GEL exchange rate will be stabilized in the nearest future - National Bank President

GEL exchange rate will be stabilized in the nearest future - National Bank President According to Giorgi Kadagidze, President of the National Bank of Georgia, the GEL exchange rate will be stabilized in the nearest future.

"The GEL depreciation is largely associated with the negative expectations of market participants regarding the ongoing processes in the neighboring countries. Unlike 2015, today depreciation is not affected by tax balance. To put it simply, the country's incoming and outgoing foreign currency flows are balanced.

The second factor is the aggregate of money – we have maximally restricted it. The growth of money aggregate is close to zero. Consequently, it does not affect the depreciation. That’s why we carry out point interventions. Given all this, we expect the GEL rate to be stabilized in the near future”, said Kadagidze.

Euro Parliament Human Rights Committee to hold discussion about Georgia

Euro Parliament Human Rights Committee to hold discussion about Georgia The discussion on Georgia will be held at the Human Rights Committee of the European Parliament. As the official webpage reports, the committee will discuss situation in Georgia in terms of human rights protection on January 25.

The committee members will also discuss the report project on the so-called third countries and human rights and migration there.

Tamar Kintsurashvili and Giorgi Tugushi will attend the session from Georgia

Gocha Svanidze elected as President of Rugby Union

Gocha Svanidze elected as President of Rugby Union Gocha Svanidze has been elected as President of the Rugby Union of Georgia.

The announcement was made by Deputy Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Shalva Gogoladze after the elections.

Svanidze was supported by 35 members, while another candidate Zedgenidze received 32 votes.

Gocha Svanidze will lead the Rugby Union for the next four years. Prior to that, the post had been occupied by Gia Nizharadze.

Embassy of Belarus to open in Georgia

The Embassy of Belarus will be opened this year in Georgia. As local media reports, the ministers’ board has already issued the corresponding decree. According to the document, the Belarusian Finance Ministry will finance all the expenses related with the diplomatic mission opening.

According to local media, President Alexander Lukashenko discussed the issue in 2015 while visiting Georgia.

Georgia’s Embassy to Belarus has been functioning since 2007.

Azerbaijani President to visit Georgia in the nearest future

According to the Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili, the issue of natural gas has not been discussed during a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

As Kvirikashvili has told reporters in Davos, technical issues were discussed during the meeting and there is no controversy between Georgia and Azerbaijan.

‘The meeting with Aliyev was conducted in a very friendly and warm atmosphere. We have not discussed gas provision issues… There is no controversy between our countries. Our mood is very optimistic referring to the joint projects we are conducting. These are Silk Road Project, Baku-Tbilisi-Karsi projects. We will create a very important source for our countries’ economic growth,’ he said.

According to the PM the Azerbaijani President will visit Georgia very soon.

Russia should honor our sovereignty: Georgia PM

Russia needs to honor the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia so that the region can be attractive to investment and business, the country's prime minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili told CNBC on Friday.

Tensions have remained high between the two countries following a short conflict in 2008. Hundreds died in clashes over the sovereignty of South Ossetia and Abkhazia -- two breakaway Georgian regions which Russia recognizes as independent countries, CNBC reports.

Kvirikashvili said that several formats of dialog now existed between the two countries, and that there were positive dynamics in terms of trade.

"We are trying to decrease the tensions with Russia in order to allow ourselves to attract investments, because stability and security (are)... the main prerequisites for any investor," Kvirikashvili told CNBC's Hadley Gamble at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

There were still issues, however. Russia was still signing agreements with both South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Kvirikashvili said, something he described as "against all logic."

"But this is where we are," he said. "We will continue a pragmatic approach, we will continue from our side to decrease the tensions, and we welcome, of course, the recent decision of the Russian government to ease the visa regulations for Georgian citizens," he added.

"This was a positive step, and it is appreciated by (the) Georgian government and people."

Asked if he had a message for Vladimir Putin, Kvirikashvili said that, "Russia should honor Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty."

"This is the main entry condition to be met by the Russian side in order to start normal relations with Russia," he said.

"Honestly, we don't see enough political will today in (the) Russian leadership to resolve this crisis, but despite all that, we have (a) longstanding tradition of… relations with Russia, and I don't think that we need to scratch out everything," Kvirikashvili added.

"Culturally, Georgians, we are Europeans, we are a European country," Kvirikashvili also said during the interview.

On Friday the Georgian government announced that Kvirikashvili had met with NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg while at Davos. The two parties discussed issues relating to Georgia becoming a NATO member, according to the prime minister's press office.

A former foreign minister, Kvirikashvili assumed his role as Georgia's prime minister at the end of last year, after the sudden resignation of Irakly Garibashvili, - concludes the CNBC.

Some commercial banks sell dollar for 2.51 GEL

1 USD costs 2.51 GEL at several commercial banks of Georgia. This information has been posted on their webpages.

At the moment consumers can buy 1 USD for 2.51 GEL and sell for 2.43 GEL at Bank of Georgia.

Dollar price is 2.5130 GEL at TBC Bank. Its selling price is 2.4370 GEL. Bank Republic sells the dollar for 2.5150 GEL and buys for 2.4280 GEL.

As for Cartu Bank 1 USD costs 2.4900 GEL here and its selling price is 2.4400 GEL.

Yesterday the GEL has reached its historical minimum against the dollar. Official price of 1 USD has become 2.4694 GEL.

On 23 February 1999 it reached the price 2.45 GEL for 1 USD, though it later decreased in two days to 2.38, while on 27 February the exchange rate was fixed at 1.93.

According to the National Bank of Georgia the new exchange rate will be set on January 25

GEL rate reaches its historical minimum

GEL rate reaches its historical minimum The GEL rate has reached its historical minimum. The national currency has started depreciation in December 1998.
On 23 February 1999 it reached the price 2.45 GEL for 1 USD, though it later decreased in two days to 2.38, while on 27 February the exchange rate was fixed at 1.93.

According to the National Bank of Georgia, today the price of 1 dollar has equaled 2.4694.

PM says there is nothing alarming in the depreciation of GEL

PM says there is nothing alarming in the depreciation of GEL We have all reasons for optimism, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said when commenting on the GEL exchange rate.

According to him, there is nothing alarming in the depreciation of GEL.

“It is just a correction of GEL in accordance with the devaluation that has taken place in our neighboring countries in the recent days. There is nothing alarming in it. We have all reasons for optimism. Georgia will have quite good economic growth this year and we cannot see anything negative in the long run”, said the PM.

There is too much noise around the Gazprom issue - Giorgi Kvirikashvili

There is too much noise around the Gazprom issue - Giorgi Kvirikashvili According to Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, too much noise has been created around the Gazprom issue.

As Kvirikashvili told reporters in Davos, the Gazprom talks are purely technical and they do not have any political meaning.

"As for the gas supply issue, I heard many allegations about Kakha Kaladze and the government. I would like to say that our government is committed to protect the interests of our country. Too much noise has been created around the Gazprom issue. The Gazprom talks are purely technical and they do not have any political meaning”, said the PM.

According to him, there is no need to discuss the issue at the Security Council meeting.

Giorgi Kandelaki, the member of the National Movement, called on the President of Georgia today to summon a special session of the National Security Council to discuss the Gazprom issue.

The European Parliament considering the idea to send an expert mission to Georgia

The European Parliament may send an expert mission to Georgia, - says the resolution adopted by the Parliament on Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine yesterday.

“The European Parliament endorses the idea put forward by the Georgian authorities of
sending an expert mission of high level advisers, comprising retired judges of the
European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights, to oversee the
ongoing case regarding Rustavi 2”, says the resolution.

the mentioned idea was put forward by Georgian Prime Minsiter Irakli Gharibashvili a few months ago.

The European Parliament recognized the progress achieved by Georgia - Janos Herman

EU Ambassador to Georgia Janos Herman has evaluated yesterday’s resolution of the European Parliament on Georgia.

As Herman told journalists, the European Parliament recognized the progress achieved by Georgia.

"The European Parliament paid much attention to this issue. During the discussion they recognized the progress achieved by Georgia. Georgia's progress is impressive, and I think this is quite natural.

They also mentioned the areas which require special attention. These areas are not new and you know them very well. The EU underlined the importance of the independence of judges", - said Herman.

He said that the EU will continue to pay attention to specific areas.

The government has responsibility to provide safe and favorable supply of energy - Janos Herman

The government has responsibility to provide safe and favorable supply of energy, - EU Ambassador to Georgia Janos Herman said after meeting Georgian Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze.

According to him, he discussed two issues at the meeting.

"We have discussed two main issues. The first issue was the Gazrpom and the second issue concerned the cooperation between the EU and Georgia in the energy sector. This was not my first meeting with the Minister,"- said Herman.

When asked what he knew about the meeting held between Gazprom representatives and Kakha Kaladze in Vienna, he said: "I think this information should be released by Kaladze. However, I have general information on the ongoing negotiations. I would like to say that any government has responsibility to provide safe and favorable supply of energy. I think this is what the Georgian government is doing in these difficult economic conditions”, said Herman.

Health Minister to give his office car to Republican Hospital

Health Minister Davit Sergeenko will hand over his office car to the Republican Hospital in the next few hours. The Minister made the mentioned statement at a briefing.

He added that, in agreements with "112" service, a new protocol took effect today, according to which, family doctors, instead of ambulance doctors, will go to see patients of risk groups. According to him, family doctors are more qualified to render assistance to the certain category of patients.

The Minister said his office vehicle, as well as other cars of the Ministry, will be sent to the Republican Hospital in the coming hours.

“The cars will stay there until there will be need for it”, he said. He has not elaborated on the quantity of cars.

MPs listening to State Minister of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration

Davit Bakradze, State Minister of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, is visiting the Parliament of Georgia.

The State Minister is presenting the Action Plan of 2016 for the implementation of the Association Agreement and the Association Agenda.

"This is a document on which our office had worked for 6 months. The document is mainly distinguished from the last year's document by its quality, high standard. We sent appropriate action and guideline principles to all ministries and developed the Action Plan of 2016 according to those principles, which includes the results and indicators. This will allow us to mathematically calculate the performance indicators for the next year.

We had support from the European Union in this process; European experts' assistance was very important", - he said.

Price of 1 dollar hits 2.49 GEL in commercial banks

The price of 1 dollar has reached 2.49 GEL in some commercial banks.

The banks have published information about the exchange rate on their websites, though it is rapidly changing.
According to the National Bank of Georgia, official price of 1 dollar equals 2.4445 GEL.

The previous rate was 2.4317 GEL. The GEL has also lost value against the euro. 1 EUR costs 2.6635 GEL while the previous rate was 2.6583 GEL.

Russia remains involved in conflicts of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine - European Parliament

According to the resolution on the Association Agreements / Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, adopted by the European Parliament yesterday, Russia remains involved in conflicts and internal divisions touching all three of the association countries.

“Russia remains involved, directly or indirectly, in conflicts and internal divisions touching all three of the association countries –the occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia/Tskhinvali Region in Georgia, the Transnistria issue in Moldova, and Russia’s annexation of Crimea and involvement in the conflict in the eastern parts of Ukraine”, says the Resolution.

The document underlines its firm support for the territorial integrity of all three countries; calls on the Russian Federation to end its occupation of Crimea, and to put an immediate end to all direct or indirect involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as well as in the frozen conflicts in Georgia and Moldova; welcomes the Council’s decision of 21 December 2015 to extend the economic sanctions against the Russian Federation following the non-fulfilment of the Minsk Agreements;

MEPs also welcome the Council’s decision of 21 December 2015 to extend the economic sanctions against the Russian Federation following the non-fulfilment of the Minsk Agreements.

European Parliament calls for continued efforts towards full independence, efficiency, impartiality and professionalism in the judiciary of Georgia

The resolution on the Association Agreements / Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, adopted by the European Parliament emphasizes that judicial proceedings should be transparent, impartial and free from political motivation in Georgia.

The document calls on Georgia to continue, and fully implement, the reform of the judiciary, including by strengthening its independence and depoliticising the Prosecutor’s Office; remains concerned about the lack of accountability of the Prosecutor’s Office and the blurred criteria according to which prosecutors and investigators are appointed; calls for continued efforts towards full independence, efficiency, impartiality and professionalism in the judiciary, the Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of the Interior and the newly established Security Service, including parliamentary scrutiny of the activities of the latter two; is concerned about the extensive use of pre-trial detention, especially of political figures and activists, which should be an exceptional measure applied only under urgent and clear circumstances;

MEPs recall the statement of 22 September 2015 by the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe on the undue pressure exerted on judges of the Constitutional Court of Georgia, and call on the Government of Georgia to take appropriate action, including adequate measures to protect the members of the court and their families, to investigate fully all acts of intimidation and to bring the perpetrators to justice;

EBRD to continue close cooperation with Georgia

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will continue close cooperation with Georgia. Investments and financial aid will be increased in 2016, - Prime Minister of Georgia was told by the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Suma Chakrabarti at the meeting held within the framework of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

As IPN was told by the governmental administration, the two sides discussed prospects of increasing investment and business development. The EBRD President congratulated Giorgi Kvirikashvili on the appointment to the Prime Minister’s post and wished him success in the future.

Giorgi Kvirikashvili, in turn, thanked Suma Chakrabarti for their confidence in Georgia and the investments made by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Bank in our country.

European Parliament adopts resolution on the Association Agreement and DCFTA with Georgia

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on the Association Agreement and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements with Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova.

Members of the European Parliament voted on the resolution at the European Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg.

The document stresses the importance of ensuring independence and transparency of Georgia’s judiciary, the Prosecutor's Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Security Service. The resolution also expresses some remarks concerning the mechanism of pre-trial detention and notes it must be used against political officials only on special occasions.

The resolution also focuses on the media environment. MEPs underline the importance of media pluralism and specifically refer to the Rustavi 2 case.

Before the voting, the draft resolution was considered at the European Parliament’s plenary session and debates were also held.

Prime Minister meets with Jens Stoltenberg

Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili conducted a meeting with the Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg within the frames of Davos World Economic Forum. The parties discussed issues related to Georgia’s NATO membership and assessed the attained progress. According to the NATO Secretary General, Georgia has made significant steps towards NATO standards.

According to the PM’s press service, Giorgi Kvirikashvili thanked Jens Stoltenberg for supporting territorial integrity and state sovereignty of Georgia and expressed hope that NATO-Georgian relationships will be deepened.

"It was a brilliant meeting with the Prime Minister of Georgia. This was our first meeting since Giorgi Kvirikashvili became Prime Minister, even though I’ve known him since he occupied the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs. Today I was given an opportunity to meet the new Foreign Minister. We, of course, discussed the forthcoming Warsaw Summit. We also touched upon the upcoming Defence Ministerial, which will take place in February and where the session of NATO-Georgia Commission will be held. This was a delightful meeting and I plan to continue cooperation with Georgia" – the NATO Secretary General declared.

Dollar price equals 2.4445 GEL

Dollar price equals 2.4445 GEL Official price of 1 USD has become 2.4445 GEL. The National Bank of Georgia has set a new exchange rate according to which the national currency has slightly depreciated against the dollar.

Starting with January 22, 1 USD will cost 2.4445 GEL. The previous rate was 2.4317 GEL.

According to the National Bank of Georgia the GEL has also lost value against the euro. Starting with January 22, 1 EUR will cost 2.6635 GEL while the previous rate was 2.6583 GEL.

EU works on Georgia to finish visa liberalization process as soon as possible – Johannes Hahn

Georgia has made impressive steps in terms of implementing the Association Agreement, - Euro Commissioner Johannes Hahn said yesterday while delivering his speech at European Parliament.

He has referred to progress achieved by Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova.

‘Georgia has made impressive efforts in order to implement the Association Agreement and the results are already noticeable in terms of increasing direct foreign investments. Other indicators are very hopeful,” Hahn said.

Johannes Hahn has also emphasized the progress achieved by Georgia.

‘The visa liberalization action plan has proved to be an effective instrument in terms of encouraging reforms. But Georgia has been beyond all the benchmarks and made more steps in terms of judiciary reforms. It was followed by our positive report in December,’ – the Euro Commissioner said.

According to him, the EU will continue working to provide Georgia to finish the visa liberalization process as soon as possible.

Euro Parliament Human Rights Committee to hold discussion about Georgia

The discussion on Georgia will be held at the Human Rights Committee of the European Parliament. As the official webpage reports, the committee will discuss situation in Georgia in terms of human rights protection.

The committee members will also discuss the report project on the so-called third countries and human rights and migration there.

Tamar Kintsurashvili and Giorgi Tugushi will attend the session from Georgia.

Georgia-U.S. relationship at all levels has never been stronger – Giorgi Kvirikashvili

The United States is an important strategic ally of Georgia and the relationship between our countries at all levels of government has never been stronger, Georgia’s PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili has declared in an interview published at http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/.

‘I believe that if we build upon the strong foundation of our close political relationship, bilateral trade with the United States could be upwards of $1 billion within a short period of time,’ he said.


‘We are focused on making US firms more aware of the economic opportunities in Georgia, specifically in agricultural production, transportation, and hydropower generation.


I believe now is the time to take our partnership to a new level, and make Georgian-American relations the backbone of regional stability, economic development, and democratization,’ Kvirikashvili declared.

NATO decision to be based on Georgia’s actions - PM

The open-door policy announced by NATO at a ministerial held in December, 2015 is of particular significance for Georgia, - Georgia’s PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili has told a foreign reporter in an interview published at the atlantic council webpage.

According to Kvrirkashvili today, Georgia’s cooperation with the Alliance is stronger than ever.


In response to a question whether Georgia expects a MAP at the Warsaw summit, the PM said it is early to discuss the issue.


At this point it is too early to tell the exact outcome of the NATO Summit in Warsaw. We are confident that NATO’s decision will be based on the performance of Georgia, register progress on Georgia’s integration path, and bring us closer to our ultimate objective of membership in the Alliance, - Kvirikashvili said.

According to him, European and Euro-Atlantic integration is a firm choice of the people of Georgia.

‘The primary objective of the fundamental institutional reforms carried out in Georgia is to modernize the country and put it irreversibly on the path of democracy and prosperity. European and Euro-Atlantic integration is seen by Georgia as an opportunity to achieve these objectives and safeguard them in the future.

Progress in the European and Euro-Atlantic integration process will be a good incentive for the population of Georgia to continue supporting the reforms. We are not looking for shortcuts and do not expect immediate progress in the integration process, but it is of the utmost importance to demonstrate to our people that the process is not stalled and that it is delivering tangible results,’ he said.

Energy Minister holds another meeting with Gazprom leadership

Georgia’s Minister of Energy Kakha Kaladze has held another meeting with the Gazprom leadership in Vienna, Austria.

According to the Ministry of Energy, the working meeting was held in Vienna between the Gazprom representatives and Georgian side. The subject of the agreement has not changed and the process continues in order the parties to agree on conditions.

As per the Minister of Energy Gazprom offers an ultimatum to Georgia.

As Kakha Kaladze said two days ago at the TV Programme Archevani, the Georgian side is strictly against the Gazprom demand about paying price of gas to Georgia not by raw material but money. Though the company openly says that otherwise he will provide Armenia with gas via Iran.

‘Today Gazprom is able to provide 1 billion cubic meter gas to Armenia via Iran and after implementing certain investments it can fully satisfy the Armenian market. This is threat for us and will have dangerous results in terms of energetic situation,’ Kaladze said.

Euro Parliament expresses concern about the potential use of the judicial system to fight against political opponents

European Parliament publishes resolution on the implementation of the Association Agreements/DCFTA with Georgia The European Parliament has published a resolution on the implementation of the Association Agreements/ Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine with Georgia.

The document notes that the European Parliament welcomes the positive evaluation by the Commission as regards visa liberalisation for Ukraine and Georgia in the latest assessment of the implementation of the visa liberalisation action plans with the two countries; expects the Council and the Member States to proceed to grant the two countries a visa-free travel regime without undue delay;

The resolution welcomes recent reforms by the Georgian authorities to further strengthen the stability, independence and effectiveness of state institutions, in particular the judicial institutions, and the efforts to consolidate the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms; considers, nevertheless, that these reforms are insufficient.

The European Parliament calls for the establishment of transparent, merit-based selection of judges and for a change in the 3-year term of probation system for judges; stresses that prosecutions must be transparent.

The EU Parliament shows concern about the potential use of the judicial system to fight against political opponents, which could undermine Georgia’s European course and the efforts of the Georgian authorities in the area of democratic reform; calls on all political forces to avoid this type of instrumentalisation, while pursuing a serious fight to rule out corruption and misuse of public office; calls on the Georgian Government, especially in view of the 2016 parliamentary elections, to create a favourable environment for free media which promotes freedom of expression and media pluralism, and to allow the media to report independently and objectively without political or economic pressure.

There is still some uncertainty with regard to the Gazprom issue – Head of Presidential Administration

According to the Head of the Presidential Administration, Giorgi Abashishvili, transparency and public awareness should be provided in the Gazprom negotiations.

As Abashishvili told journalists, last year the President addressed the government to discuss the Gazprom issue at the governmental meeting with his participation.

"The main point of this address was to ensure greater transparency and public awareness in this very sensitive issue. Today, when we see that there is still some uncertainty and when we still hear questions from the public, our position is unchanged. We believe that maximal transparency and public awareness should be ensured in this process", - said Abashishvili.

Vehicles, coming from Russia, have problems in entering Georgia

Vehicles, coming from Russia, are unable to enter Georgia. The reason for it is bad weather, due to which the Kobi-Gudauri road is closed.

As IPN was told by the Ministry of Regional Development, movement of all types of vehicles is prohibited at the Kobi-Gudauri section due to bad weather.

As for the customs checkpoint Kazbegi, according to the Revenue Service, the checkpoint operates as usual.
The issue was covered by the Russian media too. About 100 cars are parked at the Russian border, says the Russian media.

In addition, on 19 January traffic was suspended on the Transcaucasia highway, which is the only connector between Russia and so-called South Ossetia.

National Movement offers meeting with Prime Minister

The United National Movement is offering Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili to hold a meeting with them.

At a press conference Davit Bakradze, one of the leaders of the National Movement, said the party wants to present a plan to the Prime Minister on how to drive the country out of an economic crisis.

"We are ready to meet with Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and to introduce an economic plan. At the meeting with the minority, Prime Minister Kvirikashvili expressed his willingness to meet with the opposition and discuss an anti-crisis plan. If he really meant it, we confirm that we are ready for such a meeting and a dialogue. We are ready to present to the government a plan on how to drive the country out of an economic crisis and how to improve the situation of hundreds and thousands of families", - he said.

According to him, the mistakes made by the Georgian Dream and Bidzina Ivanishvili in the last three years, lack of economic vision, impotence and harmful regulations drove Georgia into a deep economic crisis.
"As a consequence of all this, GEL was depreciated, economic growth was halted, and tens of thousands of families are suffering from poverty. Unfortunately, the government still does not recognize the economic problems and it has not presented a unified plan on how to overcome the economic crisis.

The ultimate solution is peaceful replacement of the Georgian Dream government in the 2016 parliamentary elections and it will necessarily happen this year. However, 9 months are left before the elections, and we, as a responsible opposition, consider it necessary to do everything possible to stop the economic decline and poverty", - said Bakradze.

Gazprom presented an ultimatum to Georgia - Kakha Kaladze

According to Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze, Gazprom has presented an ultimatum to Georgia.

As the Minister said on Rustavi 2 TV yesterday, the Georgian side expressed categorical opposition to the Gazprom ultimatum that the price for the conveyed gas be paid by money, but the company indicated that in other case they would import Iranian gas through Armenia.

"You know that today 10 % of the conveyed volume of gas is given to Georgia. However, Gazprom has presented an ultimatum to move to financial payment. This was news for us. We categorically objected to this, though they directly indicated that they can import Iranian gas through Armenia.

There really exist such a danger and its consequences will be very grave for us”, said Kaladze.

European Parliament to discuss the Association Agreement and DCFTA signed with Georgia

The European Parliament will today discuss the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) signed with Georgia. The European Parliament has published the agenda of today’s session.

According to official reports, the European MPs will hold debates on bilateral economic and trade ties. The discussions will focus on the issues of Moldova and Ukraine too. On January 21, MEPs will vote on a resolution.

The European Parliament’s plenary sessions will last until January 21.

Next round of Gazprom talks to be held in Vienna

The next round of Gazprom talks will be held in Austria, - Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze said on Rustavi 2 TV yesterday.

He said that the public will be informed about the details after the completion of the negotiations.

"The next meeting will be held in Vienna. I will take part in the meeting and will try to bring the results that will be acceptable and important for our country and our industry. The meeting will not be attended by Mr. Miller. As far as I am informed, Ms Burmistova will attend the meeting instead of him. After the meeting, I will provide you with the details", - said Kakha Kaladze.

According to him, increase in gas price is ruled out at this stage.

“We don’t expect increase in gas price. You know how it happens – gas price reduces when oil price drops. So, I rule out any increase in gas price at this stage”, said the Minister.

Georgian PM to participate in world economic forum

Georgian PM to participate in world economic forum Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili will take part in the world economic forum. He will depart for Switzerland on January 20 in order to attend the 46th session.


According to the governmental administration the PM will deliver his speech at the session – Eurasia and the Modern Silk Road within the framework of the forum. He will also participate in the ‘informal meeting of world leaders’ where the next year’s priorities will be stressed.

He will also attend meetings ‘Meet the Euro Commission’ and ‘Sixth Industrial Revolution: New European Agenda’.

Meetings with world’s leading companies including BP, Tata Sons Ltd, Lazard will also be held.

Kvirikashvili will hold face-to-face meetings with different world leaders including presidents of Switzerland and Azerbaijan, Kazakh and Dutch PMs. A meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary Victoria Nuland is also planned to be held. He will also meet with former PM of Great Britain Tony Blair.

The Georgian delegation will leave Switzerland on January 22.

Government plans to decriminalize economic crimes

The government plans to decriminalize economic crimes. This is one of the reforms planned by the executive branch of the government for economic development. The issue was considered at the meeting between representatives of the business sector and Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili.

"You define our country's economic development. That is why we want to discuss the government’s major trends with you. We have identified 4 main areas. One of them is creation of jobs and economic development. In this regard, we have to carry out tax reforms. Decriminalization of economic crimes is also very important in order to prevent imprisonments”, said the PM.

According to him, the economic team is working to promote the development of the start-up businesses and to create funding mechanism", - said Giorgi Kvirikashvili.

We have very interesting offers for businesses - Prime Minister

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili has promised very interesting offers to businessmen.

The corresponding statement was made by Kvirikashvili at the meeting with business sector at the governmental administration.

"Now we are going through a very interesting process. Every day we listen to ministers. We review projects, prioritize portfolios, in order to reveal three main priorities.

We believe that your involvement in this process should be active. We have very interesting offers for businesses ", - the Prime Minister said.

I am very interested in your opinion about where we are going to - Prime Minister to businessmen

I am very interested in your opinion about where we are going to, - Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said at the meeting with representatives of business associations.

According to him, his aim is to ensure proper communication with the business sector and to engage businessmen in the decision-making process.

“The main aim of today’s meeting is communication with the business sector and engagement of businessmen in the economic-profile decision-making process. I want to thank you for what you are doing for our country.

I am very much interested in your opinion about where we are going to, our strategy, the long-term and short-term tasks”, said the PM.

“I want each of you to feel that you are important in the decision-making process”, added the PM.

Prime Minister holds meeting with representatives of business associations

Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili is meeting with representatives of business associations.

Before the meeting, the President of Associations of Banks, Zurab Gvasalia, told reporters that he would raise the issue of amendments related to police eviction at the meeting. According to him, the above-mentioned is a public problem, as it concerns private property. He added that the Estonian model of profit taxes would also be discussed at the meeting.

Business ombudsman Giorgi Gvakharia is also attending the meeting.

Giorgi Kvirikashvili is meeting with representatives of business associations for the first time as Prime Minister.

Georgia should not become dependent on one source of energy - US Ambassador

Georgia should not become dependent on one source of energy, - US Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly told reporters.

According to him, Georgia needs to care for energy diversification.

“We have expressed our concern over the fact that Georgia should not become dependent on one source of energy and keep diversification. We are satisfied with the explanations of the Georgian government. I think Georgia does have a short-term energy need and it should talk to all potential energy suppliers”, said the Ambassador, and added that the government must be transparent about its energy policy.

As for a question of how normal it is for Georgia to have relations with Gazprom when its territories are occupied by Russia, the US diplomat said that the Georgian government can well realize the existent challenges.

Prosecutor Vakhtang Kiria found dead

Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Prosecutor Vakhtang Kiria has been found dead at Kavtaradze Street, in a building near the Public School #35. Prosecutor in Chief Irakli Shotadze and Interior Minister Giorgi Mgebrishvili arrived at the scene. Experts and criminalists were working at the scene all night long. 

Deputy Prosecutor in Chief Giorgi Gabitashvili also visited the scene. He confirmed the body is really that of Vakhtang Kiria. Gabitashvili said he was allegedly murdered but official statement will be made later. 

Prosecutor in Chief of Samegrelo –Zemo Svaneti was missing for several days. He went out and has never been back. His phone was found in Rustavi, but he and his car were missing. 

The Rustavi 2 TV Company referred to the versions of Kiria’s disappearance. One of the versions was his job. Particularly, Kiria worked in Zugdidi Prosecutor’s Office. He was investigating the crimes that occurred in occupied Abkhazia.

As reported by the TV Company, unknown people called him several days ago. He went out, answered mobile phone only once and never came back. 

Prices of tobacco products increased from 28 to 35 tetris due to increased excise rate

GPrices of tobacco products increased from 28 to 35 tetris due to increased excise rate Prices of tobacco products have been increased from 28 to 35 tetris due to the increased excise rate. 

As is well known, on 1 January 2016 amendments to the tax legislation took effect, according to which, the excise tax rate increased by fixed 20 tetirs and 5% of the cost. 

In addition, the Ministry of Finance explained that sharp rise in prices at some of the retail sale shops is not related to the excise.

The Parliament of Georgia adopted amendments to tax legislation on December 11. According to the amendments, a fixed rate of excise tax was increased from 1 January 2016. The move was motivated by strengthening of control on tobacco products. 

Directors of regional police departments resign

Directors of regional police departments have resigned. The information was confirmed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

According to the Ministry, reorganization is under way in the agency.

Minister of Internal Affairs Giorgi Mghebrishvili met with the directors of regional police departments yesterday.
“This is the first stage of the reorganization. I am sure we will always have public support and we will be successful in the fight against crime”, the Minister said.

He added that changes are planned in other directions as well.

Georgia’s integration with the EU is not just a core foreign policy priority but has become a part of our national identity - Foreign Minister

Georgian Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze received representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting was attended by the Deputy Foreign Ministers and the heads of various departments. Mikheil Janelidze acquainted the diplomats with the objectives of the Georgian Foreign Ministry and the priorities of Georgia’s foreign policy. He spoke about the importance of Georgia’s integration with the European Union, which “is not just a core foreign policy priority of Georgia but has become a part of our national identity, because of the sense of belonging to the European system of values. Besides, the Georgian people believe that secure, stable and democratic development of the country can be assured only within the European and Trans-Atlantic area” - Mikheil Janelidze said.

Special attention was paid to the restoration of Georgia’s territorial integrity, as the main challenge facing the Georgian Government, and in this context, the importance of Georgia’s constructive participation in the Geneva International Discussions. The Georgian Foreign Minister also spoke about the need of confidence-building and engagement of the international community in the process of reconciliation with Abkhazians and Ossetians.

Mikheil Janelidze highlighted the successes achieved in the course of 2015, including the Association Agreement signed with the EU, including DCFTA, the European Commission’s positive assessment of the Visa Liberalization Action Plan of Georgia in its final progress report, the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Centre, which a significant step forward.

Mikheil Janelidze identified economic diplomacy as one of the top priorities of the Georgian Foreign Ministry. He emphasized that Georgia has the potential of being turned into a hub linking Europe with the growing East Asian markets. In this context the Minister spoke about the importance of the revitalization of the historic "Silk Road. The Silk Road Forum held in Tbilisi in 2015 served this very goal. The Forum will contribute to deepening the cooperation of the Silk Road countries in the fields of transport, communication, infrastructure, trade, energy and industry.

On the final note, Mikheil Janelidze thanked the representatives of the diplomatic corps for their activities in Georgia, adding that diplomats play an important role in terms of fulfilling the priority goals on Georgia’s agenda, including by promoting democratic reforms and European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Mikheil Janelidze congratulated the participants of the meeting on the New Year and hosted a reception in their honour.

As per the Heritage Foundation, Georgia will improve its position in the Economic Freedom Index - Minister of Economy

As per the Heritage Foundation, Georgia will improve its position in the Economic Freedom Index, - Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development and Deputy Prime Minister Dimitri Kumsishvili said at yesterday's briefing.

According to Kumsishvili, the data includes a trade component. "According to preliminary reports, we will improve our position among the world's 178 countries and will take the third place", - said Kumsishvili and explained to the citizens what the Economic Freedom Index means.

"We have an open and liberal economy; we have no obstacles or barriers at the border. Consequently, the products needed by our population, is imported without additional taxes. it was due to the open trade policy that the devaluation of GEL in our country was not accompanied by inflationary moments. All this was recognized by the international rating company and, accordingly, we will be the third country in the Economic Freedom Index", - said Kumsishvili.

Economic Minister says Azerbaijani monetary crisis will slightly influence Georgia

Our country has a floating exchange rate the external and internal shocks of which have already showed themselves,- Vice PM, Minister of Economy Dimitri Kumsishvili has told reporters.

Kumsishvili has responded to the Azerbaijani monetary crisis and said how it can influence Georgia.

‘We have been observing the Azerbaijani developments very closely. Our country has a floating exchange rate, the external and internal shocks of which have already showed themselves,’ Kumsishvili said.

According to the Minister, the Azerbaijani monetary crisis will only slightly influence Georgia.

Georgians arrived in Germany may be refused to be provided with asylum

The local government of Bavaria requests the so-called safe countries’ list to be expanded in order for the migrants flow to decrease.

As reported by German edition Süddeutsche Zeitung, Georgia is requested to be enlisted in the enumeration.

As reported the initiative means that those arrived in Germany from Georgia will be refused the asylum as Georgia is considered to be a safe country.

According to the article, a country where there is no political persecution is assessed as safe.

According to Bavaria’s Interior Minister Joachim Herrman, the list will assist the government to make decisions over asylum-seekers sooner. He said Armenia, Moldova, Ukraine, India, Mali, Mongolia, Algeria, Gambia and Bangladesh should be in the list.

Price of 1 USD equals 2.4254 GEL

Price of 1 USD equals 2.4254 GEL The National Bank of Georgia has set a new exchange rate, according to which the GEL has slightly lost value against the dollar.

Starting with January 15, 1 USD will cost 2.4254 GEL. The previous exchange rate was 2.4158 GEL.

According to the new exchange rate, the Lari has lost value against the euro too. From January 15, 1 EUR will cost 2.6478 GEL, while the previous rate was 2.6124 GEL.

Government to protect rights of homeless and working children

The Georgian government will protect rights of the homeless and working children. The bill has already been approved by the government. It was prepared by the Justice Ministry.

According to Tea Tsulukiani, the bill will establish a term ‘homeless child’ that will also imply a whole set of public services.

‘You know that such children cannot receive any documents and they cannot be identified. It cannot be defined where they are from, whether they are our citizens and if they were born here. It happensbecause those responsible for their identification do not address us. As a result of the reform we will allow caring agencies to address the Justice Ministry and the issue will not depend on parents or any legal representatives,’ Tsulukiani said.

According to her, social workers’ rights will also be expanded.

Defense Minister visits Georgian soldiers in Afghanistan

Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli and Chief of General Staff have visited the Georgian units participating in the Resolute Support mission in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

According to the Defense Ministry's press service, initially the Georgian delegation visited the Central Command base in Kabul. Tina Khidasheli attended the information briefing held by the head of the battalion.

The Minister met with the Deputy Head of the Resolute Support mission. Future plans of the coalition forces in Afghanistan and possible participation of the Georgian contingent were discussed at the meeting.