Category: Opinion - Page 2

Who wants Georgia to U-turn toward the Putinist cause?

July 7, 2021 by Lasha Tughushi

Editor’s Opinion The first time since Georgia linked itself to Europe and raised the EU flag in front of parliament, it was demonstratively torn down by brutal forces. March of Dignity on July 5 was conceived as the culmination of Tbilisi Pride, when the LGBTQ people and human rights supporters were supposed to enter the … Read more

In Memoriam of Donald Henry Rumsfeld

July 6, 2021 by Tedo Japaridze

Donald Rumsfeld was an anchor and a rudder. In the service of four Republican Presidents – Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and George W. Bush – Donald Rumsfeld was seen as a controversial figure to certain Americans because of his unapologetic, unyielding, and committed dedication to what each of these administrations defined as the America’s strategic … Read more

Negotiations are the only way out of Georgia’s political crisis

February 25, 2021 by Editorial

EDITORIAL When parliament nominated hardliner candidate Irakli Gharibashvili as prime minister, he dedicated his speech not to defeating the pandemic, not to the economy, occupation or social problems, but to fighting political opposition. After Melia’s arrest, the newly appointed PM thanked the police for their “successful operation”. Similar statements were made by senior state officials. … Read more

Japan and Georgia: so far, so close

January 8, 2020 by Tedo Japaridze

In November of 2019, Ambassador Tedo Japaridze visited Japan invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Japanese Embassy in Georgia. Here’s an opinion piece of Mr. Japaridze published by the “Japan Up Close” site. It’s a platform in English that allows professionals in their fields both in and out of Japan … Read more

Evolution of clan based governance in Georgian judiciary since 2007

April 19, 2019 by Kakha Tsikarishvili

Since the declaration of independence Georgia could never manage to create a truly independent judiciary. Low level of judicial independence was conditioned by several reasons, including the absence of political will. Since 2004, Georgian judiciary could overcome systemic corruption, however, found itself under strict control of executive power. A small group of persons, the clan, … Read more

How Bush placed Georgia on the map

December 18, 2018 by Tedo Japaridze

President George H.W. Bush will be missed not only as a historical leader but also for the style of leadership he brought to Washington: calculated, diligent, often bipartisan, driven by conviction, guided by humility, and resolute. Georgia owes him a great debt.

My time in the official service is over

September 14, 2018 by DFW-admin

Dear friends and colleagues, as of today, September 13, my time in the official service of the Georgian government will be over. I wish to thank the people of Georgia, whose support and advice has empowered me to work for every Georgian administration since 1989.

In Memoriam of Sen. John McCain

August 29, 2018 by DFW-admin

I had the great honor of meeting Senator McCain in early November of 1994 when I was Ambassador to the United States from Georgia. He quickly and organically understood the challenges of a young democracy like ours trying to overcome seven decades of Soviet communism. Senator McCain was a constant champion for Georgia in the … Read more

Drug control: time to right the wrong policies

July 31, 2018 by Michel Kazatchkine

Michel Kazatchkine is former Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis, and member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy.

The Parliament of Georgia is currently engaged in a promising debate to reform its drug laws, possibly by ending the criminalization of drug use and possession, and seeking alternatives for low-level actors in the drug trade. This would go a long way to enacting an effective drug control framework that puts individuals first, with great benefits for communities in terms of security and public health.

Ketevan Tsikhelashvili: “We are making open and determined peace statement”

April 4, 2018 by Ketevan Tsikhelashvili

Today the Government of Georgia adopted a package of draft legislative amendments by that making a new, proactive and important step in the frames of peace policy of reconciliation and engagement.