Acting US Ambassador: Russia must withdraw its troops from Georgia

Russia must withdraw its troops from Georgia, the talks should be resumed over this issue and Georgia has to restore a full control over its territory,- Acting US Ambassador Ross Wilson said in his interview with Adjara TV.
When a journalist asked a question about his opinion on restoration of Georgia’s territorial integrity and the future of the people living in the occupied regions, Ambassador Ross Wilson replied that the "US has a very firm position regarding this issue.”
“The United States recognizes the territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders, does not recognize the independence of the occupied territories and does not recognize the desire of another state to deploy its military forces in that area. Of course, Russia must withdraw its troops from Georgia, the talks should be resumed over this issue and Georgia has to restore a full control over its territory,” Ross Wilson said adding that the solution to this conflict will be the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Georgia and the entire region.

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

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.

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.

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;

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dollar price equals 2.4155 GEL

Official price of the dollar has become 2.4155 GEL. The National Bank of Georgia has set a new exchange rate, according to which the GEL has slightly gained value against the dollar.

Starting with January 13, 1 USD will cost 2.4155 GEL. The previous rate was 2.4198 GEL.

According to the National Bank of Georgia the national currency has also slightly gained value against the dollar. Starting with January 13m 1 EUR will cost 2.6194 GEL while the previous rate was 2.6359 GEL.

Davit Bakradze and Rusudan Kervalishvil to Depart to the U.S.

Chairperson of Parliament of Georgia Davit Bakradze and Vice Speaker Rusudan Kervalishvili will depart to the U.S. next week .
As InterPressNews was told by the press office of parliament of Georgia, Bakradze and Kervalishvili will take part in the 55th session of the Commission on the Status of Women that will take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York on 22-25 February.
Priority themes are access and participation of women and girls in education, training, science and technology, including for the promotion of women’s equal access to full employment and decent work

MIA of Georgia Denies Information Concerning Redeployment of Georgian Special Units towards So Called Border Zone

MIA of Georgia categorically denies the information concerning redeployment of Georgian special units toward so called border zone.
The head of Analytical department of MIA Shota Utiashvili stated the following to GeorgiaNews.
‘The Units of MIA which have been stationed by now in this region are deployed there. Georgian police cooperate closely with EU monitors.’ -Shota Utiashvili remarked.
Sokhumi declares that MIA of Georgia have deployed special military unit towards so called border to carry out acts of sabotage.
According to Sergey Shamba, de facto Minister of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia, units’ Forest Brothers’ and White Legion ‘are in so called state zone to help the special units.