Giorgi Menabde
Giorgi Menabde is a journalist based in Georgia.
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Articles by Giorgi Menabde
Georgian Officials Reflect on Implications of Parliamentary Elections
Executive Summary: The October 26 parliamentary elections in Georgia are highly contested, with the ruling Georgian Dream party facing allegations of vote rigging. The party denies these claims, asserting the
Western Actors and Georgian Opposition Demand Sanctions Against Informal Leader Ivanishvili
Executive Summary: The European Parliament adopted a resolution requesting sanctions on Georgia and its informal leader, Bidzina Ivanishvili, following the parliamentary elections on October 26 if they are not free
Georgia Prepares for Decisive Parliamentary Elections
Executive Summary: On October 26, Georgia will hold parliamentary elections that will determine whether the country falls further into Russia’s clutches or turns toward closer relations with the West. The
Russia Intends to Change Demographic Situation in Occupied Abkhazia
Executive Summary: Pro-Russian officials in Abkhazia are lobbying for the adoption of laws that will allow Russian citizens to buy real estate in the breakaway republic, where, in the 1990s,
Georgian Parliament Passes First Reading of Russian-Style Anti-LGBT Legislation
Executive summary: Following the adoption of the “foreign agents” law in Georgia, the ruling Georgian Dream party has adopted the first reading of a bill and 18 legislative acts restricting
Georgia’s Anaklia Deep-Water Port Becomes Chinese Geopolitical Project
Executive Summary: The Georgian Dream government has announced that a Chinese-Singaporean consortium dominated by the Chinese state won the tender for the construction and management of the strategic Anaklia deep-sea
Georgians Fight for Their European Dream
Executive Summary: Protests intensified in Georgia after the parliament approved the second reading of the reintroduced Russian-style “foreign agents” law, as police arrested dozens of protesters and several opposition leaders
Public Protests Intensify Against Georgian Dream ‘Foreign Agent’ Law
Executive Summary: Tens of thousands of Georgians participated in a countrywide protest against the ruling Georgian Dream party’s reintroduction and attempt to pass the repressive and controversial “Transparency of Foreign
Ukrainian-Georgian Relations Reach New Low
Executive Summary: Relations between Tbilisi and Kyiv have reached an all-time low as the two governments remain at odds over Russia’s war against Ukraine and the release of former Georgian
Russians Open Record Number of Businesses in Georgia Amid War in Ukraine
Executive Summary: Russia has significantly increased its influence in Georgian business, particularly after the beginning of the war against Ukraine. More Russian businesses have opened in Georgia since the start
Georgia Gears Up for Billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili’s ‘Third Comeback’
Executive Summary: The recent election of Georgian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili as honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream party has set off speculation about what his return to Georgian politics means
Russian ‘Elves’ in Georgia Fight Against Putin
On November 20, Radio Tavisupleba, the Georgian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, published an article about Russian citizens’ activism in Georgia in fighting against the Vladimir Putin regime and
Russia’s Restoration of Sukhumi Airport May Lead to Full Annexation of Abkhazia
On October 27, the Moscow-backed separatist government in Abkhazia signed a public-private partnership agreement with the recently established Russian company Infrastructure Development to restore operations at the Babushera airport near
Georgian Dream Officials Fear a ‘Revolutionary Scenario’ in Georgia
On October 2, the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) released a statement alleging that three Serbian trainers are recruiting activists with the intent to orchestrate the violent overthrow of the
Georgia Intensifies Its Relationship With China
On September 6, China’s ambassador to Georgia, Zhou Qian, made an important declaration regarding Beijing’s interest in the development of the deep-water Port of Anaklia in Georgia. Zhou made clear
During Past 15 Months, Russians Register Over 21,000 Enterprises in Georgia
On July 25, influential nongovernmental organization (NGO) Transparency International published a new report on Russian citizens’ recent activities in Georgia. According to the document, since February 24, 2022, after the
Russian-Georgian Business Council: A Platform for Political Destabilization in Georgia
On June 19, a meeting of the Russian-Georgian Business Council (RGBC) was held in Moscow by the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI). As reported by the CCI, the
Ukrainian Politician Promises to Help Pro-Western Political Forces in Georgia
On May 26, chairman of the Ukrainian Servant of the People ruling party’s parliamentary faction, David Arakhamia, published a Georgian-language post on his Facebook page regarding Georgia’s Independence Day. In
Russians Keep Nearly $1 Billion in Georgian Banks
Since the end of December 2022, all clients of Georgian banks, both Georgians themselves and foreigners, have received messages with a formidable warning that, if their deposits and accounts are
US Slaps Sanctions on Georgian Judges
On April 5, United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken issued a statement announcing that the US State Department has publicly sanctioned Georgian judges Mikheil Chinchaladze, Levan Murusidze, Irakli Shengelia
Georgian Government Withdraws ‘Foreign Agents’ Bill After Large-Scale Protests
On March 10, the Georgian Parliament rejected the draft law, “On the Transparency of Foreign Influence,” after its second reading. The controversial bill was initiated in December 2022 by the
Eschewing the West’s ‘Double Standards,’ Georgia Favors Restoring Direct Flights With Russia
On February 3, the United States Department of State warned the Georgian government that the resumption of direct flights between Georgia and Russia would lead to the implementation of economic
Will Abkhazia Become the ‘Georgian Monaco?’
On December 28, 2022, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili remarked that the breakaway Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, which has been under Russian control since 1993, “has huge potential for turning
Azerbaijan and Georgia Initiate New ‘Great Game’ With Europe
On October 24, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Georgia for a one-day working visit. The abrupt nature of Aliyev’s visit was characterized as “strange” and “mysterious” by many experts
Abkhazia Rejects Putin’s Mobilization
On September 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the decree on the “partial mobilization” of Russian citizens (TASS, September 21). This decree caused mixed reactions across Russian society, despite the
Will Georgians Decide in Referendum to Fight Russia?
During his September 13 briefing, ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party chairman Irakli Kobakhidze noted that Georgian authorities had presented the idea of holding a plebiscite wherein the Georgian people will
Is De-Oligarchization of Georgia Possible?
In her July 13 speech in the European Parliament (EP), Lithuanian parliamentarian Rasa Jukneviciene stressed, when talking about the problems of Georgian democracy, that the main challenge goes by the
Georgian President Calls for Bans on Pro-Russian Parties and Violent Groups
In a social media post on July 5, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili admitted that “the public is still waiting for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.” She was referring
Georgia-NATO: The Pause ‘Deepens’
On June 28–30, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili took part in the ceremonial portions of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit held in Madrid, Spain. In general, this latest
Saakashvili Proposes Creating a Dual Georgian-Abkhazian Federation
Former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili, who is sitting in prison after a Tbilisi court sentenced him to three and six years behind bars for abuse of power during his presidency (2004–2013),
Tens of Thousands Rally in Tbilisi to Support European Integration
On June 20, approximately 30,000 pro-European Georgians gathered in the capital city of Tbilisi, on Rustaveli Avenue, near the parliament, where every important political event in modern Georgian history had
Georgian Transit Booming Because of War in Ukraine and Anti-Russian Sanctions
On June 3, the Georgian Ministries of Internal Affairs and Finance announced that all employees of the Border and Customs Department would begin operating each of the country’s physical border
Moscow Postpones South Ossetian Referendum on Joining Russia
On May 20, the newly inaugurated “president” of Georgia’s breakaway region of South Ossetia, Alan Gagloev (who was elected on May 8), signed a decree to suspend a planned referendum
Russia Is Ready to Reward Georgia for Standing Down
On May 17, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order to lift all restrictions on the movement of Russian citizens through the Nizhny Zaramag checkpoint, located near the border
Moscow Unsure How to React to South Ossetian Referendum on Accession to Russian Federation
On July 17, the Russian-occupied Georgian breakaway region of South Ossetia will hold a referendum on joining Russia (Radio Tavisupleba, May, 13). Anatoly Bibilov, who is serving out his term
Georgians Support Euro-Atlantic Integration and Want Visa Regime for Russians
On April 21, a United States Congressional delegation arrived in Georgia, as part of a wider European trip, to “discuss the strengthening of the Transatlantic alliance.” In addition to the
Georgia and Ukraine Try to Demonstrate Unity in the Face of Russian Aggression
On April 16, a multi-party delegation of the Georgian parliament, on a visit to Ukraine, traveled to the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, where, according to multiple Western governments and representatives
Georgia’s Separatist Region of South Ossetia Plans to Join Russia
On March 31, Anatoly Bibilov, the so-called “president” of the separatist Georgian region of South Ossetia—occupied by Russia since August 2008—announced that the local authorities would hold a popular referendum
Russian Migration to Georgia Grows Amidst Putin’s Aggressive War Against Ukraine
In a press briefing on March 11, Georgian Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri revealed that approximately 25,000–30,000 Russian citizens had arrived and stayed in Georgia following Russia’s launch of full-scale military
Russian Aggression Against Ukraine Activates Pro-Russian Groups in Georgia
On February 21, a few days before Russia launched its large-scale re-invasion of Ukraine, 53 political and non-governmental organizations registered in Georgia published an “open letter” to Russian President Vladimir
Georgian Parliament Supports Ukraine, but Fears Mentioning Russia
On February 1, the first day of the legislative spring session, the Georgian parliament adopted a resolution in support of Ukraine that fell short of mentioning the Russian Federation. The
Georgians Support Ukraine, but Georgian Government Fears Irritating Russia
On January 22, civil society activists from the The Shame Movement and multiple other pro-Western non-governmental organizations (NGO) gathered near the Embassy of Ukraine in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi. While the
Growing Irreconcilable Confrontation Between Georgian Authorities and Opposition
On December 8, the third president of Georgia, Mikhail Saakashvili, called on opposition parties to hold consultations on the formation of a temporary coalition council that would prepare the country
Georgia: A Pillar of NATO’s Wider Black Sea Strategy?
On November 8, the Blue Ridge–class command-and-control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) and the Arleigh Burke–class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in Batumi, Georgia (1tv.ge November 8).
Georgian Opposition Rejects Official Results of October Local Elections
On November 2, the “Opposition Coalition of Georgia” (OCG), which includes former president Mikheil Saakashvili’s United National Movement (UNM) party, held a rally in the Black Sea coastal city of
Saakashvili’s Hunger Strike Mobilizes Georgian Opposition
On October 25, United National Movement (UNM)—Georgia’s main opposition party, established in 2001 by former president Mikheil Saakashvili—released a statement regarding the hospitalization of its founder. In the statement, the
Georgian Government Arrests Former President Saakashvili Upon His Return From Exile
On October 1, one day before Georgia held local elections, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated that the police had arrested former president Mikhail Saakashvili in the Georgian capital city of
Mikheil Saakashvili Vows Return to Georgia
On September 6, former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili, who now heads the Executive Committee of the National Council of Reforms in Ukraine, announced that he will come back to Georgia
Charles Michel Tries to Keep Georgia From Leaving the European Orbit
On July 29, Charles Michel, the president of the European Council (the main policy-setting body of the European Union), released a statement in response to the unexpected decision of the
NATO-Georgia: A Pause in the Integration Process?
In early July, James Appathurai, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) special representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, held a series of top-level meetings in Georgia. The Georgian authorities
US Asks Georgia to Mediate Between Armenia and Azerbaijan
On June 12, Azerbaijan and Armenia, through the mediation of the US State Department and the Georgian government, made an exchange: Baku released 15 Armenian captives, and Yerevan handed over
Azerbaijanis and Georgians Clash in Dmanisi: Isolated Incident or Growing Trend?
On May 16, in the small town of Dmanisi, about 40 miles from the border with Azerbaijan, a fist fight at a local shop escalated into a violent brawl involving
The ‘Big Game’ Around Georgia’s Deep-Water Ports
Last March, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced that his government would post a new tender for the construction of the Anaklia deep-water port (Report.ge March 31; Netgazeti, March 4).
Muted Georgian Response to Military Situation Around Ukraine
According to Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani, Tbilisi is ready to return Ambassador Teimuraz Sharashenidze to Kyiv. The diplomat was recalled from Ukraine last year, after former president Mikheil Saakashvili
Georgia Is Rebuilding Its Air Force
On March 6, a modernized Georgian Su-25UB Grach (NATO classification: “Frogfoot”) ground-attack/close air support (CAS) jet, successfully completed a post-repair test flight (Business-partner.ge, March 6). The reconstruction and modernization of
Mikheil Saakashvili’s Activity Strains Georgian-Ukrainian Relations
On March 5, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy removed the head of the Executive Committee on Reforms, Mikheil Saakashvili, from his position on the Coordination Council for Urban Planning. The Presidential
Protests in Georgia Increase Former President Mikheil Saakashvili’s Influence
On March 1, European Council President Charles Michel met in Tbilisi with Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili and Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. Reportedly, the two sides were predominantly going to discuss
Head of Georgia’s Main Opposition Party Arrested by Authorities
On the evening of February 23, Georgia’s opposition parties launched an open-ended rally on Rustaveli Avenue, where all the important events in the country’s modern history have taken place. The
Georgian Politics Without the ‘Strong Man’: Has Ivanishvili Really Relinquished Power?
The founder and leader of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, announced he is leaving politics forever. In his last interview with Georgian public television (January 11,
Year 2020 in Review: A Weakening of Georgian Democracy
On December 11, the newly elected parliament of Georgia gathered for its opening session. Of the legislative body’s 150 deputies, only 88 attended the event. All represented billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili’s
West Calls on Georgian Opposition Not to Boycott New Parliament
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe’s (PACE) co-rapporteurs in charge of monitoring Georgia, Titus Corlatean (Romania) and Claude Kern (France), called on all Georgian political parties to accept
Georgian Opposition Does Not Recognize Legitimacy of Newly Elected Parliament
On November 3, the leaders of all eight opposition political parties that won seats in the Georgian parliament based on the results of the October 31 elections signed an agreement
Are Georgians on the Verge of Electing Their First Coalition Government?
Georgia will hold parliamentary elections on October 31. The country’s citizens will be electing their tenth national legislature since independence, proclaimed in 1991. This weekend’s elections will be the first
Georgian Authorities Seek to Block Azerbaijani Investment in Telecommunications Infrastructure
On July 17, Georgia’s parliament approved amendments to the Law on Electronic Communications, which will allow the Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC) to appoint “special managers” to telecommunications companies (Civil.ge, July
For First Time in History, Georgia May Come Under US Sanctions
The United States Congress may suspend around 15 percent of US financial assistance to Georgia, according to the draft Fiscal Year 2021 State and Foreign Operations Funding bill recently approved
Georgia’s Constitutional Reform Under Threat
On June 7, Georgia kicked off a public discussion on the adoption of new constitutional amendments. This reform may prove to be the most important change to the country’s constitution
Georgia Becomes a Priority Recipient of Western Financial Assistance
On April 15, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia briefed journalists that the government had agreed with international donors to allocate $3 billion to stabilize the economy, assist individuals affected by
Vano Merabishvili’s Release From Prison: A Chance or Challenge for the Georgian Opposition?
On February 20, former interior minister (2004–2012) and former prime minister (2012) Vano Merabishvili was released from prison in Tbilisi, where he spent six years and nine months in solitary
Russia Boosts Its Military Contingent in Georgia’s Occupied Territories
In the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib, the Russian Armed Forces—mainly via their “proxy,” Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian Arab Army—are confronting Turkish military units (see EDM, January 30, February 18), putting
A Year in Review: Georgia’s Security and Democratic Foundation Face Tests From Within and Outside
A series of turbulent political events, anti-liberal processes and degrading security conditions in the region that unfolded in 2019 have left Georgia at a perilous crossroads ahead of the parliamentary
Political Tensions in Georgia Escalate as Protesters, Police Clash in Front of Parliament
On November 30, at the Biltmore Hotel, in Tbilisi, the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party and the opposition held their first round of negotiations over how to resolve the country’s
Georgian Parliament Votes Against Constitutional Reform Demanded by Opposition Protesters
On November 17, thousands of opposition party activists gathered in front of the Georgian parliament building, on Rustaveli Avenue, where the “Rose Revolution” took place in 2003. The main demands
Georgia Targeted by Most Powerful Cyberattack in Its History
The Georgian authorities, with the help of their colleagues from the United States and Europe, are investigating a powerful cyberattack that struck the South Caucasus country on October 28. Experts
Turkish Military Operation in Syria Complicates Georgia’s Foreign Policy
On October 17, a few days after the start of the Turkish military incursion into northern Syria, Turkey’s ambassador to Georgia, Fatma Ceren Yazgan, who does not appear often in
Can Western Support Actually Help Tbilisi in Its Standoff With Moscow?
The ministers of foreign affairs of Georgia and Russia, David Zalkaliani and Sergei Lavrov, respectively, met on September 26, in New York, on the sidelines of the 74th Session of
Russia Declares New Initiatives to Modernize Army of Breakaway Abkhazia
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his government to undertake the modernization of the Armed Forces of the breakaway Georgian territory of Abkhazia and to equip its military with additional
Former Embattled Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia Named New Prime Minister of Georgia
The Georgian parliament voted, on September 8, in favor of naming former minister of internal affairs Giorgi Gakharia the country’s new prime minister. Ninety-nine members of parliament (MP) took part
Georgians in Abkhazia: A Choice Between Assimilation and Emigration
On June 27, the Moscow-backed separatist authorities of Abkhazia again closed their region’s border with Georgia. Tbilisi considers this border, which runs along the Enguri River, purely “administrative,” but Sukhumi
Moscow Increases Pressure on Tbilisi, Exploiting Weaknesses of Georgian Democracy
Irreconcilable street protests in Georgia have continued into their sixth straight week, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia. Opposition and civil society activists accuse Minister Gakharia
The Battle for Political Influence in the Georgian Orthodox Church
The political crisis continues in Georgia, as crowds angry at Russia and their own government refuse to vacate the streets of Tbilisi. The ongoing standoff began on June 20, when
Georgian Government Faces Worst Crisis Since 2012
On Rustaveli Avenue, in central Tbilisi, a rally of pro-Western opposition and student organizations has assembled near the Georgian parliament building and continues into its fifth day. On this spot
Georgia’s Anaklia Deep-Water Port Faces a New Challenge
Recent developments around the construction of a new deep-water port in Anaklia, on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, have reinforced skepticism that the “project of the century” (as it has come
Azerbaijan and Georgia Narrowly Avoid Fresh Border Conflict
On May 28, as Azerbaijan marked its most important national holiday, Republic Day, and finalized preparations to host the UEFA Europa League Final at the Baku Olympic Stadium (May 29),
Russia Tries to Bog Down the Anaklia Deep Sea Port Project
On May 6, Turkish, Azerbaijani and Russian representatives met in Ankara and issued a joint memorandum on significantly transforming the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars (BTK) railway project. The Georgian leadership made clear that
Pankisi Gorge: A Resurgent Flashpoint in Georgia?
On April 21, Georgian company Peri began construction on the Khadori-3 hydroelectric station (HES) with a capacity of 5 megawatts (MW). Construction started near the villages of Birkiani and Dzibakhevi,
NATO Again Demonstrates Strong Support for Georgia
Georgia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) held NATO-Georgia Exercise 2019—a computer assisted/command post exercise (CAX/CPX)—at the Joint Training and Evaluation Center (JTEC), between March 18 and 29. The
Saakashvili Continues His Political Struggle in Georgia and Ukraine
On March 24, the United National Movement (UNM), Georgia’s former ruling party, held a party congress at which it approved Grigol Vashadze as its new chairperson (Civil.ge March 25). This does
Georgian President Travels to Europe, Confirms Her Country’s Pro-Western Course
The newly elected president of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, is using the first hundred days of her presidency to demonstrate her country’s ongoing commitment to integration into Euro-Atlantic structures. This was
Abkhazia and South Ossetia ‘Block’ Transit Agreement Between Russia and Georgia
On February 6, in Geneva, the latest round of Russian-Georgian negotiations on the implementation of the 2011 agreement “About the Basic Principles of the Mechanism of Customs Administration and Monitoring
Georgia Renegotiating Gas Transit Contract With Russian Gazprom
The two-year contract between the government of Georgia and the Russian energy giant Gazprom on natural gas transit from Russia to Armenia expired on December 31, 2018 (Georgia Today, January
Georgian Orthodox Church Opts for Caution Regarding Ukrainian Autocephaly
The main political theme in Georgia in recent days has been the position of the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) regarding the recognition of the autocephaly of the Ukrainian Church. On
Georgian Opposition Refuses to Recognize Results of Presidential Election
The Georgian opposition staged a rally, on December 2, in the center of the capital city of Tbilisi, protesting the outcome of last month’s presidential election. Demonstrators called for annulling
Georgia’s Hyper-Competitive Presidential Election: Prelude to Political Turmoil?
The second round of presidential elections in Georgia is scheduled to take place in a few weeks. The first round of voting, on October 28, did not reveal an outright
‘Historical’ Presidential Elections in Georgia
The first round of presidential elections, held in Georgia on October 28, did not reveal a winner. The candidate from the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, former French ambassador to
Last-Minute Scandals Hit Georgia’s Upcoming Presidential Elections
On October 28, the citizens of Georgia will elect a president for the last time via a direct ballot. According to the new constitution, which will come into force immediately
US and NATO Send Reassuring Messages to Georgia
A few weeks before Georgia’s presidential elections, scheduled for October 28, the authorities in Tbilisi are trying to demonstrate their unwavering support for closer links with the United States and
Russian ‘Bomb’ Ticks in the Geographic Center of Georgia
On August 30, five young Georgian citizens, detained by Russian service members for “illegally crossing the state border of South Ossetia,” were released from a Tskhinvali jail after having paid
Georgian Opposition Unites Behind Single Presidential Candidate
The leaders of ten Georgian opposition parties affiliated with the coalition “Power Is in Unity” gathered near the Bagrat Temple, in the city of Kutaisi, on July 18, to name
Georgia Remains on Path to NATO
Four years ago, then–United States President Barack Obama famously stated that Georgia is not presently on the path to membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) (Civil Georgia, March
Georgia’s Prime Minister Resigns
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili announced his resignation, on June 13 (Civil Georgia, June 13). For those following the protest rallies in Tbilisi, Kvirikashvili’s departure may not have seemed particularly
Is the Georgian Opposition Capable of ‘Dismantling the System?’
A so-called “Nationwide Protest Action” will be held in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, on June 10. This decision was made by the Council of Opposition Parties after Georgia’s Prime
Confrontations in Tbilisi Test Georgian Government and Democracy
May 2018 has been a critical test for Georgia. Over the past several weeks, a series of events in the capital of Tbilisi have collectively raised questions in some quarters
US-Georgian Partnership Newly Reinvigorated Following High-Level American Visit
On May 1, A. Wess Mitchell, the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, visited the Georgian village of Odzisi (Dusheti District), located on the occupation line
Georgia’s Richest Man Returns to Politics
At an impromptu briefing on April 25, Georgian Prime Minister George Kvirikashvili stated that the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) faction, billionaire and former prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili,
Abkhazia and South Ossetia Reject Georgia’s Peace Plan
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili recently announced an “unprecedented” peace initiative aimed at the country’s occupied territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region (South Ossetia). The new initiative, made public during an
Georgian Special Services Publicize Russia’s Attempts to Subvert Country From Within
The Georgian parliament plans to hold hearings, on April 18, regarding the State Security Service of Georgia’s (SSSG) recently published report detailing the risks and challenges to the country’s security.
Russia Employs New ‘Hybrid War’ Methods Against Georgia
The Moscow-backed authorities of separatist South Ossetia released, on March 23, Georgian citizens David Gerkeuli and Iosif Gundishvili (Imedinews March 23). The two men had been arrested by South Ossetian
Will the Georgian Opposition Unite Before the Presidential Elections?
Former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili, who lives in the Netherlands after having been expelled from Ukraine, recently addressed the Georgian opposition. Saakashvili encouraged his party United National Movement (UNM), which
US Ambassador Urges Georgia to Better Communicate its Pro-Western Agenda
On February 20, the US Ambassador to Georgia, Ian Kelly, took part in the opening of the Strategic Communication Training program for Georgian public servants. This program aims to boost
Georgia Moves to Adopt ‘Total Defense’ Posture
The Georgian Parliament endorsed in its first hearing the country’s new military reserve system, concluding a nearly year-long working process on its reform (Civil Georgia, January 30, 2017; see EDM, May 25, 2017).
Russia and Georgia Disagree Over North-South ‘Trade Corridors’
Zurab Abashidze, the Georgian prime minister’s special representative to Russia, held a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin in Prague, on January 31, within the framework of the
South Ossetian Separatist Leader Becomes Envoy of ‘Russkiy Mir’ in the Balkans and Ukraine
On January 9, the so-called “president” of the Russian-backed “South Ossetian republic” (“Tskhinvali region”), Anatoly Bibilov, undertook a three-day visit to Republika Srpska, a constituent entity of Bosnia-Herzegovina. There, he held a meeting
United States Considers Supplying Anti-Tank Weapons to Georgia
The news that, on November 20, the US State Department had approved the sale of Javelin anti-tank missiles to Georgia (Dsca.mil, November 20), caused euphoria in the South Caucasus country.
Russia and Georgia Agree to Unite Against ‘Church Separatism’ in Abkhazia
Ilia II, the patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC), met in his Tbilisi residence, on November 2, with Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk (Russia). Metropolitan Hilarion is one of
Authorities in Abkhazia Strengthen Discriminatory Policies Against Ethnic-Georgian Population
In the Gali district of the Russian-occupied separatist Georgian region of Abkhazia, the local administration is launching a campaign to oust ethnic Georgians who refuse to officially change their identity.
Who Provoked the Clashes Between Local Armenians and the Georgian Police?
On September 30, Georgia’s minister of interior, Giorgi Mgebrishvili, urgently traveled to Samtskhe-Javakheti, a region on the country’s southern border. Most of the residents of this area are ethnic Armenians,
Georgian Opposition Attacks Bank of Billionaire Ivanishvili
The party of former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili, United National Movement (UNM), has begun actively preparing for local elections, scheduled for October 21. Its first major action, which caused a
Russians Will be Able to Obtain US Visas at American Embassy in Georgia
The Embassy of the United States in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, has announced that it is ready to issue US visas to Russian citizens, if they apply to
Russia Building New Road From Dagestan to Georgia
On July 7, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin and Ambassador Zurab Abashidze, the special envoy of the Georgian prime minister for relations with Russia, held a special meeting in
Russia Again Intensifies Military Pressure on Georgia
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin and Ambassador Zurab Abashidze, the special envoy of the prime minister of Georgia, held a special meeting in Prague, on July 7 (Agenda.ge, July
Russian Army Again Threatening Georgia From the Occupied Territories
Large-scale military exercises in South Ossetia (the region of Georgia occupied by Moscow as a result of the 2008 Russian invasion) involving units of the locally stationed 58th Army of
Does Georgia Have Sufficient Resources to Create a New Military Reserve System?
The Georgian parliament’s Committee on Defense and Security met on May 12 to continue lawmakers’ discussions on how best to restructure the Georgian military reserves (Newsday Georgia, May 12). Currently,
Proposed Georgian Constitutional Amendments Lack Support of President, Opposition
A public discussion of the draft amendments to Georgia’s constitution, initiated by the ruling Georgian Dream–Democratic Georgia (GDDG) party, has begun (Civil Georgia, May 3). The proposed constitutional reforms are
Tbilisi Still Waiting on Delivery of Its Purchased Missile and Air Defense Systems From Paris
Georgian Defense Minister Levan Izoria traveled to France, on April 18–19, for a working visit. One of the main topics of his talks with French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian,
Ukraine Invites Georgia to Act Together Against Russian Occupation
The Ukrainian delegation to the United Nations took the initiative to discuss the situation in the occupied territories of Georgia—Abkhazia and South Ossetia—at a recent meeting of the UN Security
Russian Military Absorbs ‘Army of South Ossetia’
The government of the Russian Federation has approved the draft agreement between Russia and South Ossetia “on integrating some units of the Armed Forces of the Republic of South Ossetia
Can Channel Rustavi 2 Remain the Voice of the Opposition?
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has temporarily suspended the execution of the Georgian Supreme Court’s decision to return opposition television broadcaster Rustavi 2 to its former owner, the
Georgian Authorities Reinstate Military Conscription
The Georgian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has reintroduced compulsory military service in the army, eight months after then–defense minister Tina Khidasheli abolished military conscription (Civil Georgia, February 15). As early
Georgia Trusts Donald Trump Will Not Change US Policy Toward Tbilisi
After the election of Donald Trump to the White House, Georgian leaders have expressed hope that relations between the United States and Georgia will still continue to deepen in all
Saakashvili’s Party in Georgia Splits in Two
In a January 12 press briefing held at the United National Movement’s (UNM) central offices, the majority of the party’s leaders and most of its popularly recognizable members collectively declared
US–Georgia Defense and Security Cooperation Moves to a New Stage
On December 6, Georgian Defense Minister Levan Izoria and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Carpenter signed a framework agreement on security cooperation for 2016–2019 that will promote further
Georgian Opposition Fears Shift to ‘Pro-Russian’ Policies by Government
On November 28, the Committee for Defense and Security in the Georgian parliament held hearings on whether to amend the Law on the Occupied Territories (Sputnik-georgia.com, November 29). The proposed
Impact of Georgian Parliamentary Elections on Relations With Russia
Following the second round of the parliamentary elections on October 30, the ruling party, Georgian Dream–Democratic Georgia (GDDG), received a constitutional majority—over three-quarters of the seats in the new parliament.
Does Mikheil Saakashvili Have a Political Future in Georgia?
The opposition United National Movement (UNM) came in distant second in the Georgian parliamentary elections that took place on October 8 (see EDM, October 13). The party of former president
Why Are Georgia and Abkhazia Still Far From Reconciliation?
On September 27, Georgian authorities and activists commemorated the 23rd anniversary of the “Fall of Sukhumi.” On that date in 1993, an armed group of Abkhaz and North Caucasian fighters,
Free Trade Agreement With China Boosts Georgia’s Security, Strategic Regional Importance
On September 13, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Georgian government and Minister of the Economy and Sustainable Development Dimitry Kumsishvili stated at a press conference that Tbilisi and Beijing
Georgia Receives ‘Maximum Possible’ at NATO’s Warsaw Summit
Several paragraphs of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) final Warsaw Summit communiqué (July 9) refer to long-time NATO-aspirant Georgia (Nato.int, July 9). The Alliance expressed its readiness to ramp
Fight Over Control of Georgian Opposition TV Channel Grinds On
The Tbilisi Court of Appeals upheld, on June 10, the earlier decision of the city court mandating changing the ownership of the prominent Georgian opposition TV channel, Rustavi 2. The
The US, UK and Georgia Hold joint Military Exercises on Outskirts of Tbilisi
A ship carrying United States military equipment arrived at the Georgian Black Sea port of Poti, on May 5. The equipment, which included US M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks and
Critics Question Decision of Georgian Minister of Defense to Abolish Conscription
Georgia’s Minister of Defense Tinatin Khidasheli stated, on April 20, that she was prepared to end conscript service and fully transition the country’s army to a professional military force. “The
Georgia Fears Resumption of Armenian-Azerbaijani Conflict
After the eruption of intense hostilities around Karabakh on April 2, Georgian authorities attempted to clarify their position on this acute regional issue. President Giorgi Margvelashvili called on the conflicting
Number of Georgian Citizens Who Leave to Join Islamic State Has Abruptly Dropped
On March 29, the deputy head of the Georgian State Security Service, Levan Izoria, briefed a joint session of three parliamentary committees: defense and security, human rights and legal affairs
Domestic Political Issues Hinder Georgia’s Progress Toward NATO
Georgia is gearing up for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) upcoming summit in Warsaw, hoping to receive a “strong message” from the Alliance about strengthening their mutual ties (see
Minister of Defense of Georgia Continues to ‘Knock at NATO’s Door’
Georgia’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze recently visited the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), where he held talks with NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow. The
China Loses Bid for Construction of Georgian Deep-Water Port on Black Sea
On February 8, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili personally announced the conclusion of the tender for the construction of the Anaklia deep-water port on Georgia’s Black Sea coast. His remarks
Restoration of Aziz Mosque in Adjara Reignites Debate Over Ottoman Legacy in Georgia
Hundreds of Muslim Georgians who live in the autonomous republic of Adjara, in southwestern Georgia, held a protest rally, on February 5, in the regional capital of Batumi. The protesters
Gazprom Presents Harsh Ultimatum to Georgia
The Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of Georgia, Kakha Kaladze, and a top official at the Russian energy giant Gazprom, Yelena Burmistrova, failed to reach an agreement during
Growing Threat of Russian Influence in Georgian Army
Since the Bucharest summit of April 2008, when the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) pledged that Georgia (and Ukraine) “will become members of NATO” (Summitbucharest.ro, April 3, 2008), the South
Office of Largest Opposition Party in Georgia Comes Under Attack
On the night of December 9, unidentified assailants attacked an office of the most influential opposition party of Georgia, United National Movement (UNM), in the town of Dedoplistskaro, near the
Islamic State’s Influence Increases in Georgia
Following mid-November’s bloody terrorist attacks in Paris and the ongoing international campaign against the Islamic State in Syria and northern Iraq, Georgian authorities have grown increasingly concerned about the security
Gazprom Tries to Seduce Georgia
The leader of Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev, arrived in Georgia, on November 5, for a two-day official visit (Vestnik Kavkaza, November 5). This was Aliyev’s first trip to Tbilisi in
Georgian Government Accused of Attempts to Shut Down Opposition TV Channel
Georgian prosecutors have questioned the head of the Rustavi 2 TV channel, Nika Gvaramia, in connection to his accusations of government pressure on his company (Civil Georgia, October 22). Gvaramia
Pro-Russian Forces in Georgia Demand Neutral Status for Country
Around 200 activists of the pro-Russian organization “The Society of Tsar Irakly II” marched through the streets of the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, on September 24. The protest concluded in
Former Tbilisi Mayor’s Release From Prison Lasted 24 Hours
The Tbilisi municipal court has sentenced the former mayor of the city and one of the leaders of the opposition party United National Movement (UNM), Gigi Ugulava, to four and
Is the Georgian Government Turning Toward China and Russia?
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili presented his government’s newly appointed minister of foreign affairs, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, at the annual gathering of Georgian diplomats, in Tbilisi. Until September 1, Kvirikashvili headed
Russia Threatens Georgia With Renewed Trade War
The Russian government regularly uses its agency for consumer protection, Rospotrebnadzor, for trade discrimination and blocking imports from countries whose policies Moscow does not like (see EDM, March 28, 2006;
Georgia Establishes New State Security Service
In early July, the parliament of Georgia passed a law on establishing the State Security Service (Civil Georgia, July 4). The new body will decouple the intelligence and security agencies
Why Are Georgians Afraid of Greece’s Financial Default?
Georgians have shown a keen interest in the events in far-away Greece, which has been on the verge of leaving the Eurozone, if not the European Union itself. All news
France Is Prepared to Supply Advanced Air Defense Infrastructure to Georgia
On June 15, during the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, where important deals for arms supplies are often agreed, Georgia signed its first ever large contract with France on
When Will Mikheil Saakashvili Return to Georgia?
The appointment of former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili as the head of government administration (governor) of Odesa province in Ukraine produced a wave of speculation about his future plans in
Why Are Former Leaders of Saakashvili’s UNM Trying to Kill the Party?
The executive secretary of the opposition faction United National Movement (UNM), Zurab Japaridze, unexpectedly announced, on May 25, he was leaving the party (Georgiatoday.ge, May 28). Former Georgian president and
What Does the Arrival of American Military Equipment in Georgia Mean?
On May 11, an unprecedented two-week military exercise, “Noble Partner 2015,” began at the former Russian military base, Vaziani, in the suburb of the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. Russia withdrew
Georgian Government Seeks to Bolsters Its Pro-Western Credentials
Last week (May 1), Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili submitted his new cabinet appointments for approval by the parliament. The pro-Western Republican Party, which is part of the ruling Georgian
Russian Company That Illegally Operates in Abkhazia Is Coming to Georgia
Abkhazia, a former autonomous region of Georgia, was recognized as an “independent state” by Russia following the five-day Russian-Georgian war in August 2008. A couple weeks ago (April 10), the
Was France Preparing to Supply the Latest Anti-Aircraft and Anti-Missile Systems to Georgia?
Irakli Alasania, the former Georgian minister of defense (October 2012–November 2014), recently lifted the veil of secrecy over a mysterious document he signed during his visit to France in October
China Seeks Massive Investments in Georgia
Until now, Georgia’s economic situation has been most clearly defined by its movement closer to Europe thanks to last year’s signing of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area agreement
Why Are Ossetians and Abkhazians Coming to Georgia for Medical Treatment?
In the run up to the signing of the agreement between Russia and South Ossetia “On Alliance and Integration,” which should take place soon (Interpressnews.ge, March 7), the president of
Moscow Again Putting Separatist Regions in Play Against Georgia
On February 18, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the head of the “Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Ossetia,” David Sanakoev, signed an agreement “On the State Border,” whereby
NATO Intends to Open Special Training Center in Georgia
Before the end of 2015, a joint Training and Evaluation Center will open in Georgia under the auspices of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), within the framework of the
Rosneft Expands Its Presence in South Caucasus Via Georgia
Late in 2014, Russian state oil company Rosneft acquired 49 percent of the Georgian company Petrocas Energy Group, which owns a strategically important oil terminal at the port of Poti
Georgia and Armenia Try to Maintain Friendship Across Geopolitical Barriers
Last week (December 11), Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan paid an official two-day visit to Georgia (Newsday.ge, December 11). The head of the Armenian government held intensive talks with his
Russian-Abkhaz Agreement: What Is Moscow’s Plan for Georgia?
Georgian authorities are trying to devise new tactics and a new style of relations with Moscow after the November 24 signing of the Russian-Abkhazian agreement On Alliance and Strategic Partnership
Radio Appendage of ‘Russia Today’ Appears in Georgia
As of several weeks ago, the station Radio-Sputnik has begun broadcasting in Georgia from its studio located on Ateni Street in downtown Tbilisi. It prepares radio programs for the agency
Can the Georgian Dream Coalition Survive the Sacking of Defense Minister Alasania?
On November 4, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili sacked Defense Minister Irakli Alasania, who enjoys strong backing in Washington. In response to this development, Euro-Atlantic Integration Minister Aleksi Petriashvili vowed
Russia Issues Ultimatum to Abkhazia
By the end of October, the authorities in Sukhumi must respond to Moscow’s proposal to sign a new agreement “On Alliance and Integration” between the Russian Federation and the Republic
Two Years After the Change of Government in Georgia: Contradictory Results
Two years ago, in October 2012, Georgia experienced a peaceful, non-violent, constitutional change of power for the first time in the country’s modern history. The first president of the Republic
Is Moscow Preparing to Annex South Ossetia After Crimea?
The situation in Ukraine continues to quickly evolve, and the Russian annexation of Crimea has already mostly faded away from the 24-hour news cycle. Additionally, Western leaders are now hinting
Are Georgians Participating in the Ukrainian War?
In July 2014, when the war in eastern Ukraine was becoming increasingly intense and bitter, former president of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili accused the new Georgian authorities of persecuting “the officers
Is Russia Resuming a Trade War Against Georgia?
The Russian government has announced the imminent suspension of the Free Trade Regime between the Russian Federation and Georgia, which had been in place since 1994, following Georgia’s accession to
Arrest of Opposition Leader Jeopardizes Georgia’s European Integration
A Tbilisi city court has refused to release Gigi Ugulava, the former mayor of the Georgian capital, out on bail, instead sentencing him to two months in pre-trial detention. Ugulava
Is Georgia getting closer to the EU, but farther from NATO?
On June 27, Georgian Prime Minister Irakly Garibashvili signed a historic Association Agreement between Georgia and the European Union (EU). People in Tbilisi celebrated this event as a national holiday.
Will Russia Annex Abkhazia and South Ossetia?
Against the backdrop of the quickly unfolding situation in Ukraine—the annexation of Crimea and the guerrilla war in eastern Ukrainian—there are growing fears in Georgia that Russia will also use
Tbilisi, Baku and Ankara Affirm an Informal Tripartite Union
Against the backdrop of the events in Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey have agreed to cooperate more closely in economic, transport and energy safety spheres.The first tripartite summit of the
Georgia Offers Compromise to NATO Prior to the Alliance’s Summit in Wales
At a joint conference with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maia Panjikidze, the foreign ministers of Germany and France, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Laurent Fabius, respectively, stated that the
The Olympic Truce Between Russia and Georgia
The chief of the Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB), Alexander Bortnikov, stated at an April 9 meeting of the Russian security services and law enforcement agencies that the FSB
Kremlin’s Followers in Georgia Become Active
Against the backdrop of Russia’s intervention in Ukraine, its annexation of Crimea and the international community’s weak reaction, supporters of Georgia’s integration into the Eurasian Union—a political-economic project dominated by
Tensions Around Crimea Create New Risks for Georgia
A little over a week ago (March 7), Russian military helicopters and drones broke the terms of the August 12, 2008, agreement reached by Nicolas Sarkozy and Dmitry Medvedev—then presidents
Georgian Soldiers Go to Africa
In his annual State of the Nation address in the parliament (https://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=26971), Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili stated that he agreed to the request of Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of
Is Georgia Too Close to Sochi?
Several days prior to the opening of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, peculiar events started to take place at the Russian-Georgian border. According to multiple accounts, Georgian border guards
Georgia Reviews Results of Its Military Reform
Following the United National Movement’s complete hand-over of power to the Georgian Dream coalition, experts in Georgia have begun assessing the results of the decade of rule by former president
Georgia’s Association with the EU: Start of a Complicated and Hazardous Journey
During the third Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius, on November 28–29, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze
Why Did the Chief Prosecutor of Georgia Step Down?
The resignation, after November 17, of Georgia’s chief prosecutor, Archil Kbilashvili, was to be expected: all top officials in the government will have to step down following the inauguration of
Georgia Elects Its Fourth President
The Central Electoral Commission of Georgia has finalized the vote count after last Sunday’s (October 27) presidential election (https://www.results.cec.gov.ge). The candidate of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) coalition, Giorgi Margvelashvili,
The Future of the Railway Link Between Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey Is Still Vague
Suspending the construction of large infrastructure projects is one of the primary accusations that President Mikheil Saakashvili and his team make against the government of Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili in
Authorities in Abkhazia Plan to Strip Georgians of Citizenship
On September 18, a special commission formed to probe the lawfulness of issuing Abkhazian passports (i.e. granting Abkhazian “citizenship”) to ethnic Georgians from the Gali district presented its report to
Russia and Georgia Expand Their Only Border Crossing Point
Several days ago (September 10), reconstruction and expansion works at the Verkhny Lars border checkpoint were completed. The checkpoint, located in Georgia’s Kazbegi district on the highway historically known as
Events in Adjara May Provoke Tensions Between Georgia and Turkey
The Georgian authorities’ decision to dismantle a mosque minaret in the village of Chela on August 26 triggered an incident in the Samtskhe-Javakheti and Adjara regions where tensions between Christians
‘Five Days’ War’ Five Years Later
Last week, Georgia marked the five-year anniversary of the start of the short military conflict with Russia over South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The conflict ended in Georgia’s defeat and the
Georgian Authorities Take Over Joint US-Georgian Biological Research Facility Under Russian Pressure
The Georgian Minister of Healthcare David Sergienko informed journalists about his final decision to establish full control over the Central Public Health Reference Laboratory named after United States Senator Richard
Nino Burjanadze Is Prepared to Play on Georgians’ Disappointment with the West
Former speaker of the Georgian parliament Nino Burjanadze announced her decision to participate in the presidential elections that are scheduled for October and expressed her confidence in winning the race
New Torture Video Undermines Saakashvili’s Party Ahead of Elections
At a specially called press conference, Georgia’s Interior Minister Irakli Garibashvili told foreign diplomats that the Georgian security services had evidence proving beyond doubt that members of President Mikheil Saakashvili’s
Tensions on the Border Between Georgia and South Ossetia
For the past several days, Georgian politicians and experts have extensively discussed the alarming development of the situation around the village of Ditsi (https://en.ria.ru/world/20130527/181373355.html), located at the border between Georgia
Vano Merabishvili’s Arrest: The New Style of Presidential Elections in Georgia?
The office of Georgia’s prosecutor general announced it had arrested Secretary General of the United National Movement (UNM) Vano Merabishvili after questioning him for five hours (https://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=26090). Merabishvili had previously
FBI Director Mueller’s Visit to Georgia Highlights Bilateral Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
On May 8, Robert Mueller, the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), visited Georgia. The official reason for the visit was to assess the terrorism risks in the
Well-Known Expert Andro Barnovi Named President Saakashvili’s Chief of Staff
The second presidential term of Mikheil Saakashivili is drawing to an end. Despite this fact, the Georgian president has not missed a chance to attract talented individuals into his administration,
The United National Movement Launches a Campaign to Unseat Ivanishvili’s Government
“Tens of thousands of people attending [this] demonstration show that rumors of our death have been exaggerated,” the former speaker of the Georgian parliament David Bakradze declared at the April
The Party of President Saakashvili Is Determined to Demonstrate Its Power
On April 19, the United National Movement is set to stage a rally in the central part of Tbilisi (https://www.messenger.com.ge/issues/2833_april_4_2013/2833_edit.html). City officials have issued permission to hold the rally by
Why Did President Saakashvili Agree to Become a ‘Lame Duck?’
On March 25, Georgia’s parliament voted in favor of constitutional amendments that significantly reduce the president’s powers to influence domestic and foreign policy (https://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25887). According to the amendments, the president
Amid Conflict with Bidzina Ivanishvili, Mikheil Saakashvili Returns to His Political Roots
The political situation in Georgia in the past several weeks has rapidly deteriorated. Instead of co-habitation, the president and the prime minister of the country have reverted to playing a
Prime Minister Ivanishvili’s Foreign Policy Outline Encounters Strong Resistance from the Opposition
Widely considered the closest ally of Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, former Georgian Ambassador to the United States and current Ambassador to the United Kingdom Tedo Japaridze has put forward a
Ivanishvili’s Government Is Readjusting ‘The Law on Occupation’
At a specially convened press conference, the State Minister for Reintegration Paata Zakareishvili announced that the government approved a bill on making significant amendments to the Law on Occupied Territories,
Will Georgia Reenter the CIS?
The issue of Georgia’s possible return to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and its participation in other post-Soviet space organizations became topical after the January 29 statement of the
Deputy Prime Minister Alasania Is Demoted in Georgian Government
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili signed a decree on January 21, stripping Minister of Defense Irakly Alasania of his dual position as deputy prime minister in the Georgian government https://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25670). The
Prime Minister of Georgia Attempts to Replace the Entire Diplomatic Corps of the Country
On Monday, January 14, the administration of President Mikheil Saakashvili released a list of ambassadors that Georgian Foreign Affairs Minister Maia Panjikidze has requested be recalled (https://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25641). The list of
Georgian Defense Minister Unveils Plans to Create Entirely Professional Army, Compatible with NATO Forces
Minister of Defense and First Deputy Prime Minister Irakli Alasania, who does not conceal his plans to participate in the presidential elections in October 2013, revealed several important initiatives for
Georgian Patriarch’s Visit to Moscow: Is Georgia Leaning to the North?
The head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Ilia II, will visit Moscow on January 21 at the invitation of Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church (https://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25612).
Irakly Okruashvili: Prisoner of Conscience, Provocateur or Traitor?
A trial is underway over one of the most controversial and interesting political figures in recent Georgian history, Irakly Okruashvili (https://eng.ghn.ge/news-6999.html; https://lenta.ru/lib/14163771/). In 2004–2006, Okruashvili alternately occupied such high-ranking government
Will Georgians Watch Russian TV Channels Again?
The new Georgian government’s decision to resume broadcast of Russian television channels may be among the most important recent moves by the country’s leadership (https://www.vestikavkaza.ru/articles/Vernutsya-li-rossiyskie-telekanaly-v-Gruziyu.html). The previous government suspended Russian
Is Ivanishvili’s Visit to the US Postponed or Canceled?
Prime Minister of Georgia Bidzina Ivanishvili stated that his trip to Washington, which was scheduled for the end of November, would not take place. The head of the government explained
Ivanishvili’s Blunders May Be Very Costly for Georgia
The new Prime Minister of Georgia Bidzina Ivanishvili appeared quite surprised when he heard criticism from the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Anders Fogh Rasmussen. Speaking
Who Is Responsible for Distancing Georgia from NATO?
On November 11, the municipal court in Tbilisi decided to suspend the former chief of the Joint Staff of the armed forces of Georgia, General Giorgi Kalandadze, from office, having
Georgia Proposes to Unblock the Trans-Caucasus Railway
One of the closest associates of Georgia’s Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, State Minister for Reintegration Paata Zakareishvili, has unveiled the government’s idea to unblock the railway link that connected Russia