News
Georgia declares commitment to EU, US and NATO
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 […]
Saakashvili offers opponent to sign common foreign policy statement
TBILISI, DFWatch–President Saakashvili offers Prime Minister Ivanishvili to sign a common statement to NATO and the EU confirming their allegiance to a European and Euro-Atlantic political course. A spokesperson for the prime minister told DF Watch that Ivanishvili has […]
Ivanishvili’s fortune shrinks by one billion
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 […]
Justice minister lacks law degree, some claim
Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani. (DFWatch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A debate is brewing in Georgia about the credentials of the new justice minister, as Thea Tsulukiani’s opponents claim that she doesn’t have a law degree. Her supporters in the governing Georgian Dream coalition claim she has a diploma, but received […]
Prosecutor lost appeal in Tbilisi mayor’s case
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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, […]
Saakashvili refuses to use the security service
TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili refuses to use the Special State Protection Service service after bitter negotiations with the government about the size and financing of the unit. Saakashvili said during a press conference on Tuesday evening […]
Ivanishvili agrees to give former officials amnesty
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
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
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
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 […]
Local government reform to involve people more
Davit Narmania, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The goal of a new reform of local government is to involve locals in solving their own problems, like bad roads and failing water supply. The Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure on Monday laid out its new decentralization plan and […]
Ugulava free without bail
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
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 […]
Prosecutor wants Tbilisi mayor suspended from office
Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava addressing supporters after being questioned by investigators Saturday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office wants Tbilisi mayor Gigi Ugulava removed from office and on a USD 600 000 bail as he awaits trial for money laundering and embezzlement. Even though Ugulava, a close ally of President Mikheil Saakashvili, is an elected […]
Saakashvili pressured TV investor: ‘You are a smart Jew’
Chief Prosecutor Archil Kbilashvili says he may want to question Saakashvili about the takeover of Imedi TV. (DF Watch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili may be asked to give testimony as a witness in the case about the takeover of a TV station. The reason is that an investor who played a key role in bringing Imedi TV under his government’s control in 2008 said he was […]
Saakashvili criticizes ex minister for running away
Former Justice Minister Zurab Adeishvili is wanted in his home country Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian president says it was not right of the former justice minister Zurab Adeishvili to run away from the country and that he wouldn’t have done the same. But Mikheil Saakashvili also said that Zurab Adeishvili had planned to leave Georgia […]
Ex-minister involved in an unexpected killing released on bail
TBILISI, DFWatch -A former sports minister detained for being involved in a fatal gun accident that killed his friend was Saturday released on GEL 3,000 (USD 1,800) bail by Tbilisi court, along with two other men charged for the same incident. Lado Vardzelashvili, former sports […]
Saakashvili’s party rallies to support Tbilisi mayor
Vano Merabishvili, Secretary General of the National Movement. (DF Watch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava was charged with money laundering and embezzlement of the city’s money, but not detained. Politicians from the United National Movement party of President Mikheil Saakashvili on Friday hastily left parliament Kutaisi […]
Saakashvili plans to stay in politics
TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili, who will leave office in October, says that he doesn’t plan to leave politics, because this would mean running away from the battlefield and letting everything which he has built be ruined. Saakashvili has served […]
Saakashvili talks about errors in unusual talk show appearance
Mikheil Saakashvili on Channel 1 talk show Friday. TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili made a rare appearance on a TV talk show and spoke about his own and his government’s errors. Saakashvili was invited to Channel 1 to answer […]
Tbilisi mayor appoints his own replacement
Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava appoints Sevdia Ugrekhelidze as his replacement, in case he himself ends up in prison. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–As Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava is slapped with charges of money laundering and embezzlement, he appoints who will replace him if he is arrested. Thursday evening, Ugulava presented Sevdia Ugrekhelidze, a Tbilisi Council member, as the new first vice […]
Lawmakers in Georgia discuss using national dress
Zviad Dzidziguri (center) and Bidzina Gujabidze (right), members of parliament for the Conservative Party, a part of the Georgian Dream coalition, dressed in the traditional Georgian attire Chokha. (Parliament photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Lawmakers in Georgia Friday discussed a proposal to allow members of the assembly to wear the national dress Chokha while in parliament. The bill is the initiative of Bidzina Gujabidze from the Conservative Party, who argues that the physical […]
Tbilisi mayor charged with money laundering
Gigi Ugulava. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava is charged with money laundering and embezzlement of public money. Ugulava is a close ally of President Mikheil Saakashvili and in 2010 became the first elected mayor of the capital. Natia Sukhiashvili, spokesperson for […]
Ex minister detained after fatal gun accident
Lado Vardzelashvili, former sports minister. (Police photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The former minister of sport and youth affairs, a close ally of president Saakashvili, has been detained by Tbilisi police, along with two of his friends, after the accidental killing of another friend who was also a former ministry employee. […]
Ivanishvili introduces regional democracy
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Ivanishvili government plans to do away with the governors in Georgia after the local election in 2014 and replace them with elected councils, Davit Narmania, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development says. A governor is a trustee […]
Saakashvili’s party to demonstrate against foreign policy change
TBILISI, DFWatch–Mikheil Saakashvili’s party plans a rally on April 19 to demand that the country’s western policy continues. The Secretary General of the National Movement says ‘the vague foreign policy’ by Ivanishvili’s government puts the country in danger. […]
Airing of edited Robakidze video condemned
Outside the Rustavi 2 studio building Thursday. (DF Watch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The public defender and several major non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Georgia condemn Rustavi 2 TV for airing the footage of the 2004 police raid which killed a teenager. The Robakidze incident has been in the focus of the public interest […]
Saakashvili demands to hold address to parliament
TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili demands that parliament allows him to use his constitutional right to address the nation from parliament. Thursday, the Georgian leader sent an open letter to MPs calling on them to follow the constitution, which obliges […]
Robakidze video is edited, says expert
TBILISI, DFWatch–An independent expert claims that a video which was released a few days ago regarding Buta Robakidze’s murder, is edited. Marika Toklikishvili, who is an expert on audio and video footage, said at a press conference Thursday that even at first look, […]
Moscow issues arrest warrant for Georgian politician
Givi Targamadze is wanted in Russia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A court in Moscow Thursday issued a warrant for the arrest in absentia of a Georgian politician who is accused of organizing mass riots in Russia. Russian media writes that the court agreed with investigators to impose restraint measures and confine […]
OSCE to study trials of ex officials in Georgia
Chiora Taktakishvili, one of the activists who argue that the case against Bacho Akhalaia is politically motivated. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Wednesday started a monitoring of the trials against former government officials in Georgia. According to the OSCE webpage, the monitoring started with the pretrial hearing of Bacho […]
Controversial trial postponed again
Bacho Akhalaia in Tbilisi City Court Feb. 20, 2013. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A trial drawing great public attention against former government officials was again rescheduled for February 28 by Tbilisi City Court on Wednesday. Tbilisi City Court held pretrial hearing for Bacho Akhalaia, a Saakashvili loyalist and former […]
Constitution talks break down
TBILISI, DFWatch–The negotiations between Saakashvili’s party and Ivanishvlii’s coalition about constitutional changes have failed, because the president demanded an amnesty for all crimes committed by officials in his government, a demand rejected by Georgian Dream. […]
Georgia to build new mosque in Batumi
People in Tbilisi protesting against construction of Aziz Mosque in Batumi. (DFWatch photo) Tbilisi, DFWatch – Georgia has found a solution to a controversy concerning a planned mosque in Batumi, a city on the Black Sea coast. Locals have been outraged over the plans, as it should have been named after the historic Turkish leader Aziz. Now, the government […]
Akhalaia expected in court today
TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Court today holds pretrial hearing in the case against Saakashvili loyalist Bacho Akhalaia and other former government officials. The hearing has been rescheduled several times on request by the Chief Prosecutor. Wednesday’s hearings […]
Saakashvili allies lose another seat in capital
Nikoloz Khachirashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The National Movement (UNM) has lost one more member of Tbilisi City Council, but still has a majority of seats. Nikoloz Khachirashvili on Tuesday said he is leaving the UNM faction, but will remain an independent and not join any other faction. […]
Re-edited video published by cop in Robakidze case
TBILISI, DFWatch–Saakashvili faithful TV station Rustavi 2 has aired a 5-minute clip which appears to free police of culpability for the death of nineteen year-old Buta Robakidze, who was shot during a police operation on November 24, 2004. But the clip, the source […]
Saakashvili and Ivanishvili to write letter to NATO
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian prime minister and president are considering writing a letter to NATO about integration issues, according to the country’s foreign minister. Foreign Affair Minister Maia Panjikidze on Tuesday visited parliament in Kutaisi in western […]
Cecilia Malmström to visit Georgia
Tbilisi, DFWatch – Commissioner Cecilia Malmström will visit Georgia and bring action plan for visa liberalization issues on February 24. Maia Panjikidze, Foreign Affair Minister on Tuesday met with the National Movement members in parliament […]
Georgia gets new business ombudsman
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili Tuesday appointed a new business ombudsman. He said this will make it easier for them to make the government aware of problems they may have. The announcement took place at a meeting with business […]
Alasania: Top NATO people to visit Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch–The visit of NATO’s top political governing body to Georgia has been agreed upon, said Irakli Alasania, Georgia’s Minister of Defense, to journalists on Monday. He said that the exact date of the visit of the North Atlantic Council as well as the […]
Ivanishvili government’s first 100 days
From left to right: Eka Gigauri from Transparency International, Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, and Prison Minister Sozar Subari. (DF Watch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Georgia met for a conference on Monday to sum up the three months after the parliamentary election of Georgia. Representatives of NGOs working in the human rights field described the government’s first 100 […]
Disagreement over diplomatic passport
Davit Sakvarelidze (left) and Giorgi Vashadze, members of parliament for the National Movement party. (DF Watch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian justice minister and a member of parliament from the National Movement party (UNM) Monday argued about the issuing of a diplomatic passport during a conference to sum up the government’s first 100 days in power. The two were attending […]
National Movement drops the bill but still adherent to constitutional guarantees
Tbilisi, DF Watch – President Saakashvili’s United National Movement Party withdraws the draft bill which legally safeguards Georgia’s Western-oriented foreign policy in order ‘not to interrupt’ the process of negotiations between the government and the UNM. […]
Foreign experts to study high profile cases
TBILISI, DFWatch–A group of foreign experts is to monitor ongoing high profile criminal cases in Georgia. Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, who took the initiative, told journalists that President Mikheil Saakashvili has agreed to establishing the group. Another […]
More money flowing into Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch–More than USD 94 million was transferred to Georgia from abroad in January, 2013. This is more than USD 10 million more than the same period in 2012. The total amount of money transfers in January was USD 94.1 million, which is 11.5 percent […]
Georgian parliament to debate foreign policy constitution
TBILISI, DFWatch–Lawmakers in Georgia today start debating whether to write its foreign policy into the constitution, and if so, how many details of it. Foremost among issues likely to end up in the constitution is EU and NATO membership aspirations. The bill, […]
UNDP chief visits Georgia
UNDP Administrator Helen Clark. (UNDP photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–UNDP chief Helen Clark is expected in Georgia February 17 for a three-day visit. According to the UNDP, the organization’s administrator will hold meetings with government officials and representatives of local and international organizations. She […]
Georgia and Russia plan second bilateral meeting
Zurab Abashidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A second meeting between Georgian and Russian representatives will be held on March 1, 2013, in a European country, but not in Geneva. Zurab Abashidze, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Russian Relations, said in an interview on […]
Ivanishvili reveals what he and Saakashvili talked about
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili has lifted the veil on what was said in an unusual conversation between him and President Mikheil Saakashvili last month. The two leaders, who are maneuvering a precarious power-sharing situation, […]
Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream holds party conference
TBILISI, DFWatch–Bidzina Ivanishvili was Saturday elected honorable chairman of the Georgian Dream Democratic Georgia Party. The Prime Minister’s Party on Saturday held a large congress at Tbilisi Concert Hall to elect a political council and a party chairman. […]
Ugulava told police: ‘If you want a show, here is your show’
Mayor Gigi Ugulava told police Feb. 8 that they had to establish order. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Mayor of Tbilisi Gigi Ugulava has left the police building after three hours of questioning. He said that he thinks he won’t be questioned again about the street violence he was involved in on February 8. The mayor was questioned as a witness […]
US congressmen ask Kerry to ‘avert crisis’ in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch–Four members of the US Congress have appealed to Secretary of State John Kerry to use the full diplomatic resources of his department to avert a political crisis in Georgia. The magazine The Hill on Friday published a letter signed by Michael Turner, […]
Agreement about reducing powers of president
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Dream coalition and the National Movement Party agree to reduce the powers of the president. This will need immediate enforcement of that part of the constitution which applies to the powers of the president and which should have been […]
Georgia to move 30 Turkish prisoners to Turkey
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is to speed up the transfer of Turkish prisoners to Turkey, to let them be closer to their family as they serve out the rest of their sentence. The government wants to make it easier for people to care for a family member who is in prison, […]
Tbilisi mayor to be questioned about violence today
Mayor Gigi Ugulava waving his arms, urging supporters to break through a crowd of demonstrators Feb. 8, 2013. TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Court Friday issued a ruling that orders the city’s mayor, Gigi Ugulava, to appear before the police and explain himself about a massive street scuffle that he was involved in February 8. The court instructs Interior Ministry employees […]
By-elections to be held April 27
TBILISI, DFWatch–By-elections will be held April 27 in three districts of Georgia to fill seats made vacant when members of parliament were appointed to government positions last year. The three districts are Nadzaladevi in Tbilisi, and Baghdati and Samtreida, two […]
Saakashvili’s party loses seat in Tbilisi council
TBILISI, DFWatch–The National Movement continues to lose members in the Tbilisi City Council, but still controls a majority of seats. Zura Gachechiladze, known as Shonzo, on Friday left the National Movement and joined the alternative Freedom faction. After […]
Georgia to have constitution define NATO and EU wish
Manana Kobakhidze, Vice Speaker of Parliament. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The governing coalition in Georgia accepts a demand made by President Saakashvili’s National Movement party to write the country’s foreign policy course into the constitution. This means that Georgia’s aspirations to become a member of NATO […]
Saakashvili ally wanted in Russia for planning revolution
Givi Targamadze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia has declared a Georgian member of parliament internationally wanted, accusing him of past ties to the Russian opposition and having tried to finance a revolution. According to reports in the Russian media, investigators have charged Givi […]
Rail workers on strike in Khashuri
TBILISI, DFWatch–Around 800 rail workers in Khashuri in central Georgia went on strike Wednesday,demanding increased salaries and to restore benefits which they used to have years ago. There are no staff available on the railway section between Zestaponi further west […]
Saakashvili’s local people are leaving
TBILISI, DFWatch–According to a new survey, the number keeps growing of public employees who are members of President Saakashvili’s party and have been fired after the parliamentary elections of October, 2012. The report, which is published by International Society […]
Ivanishvili visiting Turkey
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian head of government Bidzina Ivanishvili is on a one-day visit to Turkey accompanied by some of his ministers. According to the prime minister’s press office, the delegation plans to hold meetings with Turkey’s president, prime minister […]
Court to consider forcing mayor to come for questioning
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian Interior Ministry appeals to Tbilisi City Court asking for it to issue a court order requiring the Tbilisi mayor to appear for questioning. Mayor Ugulava has been asked repeatedly to come to the police and talk about the violence outside […]
Georgia unveils memorial to victims of Saakashvili regime
The memorial stone. TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s justice minister on Saturday opened a memorial for the victims of the Saakashvili regime, which held government power in the country from 2004 to 2012. The memorial stone at the entrance to the House of Justice bears the names of Zurab […]
Scuffle in TV studio during debate about violence
Sergo Ratiani (left) and Koba Davitashvili (right) fighting while anchor Tea Sichinava (seated) of the show Arguments on Maestro TV tries to calm them down. TBILISI, DFWatch–A member of parliament from the opposition and one from the ruling coalition beat each other live on Maestro TV Wednesday evening during a discussion about political violence. The two briefly clashed together while discussing who was to blame for the […]
Tbilisi Mayor refuses to come for questioning about violence
TBILISI, DFWatch–For several days, investigators in Georgia have been calling National Movement members in for questioning without them appearing, including the Tbilisi mayor. Mayor Gigi Ugulava’s answer has repeatedly been to call on the investigators to come to his […]
Power-sharing talks continue in Georgia
Davit Bakradze (left) and Davit Usupashvili. (President’s administration.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The two main political blocs in Georgia met Tuesday to try to agree on how to change the constitution, but without results. Parliament Speaker Davit Usupashvili from the governing Georgian Dream coalition said he believes it is possible to bring […]
EU to support Georgia’s reforms with €20 mill
Part of the money will go to promoting better coordination at the Prime Minister’s Office. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–EU Tuesday signed an agreement with Georgia which will release €20 million in aid for furthering democratic reforms in the country. According to an EU press release, the money will be spent on institution building aimed at supporting reforms […]
Panetta briefed Alasania about Afghanistan plans
TBILISI, DFWatch–The US Secretary of Defense Tuesday called Georgia’s Defense Minister and introduced him to the US action plan for Afghanistan. The main topic of conversation between Leon Panetta and Irakli Alasania was what kind of new functions the Georgian […]
Saakashvili says current events in Georgia are dangerous
Štefan Füle (left), the EU’s Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy, and Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili in Tbilisi Feb. 12. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili says the current events in his country are dangerous and that he will meet regularly with the prime minister in the coming period. “Now we should stand higher than our ambitions. We and the government should […]
7 000 released after Georgian amnesty
Graphic showing the number of prisoners in each prison. (Prison Ministry.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Almost to 7 000 prisoners have left Georgian jails after a mass amnesty came into force one month ago, according to the country’s Prison Ministry. This is twice as many as the government estimate before the amnesty. In total, 6 918 prisoners have […]
Minibus drivers in Batumi are on strike
TBILISI, DFWatch–A correspondent for Interpressnews in the Black Sea port reports that 350 drivers have been on strike from Tuesday morning, demanding an increase in their salary. Drivers say their hourly pay is USD 2.20 and want to increase it to USD 2.50, otherwise […]
Georgia and Turkey plan defense cooperation
TBILISI, DFWatch–The prime minister and defense minister of Georgia will go to Turkey this week to discuss relations between the two neighboring countries. Defense Minister Irakli Alasania said on Monday that he and Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili will go to Turkey […]
Informal Eastern Partnership talks in Georgia
Georgia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maia Panjikidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia will host the session of the informal dialogue within the Eastern Partnership February 12 and 13. Georgia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maia Panjikidze and Economy Minister Giorgi Kbirikashvili will host the event, according to the press office […]
Press conference turned into TV debate
From left to right: Speaker of Parliament Davit Usupashvili, President Mikheil Saakashvili and former Speaker of Parliament Davit Bakradze. (President’s administration.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The president and the speaker of parliament Monday emerged after an hour-long meeting and agreed that it had been a productive one, although the only thing they agree on was that agreement is necessary on important issues. Speaker of Parliament Davit […]
Suspect given bail after National Library violence
Video still shows Gela Mamaladze in the moment he hit member of parliament Chiora Taktakishvili Feb. 8, 2013. TBILISI, DFWatch–The man suspected of beating a member of parliament outside the National Library last Friday was Monday allowed to go free until his trial for a USD 1 200 bail. Gela Mamaladze is charged with physically assaulting Chiora Taktakishvili, Sergo […]
Saakashvili to negotiate with government today
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian president will meet with the speaker of parliament in the evening today to discuss topics which lie at the base of a protracted dispute between the two main political blocs. Member of parliament Giorgi Gabashvili from the minority […]
Prison torture has not been investigated: NGOs
TBILISI, DFWatch–Non-governmental organizations say the cases of torture in the prisons, which caused a wave of demonstrations in September, 2012 and preceded the ruling party’s election defeat, have not been investigated by the new government. “Despite an […]
Two people fined for Friday’s violence
Interior Minister Irakli Gharibashvili in front of the National Library Feb. 8, 2013. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office asks Tbilisi City Court to impose pre-trial measures against Gela Mamaladze, the man who is accused of beating opposition members outside the National Library on Friday. […]
Ivanishvili and Saakashvili facing off on Facebook
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili’s official Facebook page. TBILISI, DFWatch–The prime minister and the president in Georgia are continuing to challenge eachother’s versions of a violent street clash Friday – via Facebook. Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili Sunday evening issued another statement as answer to President […]
EU ‘deeply concerned’ by Friday’s violence in Georgia
Protesters angry about the torture of prisoners blocking the entrance to the National Library before President Saakashvili’s state of the nation address. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two EU foreign policy spokespersons express deep concern over the violent incidents in front of the National Library in Tbilisi February 8. A violent clash developed as a column of activists for President Mikheil Saakashvili’s National Movement party, led […]
Saakashvili calls on government for dialogue
President Mikheil Saakashvili invites Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili and his team to a dialogue. (Photo: President’s press office.) Tbilisi, DF Watch–Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili welcomes a statement by Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili condemning Friday’s violence in front of the National Library and invites him to a new dialogue. Saakashvili said he welcomed ‘the fact that the Prime […]
New details in Robakidze murder case
Guram Donadze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–New details have been revealed about the murder of Buta Robakidze, while the former head of the interior minister’s press office was detained. Guram Donadze was charged for abuse of powers. Specifically, he is accused of ordering the filming of […]
Ivanishvili condemns the violence
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili unconditionally and unequivocally condemns the violence which took place on Friday outside the National Library. President Mikheil Saakashvili’s televised address to the nation was delayed after a group of […]
Three detained after Friday’s violence
Interior Minister Irakli Gharibashvili trying to calm the crowd outside the National Library Friday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Police today detained a person who Friday hit Chiora Taktakishvili, member of parliament for the National Movement, causing bleeding and injuries to her nose. According to the interior minister police this morning detained Giorgi Mamaladze, who is […]
Reactions and explanations after the violence in Georgia
Reactions are strong against the political violence, but some question the actions of Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Some of the top people in President Mikheil Saakashvili’s National Movement party Friday clashed with a crowd mostly consisting of protesters who were angry about the treatment of political prisoners. Over a hundred political prisoners were recently […]
Saakashvili: Girgvliani case ‘a black stain’
TBILISI, DFWatch–Saakashvili says the Girgvliani case is ‘a black stain’ for him which he feels partly responsible for. After the televised state to the nation speech, which eventually ended up being held at his residence, the president invited journalists from […]
Ex parliamentarian accused of embezzlement
Climber and former member of parliament Gia Tortladze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Finance Ministry’s investigative service launched an investigation into the organization of the former member of parliament and well-known climber Gia Tortladze. Investigators believe that money given by the Culture Ministry to the […]
Saakashvili argues for keeping parliament in Kutaisi
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili says his party supports constitution changes regarding limiting his powers, but doesn’t support the change which suggests moving parliament back to Tbilisi. In his speech held at the president’s residence […]
Saakashvili: I won’t be locked up in my palace
TBILISI, DFWatch — After violent clashes caused him to change venue for the state of the nation address Friday, President Mikheil Saakashvili held his televised address from his residence. No one will be able to lock me up in this palace, the president said. He opened […]
Saakashvili party allies beaten, speech delayed
Parliamentarian for Saakashvili’s National Movement party Chiora Taktakishvili emerged from the chaos with a bloody nose. (DF Watch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Violent clashes broke out as some of the central figures in President Mikheil Saakashvili’s party were trying to enter the National Library to listen to the state of the nation address. Two rallies were ongoing in the area: One by former […]
Georgia and South Korea sign visa treaty
Georgia’s ambassador to South Korea Nikoloz Apkhazava (left) and South Korea’s First Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Anh Ho-young. (Photo: Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia and South Korea have signed their first inter-governmental treaty about visa free travel for citizens holding diplomatic, official and service passports. The agreement on the waiving of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official […]
Stalin statues paint bombed, damaged
The restored Stalin statue in Akura was torn down and doused with pink paint. (Channel 1.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Monuments of Joseph Stalin which have been restored in two Georgian villages were bombed with pink paint, torn down, and damaged. After the change of government, the population in some villages demanded to restore old monuments of Soviet dictator […]
Saakashvili to address the nation today
Tbilisi, DF Watch – The President of Georgia will address the nation at 18:00 today from the National Library. The diplomatic corps, church leaders, journalists and students are invited to attend the event. After his speech, the president will answer questions. […]
Spring recruitment for the military has started
TBILISI, DFWatch — Spring recruitment for compulsory military service has started. Citizens from 18 to 27 year will be recruited — about 1 650 persons in total. This is a significant decrease from 4 347 in 2012. Gocha Kharshiladze, chair of the military service […]
Saakashvili to hold state of the nation address from library
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili will address the nation from the National Library instead of from parliament. Saakashvili should have held his annual address on Friday, but the event was postponed by the ruling Georgian Dream coalition. […]
Saakashvili’s party loses two members of parliament
Member of Parliament Marika Verulashvili has left the National Movement. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Two more members of parliament for the National Movement have left their party’s faction in the last few days. The party of President Mikheil Saakashvili is now down to 55 representatives in the assembly of 150. Speaker of Parliament Davit […]
President’s annual address postponed
Speaker of Parliament Davit Usupashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — The president’s annual speech to parliament is postponed indefinitely. This is a decision made by the ruling coalition. Speaker of Parliament Davit Usupashvili today said consultations had been held and a decision was made to not hold […]
Georgia eases punishment for entering breakaway regions
TBILISI, DFWatch — The new government in Georgia wants to amend the law on the occupied territories in order to soften the punishment for people who violate it. The Law on Occupied Territories was adopted in October 2008, a few months after the Russian-Georgian war. […]
Ivanishvili addressed Georgian soldiers in Afghanistan
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili spoke with Georgian soldiers serving in Afghanistan and thanked them for their service. According to the press office of the Defense Ministry, Ivainishvili Wednesday visited the ministry and held a video […]
Ivanishvili guarantees Georgia’s foreign policy course
TBILISI, DFWatch — Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says Georgia’s foreign policy course is unchanged and doesn’t need constitutional guarantees. He also says that the country will restore its territorial integrity and mend relations with Russia. The National […]
Georgia expects 6 % growth in 2013
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s finance minister Nodar Khaduri says the government expects 6 % growth in 2013, low inflation and reduced state debts. He also notes that 6 percent growth is the minimum estimate on which the Georgian government is working. The finance […]
Saakashvili’s white collar crime amnesty takes form
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has presented parliament with a bill which will give amnesty for industrial, financial and economic crimes. A few days ago, the president spoke about the importance of announcing a financial amnesty to attract […]
Where did Shashkin earn his fortune?
Dimitry Shashkin is returning to Georgia to answer all questions. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Ex Defense Minister Dimitry Shashkin lives in the United States in a luxurious $4000/month house and claims to have earned his fortune while working for an American corporation. But what corporation does he mean? The former prison, defense and education […]
Interior minister found his own phone had been tapped
Interior Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian interior minister says he has discovered audio files of all his phone calls for a whole year, secretly recorded and stored on computer disk. Irakli Gharibashvili was Tuesday invited to the TV channel Rustavi 2 to sum up the government’s […]
Georgia to set up three new investment funds
TBILISI, DFWatch — Three new funds will be established in Georgia, which will be sovereign fund of Georgia, a private investment fund and a youth fund. Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili at a press conference Tuesday briefly outlined the three new funds, saying that […]
Ivanishvili is still not a Georgian citizen
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s head of government Bidzina Ivanishvili has temporarily suspended the process of canceling his French passport, because it may cost him his position. The prime minister said at a press conference Tuesday that he still doesn’t have […]
Ivanishvili answers questions about alleged nepotism
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili Tuesday answered questions about alleged nepotism in his government. He said he doesn’t agree that people should get positions through being familiar with others, and that competition is the best way to get good […]
Saakashvili in Germany for Marshall Fund conference
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili and Mayor of Tbilisi Gigi Ugulava have left for Germany to participate in a conference organized by the German Marshall Fund. According to the president’s press office, there is planned an event called […]
Saakashvili’s party compares Ivanishvili with Chavez and Castro
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch — The opposition National Movement party in Georgia compares Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili with Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro after statements he made at a press conference Tuesday. Ivanishvili was summing up his first hundred days of being in […]
Ivanishvili says Saakashvili’s party tries to recruit Alasania
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says the party of President Mikheil Saakashvili is trying to recruit one of his biggest assets; Defense Minister Irakli Alasania. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says the National Movement is attempting to win over Defense Minister Irakli Alasania to their side. He says he heard rumors that some of the UNM members have contact with him, but when he asked Alasania about it, […]
Georgian wine to Russia in months
Levan Davitashvili, head of the National Wine Agency, believes Georgian wine might be back on Russian dinner tables by the end of spring. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian wine might get back on the Russian market by the end of spring and it will cost about USD 10, which is higher than the average wine price in Russia. A delegation from Georgian business and government is in Moscow to negotiate about a return […]
Parliament to discuss president’s powers today
TBILISI, DFWatch — A set of constitutional amendments are set to be debated in parliament today Tuesday. The amendments have been through a public hearing process with town hall type meetings around the country. The Judiciary Committee will discuss it […]
Ivanov and Japaridze meet for constructive talk
TBILISI, DFWatch — Two veterans of Russian and Georgian politics met in Munich and discussed current problems between their two countries and ways of solving them. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 49th Munich Security Conference. Igor Ivanov, former […]
Former PM’s death case soon to be reopened, Zhvania’s brother says
Tbilisi, DFWatch — Goga Zhvania, brother of the deceased prime minister Zurab Zhvania, says he is cooperating with the Prosecutor’s Office and is sure the case of his brother’s death will soon be reopened. Goga was voted into parliament last October, representing […]
Georgians in Moscow to negotiate about opening trade
Gennady Onishchenko, head of the consumer protection bureau in Russia, will meet with the Georgian negotiators. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — A delegation from Georgia is in Moscow on Monday to negotiate about letting Georgian wine, mineral water and other products onto the Russian market. The seven persons delegation left on Sunday. Two of them represent the national agency of wine, two […]
Tbilisi mayor questioned, says prosecutors are ‘in deadlock’
TBILISI, DFWatch — After having been questioned about his role in a large embezzlement case, the Tbilisi mayor says the Prosecutor’s Office is in a deadlock and in a hurry. Even though Gigi Ugulava refused to appear for questioning, he invited investigators […]
CoE expert confident in Ivanishvili’s democratic aspirations
Gianni Buquicchio, President of the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Venice Commission president Gianni Buquicchio says he will continue cooperating with the new government in Georgia. Before he left Georgia, Buquicchio held a press conference to sum up his stay and his meetings with the president, the prime […]
Saakashvili demands unanimous decisions on constitution
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili calls on Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili and his Georgian Dream coalition to make all constitutional amendments unanimous. The governing Georgian Dream coalition wants to change the constitution, but is nine votes […]
Saakashvili to address parliament February 8
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili’s annual address to parliament will take place on February 8, 2013. “As a result of consultations, a decision was made that the president’s annual speech, defined by the constitution, will take place at 14:00 Friday […]
Saakashvili compares Georgian Dream with epidemic
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili compares the opposition victory in the October, 2012 parliament election with an epidemic. “Sometimes I think there was no election on October 1, but some type of natural disease swept across some of our […]
Tbilisi mayor fails to appear for questioning
“If anyone has illusions that I am leaving and won’t come back, I will tell them that I cannot grant such a pleasure to Ivanishvili, Kbilashvili, Tsulukiani and the others,” says Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Tbilisi mayor and staunch Saakshvili ally Gigi Ugulava failed to show up for questioning at the Finance Ministry’s Investigative Service today. He was called to explain himself regarding a case of suspected embezzlement of five million lari […]
Saakashvili’s party recruiting people to weaken government
Impatient. National Movement Secretary Vano Merabishvili can’t wait four years for the next election. “There are other methods,” he says. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili’s political party says it can’t wait four years for a change of power and instead will try to ‘weaken’ the Ivanishvili government. Secretary General of the National Movement, Vano Merabisvhili, says they do not plan […]
Cleaning company was front for embezzlement
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office claims to have revealed a case of embezzlement in a cleaning contractor for the city of Tbilisi. Chief Prosecutor Archil Kbilashvili said that Tbilservice Group – a company established in 2006 which provides […]
TBC Bank stops seizure of Tbilisi minibuses
TBILISI, DFWatch — TBC Bank has stopped the seizing of minibuses belonging to Tbilisi Minibus Ltd and lets the company continue work as normal when drivers have ended their strike. Thursday morning, the National Enforcement Bureau entered the garage in Gldani, […]
Moscow denies talks with Georgia about CIS return
TBILISI, DFWatch — Moscow denies rumors about ongoing negotiations with Georgia to bring the country back as member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The rumors were reported a few days ago in Russian media. Alexander Lukashevich, spokesperson for […]
Ex minister risks 15 years for making fake cognac
TBILISI, DFWatch — Another official from Mikheil Saakashvili’s government was Wednesday charged with abuse of powers and bribery. The Finance Ministry’s investigative service accuses former Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili of assisting a criminals gang with […]
Government starts seizing minibuses of striking Tbilisi drivers
TBILISI, DFWatch — The National Enforcement Bureau has started seizing the property of Tbilisi Minibus Ltd, which owns all the yellow minibuses in the capital. Their drivers are on strike for the seventh day. Employees of the bureau arrived in the garage in Gldani, […]
Agreement about foreign policy course
TBILISI, DFWatch — The governing Georgian Dream coalition is ready to cooperate with the opposition about the foreign policy. Speaker of Parliament Davit Usupashvili said this on Wednesday after Saakashvili’s party accused the prime minister and his party […]
Minibus drivers on strike may be collectively fired
TBILISI, DFWatch — The company which runs the minibuses in Tbilisi has given striking drivers an ultimatum: If they don’t agree with the company and end their protest, the company will fire them and announce new vacancies. But despite the threat, the drivers have […]
Saakashvili says pressure is used to force vote
President Mikheil Saakashvili holding a photo of a sleeping Gubaz Sanikidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili says that the governing Georgian Dream coalition is unable to gather together a constitutional majority in parliament – that’s why they are threatening the opposition. Saakashvili said this while visiting Kutaisi, […]
Georgia to listen more to CoE advice when changing laws
Venice Commission President Gianni Buquicchio (left) and Speaker of Parliament Davit Bakradze (far right). (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian Speaker of Parliament promises that his country will not adopt constitutional changes that are not in line with recommendations by the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission. After meeting with Venice Commission President Gianni […]
Georgia to replace 18 ambassadors
Foreign Affairs Minister Maia Panjikidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — The Ivanishvili government is replacing Georgia’s ambassadors to 18 countries, and has sent the list of candidates to President Mikheil Saakashvili for approval. After he has signed it, the list will be sent to parliament to get its approval, […]
Wants guarantees for Georgia’s western course
Giorgi Baramidze, spokesperson for the National Movement party. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili’s National Movement party wants to tie Georgia to the mast in terms of the course of its foreign policy. Spokesperson Giorgi Baramidze Wednesday presented a draft bill that will write into legislation what the […]
Georgia hands out vouchers to farmers
Agriculture Minister Davit Kirvalidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia is preparing to start distributing spring vouchers to its farmers. Preparations for spring are already finished, Agriculture Minister Davit Kirvalidze said after Tuesday’s government session. The ministry has completed registering about 800 […]
Georgia denies rumors of a return to CIS
“We haven’t discussed the CIS issue at all,” says Zurab Abashidze,Georgia’s Special Representative for Russian Relations. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia is not considering to return to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). There is no contact with Russia about this issue. This is how official Tbilisi responds to Russian media who are reporting that there are negotiations with Georgia […]
BA cancels flights to Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — British Airways will temporarily cancel its flights to Georgia from April 1, 2013, spokesperson Irakli Gordeli told journalists on Monday. The airline started flights to Georgia in 2012. Gordeli said they made this decision in the beginning […]
Storm victims in Georgia angry over low compensation
People in Gavazi and Kardenakhi, two Georgian villages, demonstrated Tuesday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Victims of a hailstorm last summer in the Kakheti region are demonstrating in several towns and villages Tuesday, claiming that the authorities have inaccurately calculated their losses. There are rallies ongoing in the villages Gavazi and Kardenakhi […]
Saakashvili calls reopening Abkhazia railway ‘a Russian game’
President Mikheil Saakashvili claims the idea to reopen the old railway line through Abkhazia is a Russian game. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili says he will agree to open the railway line through Georgia’s breakaway region Abkhazia on one condition only: that the Russian occupation of Abkhazia is brought to an end. Otherwise, opening the railway will mean […]
Armenian Diocese gets involved in Georgian amnesty debate
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Armenian Diocese in Georgia accuses President Mikheil Saakashvili of making provocative statements regarding an ethnic Armenian prisoner, and calls on him to avoid such language. In 2008, Georgian police detained Vahagn Chakhaliani, a Georgian […]
Ex governor accused of money laundering
TBILISI, DFWatch — Another former government official was January 26 released on USD 120 000 bail. Tsezar Chocheli used to be governor of the Mtskheta Mtianeti region in Saakashvili’s government. According to the Finance Ministry, he supported the signing of […]
Minibus strike leads to overcrowded public transport
TBILISI, DFWatch — On their fourth day of strike, minibus drivers in Tbilisi were joined by more supporters, while Tbilisians either travel by crowded buses or metro — or walk. Even though Tbilisi City Hall took measures to increase the number of buses and wagons […]
Georgia’s foreign trade sees sharp drop
Writing on Facebook. Vano Merabishvili would be “in emergency mode” if he had still been prime minister. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s foreign trade turnover experienced a sharp downward trend at the end of 2012, according to precise data from Georgian National Statistics Department, GeoStat. Although it is mostly the month of December which shows an alarming tendency, […]
Flights to Tbilisi canceled due to fog
TBILISI, DFWatch — Tbilisi international airport on Monday had to cancel or divert several incoming international and local flights due to heavy fog. One flight from Moscow (04:00 pm) was delayed, while a flight from Ekaterinburg (10:20 pm) is canceled, as well as a […]
Holocaust Day marked in Georgia
Minister for Reintegration Paata Zakareishvili said Holocaust first happened in the heads of people, then in reality. (DF Watch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Sunday, as the Ombudsman’s Office organized a meeting at Library of Parliament in Tbilisi. There were invited representatives of different religious confessions, foreign diplomats, […]
Minibus strike stepped up after negotiations fail
The minibus strike is stepped up as negotiations fail. (DF Watch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Almost no yellow minibuses are to be seen in the capital as the driver’s strike continues. Sunday morning, a rally was held at one of the largest minibus garages, and drivers negotiated with Tbilisi Minibus, the company they work for, without […]
Saakashvili’s party broke law, escapes consequences
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s new government has pardoned the National Movement party for law violations during the election campaign in 2012. The violations were described in a dossier published Friday by the Audit Office, a public body tasked with tracking […]
Tbilisi minibus strike continues
A third of minibus drivers in Tbilisi are on strike. (DF Watch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch — The strike among minibus drivers in Tbilisi continued Saturday. More drivers joined the strike which started Friday, creating more problems for the population in the capital. Their demands are same as before: to reduce the price of travel […]
Georgian patriarch visits historic cemetery in Moscow
Georgian Patriarch Ilia II on Friday visited All Saints Church in Moscow. (Photo: Salome Tsertsvadze and Ekaterina Tkachenko.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Patriarch Ilia II Friday visited the All Saints Church in Sokol, in northern Moscow. The church is the site of a now defunct graveyard where there are buried many well-known Georgians and royals. There has been construction work in […]
Georgia expands mass amnesty
Prison Minister Sozar Subari. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — The Prison Minister says the number of prisoners that will be released under a new law on amnesty, will increase from 3 000 to 5 000. About 3 000 prisoners are already released, Prison Minister Sozar Subari told TV9 yesterday. The rest will leave […]
Saakashvili’s party ceases work in constitutional commission
The National Movement’s Giorgi Tevdoradze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili’s party has ceased work in the commission organizing public hearings about proposed constitutional changes. The National Movement party’s representatives say the reason is that they dislike statements made by the […]
Ivanishvili government to strengthen labor rights
Justice Minister Tea Tsulukiani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — The new government in Georgia has presented a promised set of amendments to the labor code which it says will not only protect the rights of employers, like it was in the past. Georgia’s labor code was liberalized by the Saakashvili government […]
Medvedev and Ivanishvili shake hands: ‘It was a pleasure to meet’
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says his brief encounter with his Russian counterpart was not more than a handshake and an introduction. But Ivanishvili says he had a feeling that Dimitry Medvedev is interested in mending relations […]
Three Georgian soldiers wounded in Afghanistan
Three Georgian soldiers were wounded in Afghanistan Thursday. (Photo: Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Three Georgian soldiers have been wounded in Afghanistan when insurgents opened fire as they were out on patrol. Corporal Erekle Kharshiladze and Junior Sergeant Iaho Kakulia received minor injuries. According to the Georgian Defense Ministry, […]
Georgia and Russia to meet at PACE spring session
Tedo Japaridze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Representatives of Georgia and Russia will meet at the spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Tedo Japaridze, head of parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, told journalists about the planned meeting on Thursday […]
Medvedev and Ivanishvili’s 2-minute chat
Foreign Affairs Minister Maia Panjikidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maia Panjikidze on Thursday confirmed that the prime ministers of Russia and Georgia met unofficially in Davos. Panjikidze told journalists in Davos that Bidzina Ivanishvili and Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday met […]
Ivanishvili government overhauling election legislation
Zakaria Kutsnashvili, member of parliament for Georgian Dream. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — The new government has started an overhaul of the election legislation. A group in parliament will prepare a draft of amendments, but some experts argue that the non-governmental sector and parties outside parliament should also be involved in the […]
Saakashvili’s party claims harassment used to force vote
Davit Bakradze, ex Speaker of Parliament for the National Movement party. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — A spokesperson for President Mikheil Saakashvili’s National Movement Party accuses the new government of harassment of their parliament members. Davit Bakradze, former speaker of parliament for the National Movement, said in […]
Ivanishvili demoted Alasania to end speculation
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili doesn’t want speculation about a possible presidential run for Defense Minister Irakli Alasania in October, 2013. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says the reason he removed Defense Minister Irakli Alasania from his post as vice prime minister was to end speculation in Alasania’s party about making him a candidate for president. The prime minister […]
Ivanishvili and Medvedev meet at Davos
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili delivering his speech in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 24, 2013. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian and Russian Prime Ministers met for the first time in Davos Thursday and had a several minutes long conversation. This is the first time heads of government of the two countries have met since diplomatic relations between Georgia and Russia […]
Georgian patriarch met Putin
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Patriarch Illia II on Wednesday met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and passed on greetings from Georgia’s Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. Vladimir Putin hosted Illia II and Kirill I of Russia at suburban residence in Novo […]
Ivanishvili to attend Russian breakfast in Davos
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili is invited to a Russian breakfast on Friday at the World Economic Forum in Davos. But Ivanishvili insists that Russian officials won’t attend and that he will only be meeting with Russian businessmen. […]
Canada and Georgia sign defense agreement
Davit Nardaia (left) and Christopher R. Kilford, Jan. 23, 2013. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia and Canada Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding about defense policy. The agreement was signed by Colonel Christopher R. Kilford and Davit Nardaia, Chairman of Georgia’s International Affairs and EU Integration Department at […]
Petitioning to decriminalize white collar crime
The National Movement Party’s Secretary General, Vano Merabishvili, says Georgia’s economy is in an alarming state. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — The party of President Mikheil Saakashvili has started a campaign to gather signatures in support of his initiatives about tax amnesty and decriminalization of financial crime. The president presented his new initiatives to the government a few days […]
Alasania to focus on defense
Irakli Alasania is no longer vice prime minister, only defense minister. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili has relieved Defense Minister Irakli Alasania of his additional responsibilities as vice prime minister. The press office of the PM says a decree was issued January 21 and that Ivanishvili will explain […]
Alasania not a candidate for president
Defense Minister Irakli Alasania in the funeral of Sergeant Giorgi Kikadze Jan. 5, 2013. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Defense Minister Irakli Alasania says the Georgian Dream coalition has had ‘an awkward discussion’ about selecting a candidate for the presidential election, but he doesn’t consider himself a candidate, as he feels responsibility for the post he […]