Security policy
Georgia responds to Russian threat of ‘countermeasures’ to NATO drills
Lasha Darsalia (Imedinews). TBILISI, DFWatch--As NATO’s military drills ‘Agile Spirit 2021’ got underway in Georgia this week, spokespersons for both Georgia and Russia made warning statements illustrating the risk of another round of conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dimitry Peskov first said NATO’s Agile Spirit 2021 exercise with 2,500 military personnel from 12 alliance members and three partner [...]
Russian official repeats allegation that Lugar lab is used for biowarfare
Rashid Nurgaliev, deputy chief of Russia's Security Council. (Photo by the administration of de facto president of South Ossetia.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Russia has once again accused a medical research facility in the republic of Georgia of launching weaponized bugs into territory under its control. "This is a matter of national security," said deputy chief of [...]
Russia bolsters military presence in Abkhazia with 30% troop increase
Russian troops in Abkhazia. (SMD press-office.) TBILISI, DFWatch--The number of Russian troops in breakaway Abkhazia has increased by 30 percent in the last year, Apsnipress reported on Wednesday. The Sokhumi based news agency cited information provided by the Southern Military District of Russia’s armed forces. This is one of five military districts in Russia, [...]
Georgian soldier killed in Afghanistan
Veruli Bebiashvili, mother of the deceased. (Palitra TV.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Georgian soldier has died in Afghanistan while out on patrol near Bagram Airbase, 60km north of Kabul. Lance sergeant Mdinari Bebiashvili (25) was killed as two suicide bombers attacked his convoy Thursday evening. The platoon that was hit consisted […]
US Vice President Mike Pence visiting Georgia
US Vice President Mike Pence arrived at Tbilisi airport Monday evening, accompanied by his wife Karen. (Photo published by the US Embassy in Tbilisi.) TBILISI, DFWatch–US Vice President Mike Pence arrived in Tbilisi on Monday amid a US-led military exercise, which for a moment brought a US military convoy within close proximity of Russian troops stationed in the breakaway region South Ossetia. […]
Georgia to get rid of its SU-25 in favor of drones and helicopters
Georgian Sukhoi SU-25 “Frogfoot”. (Marcus Fülber/Wikimedia.) Unmanned attack helicopter produced by Delta. (DFWatch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is getting rid of its Soviet era Su-25 attack aircraft, and will instead rely on military helicopters and drones, the country’s defense minister said. Su-25 is a severely outdated aircraft which requires spare parts that are produced in Russia, […]
South Ossetia declares de facto presidential election valid
Anatoly Bibilov, a veteran of the 2008 war, has claimed victory in the election for new de facto leader of South Ossetia, a small Russian-backed breakaway region of Georgia. TBILISI, DFWatch–South Ossetia’s de facto authorities have declared the election for a new leader of the separatist region valid. According to latest news, assembly speaker Anatoly Bibilov is in the lead. He has already declared victory, but it is still not known whether he will get more than 50 percent, […]
Georgia dismisses over 2,000 defense employees
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has carried out its biggest layoff ever, as more than two thousands employees were dismissed on Monday. Both military and civilian personnel were affected by the mass layoff. The ministry explained the firings […]
Lawyer’s group asks Georgian government to disclose Gazprom deal
Sulkhan Saladze, project coordinator in Georgian Young Lawyer’s Association. (Imedi.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A group of lawyers in the former Soviet republic Georgia calls on the government to disclose a controversial deal it recently struck with the Russian-owned energy giant Gazprom over switching monetized payments for transiting Russian gas to Armenia. […]
John McCain reaffirms U.S. security guarantee during visit to Georgia
Senators John McCain (R), Lindsey Graham (R) and Amy Klobuchar (D). (Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Three American senators wrapped up their trip to Georgia on Monday by sending not-so-well wishes for the new year to Russia and its president Vladimir Putin. The two Republican Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham and the their Democratic colleague […]
General Chachibaia promoted to chief of the Georgian Army General Staff
Vladimer Chachibaia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Giorgi Margvelashvili on Tuesday appointed General Vladimer Chachibaia as new chief of the General Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces (GAF). 45-year-old Chachibaia, who served as chief of the Joint Staff of the armed forces […]
Germany thanks Georgian soldiers for helping repel attack on consulate
Germany’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Germany thanked Afghan and Georgian forces on Friday for repelling an attack on a German consulate in northern Afghanistan the day before. The attack on the consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif ended as the attackers were pushed back by consulate security, […]
Georgian president picks former GIPA colleague as new NSC secretary
Davit Rakviashvili (left) and Giorgi Margvelashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Giorgi Margvelashvili on Monday named Davit Rakviashvili, an old colleague at a media and public relations school in Tbilisi, as new secretary of Georgia’s National Security Council. The friendship between the two go back 30 years, […]
Russia begins military exercise in South Ossetia involving 5000 troops
TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia began a military exercise in Georgia’s breakaway region South Ossetia on Monday, which will involve 5,000 soldiers, rockets and artillery. The pro-government news agency RES reports that the exercise is taking place at seven different training grounds. […]
NATO countries agree to ‘intensify cooperation’ with Georgia
“We’re bolstering our efforts on NATO’s southern flank,” U.S. President Barack Obama said. TBILISI, DFWatch–At the Warsaw summit last weekend, NATO agreed to strengthen its cooperation with Georgia to bolster its defense capabilities. In a joint statement signed by foreign ministers of member countries as well as Georgia, the countries write that […]
Georgia will stay in Afghanistan until the mission is completed
Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia will continue its participation in the NATO mission in Afghanistan, Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli said at the alliance’s summit in Warsaw. A meeting was held between heads of state from countries that participate […]
Georgian cross-party declaration confirms goal is NATO and EU membership
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian delegation to the NATO summit in Warsaw has presented a document signed by six political parties, reiterating their support for the country’s course toward a closer integration with the alliance. The document was signed […]
Georgian defense minister signs decree that ends compulsory military service
Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli on Monday controversially signed a decree ending compulsory military service with immediate effect. In April, Khidasheli said she expected the professional army system to be introduced in 2017. […]
Georgia may end compulsory military service in 2017: Defense minister
Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli says compulsory military service may be abolished from 2017. “This is my decision as minister of defense,” she told Channel 1 on Tuesday. “If another leader comes to this office, naturally, that decision may be changed.” […]
Georgian official blames Russia for sex tape scandal
Levan Izoria. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A deputy head of the Georgian counterintelligence on Monday hinted that Russia could be behind leaked surveillance videos recently used to threaten government members, although he did not rule out any theory. The videos were uploaded […]
Georgia’s NATO accession debate too much focused on MAP: Minister
Tina Khidasheli. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian defense minister says there has been too much focus on her country being approved for a formalized plan toward NATO membership, called a MAP, since the alliance can accept Georgia as a member directly, she argues. NATO […]
Lavrov claims IS fighters are being trained in Georgia
(Kremlin photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday that Islamic State fighters are being trained in the Pankisi valley in northern Georgia which was one of the reasons why Russia introduced stricter visa rules for Georgians. On Tuesday, Tbilisi […]
Two Georgians detained by Russian forces in Bershueti
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two Georgians were detained by Russian border guards on Monday at the delineation line around the breakaway territory South Ossetia. Saba Sekhniashvili and Lasha Glurjidze were trying to go to the Trinity Church, which lies in the village Bershueti. […]
Georgian Defense Ministry announces contracts for military service
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian Defense Ministry this week announced vacancies for joining the military on a contractual basis. The contracts offered have a four year term and are available for persons between 18 and 35 year, and youth who have served compulsory military […]
Alleged IS plot, Russian helicopter overflight topics at IPRM
A Russian helicopter of this type flew over Georgian-controlled territory on December 10. (U.S. Department of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–An alleged New Year’s terror plot by Islamic State and an airspace violation by a Russian helicopter were some one of the topics at a regular field meeting about the conflict over the breakaway territory South Ossetia on Wednesday. The meeting […]
Stricter border checks for Africans and Asians arriving in Georgia
Vakhtang Gomelauri. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is introducing stricter border checks for visitors from Africa and Asia in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris. Head of Georgian intelligence Vakhtnag Gomelauri said on Wednesday after a session of the Crisis Management Council that the measures […]
Dozens suspected ISIS recruits prevented from entering Georgia
Levan Izoria. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–An intelligence official in Georgia says dozens of foreigners have been prevented from entering Georgia, because they were suspected of preparing to go to Syria to join ISIS. Deputy head of the State Security Service Levan Izoria told Maestro TV that the government […]
Georgian intelligence investigating websites supporting ISIS
Nino Giorgobiani, spokeswoman for the State Security Service. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian intelligence is investigating a Georgian-language blog which publishes propaganda material from the terrorist organization the Islamic State, or ISIS. Georgian users on Facebook Monday shared a link to the website, and called for help […]
Bill to end the draft approved by judiciary committee
Tina Khidasheli (Interpressnews) TBILISI, DFWatch–A draft bill about ending compulsory military service has survived a debate in the judiciary committee of the Georgian parliament. The bill was approved by the committee on Tuesday. Member of parliament Zurab Japaridze, who co-authored the bill, said […]
Georgia considers scrapping compulsory military service
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian parliament on Tuesday started reviewing a proposal to abolish compulsory military service and move to a professional military based on contracts. The goal of the bill is to redirect finances spent for compulsory military service […]
Russia sees NATO’s new training facility in Georgia as a provocation
TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia sees the opening of NATO’s new training facility in Georgia as a ‘continuation of the provocative policy of the alliance aimed at expanding its geopolitical influence.’ NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday opened […]
Russian helicopter flies over Georgian-controlled territory
The helicopter was of the type MI-8. (Photo by U.S. Department of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Foreign Ministry calls on Russia to respect international law after a Russian helicopter overflew Georgian-controlled territory. According to the ministry, the incident took place at 10:57am on August 19. A Russian military helicopter […]
Georgian released from South Ossetian prison after talks
(EUMM.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Georgian citizen who was arrested for spying in the breakaway region South Ossetia has been set free after a meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRM) held on July 30 in Ergneti. IPRM is a series of meetings […]
Donald Tusk visits Georgia’s disputed border zone
(Pirveli.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President of the European Council Donald Tusk on Tuesday visited an area near the disputed border with South Ossetia where Russian border guards recently installed new signs. Tusk went to the area near Khurvaleti and Tsitelubani, […]
Both sides speak of provocations at South Ossetia field meeting
(EUMM.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian and South Ossetian negotiators met Monday for field talks called following a series of border incidents. The Georgian view is that newly installed signs are illegal and the border has been moved, while South Ossetia’s view is that the […]
Georgia signs defense procurement deal in France
(Georgia’s Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli on Monday finally signed a procurement deal with a company in France which is meant to bolster Georgia’s air defenses. The content of the agreement is secret. Signing the document in France on June 15, she said the treaty […]
Khidasheli: Defense deal with France will be signed by end of June
Tina Khidasheli. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s new defense minister has sided with her predecessor Mindia Janelidze in an argument with former Defense Minister Irakli Alasania about an agreement with France about buying air defense systems. Tina Khidasheli said in a recent interview […]
Two more people detained at disputed S.O. border as parties meet
(EUMM.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two more people were detained on the disputed border with one of Georgia’s breakaway regions on Monday. The incident took place the same day as the parties were gathered in a border village for EU- and OSCE-hosted negotiations. The […]
Georgia’s defense minister says new anti-aircraft system is on schedule
Mindia Janelidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Defense Minister Mindia Janelidze explained in parliament Wednesday that a defense deal with France has not been put on hold. His predecessor Irakli Alasania accused the government of halting the planned installation of new air […]
Russia sends forces for exercises inside Georgian breakaway regions
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia is massing military forces inside the breakaway regions South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and announcing that it is starting military exercises. Official Tbilisi calls on the international community to react to this violation of Georgia’s […]
Georgian PM: We are ready for negotiations with Russia
Irakli Garibashvili at the Munich security conference. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Garibashivli says Georgia is ready for negotiations with Russia. The two countries have not had diplomatic relations since fighting a brief war more than six years ago. Georgia’s pro-European course stands firm, the PM […]
Smiling faces, little substance after security council session
President Giorgi Margvelashvili (left) and Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili shaking hands Tuesday. (Photo published on Facebook by the president’s office.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s president and prime minister laid their differences to rest on Tuesday and put on big smiles for a session of the National Security Council. The session was called by President Giorgi Margvelashvili to come up with ideas for how to respond […]
Georgian PM to attend security council meeting
Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian prime minister unexpectedly announced that he will attend a meeting today of the National Security Council, which was called by the president to respond to a proposed new pact between Russia and breakaway Abkhazia. Despite […]
Georgia’s security council will meet, though many members absent
Irina Imerlishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian president has called a meeting of the National Security Council tomorrow to discuss an issue that may influence the country’s territorial integrity, but several central figures in the government are unlikely to show up. President Giorgi […]
Russian drones threaten stability, Georgia says
Tuesday’s meeting was facilitated by EUMM’s head, Toivo Klaar, and Ambassador Angelo Gnaedinger from the OSCE. (Photo published by EUMM.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian drones are endangering the security and stability in the region, Georgia’s representatives said at a meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) Tuesday. As DF Watch reported earlier, a Russian unmanned aerial vehicle […]
Tbilisi denies that it offered US to host training camp for Syrian rebels
US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel (left) and Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government denies that it has offered the US to host a training facility for Syrian rebels fighting both the Assad government and the ISIS, against whom the US and some of its allies wage a military operation. Foreign Policy […]
U.S. to strengthen its military cooperation with Georgia
U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuch Hagel. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The United States is strengthening its military cooperation with Georgia and several non NATO-member states on the background of events in Ukraine. US is a strategic partner of Georgia and supports its North-Atlantic integration, US Secretary […]
What NATO’s Wales declaration said about Georgia
Heads of state of NATO and partner countries at the Wales summit. TBILISI, DFWatch–A 113 point declaration passed by leaders of NATO countries at the summit in Wales has two points about Georgia. Apart from support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a commitment that it will become a member of NATO someday […]
Georgian president compares Ukraine events with 2008 war
From left to right: Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Giorgi Margvelashvili, David Cameron. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili said in a speech at the NATO summit in Wales that the events in Georgia in 2008 and in Ukraine in 2014 demonstrate that stability and peaceful development of young democracies is a significant challenge […]
Georgian soldiers to take part in military exercise in Ukraine
(Photo published by the Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Georgian platoon is taking part in the annual exercise Rapid Trident in Ukraine September 13-27. The multinational exercise will be conducted at the training ground Yavoriv, nearby the western Ukrainian city Lviv, and include participants […]
NATO chief meets Georgian president
President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili (left) and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. (Photo published by NATO.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian president on Thursday met with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen in preparation for the NATO summit in Wales. The two talked about the importance of the summit on the background of the Ukraine crisis and the significance […]
NATO plans to hold more military exercises in Georgia
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO is ramping up its defense of Eastern Europe with a new expeditionary force that will be able to “travel light but strike hard if needed”. Also planned are five new bases in the Baltic states, Poland and Romania, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine […]
Government wants to reduce president’s power as commander in chief
President Giorgi Margvelashvili with Georgian soldiers in Afghanistan in March, 2014. (Photo by Defense Ministry.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia wants to limit the power of the president as commander in chief. The draft bill will take away the president’s power to approve the regulation of the Joint Staff, and the head of the Joint Staff will become subordinate […]
NATO to strengthen cooperation along Russia’s southwest fringes
Hugh Bayley (left), President of NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and Georgian Speaker of Parliament, Davit Usupashvili. (Photo published by the parliament press office.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The head of NATO Parliamentary Assembly says the alliance will strengthen its cooperation with countries along Russia’s southwest borders. Hugh Bayley, a member of the British parliament for the Labour party, says one of the main topics […]
NATO politicians on visit to Georgia
Hugh Bayley (left) shaking hands with then Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili during a visit by NATO Parliamentary Assembly in May 2013. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A group of NATO politicians are arriving in Georgia on Thursday, to meet Georgian politicians and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The delegation is headed by the president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, British Labour […]
NATO envoy to Georgia: Courts must act independently
NATO envoy James Appathurai (left) and Georgia’s Defense Minister Irakli Alasania. (Photo published by the Defense Ministry.) TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO envoy James Appathurai says the justice system shouldn’t be politically motivated and trials must be conducted independently, without political interference. Appathurai, who is on a visit to Georgia, on Wednesday met with Defense […]
NATO will not offer Georgia a membership plan this year
Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze (left) and NATO’s Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen meeting in Brussels on Tuesday. (Photo published by NATO.) TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO will not offer Georgia a Membership Action Plan (MAP) at a summit in Wales in September, the alliance’s secretary general said on Wednesday. “The Summit in Wales will not be about a Membership Action Plan; but about more support […]
Georgia doesn’t know what Obama’s military assistance means
“A historical moment for our country’s relation with NATO,” says Georgia’s Defense Minister Irakli Alasania. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government is unable to say specifically what Barack Obama’s initiative to boost the military capacity of non-NATO partner countries will mean and how the US will assist Georgia, but they welcome the initiative. Georgia’s defense […]
Rasmussen stops short of promising Georgia MAP
Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania (left) and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. (Photo published on Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO’s Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen promises that Georgia’s progress will be assessed at the upcoming NATO Summit in Wales, but stops short of saying what the outcome might be. Many Georgians had reckoned that their country would […]
Merkel: NATO not to offer Georgia MAP in September
German Chancellor Angela Merkal and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Photo published on Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–German Chancellor Angela Merkel says NATO will not offer Georgia a Membership Action Plan (MAP) at the upcoming summit in Wales in September. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili on Monday met Merkel during a visit to Germany. At a joint […]
Georgian minister asks NATO for air defenses
US Vice President Joe Biden and Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Defense Minister Irakli Alasania asks NATO to install air defenses and other military systems in Georgia. He made the call in a speech at the Atlantic Council, a Washington-based think tank, on Wednesday. “Now the West has to seize the […]
Georgia’s defense minister to meet Chuck Hagel
Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Defense Minister Irakli Alasania is to meet Chuck Hagel, US Secretary of Defense. Alasania is on a working visit to the US and plans bilateral meetings at the Pentagon. According to the Georgian Defense Ministry’s press office, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
US to fund Georgia’s participation in NATO Rapid Reaction Force
NATO’s Knud Bartels (left) and Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania. TBILISI, DFWatch–The United States will finance Georgia’s participation in NATO Rapid Reaction Force, Defense Minister Irakli Alasania says. The NATO Military Committee visited Georgia on February 11 and 12. The delegation was chaired by Committee head Knud Bartels. […]
Head of NATO Military Committee visits Georgia
Head of NATO Military Committee, Knud Bartels (left) and President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili. (Photo by Georgia’s Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili on Wednesday hosted Knud Bartels, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, which is currently visiting Georgia. Defense Minister Irakli Alasania, Chief of Joint Staff, Major-General Vakhtang Kapanadze, and […]
NATO ambassadors encourage new Georgian government
Georgian PM Irakli Gharibashvili (left), NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen and State Minister for Euro-Integration Alexi Petriashvili. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The new Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili says NATO ambassadors gave him positive signals at Wednesday’s meeting of the NATO-Georgia commission in Brussels. Gharibashvili said the ambassadors told him the new government has strengthened […]
‘Georgia should convince Russia NATO is not a threat’
Georgian PM Irakli Gharibashvili (left) at the Munich Security Conference. (Official photo. TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili says Georgia should assure Russia that its aspirations to become member of NATO and the EU is not a threat to Russia. He said this in a speech during one of the sessions at the Munich Security Conference. The PM said […]
What Georgia can expect from the Munich Security Conference
Photo published on the Munich Security Conference website. TBILISI, DFWatch–When the annual Munich Security Conference opens in a few days, it will be the first time Georgia’s delegation is headed by the prime minister and not the president. The reason for the change is partly that a constitutional amendment came into force […]
NATO chief: Georgia has made progress
Then Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili (left) and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen in Brussels Nov. 14, 2012. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen writes in his latest annual report that Georgia has made good progress in implementing the reforms required to meet its standards. Rasmussen writes in his 2013 report, which was published on Monday, that NATO […]
Georgia creates an additional security council
Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili has created a consulting group named the Security Council that will work on issues concerning Georgia’s internal and external safety. The council has almost the same duties and responsibilities as the National […]
Constructive dialogue at South Ossetia field meeting
The atmosphere was constructive at the field meeting at Ergneti Tuesday, the European Union’s observers said. (Photo: EUMM.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) met in the village Ergneti on Tuesday. Representatives of Georgia’s Interior Ministry presented footage of Russians installing barbed wire and fences in villages close to the demarcation line […]
The NATO Military Committe to visit Georgia Feb 11-12
TBILISI, DFWatch–The NATO Military Committee will visit Georgia February 11-12. Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze said at Tuesday’s briefing that the visit is important, because it means that the military cooperation with NATO is on a new level. “Reforms implemented […]
Russia moves disputed state border near Sochi
The River Psou. (Photo: elephantr.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia has created a temporary border zone in the disputed Georgian region Abkhazia. The measure is said to be temporary in connection with the Winter Olympics in nearby Sochi. According to the Georgian Foreign Affairs Ministry, Russia has moved its […]
PM to head Georgia’s delegation at Munich Security Conference
Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili will lead the Georgian delegation at the annual Munich Security Conference in two weeks. Mikheil Saakashvili, who stepped down as president three months ago, has been representing Georgia in recent […]
Georgia denies claim Russian fighter jets flew over its territory
Sukhoi SU-27. (Photo: merlion86.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia rejects reports that Russian military jets recently violated Georgian airspace. A few days ago, local media reported that five Russian SU-27s and one IL-76 crossed Georgia on January 10 and landed near the Armenian capital […]
NATO top: Georgia can seek membership and be friends with Russia
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO Secretary General. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen says it is possible for Georgia to have good relations with Russia and at the same time move towards NATO membership. Rasmussen said there are examples of nations that are member of NATO and […]
Georgia renames ministry: not reintegration but reconciliation
Paata Zakareishvili changes title to Minister of Reconciliation and Civil Equality from January 1, 2014. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government has decided to change the name of the Reintegration Ministry into the Ministry of Reconciliation and Civil Equality. The name change will come into force on January 1, 2014. The minister who heads the renamed ministry, […]
Georgia gets new military top
From left to right: Defense Minister Irakli Alasania, Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili and Chairman of the Joint Staff Vakhtang Kapanadze. (Photo published on Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Vakhtang Kapanadze has been appointed as chairman of the Joint Staff of Georgia’s armed forces, replacing Irakli Dzneladze. Who should take over as head of the Joint Staff was subject of a conflict between ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili and […]
Election incidents discussed at Ergneti near South Ossetia
Photo published by EUMM. TBILISI, DFWatch–The Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRM) met for the 39th time on Friday. According to the Interior Ministry, Georgia raised the issue of the installation of barbed wire and fences by Russian soldiers in the villages Ergneti, Ditsi and […]
Georgia rules out peace treaty with Abkhazia
Vyacheslav Chirikba. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia has ruled out that there will be signed a non-use of force treaty with Abkhazia, because the country does not sign treaties with the breakaway regions. Vyacheslav Chirikba, de facto Foreign Minister of the breakaway region Abkhazia, said after […]
Russia and Georgia to hold talks in Geneva Nov 5
New barbed wire in Dvani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A new round of Geneva talks will be held November 5-6. It is the 25th time the warring parties of the 2008 Russia-Georgian war meet, and one of the main topics of discussion will be freedom of movement and the installation of barbed wire and fences. […]
Georgia to join NATO Response Force in 2015
Anders Fogh Rasmussen. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia will join NATO Response Force (NRF) in 2015, NATO’s Secretary General says. At a monthly press conference, Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that from next month the alliance will conduct a major exercise in Poland and the Baltics states. […]
One man is detained for ‘jihad videos’ against Georgia
Minister of Internal Affairs Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Interior Minister Irakli Gharibashvili on Tuesday provided details about a several month long investigation into two jihad videos posted on Youtube a few months ago with threats against Georgian soldiers in Afghanistan. His comments were a response […]
Georgia commits to peaceful means to solve border issue
Davit Jalaghania. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry says Georgia can only use peaceful and civilian methods against Russia’s action to move the border to the breakaway region South Ossetia. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Davit Jalaghania said on Monday that Russia […]
US concerned about Russian border activity in contested region
TBILISI, DFWatch–The United States expresses concern about Russian soldiers installing wire fences at the South Ossetian border. A statement issued by the US Embassy to Georgia on Friday on instructions of the Department of State says the US is concerned with […]
Russian soldiers cease border activity
TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian soldiers have halted the installation of wire feinces in the border village of Ditsi near South Ossetia. According to the Interior Ministry, the situation is now peaceful in Ditsi, while police are continuing to patrol and the village. […]
Russian border work is continuing, Georgia protests
TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian soldiers are continuing to install wire fences along the border with South Ossetia in the village Ditsi. The fence now run a few meters from the house of the Beruashvili family. But locals say the three houses, which it seemed might end up on […]
Georgia issues appeal about Russian border activity
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry appeals to the international community to take measures in order to prevent illegal actions by Russia in the conflict zone. The appeal comes in response to reports about new activity by Russian soldiers on the […]
Russia and South Ossetia to sign border agreement
Vladimir Putin. (Official Kremlin photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued an order to sign an agreement with the de facto government of South Ossetia about the ‘state border.’ The order instructs the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs to hold negotiations with the de facto […]
NATO and Georgia hold joint military exercise
TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO on Saturday held a joint exercise with Georgia’s coast guard in Batumi. According to the Interior Ministry, three mine sweepers arrived in Batumi on Friday. The aim of the exercise was to demonstrate and test the existing mechanisms […]
New inquest into how Saakashvili regime trained Chechen rebels
Ombudsman Ucha Nanuashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s ombudsman Ucha Nanuashvili Thursday announced a separate inquest into the Lapankuri border skirmish in August 2012, which claimed the lives of fourteen people. Nanuashvili told Interpressnews a new inquest is necessary because more than a year has […]
Georgia may take part in UN peacekeeping operations
Minister of Defense Irakli Alasania visited the United States and met Edmond Mulet, the UN’s Assistant Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations. (Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia may take part in UN-led peacekeeping operations. This is clear after a visit to the U.S. by Defense Minister Irakli Alasania. During the visit, Alasania and Irakli Dzneladze, head of Joint Staff of Georgia’s armed forces, met with Edmond […]
Three Georgians detained by Russian soldiers near South Ossetia
TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian soldiers Friday detained three Georgian citizens close to the breakaway region South Ossetia. The incident took place as the father of one the detainees, Aleksandre Tsertsvdze, was being driven by his neighbor to the neighboring village, […]
EU calls for restraint after shooting near South Ossetia checkpoint
The village Kveshi. (Radio Tavisupleba.) TBILISI, DFWatch–In the morning of August 10, there was a shooting incident close to the so-called administrative border around South Ossetia. A patrol car of Georgia’s Interior Ministry and representatives of EUMM were present. The Georgian Interior Ministry in […]
Five years since the Russia-Georgia war
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The situation is still tense in the conflict region five years after the Russia-Georgia war, which resulted in hundreds of deaths and the occupation of two Georgian breakaway territories by Russia. The recent tension was caused by Russian soldiers […]
Medvedev: Razor wire fences were not agreed with me
In the village Ditsi. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev says that the installation of razor wire close to the so-called administrative border with South Ossetia was not agreed with the Kremlin. In May, Russian soldiers moved a de facto border line around South […]
NGOs in Georgia appeal to EU to stop Russian border activity
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian National Platform, a coalition of local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), appeals to EU to oppose Russia’s recent border moving and installing of razor wire at the so-called administrative border. The statement says that the Russian […]
Georgia has relocated Afghanistan soldiers
Defense Minister Irakli Alasania. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Defense Minister Irakli Alasania says Georgian soldiers in Afghanistan have relocated to a safer place after the last attack on one of their bases, which caused the death of seven soldiers. However, the investigation into the Taliban threat video, […]
Appathurai: Georgian troops in Afghanistan are not targeted
NATO envoy James Appathurai. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO envoy James Appathurai says the alliance does not have any evidence that Georgian troops in Afghanistan ‘are specifically targeted.’ Appathurai, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, said […]
Georgia to close two bases in Afghanistan
Georgian ISAF soldiers in Afghanistan. (Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two of Georgia’s military bases in Afghanistan will be closed, according to the defense minister. In a TV interview on Tuesday Defense Minister Irakli Alasania said that his government, acting on recommendations from its armed forces […]
Two Georgians detained in border area
TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian border guards detained a father and son in a village close to the de facto border with breakaway South Ossetia. Zviand and Vakhtang Zghentis were bringing cattle out to graze when they were detained and taken to Tskhinvali. Later the same […]
Georgia’s Security Council to meet to discuss video threat
Georgia’s president Mikheil Saakashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili has called Georgia’s National Security Council together for another session in the beginning of this week to discuss a video threat uploaded on Youtube. The video contains threats against Georgian soldiers in Afghanistan […]
Georgia commemmorated fallen soldiers
Defense Minister Irakli Alasania visiting one of the wounded soldiers. (Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Friday, Georgia commemorated the seven soldiers who died in a suicide attack in Afghanistan the day before. The soldiers were serving in the 42nd infantry brigade at Base Lezernik in Helmand Province. “We took the bodies of our seven heroes […]
Diplomats in Georgia visit border area
Razor wire like this is being put up through villages on the de facto border. (Radio Liberty.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Interior Ministry in Georgia Friday organized a trip for a few dozen foreign diplomats to villages close to the Russian-controlled breakaway region South Ossetia, where Russian border guards last week moved the border 300 meters into […]
Seven Georgian soldiers die in Afghanistan suicide bombing
Irakli Dzneladze (center), Head of Georgia’s Joint Staff. (Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Seven Georgian soldiers died in a suicide attack in Afghanistan Thursday. President Mikheil Saakashvili has called for a national day of mourning on June 7 and asked that all the flags be lowered. The Ministry of Defense on Thursday informed that […]
Saakashvili rallies people to resist Russia
President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s President Mikheil Saakashvili Wednesday described the moving and fortifying of a de facto border between Georgian- and Russian-controlled territory in place since the war in 2008, as a call for everybody to resist Russian occupation. “This session […]
Georgian soldiers to remain in Afghanistan after 2014
Georgia’s Minister of Defense Irakli Alasania (left) and NATO’s Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The NATO-Georgia commission held a session in Brussels on Wednesday as part of a meeting of ministers from member states. The Alliance’s Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen opened the session by reiterating the importance of Georgia’s […]
Saakashvili calls Security Council session to discuss border issue
President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili has called for an unscheduled session of Georgia’s National Security Council today at 4 pm. Prime Minister Ivanishvili and several ministers who are abroad will not attend the meeting, but some government officials […]
NATO’s Appaturai calls Russian border activity a violation
NATO envoy James Appathurai says construction of fences that restrict the movement of locals in the border zone is a violation of the 2008 cease-fire agreement. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO is concerned about illegal separating constructions in the conflict zone, says the alliance’s Caucasus and Central Asia envoy James Appathurai. Last week, Russian soldiers moved the so-called administrative border 300 meters on a point south […]
Two more Georgians detained by Russian border guards
The de facto border in Ditsi. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian soldiers have detained two more Georgian villagers for illegally crossing the so-called administrative border around breakaway South Ossetia. The detainees are Avtandil and Kakha Khaduri. They were detained two days ago and taken to Tskhinvali. […]
Russia silent about South Ossetia border-moving
This is the kind of razor wire being erected by Russian soldiers in the Georgian-controlled village Ditsi. (Radio Liberty.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Russian Federation has not yet reacted to a diplomatic note of protest from Georgia regarding the moving of the so-called administrative border into Georgian-controlled territory near breakaway South Ossetia. But the Deputy Foreign Affairs […]
South Ossetia downplays importance of border moving
A view of the village Ditsi. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian border soldiers have again been seen in the village Ditsi, on Georgia controlled territory close to the de facto border with Russian-controlled South Ossetia. On Monday, the first reports came about Russian soldiers in the villages Ditsi and […]
EU observers consider Russian border activity unacceptable
The EU Monitoring Mission does not accept the moving of the de facto border around South Ossetia and installing of new barbed wire. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The recent installation of fences near Ditsi is unacceptable, EUMM says in a statement. Staff from the EU Monitoring Mission arrived in the village Ditsi, where Russian soldiers have erected new barbed wire which moves the de facto border 300 meters […]
EU’s observer corps studying Russian border activity
The EU’s field observers are tracking Russian activity on the de facto border around South Ossetia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian soldiers’ moving of the de facto border between Georgian- and Russian-controlled territory is being followed by European Union’s observers in the area. Yesterday evening, the European Union Monitoring Mission to Georgia (EUMM) […]
Russia moves de facto border around South Ossetia
A view of Tskhinvali, the only city in the breakaway region South Ossetia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Interior Ministry in Georgia Monday confirmed that Russian soldiers have moved the de facto border with South Ossetia 200 to 300 meters and is planning to raise the issue at the next meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM). […]
Saakashvili signs Georgia’s new security strategy
President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, visiting Georgian troops in Afghanistan February, 2012. TBILISI, DFWatch–Mikheil Saakashvili, the President of Georgia, has approved the main directions of development of the ministry and Georgia’s armed forces until 2016. The goal of the Strategic Review of Defense 2013-2016, which is a manual for the Defense Ministry, […]
NATO-Georgia Commission discussed visit of NATO tops
TBILISI, DFWatch–A session of the NATO Georgia commission was held May 22 in Brussels. Ambassadors discussed the planned visit to Georgia of the North Atlantic Council this summer. Zurab Abashidze, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Russian Relations, […]
Three dead ISAF soldiers brought back to Georgia
The three ISAF soldiers killed in a May 13 attack were Thursday brought back to Georgia. (Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The three Georgian soldiers who May 13 died in Afghanistan were today brought back to Georgia. The bodies of Corporal Alexandre Kvitsinidze, Corporal Vladmier Shanava and Sergeant Zviad Davitadze, arrived at Tbilisi airport on Thursday morning. […]
Georgia declares a day of mourning after Afghanistan losses
The three who died will be buried on May 16. (Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Mikheil Saakashvili, the President of Georgia, has declared May 16 a day of mourning as a tribute to those Georgian soldiers who have lost lives while serving in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan. The presidential order says that May 16 will be announced […]
27 Georgians were wounded in attack, some back on duty
The three soldiers who died in Afghanistan will soon be brought home to Georgia. (Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Ten of the 27 wounded Georgian soldiers in an insurgent attack have returned to duty in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, while the remaining 17 are still undergoing medical treatment. Part of the wounded may be taken to Germany or brought to […]
Injured ISAF soldiers brought to hospital
Master Sergeant Zviad Davitadze (left), Corporal Aleksandre Kvitsinadze and Corporal Vladimer Shanava lost their lives in the attack. (Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian soldiers who were wounded in yesterday’s attack in Afghanistan are in a satisfactory health condition and have been moved to the main hospital at Base Bastion, according to the Ministry of Defense. Three Georgian soldiers in the 42nd battalion […]
Three Georgian soldiers die in Afghanistan
Defense Minister Irakli Alasania. (Still from a Ministry of Defense video announcement.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Three Georgian soldiers died on Monday in Afghanistan in a large attack by insurgents. There are wounded soldiers as well, Defense Minsiter informs. Georgia’s Defense Minsiter Irakli Aalasania said Monday that the insurgent attack took place […]
Eleven more Georgians released by South Ossetia
The eleven had been detained for crossing the border into South Ossetia, a Georgian breakaway region which Russia has propped up for over twenty years. (Police.ge.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Eleven more Georgia citizens have been released from their detention by Russian soldiers. They were detained earlier in May for crossing the border with South Ossetia. The release on Wednesday came after the Ministry of Interior had held […]
FBI’s Robert Mueller visiting Georgia regarding Sochi Olympics
FBI Director Robert Mueller (left) and Georgia’s Minister of Justice Thea Tsulukiani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Robert Mueller, director of the US federal police FBI, has paid a visit to Georgia in connection with the Olympic winter games in Sochi in 2014. This is Mueller’s second visit to Georgia. The first time was in May, 2010, when he discussed deepening […]
Georgia examining bodies of dead Chechen fighters
Georgian police in Lapankuri, August 29, 2012. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Authorities in Georgia Wednesday conducted a somewhat belated autopsy of the bodies of some of the dead in a special operation along the border with Russia in August, 2012. The shooting in a forested hillside in Lapankuri, near the border between Georgia […]
Ombudsman claims Saakashvili government trained Chechen rebels
Ombudsman Ucha Nanuashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Public Defender says the eleven Chechen fighters who died in a shooting incident at the border between Georgia and Russia in August 2012, were part of an operation by the then Georgian government to train and equip fighters and send […]
Ivanishvili expects NATO membership plan next year
Prime Minister of Georgia, Bidzina Ivanishvili (right), expects NATO to commit to making Georgia a member through a Membership Action Plan in 2014. On the left, Switzerland’s Ambassador to Georgia, Guenther Baechler. (Official Photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The new government expects Georgia to receive a membership action plan (MAP) next year. Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili said this Tuesday at the 22. anniversary of the Georgian army. The head of government has often had to defend himself against […]
NATO experts discuss reopening Abkhazia railway
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili during the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Rose Roth Seminar in Tbilisi this week. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The plan to reopen a railway through breakaway Abkhazia came up during a NATO seminar in Tbilisi. Lawrence Scott Sheets, South Caucasus Project Director for the International Crisis Group, said during the 83rd Rose Roth Seminar of NATO’s […]
Ivanishvili optimistic about NATO membership prospects
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili (center) attending NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Rose Roth Seminar in Tbilisi. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–‘A magical recipe for Georgia’s NATO integration without offending Russia is Georgia becoming an interesting country,’ says Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. He said this Monday as he attended the 83rd Rose Roth Seminar of NATO’s […]
Ivanishvili says Georgia has softer tone towards Russia
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili speaking from his business center in Tbilisi. (Rustavi 2.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili said Friday that Georgia has softened its tone towards Russia in the new security doctrine. But Defense Minister Irakli Alasania and Secretary of the National Security Council Giga Bokeria deny that Georgia […]
Izvestia claims link between Boston bomber and Georgian intel
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Russian newspaper Izvestia accuses Georgia’s special services of having trained one of the brothers behind the recent Boston marathon bombings, but Georgian officials deny this. According to an article published in Izvestia, Tamerlan Tsarnayev, […]
Georgia offers Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway for ISAF exit
NATO’s Caucasus and Central Asia envoy James Appathurai (left) and Georgia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Maia Panjikidze in Brussels today. (Ministry photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia offers NATO to use the new Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway to ship equipment out of Afghanistan after the ISAF mission finishes in 2014, Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze says. Construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, one of the largest […]
Georgian soldier goes missing in Afghanistan
TBILISI, DFWatch — A Georgian soldier serving in Afghanistan has disappeared, according to the defense ministry. The soldier, who was serving as part of the ISAF mission, disappeared on December 19, and no one has seen him since. […]
Georgia raises salaries for its soldiers in Afghanistan
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s Defense Ministry plans to improve conditions for Georgian soldiers serving in NATO’s ISAF mission to Afghanistan. Defense Minister Irakli Alasania on Friday stated that the salary will be increased for Georgian soldiers in Afghanistan […]
Tbilisi welcomes missile defense despite warning
TBILISI, DFWatch - A Georgian parliamentarian from the governing party welcomes the idea of Georgia as location for parts of the U.S. missile defense system. Davit Darchiashvili, who heads parliament’s EU integration committee, said it while commenting statements by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin that if America places parts of its missile defense in [...]
Fighting in Afghanistan for Georgia’s Security
Georgia has increased its military presence in the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan making it the biggest non-NATO contributor to ISAF operations. The Georgian parliament supported this decision and the Christian Democratic Movement of Georgia voted in favor. This was a well thought-out decision designed for making Georgia a part of a global security network. [...]
The Flanks That Should Be Well Defended
Pressure for democratic transformation and modernization challenges Georgia from three main “flanks”: Internal stability – that was not a matter for real concern for President Saakashvili until the public unrest in 2007; imperatives of the European and Euro-Atlantic Integration; a proper Ambition and the promises of the ruling party to the public. Difficult to say, which [...]
Georgia’s new national security concept
TBILISI, DFWatch - Givi Targamadze, chairman of Parliament's Defense and Security Committee, states that the government should use the national security concept as a daily action document. He made this statement on December 23 in parliament as the National Security Concept was approved. This is the second security concept in the history of the country. The [...]
Georgia opens way for Russia to WTO
TBILISI, DFWatch - Georgia has agreed to a proposal from Swiss intermediaries which if adopted will lead to Russia becoming member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Russian position is not yet known. Russia joining WTO has become more of a pressing issue during the last few years. What stood in the way was the [...]
Troop replacement in Afghanistan
Georgia's light infantry Battalion #31 has just left for Afghanistan. It consists of 749 soldiers and will replace Battalion #33. The troop Georgian replacement takes place within the framework of the ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) operation in the country. The Georgian peacekeeping battalion will carry out its mission alongside American troops in Helmand province. They [...]
Three detained Georgians released
The daily life of ordinary people continues to be plighted by borders which were drawn unilaterally by Russia in 2008.