise, which started Friday. is called Saber Guardian and has been planned for about a year. It involves 700 […]
Saakashvili called in for questioning in numerous cases
May become a wanted person. Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili addressing the crowd at Independence Square in Kiev, December 2013. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s former President Mikheil Saakashvili will be declared a wanted person if he doesn’t come and answer questions in a long list of criminal cases. Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili said this today. “If he does not come, he will be declared […]
SO field meeting highlights border problems and helicopter overflight
Problems created by new border fences was brought up again at the regular field meeting between the parties in the 2008 war. (EUMM.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The parties in the 2008 war met again on Friday for a field meeting in a tent in Ergneti, a village on the border with South Ossetia. These field meetings are formally called Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) and hosted by the EU’s […]
One more detained in case about Georgian PM’s death
TBILISI, DFWatch–Police in Georgia have detained a second person in connection with the death of former Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania in 2005. The new detainee is Mikheil Dzadzamia, who was head of the shift of Zhvania’s security, and the charge is the same: negligence. […]
EU speeds up signing of treaties with Georgia and Moldova
EU leaders will sign treaties with Georgia and Moldova no later than June 2014, Barroso wrote on Twitter. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The European Council accelerates the process of signing association agreements with two former Soviet republics, Georgia and Moldova. The move comes amid an escalating crisis in Ukraine, where there is a threat of unrest spreading in the eastern […]
Georgia creates service center to assist exporters
Grape harvest 2013. Wine if one of Georgia’s export products. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Ministry of Economy Giorgi Kvirikashvili is creating a new service center to protect the interests of exporters. Kvirikashvili said on Thursday said that the new body will start working from Friday. “Along with positive trends in Georgia’s foreign trade turnover, […]
UN helping Georgia improve disaster preparedness
The coastal city Batumi was damaged by a storm in March, 2013. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The United Nations will help Georgia strengthen its preparedness against natural disasters. “Georgia is often challenged by the risk of natural disasters, which seriously jeopardizes the country’s economy, as well as our citizens,” Environment […]
Pathologist detained in case about death of Georgian PM
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia has ordered the detention of pathologist Levan Chachua in relation with the death of former Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania. Chachua was one of the experts who conducted an autopsy on Zhvania’s body in 2005, and […]
Georgian PM horrified by Zhvania autopsy photos
Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili says it was horrible to see recently published photographs from 2005 of PM Zurab Zhvania’s dead body. Gharibashvili said he thinks the case doesn’t need ‘additional speculation.’ He also said that […]
Debate: Minorities and local government reform in Georgia
Journalist Rusiko Machaidze, Zaur Khalilov from Civil Integration Fund and Levan Vepkhvadze of the Christian-Democratic Movement. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–On March 14 , DFWatch.net organized a discussion about ethnic minorities’ participation problems in pre-election process. The non-parliamentary opposition and representatives of NGOs working with minority rights participated […]
Saakashvili ideologue questioned about university privatization
Kakha Bendukidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday questioned an influential Georgian economist in connection with an investigation into possible embezzlement when the Agricultural University was privatized. Kakha Bendukize, an influential businessman and free market […]
Autopsy photos of deceased Georgian PM posted on Youtube
In the 2012 election campaign, the Georgian Dream coalition demanded a new investigation of Zhvania’s death. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–For several days a video titled “Saakashvili murderer” has gone viral in social media in Georgia. The video, which was first uploaded on Youtube, shows photos of the dead bodies of former Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania and Raul Usupov, who died […]
What did Ivanishvili criticize the Georgian president for?
Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili refrained from commenting on criticism from ex-Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili beyond saying it is ‘painful’. In a TV interview, Ivanishvili said Margvelashvili revealed completely different features after the […]
NATO parliamentarians coming to Georgia next week
TBILISI, DFWatch–A delegation from the NATO Parliamentary Assembly is coming to Georgia March 24-26. The NATO parliamentarians will be attending a round table discussion at the NATO office here. Another part of the visit is a meeting with their Georgian counterparts […]
France’s Hollande visiting Georgia May 13
President of France François Hollande. (Photo by Remi Jouan.) TBILISI, DFWatch–French President François Hollande will visit Georgia on May 13, the foreign minister of the host country said on Wednesday. Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze said the schedule and other details of the visit are still being put together. […]
Ivanishvili dissatisfied with president he recommended
Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili is dissatisfied with the president that he selected as candidate. Ivanishvili selected Giorgi Margvelashvili as the Georgian Dream coalition’s candidate before the presidential election in October […]
Ten persons convicted in torture ring case in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch–Ten persons have been convicted in the case about a secret weapons cache in Samegrelo, a region in eastern Georgia. In summer of last year, the government found weapons, video and audio recordings buried in barrels in the ground in Samegrelo. Apart […]
Dead fish found on shores of recreational lake near Tbilisi
Dead fish on the shores of Kumisi Lake. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A large number of dead fish has been discovered on the shores of Kumisi Lake. Specialists at the National Food Agency claim the fish died due to a lack of water and oxygen. Kumisi Lake is a popular place for anglers and lies about 20 km south […]
Georgian president visited soldiers in Afghanistan
President Giorgi Margvelashvili and Georgian soldiers in Afghanistan. (Photo by Defense Ministry.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili has paid a visit to Afghanistan and met with Georgian soldiers participating in the ISAF mission. Supporters of former President Saakashvili have criticized Margvelashvili for not being active, even though […]
Afghanistan and Georgia consider economic cooperation
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Zarar Ahmad Osman with Maia Panjikidze, Georgia’s Foreign Minister. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Afghanistan is interested in Georgia’s location and prospects for cooperation in the fields of economy and transport, but nothing specific has yet been said about concrete project. Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Zarar Ahmad Osman on Monday talked […]
NGO founded by former Georgian PM to offer media training
Former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili’s new organization Citizen is to offer training courses for journalists. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A non-governmental organization founded by former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili is to offer training courses for journalists who work for Georgian media outlets. In a statement on Monday, the organization, called Citizen, explained the […]
Former head of Georgia’s special police charged with fraud
Erekle Kodua, former head of the Special Operations Department. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia has charged former Interior Ministry official Erekle Kodua with abuse of power and fraud. Erekle Kodua is former head of the Interior Ministry’s Special Operative Department (SOD). Investigators found that on August […]
Georgia’s foreign trade up 17% Jan-Feb
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign trade turnover was USD 1 567 million in January-February 2014, according to preliminary figures from Georgian National Statistics Department, GeoStat. The figures show that foreign trade turnover in the first two months of the year […]
Tbilisi does not recognize Crimea referendum
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi does not recognize the referendum in Crimea, according to a statement released by the Foreign Affairs Ministry Sunday evening. The statement says the referendum was conducted as a result of Russian pressure of armed forces and in violation […]
Clashes in Tbilisi for and against Crimea referendum
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Supporters and opponents of the referendum in Crimea clashed in Tbilisi Sunday. A group called “Eurasian Choice” tried to hold a demonstration on Cholokashvili Street in front of the old Russian embassy building at 15:00, but were pushed away […]
Christian Democrats leader leaves amid coalition talks
Giorgi Targamadze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Giorgi Targamadze, the leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Movement, has left the party, after it began planning to form a coalition with Nino Burjanadze’s Democratic Movement. Targamadze, a former TV journalist, said at a press […]
Georgia allows commercial gold mining in prehistoric cave
The ancient Sakdrisi site. (Culture Ministry.) TBILISI, DFWatch–RMG Gold, a company which owns mines in the south of Georgia, was Friday given permission to start mining work in Sakdrisi. According to German and Georgian scientists, the site is an ancient mine with a rich history. Deputy Culture Minister Alexandre Margishvili […]
Georgian president holds first event at disputed residence
The president’s residence in Avlabari, Tbilisi. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Giorgi Margvelashvili met with ambassadors at the president’s residence in Tbilisi, which has been nonoperational after Saakashvili left office in October, 2013. In a ceremony in the Avlabari residence, President Margvelashvili received […]
Georgian parliament to consider prosecution of one of their own
Roland Akhalaia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia has asked parliament for its consent to start a criminal prosecution against one parliamentarian, Roland Akhalaia. Parliament will announce its decision on Monday. MP Roland Akhalaia is father of Data […]
Georgian ‘propaganda’ TV in South Ossetia was run illegally
Alania TV later turned into PIK TV. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A parliamentary commission in Georgia has exposed how one television station was operating for years without a license during Saakashvili. The channel, Alania, was found to have close links to the government while Saakashvili was in power and though […]
Jehova’s Witnesses accused of stoking separatism in Georgia
Locals in Khobi, Georgia, accuse Jehova’s Witnesses of stoking separatism because they are using the minority language Megrelian. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Friday, about 100 Orthodox Christians demonstrated in Georgia against Jehovah’s Witnesses constructing a congregation center in their town. The Witnesses began building a Kingdom Hall in the western town of Khobi about a week ago. Today, opponents were […]
Former counterintelligence chief convicted in absentia
Data Akhalaia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A former Georgian counterintelligence chief who is currently wanted was today convicted in absentia for abuse of power. Data Akhalaia, whose whereabouts are unknown, was head of the Constitutional Security Department (CSD). He was on trial for […]
Two former counterintelligence officials arrested in Georgia
Guram Donadze was also questioned, but said he had nothing to do with the fake video. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Chief Prosecutor in Georgia has ordered the arrest of former officials at the Constitutional Security Department (CSD), after they were questioned about the cases against Bacho and Data Akhalaia. Former CSD head Levan Kardava and Giorgi […]
UN, OSCE and EU diplomats on field trip in South Ossetia
Antti Turunen, UN Secretary General’s Representative for Georgia, who was part of the delegation. (Photo by OSCE/Dieter Nagl.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Representatives of the United Nations, OSCE and European Union this week paid a two-day visit to South Ossetia and met with members of the breakaway region’s delegation to the Geneva talks. The delegation consisted of co-chairs of the talks, which […]
Georgian defense minister visits Italy
Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania (left), and Italy’s Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti. (Photo by Georgian Ministry of Defense. ) TBILISI, DFWatch–Italy and Georgia will strengthen their defense cooperation, according to a press release published by Georgia’s Ministry of Defense. Irakli Alasania, the Georgian defense minister, on Thursday met his Italian colleague Roberta Pinotti during a visit […]
Foreign investments in Georgia virtually unchanged in 2013
The top investment sector in 2013 was energy. Here Enguri dam. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia received USD 914 million in direct foreign investments in in 2013. This is 0.3 percent more than in 2012, according to preliminary figures from Georgian National Statistics Department, GeoStat. According to the figures, direct foreign […]
National Movement designates candidate for Tbilisi mayor
Nika (Nikoloz) Melia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–In Georgia, the out-of-power National Movement party has designated its candidate for Tbilisi mayor by direct appointment. Nika Melia, a relatively unknown former official in the capital, was directly appointed, as the party chose not to conducted a […]
Theater play canceled in Georgia, actor listed as Putin supporter
Sergey Bezrukov. (Kremlin.ru.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A theater play featuring Russian actor Sergei Bezrukov has been canceled in Tbilisi, because of his support for Russia’s policy toward Crimea. The background is a petition signed by artists living and working in Russia who support President Putin’s […]
Georgian PM woos foreign investors
Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia offers investors a favorable environment and a market of potentially 900 million people, Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili said during the Georgia-Israel Business Forum. Gharibashvili mentioned that a common system of allowances with 8 countries, […]
NATO may accept Georgia as member if Russia annexes Crimea
Defense Minister Irakli Alasania with Georgian soldiers. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia may move one step closer to joining NATO as a result of the Ukraine crisis. If Russia annexes Crimea, NATO will offer Georgia a Membership Action Plan (MAP), Russian daily Kommersant reported on Tuesday. The paper based its report on sources […]
Tbilisi to get rid of its old Soviet style apartment blocks
City authorities have hired an emirates company to tear down the old Soviet style blocks and build new ones (amiralace.blogspot.com) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian capital plans to dismantle its so-called Khrushchovkas, a type of low-cost apartment blocks that were built in Tbilisi during the Soviet Union. The project will be carried out by an investment holding company based in […]
Azerbaijani women in Marneuli
Sabina, a teacher in Marneuli. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–83 percent of residents in Marneuli, a city in southern Georgia, are Azerbaijanis. Nearby villages are inhabited by Azerbaijanis too. Lack of knowledge of the official language, deficit of jobs, almost nonexistent infrastructure – this is a short list of the problems that […]
Abashidze-Karasin meeting postponed again
Zurab Abashidze (left), the Georgian Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Russian Relations, and Gregory Karasin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The direct talks between Georgia and Russia have been postponed again. Zurab Abashidze, the Georgian Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Russian Relations, and Gregory Karasin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia should have met on March 4-5, […]
Georgia begins pilot project for e-government
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili emphasized the importance of strengthening local governments and proposed building more public service centers. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is starting a pilot project to introduce electronic government, or e-government. Representatives of the Justice Ministry on Monday presented an action plan for 2014-2018 named ‘digital Georgia’ which has 11 priority areas. The goal is […]
Georgia may revise taxation on some imported goods
Gogi Topadze, one of the parliamentarians who authored the bill. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia may change the rules for VAT taxation and abolish advantages for importers of certain categories of goods. Parliament has started reviewing the draft, but the National Movement criticizes it and says they believe members of the ruling […]
Negotiations in Kazreti, the Georgian village on strike
The strike began February 14 and is to demand better work conditions and rehiring workers who were fired. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Negotiations have started in a Georgian village where the population has been on strike to protest the treatment of workers in the gold mines. A mediator appointed by the Ministry of Health held a first round of negotiations in Kazreti in the southern […]
Obama to meet Georgian PM at Hague summit
President Obama and Gharibashvili when they met last month at the White House. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Barack Obama writes in a letter that he hopes to meet Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili at the third Nuclear Security Summit in the Hague 23-25 March. The US president’s letter to Gharibashvili, published on Monday, […]
Georgian opposition parties call ruling coalition undemocratic
Nino Burjanadze, leader of Democratic Movement, is one of the signatories of the statement. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Political parties not represented in parliament accuse the government of making one-sided decisions in relation to the Election Code. The opposition parties accuse the governing Georgian Dream coalition of anti-democratic actions when it last week […]
Georgia to present 2014 reform plan to NATO
Alexi Petriashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s State Commission for NATO Integration on Monday approved the annual national program (ANP) for 2014, which will be presented to NATO. Alexi Petriashvili, Minister of Euro and Euro-Atlantic Integration, chaired […]
Riot interrupts football match in Georgia
Fans of Kutaisi’s football club FC Torpedo ran onto the field and attacked the visiting players. (Photo published by Dinamo Tbilisi.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A match of Georgia’s National Football Championship in Kutaisi between old rivals, local FC Torpedo and Dinamo Tbilisi, was interrupted by the riot of Torpedo fans who flooded the field and attacked Dinamo players and their fans. The score was 2-0 in […]
Villagers, Government reached agreement
Tbilisi, DFWatch – Adjarian villagers who on Saturday protested construction of a hydro-power plant and were dispersed by the police achieved agreement with the government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. Negotiations started at 03:00 am in the morning […]
Police beat villagers for Norwegian hydro power in Georgia
Seven hundred villagers clashed with two hundred police in Ghurta. (Video still from Adjara TV’s report.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Police in Georgia Saturday broke up a protest in a village where a Norwegian company wants to build a hydro power plant. About two hundred policemen were mobilized to break through a road block put up by villagers in Ghurta, in the south western Adjara […]
Budget gridlock finally solved in Tbilisi
Irakli Shikhiashvili, head of Tbilisi City Council. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Council decided to write the 2014 budget themselves, after refusing twice to pass drafts proposed by City Hall. The capital’s executive government is staffed by people from Saakashvili’s National Movement, but the city council is dominated […]
Four tourists dead in avalanche in Georgia
Two German and two French citizens died in Ushguli, a village in the north of Svaneti, Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Four tourists have died in an avalanche in Ushguli, a village in the Upper Svaneti region, north in Georgia. According to the local government in Mestia, two German and two French tourists have died. One French tourist survived. His health is in no […]
Georgian parliament condemns Russia’s actions in Crimea
Speaker of Parliament Davit Usupashvili said the debate about the Ukraine resolution was one of his most difficult days in parliament. TBILISI, DFWatch–Parliament in Georgia Wednesday passed a resolution condemning Russia’s deployment of military forces in Crimea, which it says is a threat to all of Europe. The resolution says Georgia became a victim of Russian military aggression in the war in 2008, […]
Georgian PM: ‘Suicide’ if Ukraine takes advice from Saakashvili
Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili claims former President Mikheil Saakashvili is being used as an adviser by the new interim authorities in Ukraine. Appearing on a TV show Wednesday evening, he warned Ukrainian leaders not to trust the […]
Russian military helicopter and UAV fly over Georgia
A Russian helicopter of the type Mi-8 flew over an area near Gori in Georgia Thursday. (Photo by U.S. Department of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Russian military helicopter violated Georgian air space on Thursday. The helicopter, which was of the type Mi-8, flew over an area in the vicinity of the towns Gori and Kaspi, according to Georgia’s Foreign Ministry. According to the ministry, the helicopter took […]
Georgia miners’ strike gathers more supporters
From the Chiatura miners’ strike in November 2012. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The strike among mine workers in western Georgia is continuing. Workers in the coal mines in Chiatura demand better conditions and higher salaries, both of which they were promised over a year ago at the end of an extensive protest. […]
New charges against Bacho Akhalaia lawyer
Goga (Giorgi) Oniani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia has brought in new charges against a lawyer representing former Defense Minister Bacho Akhalaia. Prosecutors have already charged Goga Oniani, a former police official, with harassing a man printing t-shirts […]
47 % price hike on vegetables in Georgia
Vegetable prices had a projected annual growth of 46.6 percent in February, according to GeoStat. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Vegetable prices are on course to a 46.6 % projected annual increase in Georgia, new figures from the National Statistics Department, GeoStat, show. Georgia’s monthly inflation rate was 0.2 percent in February, according to the new report. In February […]
Georgian receives Women of Courage Award
Michelle Obama and Rusudan Gotsiridze. (Photo published by the US Embassy.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Rusudan Gotsiridze, Bishop of the Evangelical Baptist Church of Georgia, has been given the International Women of Courage Award 2014. The award ceremony was held in Washington DC. Gotsiridze received the award because of her merits in promoting […]
Georgia’s parliament to hold meetings in two cities
Old parliament in Tbilisi. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Speaker of Parliament Davit Usupashvili has started working at the old parliament building in Tbilisi. The speaker explained it was only the first step in a gradual moving process. “Parliament will be moved back to Tbilisi step by step,” he said, […]
Presidents of Turkey and Georgia discussed Ukraine crisis
President of Turkey Abdullah Gül. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The presidents of Georgia and Turkey have spoken on phone about the latest events in Ukraine. President of Turkey, Abdullah Gül, and the Georgian President, Giorgi Margvelashvili, underlined the importance of supporting the territorial integrity […]
EUs Füle working ‘intensely’ on timetable for Georgia trade pact
Štefan Füle, European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia says negotiations with the European Union about the schedule and procedures for signing the Association Agreement must be finished in March. Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze said this after meeting with Štefan Füle, European Commissioner […]
Georgians demonstrated against Russian fences in Atotsi
Some carried Ukrainian flags. (Maestro TV.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Several hundred people demonstrated Monday near the de facto border with South Ossetia, to highlight the recent resumption of installation of barbed wire by Russian soldiers. The demonstration was held in the village Atotsi, near the town Kareli. […]
Georgian ministers call Ukrainian interim counterparts
Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s defense and foreign ministers on Monday spoke by phone with Ukraine’s acting defense and foreign ministers. In the phone conversation, Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze expressed deep concern about the events taking place […]
Suspect in 2006 Kodori Valley crisis detained in Tbilisi
Emzar Kvitsiani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Emzar Kvitsiani, who was accused of organizing a mutiny in Kodori Valley and has been wanted since 2006, has been detained as he arrived at Tbilisi airport. Tbilisi City Court placed him in pretrial detention. Since 2006, police have been offering […]
French, German FMs postpone visits due to Ukraine crisis
Laurent Fabius (left) and Frank-Walter Steinmeier when they announced the trip in January. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The foreign ministers of France and Germany and an EU commissioner have postponed their visits to Georgia due to the latest developments in Ukraine. EU Commissioner Stefan Fule should have visited Georgia on Monday while Laurent Fabius and Frank […]
Tbilisi City Council March 7 makes last attempt to pass budget
TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Council will hold a special session on March 7 to once more put the city’s 2014 budget bill to a vote. City Hall has sent a draft budget to the council for the fourth time, but the council failed to approve it. The capital has remained […]
Hundreds rallied outside Ukrainian embassy in Tbilisi
The demonstration started outside Ukraine’s embassy and continued across the street at the former Russian embassy. (DFWatch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Hundreds of people demonstrated in support of Ukraine on Sunday outside the Ukrainian embassy in Tbilisi. Some came carrying Ukrainian flags and some were dressed in yellow and blue. Their posters bore slogans like “Save Ukraine”, “Russia go […]
Georgia reacts to Russian Duma’s Ukraine resolution
Giorgi Margvelashvili, President of Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili says Russia’s actions in Crimea are a brutal intervention in the domestic affairs of a sovereign state and calls on the international community to not allow a new conflict to escalate in Europe. The Georgian […]
Protest in Tbilisi for better protection of workers’ rights
‘Jurisdiction continues underground,’ the poster on the right says. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Several hundred people gathered outside the government building in Tbilisi on Friday to demand better protection of workers’ rights. Workers are on strike several places in Georgia. In Kazreti, the entire village is protesting against a mass […]
Stefan Fule to visit Georgia March 3-4
EU Commissioner Stefan Fule (right) during a previous meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili in Brussels February 3, 2014. (Government photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–EU Commissioner Stefan Fule is planning a visit to Georgia next Monday and Tuesday. According to his press office, the Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy will meet with President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Prime Minister […]
Georgian Lawyer’s Association chair attacked by rebel members
Zaza Khatiashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–In Georgian Lawyer’s Association, some of the members have started procedures to dismiss their chairman. The rebel members claim the reason is that Zaza Khatiashvili is a supporter of the former ruling party, the National Movement, and also that he […]
Abashidze-Karasin meeting postponed until March 14
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian and Russian negotiators Zurab Abashidze and Gregory Karasin have postponed their planned meeting until March 14. Abashidze, the Georgian Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Russian Relations and Karasin, Russia’s […]
France refuses to extradite former Georgian defense minister
Davit Kezerashvili was Georgia’s defense minister during the 2008 war with Russia over a breakaway territory. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–France has refused to extradite former Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili to Georgia. Kezerashvili is charged with acquiring a large amount of money and for receiving a bribe while he was minister. He is also implicated in the Imedi TV case, […]
Merabishvili found guilty of violent May 26, 2011, dispersal
Former Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Georgian Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili was Thursday sentenced to four years and six months in jail in a case concerning the dispersal of a peaceful anti-government rally on May 26, 2011. Tbilisi City Court has been reviewing the case for […]
Georgia: 15% rise in January’s foreign trade confirmed
Used cars for sale at Rustavi car market near Tbilisi. (rustavi.ge.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign trade turnover was USD 761 million in January 2014 according to precise data published by Georgia’s National Statistics Department, GeoStat. This is 15 percent more than in 2013. Export was USD 224 million, which is 14 percent […]
John Kerry to visit Georgia in spring
US Secretary of State John Kerry next to his Georgian counterpart, Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze. (Photo published by the Georgian government.) TBILISI, DFWatch–US Secretary of State John Kerry will visit Georgia in spring 2014. Kerry said after a meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili on Wednesday that he is looking forward to coming to Georgia and that the trip might take place in spring. […]
Georgian president meets locals near contested border
President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, Wednesday met people who live close to the de facto border near the town Kareli. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili says he hopes that the barbed wire which Russian soldiers are installing at the so-called border with two breakaway territories will eventually be sent away peacefully as scrap metal. Margvelashvili […]
Bacho Akhalaia’s lawyer released on bail
Giorgi Oniani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Court has released the lawyer of a former defense minister against a 20 000 lari (USD 12 000) bail. Goga Oniani, a former high police official during Saakashvili who now is a lawyer representing the ex-minister Bacho Akhalaia, is charged […]
Russia resumes building of South Ossetia border fences
Razor wire is one of the measures Russian border guards are using to enforce the de facto border. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian soldiers have resumed the installation of warning signs and barbed wire at villages near the border with the breakaway region South Ossetia. A sign warning about the de facto border was installed in the village Ghogheti near Kareli on Tuesday. […]
Georgia creates agency to oversee party financing
Lasha Tordia, Director of the State Audit Office. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is creating a temporary commission to monitor the financing of political parties. The new body will be staffed by people from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and will be based at the State Audit Office. Its general director, Lasha […]
Glimpses of daily life in Iormughanlo, Georgia
Iormughanlo is a village at the river Iori and lies in the Kakheti region in the south eastern part of Georgia. The village has a population of not more than 2 000, according to the most recent census data, predominantly ethic Azeris. The majority of families in Iormughanlo have sheep as a livelihood. While walking in [...]
Former police official and Bacho Akhalaia lawyer detained
Giorgi Oniani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia has ordered the detention of a lawyer for former Defense Minister Bacho Akhalaia. Giorgi Oniani is charged with abuse of power, falsification of evidence about especially grave crime and purposeful unlawful […]
Georgian PM Gharibashvili met Obama and Biden
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili (left) and US President Barack Obama. (Photo published on Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili on Monday met with US Vice President Joe Biden at the White House. President Barack Obama later joined the meeting. Topics included the US-Georgia strategic partnership, the prospects for Georgia’s integration […]
Abashidze-Karasin talks planned for March 4 in Prague
Zurab Abashidze (left), the Georgian Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Russian Relations, and Gregory Karasin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The next meeting between Russian and Georgian negotiators might take place on March 4 or 5. Zurab Abashidze, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Russian Relations, told Interpressnews that the meeting will be held in Prague. At this […]
Demonstrations in support of Ukraine were held in Tbilisi
The ones who died in the fighting in Kiev were remembered in Tbilisi on Sunday. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgians gathered at the old parliament building in Tbilisi on Sunday to pay tribute to those who died during the recent clashes in Ukraine. Activists also started a campaign to collect money to pay for treatment of those who were wounded. At least […]
Miners on strike in Chiatura, Georgia
Mine workers in Chiatura. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–About 600 miners in western Georgia have gone on strike, demanding that the management fulfills a promise made during a strike last year. In Chiatura, eomployees at Itkhvisi, Shukura, a factory and a mechanical workshop warn that if their demands aren’t met, about […]
Parliament speaker in Georgia sees no threat
Davit Usupashvili, Speaker of Parliament. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The speaker of parliament in Georgia says there are currently no threats against the country. Gubaz Sanikidze, a member of parliament for the Georgian Dream coalition, said Friday that ‘it will be Georgia’s turn after Ukraine’ and begged the […]
Georgians show support for Ukrainians in many ways
Gvantsa Chkhivadze wanted to tell the Georgian president that there is a war for Ukraine, which is also a war for Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–One lone woman demonstrated in support of Ukraine in front of Georgia’s parliament on Friday. Georgians are showing solidarity in a number of ways after the bloodbath in Kiev. Gvantsa Chkhivadze, who represents Movement for Independence and Euro- […]
Georgian PM starts weeklong US trip Saturday
Georgian Prime Minister, Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili tomorrow begins his first United States visit since assuming office. Gharibashvili, who is accompanied by several of his cabinet ministers, said at a government session on Thursday that it will be the first top […]
Georgian president ‘completely shocked’ by events in Ukraine
President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili says no government has ever been forgiven for using weapons against its own people. Margvelashvili said he was shocked by seeing footage from Thursday's events in Ukraine. “Events are developing in a tragic way in Ukraine, and we are completely shocked by what [...]
Georgian activist dies from sniper fire in Kiev
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–One more Georgian citizen died in Kiev on February 21. Davit Kipiani, a young National Movement activist, was found dead at Khreshchatnik. His bullet proof vest had two bullet holes after he was hit by a sniper. Mikheil Saakashvili, the former […]
Georgia sends peacekeepers to Central African Republic
Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government has decided to commit its military forces to the European Union’s rapid reaction force in the Central African Republic from May. The violence between Christians and Muslims which began more than a year ago is at risk […]
Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan foreign ministers meet
The foreign affairs ministers of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey, respectively: Maia Panjikidze (left), Elmar Mammadyarov, and Ahmet Davutoglu. (Georgian MFA.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The foreign ministers of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey met on Wednesday in Azerbaijan’s second largest city Ganja to discuss regional cooperation. Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze said they talked about the 2013-15 action plan, which […]
Green Party leaves Georgian Dream coalition
Member of Parliament for Georgian Greens, Giorgi Gachechiladze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Member of Parliament Gia Gachechiladze on Wednesday left the parliamentary majority, the Georgian Dream coalition. Gachechiladze is a member of the Greens Party, which is not a member of the Georgian Dream coalition, but he represented the coalition […]
Figure skater Elene Gedevanishvili in 17th place at Sochi
Elene Gedevanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian figure skater Elene Gedevanishvili Wednesday ended up in 17th place in the Sochi Olympics. The 24-year old competed in the short program against 30 athletes at Iceberg Skating Palace. Gedevanishvili received 54.70 point from the jury. That […]
One Georgian dead in Kiev violence
One Georgian is among the 26 who have died in violent clashes in Kiev the last few days. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–One Georgian citizen died in Kiev on February 18 during clashes between activists and Interior Ministry troops. Zurab Khurtsia, 54, was one of 26 people who have died since the violence reignited two days ago. Besik Shamugia, head of the association […]
How can minority women get into politics in Georgia?
Sabina Talibova. (Photo: Newcaucasus.com.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Sabina Talibova is an ethnic Azerbaijanian living in Marneuli. Some time ago, she became involved in several non-governmental organizations which are working to engage women more in employment and politics. DF Watch talked to her about problems […]
National Movement might boycott president’s address
Member of Parliament Giorgi Vashadze said the National Movement are still discussing within the party what to ask Margvelashvili about. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The National Movement party’s members of parliament might not attend the Georgian president’s state of the nation address, which takes place in parliament in Kutaisi on February 21. UNM members say they have not yet made a decision about whether […]
Georgia creates new agency for religious issues
Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia is planning to create a new agency that will work on religious issues. Minister of Reconciliation and Equality Paata Zakareishvili on Tuesday explained that the new body will implement a recent initiative by the government […]
Georgian Nino Tsiklauri finishes 49th in giant slalom
Nino Tsiklauri in the giant slalom competition Tuesday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Georgian alpine skier participating in the Sochi Winter Olympics competed on February 18 and finished in 49th place. Nino Tsiklauri is one of four Georgians taking part in the Games, and was flag bearer for the Georgian team. Tuesday, she competed […]
Georgia’s foreign trade up 15% in Jan compared to last year
Tbilisi Mall. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign trade turnover increased 15 percent in January, 2014, compared to the same period last year. The total turnover was USD 761 million. This is according to preliminary data published by Georgia’s National Statistics Department, […]
Firefighters on strike in Tbilisi, claim their boss is corrupt
Sixteen firefighters are on strike in Tbilisi against what they claim is a corrupt leadership. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–16 firefighters in Tbilisi are on a strike to demand the resignation of the head of the emergency service, Temur Giorgadze. The firefighters, who have been on strike for six days, claim that Giorgadze hires his friends and relatives, is corrupt and […]
Georgian PM wants 50% first past the post threshold
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili proposes to raise the threshold for winning in the first round of local elections to 50 percent. Gharibashvili, who represents the Georgian Dream coalition, suggests having a 50 percent threshold also in mayoral […]
Merabishvili used employment program for election campaign
The two defendants, Vano Merabishvili (left) and Zurab Chiaberashvili, at an earlier court appearance. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Minister of Internal Affairs Vano Merabishvili used an employment program as a way to campaign for the National Movement party ahead of the October 2012 parliamentary election. This is the conclusion of Kutaisi City Court in a trial that has […]
Complaints against Georgia at Strasbourg court drops 70%
Nana Kakabadze (seated, right) and other members of the group Former Political Prisoners for Human Rights in January, 2013. Most complaints against Georgia have been about prisoner abuse. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The number of complaints against Georgia at the European Court of Human Rights has been reduced by 70 percent. On Sunday, the Ministry of Justice published information showing that there were 375 complaints against Georgia at the Strasbourg-based […]
Naturalized Chechen refugee not allowed to leave Georgia
Public Defender Ucha Nanuashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Public Defender’s Office in Georgia calls on the Interior Ministry to react to the violation of the rights of a Georgian citizen who last month was prohibited three times from leaving Georgia. Saikhan Muzayev complained to the office on January 20 […]
Bus drivers on strike in Batumi
Municipal bus drivers in Batumi have been on strike for five days. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Bus drivers in Batumi have been on strike for five days, demanding higher salary and the dismissal of the director of Batumi Autotransport Ltd. Two of the protesting drivers, Nugzar Gvianidze and Nika Sikharulidze, are on hunger strike and live […]
Georgia’s ruling coalition promises clean local election
Biometric voter’s lists is something the opposition has been wanting for a long time, said Zviad Dzidziguri, Member of Parliament for the Georgian Dream coalition. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian Dream coalition promises that there will not be fraud in the upcoming local elections, as the voters’ list is being checked by use of biometric data, which will prevent names from appearing two or more times. Georgian Dream, both the coalition and the party with the same […]
Georgian president to hold annual address on February 21
President Giorgi Margvelashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Giorgi Margvelashvili will hold his first annual address to parliament on February 21. Outlining the content of his speech already on Friday, Margvelashvili announced he wants to focus on values and Georgia’s ‘strategic vectors’; […]
Appeals court upholds partial acquittal of Bacho Akhalaia
Bacho Akhalaia in Tbilisi City Court in February, 2013. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Appeals Court in Georgia has upheld a decision by Tbilisi City Court to partly acquit former Defense Minister Bacho Akhalaia in the so-called prison riot case. Tbilisi City Court acquitted Akhalaia in part of the case, but sentenced him to three […]
Georgia climbs 17 places on Press Freedom Index
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia climbs 17 places on the latest Press Freedom Index and is listed in 84th place among 180 countries. The index measures the level of freedom of information in different countries and is published annually by Reporters Without Borders. […]
Georgian parliament speaker met Hungary’s president
Georgian Speaker of Parliament Davit Usupashvili (left) and President of Hungary, János Áder. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Speaker of Parliament Davit Usupashvili Friday met Hungarian President János Áder. The two discussed economy, Georgia’s integration with Europe and relations with Russia. Usupashvili is in Hungary together with a Georgian delegation […]
EUMM’s new deputy head criticized Georgia in 2008
Ryan Grist, Deputy Head of EUMM. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A former British army captain who in 2008 accused Georgia of starting the South Ossetia war has been appointed as deputy head of the EU Monitoring Mission to Georgia (EUMM). In 2008, Ryan Grist was in charge of a group of foreign observers who were […]