tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87252034409708758372024-03-20T08:24:22.572+01:00Nachrichten aus und über GeorgienAusgewählte Nachrichten aus der georgischen und internationalen Presse als Blog-ArchivNachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-30828642621106395172014-11-15T12:00:00.000+01:002014-11-25T20:44:13.228+01:00UNM-PARTEI ORGANISIERT KUNDGEBUNG IN TBILISI MIT ANSPRACHE VON EX-PRÄSIDENT SAAKASHVILI - 15.11.2014<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold;">UNM-PARTEI ORGANISIERT KUNDGEBUNG IN TBILISI MIT ANSPRACHE VON EX-PRÄSIDENT SAAKASHVILI</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.deutschlandfunk.de/proteste-in-georgien-gegen-pakt-zwischen-abchasien-und.264.de.html?drn:news_id=421835" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">Proteste in Georgien gegen Pakt zwischen Abchasien und Russland</a> - 15.11.2014, deutschlandfunk.de</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Etwa 30.000</span> Menschen haben in der georgischen Hauptstadt Tiflis gegen die eigene Regierung und gegen Russland demonstriert. Ihr Protest richtet sich gegen ein geplantes Abkommen zwischen der von Georgien abtrünnigen Region Abchasien und Moskau. ...</div>
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<a href="http://www.welt.de/newsticker/news2/article134379719/Ueber-30-000-demonstrieren-in-Georgien-gegen-Regierung-und-Russland.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">Über 30.000 demonstrieren in Georgien gegen Regierung und Russland</a> <span style="background-color: transparent;">- 15.11.2014, welt.de</span></div>
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... Viele der Demonstranten trugen georgische und ukrainische Flaggen mit sich und hielten Spruchbänder mit der Aufschrift "Stoppt Putin" in die Höhe.</div>
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<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30070920" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">Thousands rally in Georgia over Abkhazia's future</a> - <span style="background-color: transparent;">15.11.2014,</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">bbc.com</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Thousands of people have been taking part in an anti-Russia protest in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">The rally was organised by Georgia's main opposition party, the United National Movement. ...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/world/thousands-rally-in-georgia-against-russia-policy-20141116-11nnlh.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">Thousands rally in Georgia against Russia policy</a> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">- 15.11.2014,</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">smh.com.au</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">... </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Mr Saakashvili addressed the rally by video link from Kiev as the cheering crowd chanted his name.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">"Let's show Georgia's government that the nation is united against the serious threat to its independence, its future," he said. </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Saakashvili's UNM party has accused the ruling Georgian Dream coalition government of not confronting what it claims is Russia's creeping annexation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. ...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27824&search=" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">At ‘No to Annexation’ Protest Rally UNM Slams ‘Collaborationist’ Govt</a> - 15.11.2014, civil.ge</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Protesters march on Rustaveli Avenue on November 15, 2014. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Thousands of protesters were gathered in Tbilisi center on November 15 at a rally organized by the opposition UNM party against what it calls is Georgian government’s “inaction” amid threat of “annexation” of Georgia’s breakaway regions by Russia.</span></div>
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In his address via video link from Kiev, ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili, who is chairman of UNM party, told protesters, gathered on the Rustaveli Avenue outside the Parliament, that it is now time “for the entire nation to stand united and to tell, before it is not too late, to [ex-PM Bidzina] Ivanishvili that the Georgian nation does not share his dream.”</div>
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UNM announced about the intention to hold the rally late last month after Russia-proposed new treaty on “alliance and integration” with breakaway Abkhazia was unveiled and which the Georgian Parliament condemned as “an attempt to annex occupied Abkhazia.” UNM said that it was also going to protest against what it calls the Georgian government’s policy of appeasement vis-à-vis Russia, which, the opposition says, has led to removal issue of the Georgian occupied territories from the international agenda.</div>
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Protesters, who were also joined by UNM supporters from some other towns, marched from Rose Square towards the Parliament building on the Rustaveli Avenue, holding a huge banner reading: “Stop Russia.” Some protesters were also holding posters “No to Annexation”, as well as EU, U.S. and Ukrainian flags along side with the Georgian flags, and a huge NATO flag was stretched in the middle of the protest venue at the Parliament.</div>
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A protester at UNM-organized protest rally in Tbilisi holds Ukrainian and EU flags as demonstrators, carrying a huge banner reading “Stop Russia”, march on the Rustaveli Avenue on November 15, 2014. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge</div>
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UNM MP Giorgi Gabashvili told the rally that the Georgian government is “deceiving itself, its own people and the entire world as if we are busy with mending our relations with the occupant.”</div>
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“No to annexation, down with the occupant, down with the collaborationist government,” MP Gabashvili said. “If the government does not revise its collaborationist policies, the verdict will be delivered and it will be delivered soon.”</div>
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UNM MP Irma Nadirashvili said: “I think that a political verdict has already been delivered against our government and these people, who are now standing here, will definitely executive this verdict in a democratic manner and it will happen very soon.”</div>
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“We came here because we have no hope in our government. We see slavish silence from our government while Russia prepares agreements for eventual annexation of Abkhazia and Samachablo [referring to breakaway South Ossetia],” she said.</div>
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Nika Melia, who was UNM’s Tbilisi mayoral candidate in 2014 local elections, told the rally: “The enemy, standing in 40 kilometers [referring to Russian troops in breakaway South Ossetia], will not be able to harm us, if we don’t have a collaborationist government in 400 meters from here [referring to a government building].”</div>
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“[Ex-PM] Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Russian money will never reign in Georgia; Georgia’s fate will never be solved in Moscow; Russia’s positions will never strengthen in our country,” he added.</div>
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View of the protest rally venue where two huge screens were installed through which ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili address supporters via video link from Kiev, November 15, 2014. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge</div>
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When ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is wanted by the Georgian authorities on multiple criminal charges, appeared on a huge screen installed at the protest venue, demonstrators greeted him by chanting: “Misha, Misha.”</div>
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Speaking via video link from the Ukrainian capital, Saakashvili portrayed situation in Georgia as a struggle between two “conflicting models” – the one, he said, “which we believe in and another one, which Ivanishvili wants.”</div>
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Crossed out picture of Russian President Vladimir Putin and posters reading: “No to Occupation” seen at a protest rally in Tbilisi, November 15, 2014. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge</div>
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Saakashvili, who called the rally “march of dignity”, said that on the one hand there is Georgia, which “still struggles for its dignity” and on the other there is Ivanishvili, who wants Georgia to appease “bear” and “follow it obediently to its den.”</div>
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He said that “Ivanishvili’s Georgia” is “tailored to the dream of one provincial dictator”.</div>
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“On the one hand, there is Georgia, which speaks out loudly against occupation and for our rights, our aspiration to freedom, and on the other hand, they want Georgia, which does not believe that Russia has aggressive plans and intentions against us and other neighbors; on the one hand there is Georgia, which is taking a European path, which believes that only this path can lead us to freedom… and on the other hand, there is Georgia, which disgracefully coordinates which path to follow with Kremlin messenger [Russia’s deputy foreign minister Grigory] Karasin,” Saakashvili said, referring to talks Georgian PM’s special envoy for relations with Russia, Zurab Abashidze and Karasin. </div>
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UNM MP Giorgi Vashadze addresses protesters in Tbilisi center, November 15, 2014. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge</div>
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“Ivanishvili’s Georgia is silent and our Georgia is making a noise, like the Rustaveli Avenue is making a noise today,” he said. “Ivanishvili’s Georgia is alone; we have a huge army of Georgia’s friends.”</div>
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“We should demonstrate to our enemy that its dream to break the neck to the idea of Georgia’s statehood with the help of the fifth column, tricks, bribery, intimidation, oppression, is doomed to failure once and forever and we will bury it.”</div>
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The rally was opened late afternoon with a moment of silence in honor of Kakha Bendukidze, who was behind anti-corruption and liberal economic reforms under Saakashvili’s administration, and who died on November 13 in London aged 58. The demonstration ended peacefully without any incidents after Saakashvili’s address, followed by the national anthem of Georgia and the EU anthem, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy.</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Stichworte: Georgien, </span></span><span style="font-size: 12px;">Innenpolitik</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">, </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 12px;">Sprache: englisch, deutsch Archiv: #</span></div>
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Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-88294728858890641352014-10-01T00:00:00.000+02:002014-11-25T20:46:52.487+01:00RESOLUTION ZU GEORGIEN IM EUROPARAT WIRFT NEUER REGIERUNG U.A. MISSBRAUCH DER JUSTIZ UND UNBILLIGEN DRUCK UND ANFEINDUNGEN GEGEN DIE UNM-OPPOSITION VOR<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: 12.7272720336914px;">
<b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">RESOLUTION ZU GEORGIEN IM EUROPARAT WIRFT NEUER REGIERUNG U.A. MISSBRAUCH DER JUSTIZ UND UNBILLIGEN DRUCK UND ANFEINDUNGEN GEGEN DIE UNM-OPPOSITION VOR</b></div>
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<b>PACE - Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe - <span style="background-color: transparent;">Parlamentarische Versammlung des Europarates - Resolution 2015 on Georgia</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/a/georgien-nachrichten.com/www/portal-home/goog_273258047" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;">Resolution 2015 (2014) - </a></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://www.assembly.coe.int/nw/xml/XRef/Xref-XML2HTML-en.asp?fileid=21275&lang=en" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">The functioning of democratic institutions in Georgia</a> - </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12.7272720336914px;">Origin - Assembly debate on 1 October 2014, </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">assembly.coe.int</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Author(s): Parliamentary Assembly</span></div>
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Origin - Assembly debate on 1 October 2014 (32nd and 33rd Sittings) (see Doc. 13588 and addendum, report of the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee), co-rapporteurs: Mr Michael Aastrup Jensen and Mr Boriss Cilevičs). <i><b>Text adopted by the Assembly on 1 October 2014 (33rd Sitting). </b></i></div>
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1. The Parliamentary Assembly welcomes the smooth conduct of the 2012 parliamentary and 2013 presidential elections in Georgia, which, despite a polarised and acrimonious election environment, were overall democratic and in line with European standards. These elections mark the first time in Georgia’s recent history that the political power has changed hands peacefully and democratically through the ballot box. All the political forces should be congratulated on this achievement, which should be an example for the whole region.</div>
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2. The otherwise smooth handover of power was accompanied by a polarised and antagonistic political climate, especially during the period of cohabitation between the then President Milheil Saakashvili and the Georgian Dream coalition government. <i><b>The Assembly regrets that these tensions sometimes overshadowed the many positive changes that were taking place in the democratic environment of Georgia. The United National Movement (UNM) has reported that several thousand of its activists and supporters were regularly interrogated and intimidated by various investigative agencies (some up to 30 times). A number of major opposition figures, including members of parliament, were violently attacked. </b></i>It has to be noted that two years on, almost the entire leadership of the former ruling party has been arrested or is under prosecution or investigation: former Prime Minister and UNM Secretary General, Vano Merabishvili, former Defence Minister, Bacho Akhalaia, and former Tbilisi mayor and UNM campaign manager, Gigi Ugulava, are in prison (pre-trial detention). The judicial authorities have charged the former President, Mikheil Saakashvili, and ordered pre-trial detention in absentia, as well as for former Minister of Defence, David Keserashvili, and former Minister of Justice, Zurab Adeishvili. The emergence of a strong and experienced opposition, combined with a well-organised ruling coalition, has strengthened the role of the parliament and parliamentarianism in the political system in Georgia. Moreover, on a number of occasions, the parliament has managed to find consensus solutions to major political challenges. In the view of the Assembly, these are important developments and a major evolution of the political environment in the country.</div>
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3. With regard to the reform of the Constitution, the Assembly:</div>
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3.1. calls on the parliament to ensure that the changes to the Constitution address all the remaining recommendations of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) on the 2010 Constitution as well as the concerns of the Assembly regarding the remaining ambiguities in the division of powers and the systemic vulnerability to inter-institutional conflict;</div>
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3.2. urges all political forces to agree on an election system that can count on a broad consensus and that strengthens the pluralistic nature of the country’s political institutions. In this respect, the Assembly invites all stakeholders to consider the proportional–regional election system, based on open lists, which seems to have the agreement of most, if not all, political forces in the country; </div>
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<i><b>3.3. urges all the parties concerned to refrain from adopting amendments with contentious or divisive language or that would undermine the rights of any minority in the country;</b></i></div>
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3.4. welcomes the establishment and composition of the State Commission for Constitutional Reform as a clear sign that the authorities wish to amend the Constitution in an consensual and inclusive process and calls on all stakeholders to contribute constructively to this process;</div>
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3.5. recommends that the State Commission for Constitutional Reform closely co-operate with the Venice Commission in the drawing up of the constitutional amendments and request a formal opinion by the Venice Commission on the proposed amendments before they are adopted by parliament. </div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><i><b>4. The Assembly recalls its concerns about the independence of the judiciary and administration of justice in Georgia.</b></i> In that respect, it welcomes the adoption of a comprehensive reform package for the judiciary and justice system that aims to ensure genuine independence of the judiciary and a truly adversarial justice system. The Assembly welcomes signals that the judiciary is now working more independently. </span><i style="background-color: transparent;"><b>However, it also notes that the proceedings in sensitive legal cases, including against former government members (some of them being leading opposition members), have revealed continuing vulnerabilities and deficiencies in the justice system that need to be addressed.</b></i><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Moreover, it regrets that the Georgian Parliament could not find the consensus necessary to elect all of its six members in the High Council of Justice. Further reforms of the judiciary, including of the prosecution services, are therefore necessary. In this respect, the Assembly:</span></div>
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4.1. suggests that the parliament considers a further amendment to the organic law of Georgia on the courts of general jurisdiction that would require at least two rounds of voting, with sufficient time for negotiations in-between, before lowering the threshold from a two-thirds majority to a simple majority to elect the parliament’s appointees to the High Council of Justice. In the view of the Assembly, this will facilitate and encourage agreement between the ruling majority and the opposition on the members of the High Council of Justice elected by the parliament;</div>
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4.2. calls on the parliament to contemplate considerably lowering the three-year probation period for judges to be appointed to a life term of office, in order to bring it into line with European standards; </div>
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4.3. urges the parliament to amend the law on administrative offences with a view to removing the possibility of custodial sentences for such offences;</div>
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4.4. while welcoming the recent decrease in its use, <i><b>expresses its concern about the continued widespread use of pre-trial detention in Georgia.</b></i> The Assembly emphasises that detention on remand should only be used as a measure of last resort, when there is a clear risk of absconding, interference with the course of justice, or a serious risk that the person will commit a serious offence or pose a threat to public order and it should not be used for political purposes. It calls on the authorities to adopt clear guidelines for the prosecution and courts for the use of detention on remand, in order to ensure full adherence with the requirements of Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ETS No. 5) and Committee of Ministers Recommendation Rec(2006)13 on the use of remand in custody, the conditions in which it takes place and the provision of safeguards against abuse;</div>
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4.5. <i><b>expresses concern over the widespread application of asset freezing to family members of opposition figures and former government officials in criminal cases not involving allegations concerning illicit assets;</b></i></div>
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4.6. urges the Georgian authorities to implement fully the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure on witness testimonies and jury trials.</div>
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5. The Assembly notes that the media reforms initiated by the authorities are considered by the Representative for the Freedom of the Media of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to be an improvement over previous legislation and in line with international standards. The Assembly welcomes the fact that these reforms address several of its previous recommendations. It regrets that these reforms were unnecessarily politicised in the tense pre-electoral political environment. </div>
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6. The Assembly expresses its concern about the apparent politicisation of the public broadcaster and the recent difficulties experienced by the parliament in appointing an independent and impartial board of trustees to oversee its work. It considers this to be a signal that both the majority and the minority in parliament are attempting to politicise the composition and work of the board of trustees and ultimately the public broadcaster itself. Further amendments to the Law on Broadcasting need to be adopted obliging the parliament to appoint a board of trustees on the basis of the candidates proposed by the independent and impartial public selection committee that is foreseen in the law. In this context, the Assembly urges the Georgian Parliament to adopt the transitional measures necessary to implement the Constitutional Court decision with regard to the dismissal of the previous board of trustees. </div>
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7. With regard to the recently adopted organic law on local self-government, the Assembly:</div>
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7.1. welcomes the fact that all gamgebeli and mayors of self-governing cities are now directly elected. In this respect, it suggests also considering the election of regional governors;</div>
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7.2. expresses its concern about the provisions that allow for the impeachment by the local councils of mayors and gamgebeli on any grounds. The Assembly considers that the impeachment of directly elected local officials, as well as the grounds on which this can be initiated, should be clearly prescribed and circumscribed by law;</div>
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7.3. takes note that this law, which affects the election procedure in local elections, was adopted only a few months before local elections were due to take place.</div>
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8. The Assembly takes note of the numerous changes in local governments in Georgia as a result of local councillors and city officials resigning or switching sides following the change of power at national level. <i><b>While resignations and switching between parties is part of the democratic process, it is unacceptable if it is the result of duress. The Assembly is therefore seriously concerned by credible reports that a number of these changes were the result of undue pressure on local United National Movement (UNM) activists by supporters of the ruling coalition. The Assembly is also concerned by reports of violent disturbances of the campaign activities of the UNM, allegedly by Georgian Dream supporters, as well as reports that a considerable number of opposition candidates in the local elections, mainly from the UNM, withdrew their candidatures, allegedly under pressure from the authorities. There can be no place for such actions in a democratic society. The authorities should take prompt and effective measures to immediately halt such action and remedy the situation where necessary. The leaders of the ruling majority should give a clear and unambiguous signal to their supporters that any undue pressure on local officials, and disturbances of the political activities of the opposition, will not be tolerated. </b></i></div>
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9. The Assembly takes note of the large number of allegations of possible criminal conduct by former government officials during their tenure. <i><b>At the same time, it is seriously concerned about allegations that the arrests and prosecution of a number of former government officials are politically motivated and amount to selective and revanchist justice.</b></i> The Assembly: </div>
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9.1. underscores that there can be no impunity for ordinary crimes, including – and especially – those committed by government officials and politicians, whether current or past;</div>
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9.2. calls on the Georgian authorities to ensure that the investigation and prosecution of former government officials are conducted impartially, transparently and in full respect of the principles of a fair trial, as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights. It emphasises that not only should selective or politically motivated justice not take place, it should also be seen to be not taking place;</div>
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9.3. takes note of the charges filed against former President Saakashvili and, while emphasising that no one is above the law, urges the authorities to ensure that, given the charged political climate in the country, the legal proceedings, including requests for pre-trial detention, against him are not influenced by political motivations;</div>
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9.4. urges the authorities to investigate fully and in a transparent manner any allegations of improper conduct by law-enforcement agencies or the prosecution in relation to these cases;</div>
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9.5. considers that the introduction of jury trials for former government officials accused of having committed ordinary crimes is an important and positive step to help guarantee the impartiality of their trials;</div>
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9.6. taking into account the considerable tensions in the political environment created by these prosecutions, welcomes the suggestion by the authorities of a possible amnesty for all but serious crimes committed by former government officials;</div>
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9.7. expresses its concern about the length of the pre-trial detention of former Defence Minister Bacho Akhalaia and asks the authorities to use all legal means available to replace his detention on remand with some other non-custodial precautionary measure.</div>
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10. The Assembly welcomes the peaceful and calm conduct of the local elections on 15 June and 12 July 2014, which took place in an improved electoral environment. <b><i>However, it expresses its concern about isolated violent incidents during the campaign period and about the allegations of pressure on, and intimidation of, candidates to withdraw their candidatures, which created a charged and contentious campaign environment.</i></b><i style="font-weight: bold;">It calls on the authorities to fully, and transparently, investigate the reports of pressure on, and intimidation of, candidates to resign and, if violations are found, </i>to prosecute perpetrators in line with the Georgian legislation.</div>
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<i><b>11. The Assembly underscores the importance of an independent and impartial civil service. The alleged practice of hiring and dismissing civil servants on the basis of party affiliation by both previous and current governments runs counter to this principle and should be stopped.</b></i></div>
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12. The Assembly takes note of the large number of complaints filed by ordinary citizens with the prosecutor general for alleged miscarriages of justice and abuses of the justice system under the previous authorities, including forced plea bargaining, violations of property rights and ill-treatment while in prison. These allegations need to be properly investigated and, if need be, addressed. However, the Assembly wishes to underscore that any mechanism established to address these allegations should be a judicial procedure that fully respects the separation of powers, the independence of the judiciary and the obligations of Georgia under the European Convention on Human Rights.</div>
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13. The Assembly welcomes the law on the elimination of all forms of discrimination that was adopted on 2 May 2014 and which significantly enhances the legal framework for the protection of persons from discrimination. It takes note of concerns by civil society that the draft law would lack effective mechanisms to implement its provisions. The Assembly therefore suggests that the authorities conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the results of this law one year after its adoption, with a view to improving the effectiveness of the implementation mechanisms contained in it, if need be.</div>
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14. The increase of intolerant discourse and discriminatory acts against minorities, especially sexual and religious minorities, in Georgian society is of concern. The Assembly is concerned by the lack of effective investigation and prosecution of hate crimes against minorities. The authorities need to make clear that such behaviour will not be tolerated and that any perpetrators of violent or discriminatory acts will be prosecuted. There can be no impunity for such acts, irrespective of who committed them. All stakeholders, and especially representatives of political parties and institutions that hold high moral credibility in Georgian society, should refrain from divisive language and acts that could incite intolerance or deteriorate the situation of minorities. The Assembly welcomes the adoption by the Georgian Parliament in May of the new Human Rights Strategy and Action Plan.</div>
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15. With regard to the repatriation of the deported Meskhetian population, the Assembly considers that the repatriation programme has mostly focused on providing a legal repatriate status to the eligible applicants and not on facilitating the actual repatriation itself. In addition, the Assembly takes note of the long delays in the granting of citizenship to those who have received repatriate status. The Assembly therefore reiterates the need for a comprehensive repatriation strategy and in that context welcomes the adoption by the Georgian Government of a “State Strategy on Repatriation”.</div>
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16. The Assembly calls on the Georgian authorities to sign and ratify, without further delay, the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ETS No. 148), which is an accession commitment of Georgia to the Council of Europe. Noting the misconceptions that exist in Georgian society regarding the Charter, the Assembly recommends that the Georgian authorities organise an awareness campaign, with the involvement of civil society and the media, targeted at the different stakeholders in this process, with a view to clarifying the provisions of the Charter and its requirements.</div>
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<i><b>17. The Assembly expresses its concern about the systemic illegal surveillance of citizens by the Georgian law-enforcement agencies, which violates the country’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. </b></i>While welcoming recent measures to address this issue, the Assembly considers that comprehensive legislation is urgently needed to regulate data collection and surveillance by law-enforcement agencies. </div>
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18. The Assembly takes note of the report <a href="http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/georgia/press_corner/all_news/news/2013/human_rights_2013/human_rights_report_2013_en.htm" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">“Georgia in transition” by the European Union’s Special Adviser for Legal and Constitutional Reform and Human Rights in Georgia, and former Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg</a>, and supports its conclusions and recommendations, as well as those contained in his follow-up report.</div>
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<i><b>19. Georgia has made marked progress in its democratic development over recent years, although it has been overshadowed by the arrest and prosecution of almost the entire leadership of the former government party and former high officials, which raises questions about the eventual use of the justice system for political purposes. It is now important for it to overcome the antagonism, polarisation and sense of revenge that are still present in the political environment and for political stakeholders to contribute constructively to the further democratic consolidation of the country.</b></i> The Assembly stands ready to assist the Georgian authorities and Parliament in this work.</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27697&search=" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">PACE Debates on Georgia</a> - 02.10.2014, </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Civil.ge</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">After a heated debate on October 1 the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a resolution on “the functioning of democratic institutions in Georgia”, which was opposed by the ruling GD members of the Georgian delegation and supported by opposition UNM.</span></div>
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Initial draft of resolution was prepared by PACE’s co-rapporteurs on Georgia based on their report, which was part of PACE’s regular activity of monitoring how the country honors its obligations undertaken upon its accession to the Council of Europe (CoE) in 1999.</div>
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But the initial draft was revised after amendments, many of them pushed for by UNM opposition members of the Georgian delegation, were endorsed by PACE’s monitoring committee a day earlier and then by the Assembly session on October 1.</div>
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Many of those amendments made the draft more critical of the Georgian authorities than it originally was.</div>
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Michael Aastrup Jensen of Denmark and Boriss Cilevičs of Latvia, the two co-rapporteurs on Georgia, were strongly against of some of those amendments, arguing that the proposed changes were turning their “balanced” report into a “partisan” one.</div>
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“If amendments are approved it actually steals the report in a completely different way [from] what we were trying to paint in our report,” PACE’s co-rapporteurs on Georgia Michael Jensen said.</div>
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“I am quite saddened by that, because Georgia is a very polarized place… We tried to write a report that is somewhat balanced, but still addressing different issues that still are in Georgia. But if the amendments are approved… then it will also take polarization and partisanships that are in Georgia into our report in this Assembly,” Jensen said, adding that it’s “completely a shame”, because PACE should not be taking sides in Georgia’s internal politics, instead should “try paint a picture as correctly as it is.”</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">While presenting the draft at the session, Jensen said that despite of problems, “all in all we see progress” in Georgia and another co-rapporteur Boriss Cilevičs said that Georgia is “on the right track, but there is still long way to go.”</span></div>
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He said that some of the commitments undertaken by Georgia while joining the Council of Europe in 1999 still remain unfulfilled. He noted cases of intolerance towards religious, sexual minorities and also said that although the government is condemning such cases, the authorities are not taking sufficient measures to investigate and prosecute perpetrators. Repatriation of Meskhetians, he said, remains a problem and ratification of the language charter is still pending.</div>
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‘Progress Overshadowed’</div>
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The resolution notes “marked progress” in democratic development over recent years in Georgia, but after one of the amendments was added, the adopted text also says that <i><b>this progress “has been overshadowed by the arrest and prosecution of almost the entire leadership of the former government party and former high officials, which raises questions about the eventual use of the justice system for political purposes.”</b></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Members of the Georgian delegation from the ruling GD coalition were strongly against of adding to the resolution a paragraph calling for replacing lengthy pre-trial detention of ex-defense minister and former prison system chief Bacho Akhalaia with other non-custodial measure. In the resolution the Assembly “expresses its concern about the length of the pre-trial detention of former Defence Minister Bacho Akhalaia and asks the authorities to use all legal means available to replace his detention on remand with some other non-custodial precautionary measure.”</span></div>
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The issue of prosecution of former senior government members and now opposition leaders dominated debates, which preceded the vote.</div>
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Pieter Omtzigt, a Dutch lawmaker from the group of European People’s Party (EPP), said: <i><b>“The fact that almost whole former government can in a little while hold a cabinet meeting in a prison cell somewhere in Tbilisi is quite worrisome.”</b></i></div>
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Tiny Kox, a lawmaker from the Netherlands, who chairs Group of the Unified European Left in PACE, said the fact that “so many former politicians are now in prison is a very bad signal.”</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Roger Gale, a British Conservative MP, who is a member of European Democrat Group in PACE, said that <i><b>“the Georgian Dream has turned into a nightmare”</b></i> and <i><b>ex-PM Bidzina Ivanishvili exercises “power without responsibility” and called Georgian cabinet members “puppet ministers.”</b></i> He also said that amendments, which were endorsed by the monitoring committee, were needed in order to “give this report some real teeth.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Echoing co-rapporteurs’ position, a Swiss lawmaker Luc Recordon from the Socialist Group said that many of the proposed amendments were “radically” changing the report prepared by co-rapporteurs and added that some PACE members, unlike co-rapporteurs, were rushing to conclusions without properly checking facts on the ground.</span></div>
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Georgian Dream lawmaker, Eka Beselia, who chairs human rights committee in the Georgian parliament, said during the debates that calling for change of Akhalaia’s pre-trial detention for non-custodial measure “will be considered as a pressure on the independent court.” “There is no political persecution in Georgia; it was in the period of Saakashvili’s [presidency],” she added. </div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><i><b>UNM MP Giorgi Kandelaki</b></i>, a co-sponsor of many of the amendments, said during the debates that <i><b>proposed changes were endorsed by the monitoring committee with overwhelming majority and rejecting them would be “utterly inappropriate and not respectful” of the committee members.</b></i></span></div>
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“Government of oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, who made his fortune in Russia, has been obsessed with the agenda of political retribution. By now this agenda has gone too far; Georgian democracy is backsliding,” MP Kandelaki said and called on the PACE to adopt the resolution with the proposed amendments because it would “help Georgia to slow down this democratic backsliding.”</div>
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<b><i>“Ivanishvili is repeating path of [Ukraine’s former president Viktor] Yanukovych. Remember what Yanukovych was saying when he was prosecuting his opponents – that it’s ‘rule of law, I can’t interfere’. Ukraine’s experience showed that we must not buy these arguments, because they lead to disastrous consequences and we don’t want Georgia to explode,”</i></b> he added.</div>
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‘Georgia’s Political Polarization Sweeps into PACE’</div>
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In his closing remarks PACE co-rapporteur on Georgia, Boriss Cilevičs said he disagrees with allegations voiced by some speakers that some former government members were prosecuted because they are now in the opposition. He said there are cases in which “credible allegations” exist and these allegations should be properly investigated.</div>
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He said that the PACE should not be telling Georgia not to prosecute someone just because a person was once a minister.</div>
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“Our mission is to follow that all the investigations, all the trials are held in full conformity with our own principles… and we wrote this in our draft resolution. When we notice violations, we speak about it and criticize our Georgian colleagues, but to say ‘no, don’t prosecute the former government in general’ – it’s politicized,” Cilevičs said. “Polarization is really harmful… We must do our best to help Georgia to overcome this polarization. If some superficial, not corresponding to the facts, amendments will be adopted today, it will not help Georgia, it will help some politicians and will deepen polarization, so this is why we, the co-rapporteurs, cannot agree with this.”</div>
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Another co-rapporteur, Michael Jensen, said: “We have a polarization in Georgia and this polarization has also swept into this Assembly.”</div>
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“I think co-rapporteurs’ work in this report is balanced, but we are also frank in our assessments and also in our proposals what Georgia should do. Therefore it is very important that two to three amendments… are being voted down, because if they are voted for, the report will stir in a completely different way and will be a partisan report,” Jensen said. </div>
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Cilevičs voted against the amended draft of resolution and Jensen abstained; <i><b>the resolution was passed with 103 votes to 27.</b></i> </div>
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The resolution “expresses concern over the widespread application of asset freezing to family members of opposition figures and former government officials in criminal cases not involving allegations concerning illicit assets.” The measure was applied in case against ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili. Co-rapporteurs spoke against inserting this wording in the draft, arguing that use of wording such as “widespread” in regard to this measure was factually incorrect.</div>
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Only one controversial amendment, which was expressing concern over ex-PM Bidzina Ivanishvili’s “reported interference… in the Georgian Government’s decision making”, was voted down.</div>
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There was a motion to send the report and the draft resolution back to the monitoring committee, but the proposal was rejected.</div>
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Minority Rights</div>
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The resolution expresses concern over “the increase of intolerant discourse and discriminatory acts against minorities, especially sexual and religious minorities, in Georgian society.”</div>
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“The Assembly is concerned by the lack of effective investigation and prosecution of hate crimes against minorities. The authorities need to make clear that such behaviour will not be tolerated and that any perpetrators of violent or discriminatory acts will be prosecuted,” reads the resolution.</div>
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“There can be no impunity for such acts, irrespective of who committed them. All stakeholders, and especially representatives of political parties and institutions that hold high moral credibility in Georgian society, should refrain from divisive language and acts that could incite intolerance or deteriorate the situation of minorities,” it says.</div>
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Several lawmakers from the Turkish delegation, as well as an Azerbaijani MP proposed adding to the text call for meeting “the demands of the Muslim community in the country for the construction of new mosques.” This proposed amendment was rejected by the Assembly.</div>
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PM to UNM: ‘Stop Partisan Struggle Against the State’</div>
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PACE was still debating on the draft resolution, when in Tbilisi PM Irakli Garibashvili expressed hope that the amendments, which were opposed by GD members of the delegation, would not have been added to the final text. He said that UNM, backed by its partner European People’s Party (EPP), “is very active there” at the PACE.</div>
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“Some amendments have been made [to the initial draft], but I think our delegation will respond to all the existing questions. Everyone should take into consideration reality that is in Georgia; the will of people has been expressed; we have different reality and I am sure [GD members of the delegation] will be able to demonstrate this reality as it is. I hope that – whether EPP or others – will not accept rumors and groundless allegations leveled by the [United] National Movement,” Garibashvili told journalists on October 1.</div>
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Next day, when commenting on the adopted text, PM Garibashvili said that there was no reason to make a stir because of this resolution. He suggested that it was passed because of EPP’s “solidarity” towards its partner party, UNM. </div>
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“They [EPP] expressed solidarity towards the issues that were pushed for by the UNM. In fact there is no reason whatsoever to create a stir about it. If you have seen the main text of resolution, it speaks only positively… The wording that was made in reference to Akhalaia and Saakashvili – I do not deem it alarming. This is yet another attempt by the UNM to fight against its own state, its own people… This [resolution] is an expression of political parties [representing in PACE] and they [UNM] portrays it as if it is a call by the Council of Europe,” </div>
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“These people [referring to UNM] now tell people that they have achieved adoption of an incredible resolution – they have achieved nothing. These people fight against the state… People know the reality… and they [UNM] are marginalizing themselves every day… Their reintegration into the society will be very difficult, so I call on them to stop this partisan struggle against their own state and people; what they are doing is damaging for the country; they fail to harm us by doing it, but they are damaging the state,” Garibashvili told journalists on October 2.</div>
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Giga Bokeria, a foreign secretary of the UNM party, said that PM’s such reaction was not a surprise. He said that Garibashvili’s rhetoric is similar to the one of “representatives of the authoritarian regimes, like Putin and others, for whom criticism from Europe amounts to state treason and action against the state, and who think that they are the state and fail to differentiate between the government and the country.”</div>
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Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-81380295421481450782014-06-17T00:00:00.000+02:002014-11-25T20:40:59.261+01:00KOMMUNALWAHLEN 2014 IN GEORGIEN - Artikel vom 15.-17.06.2014<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
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<b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">KOMMUNALWAHLEN 2014 IN GEORGIEN - ÜBERSCHATTET VON VERSTÖSSEN DURCH GEORGIAN DREAM</b></div>
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Die Zahl der Verstösse bei der Kommunalwahl war groß, hier einige Beispiele:<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://babajana.com/index.php?newsid=38587" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">Video zu offensichtlichem Wahlbetrug in Marneuli</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> - </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">15.06.2014, </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">babajana.com</span></div>
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Ein Verwandter des Georgian-Dream-Kandidaten wirft nacheinander ca. 150 Stimmzettel unter den Augen der Wahlhelfer in die Wahlurne und danach sogar auch die Wahlhelfer selbst. Die neue georgische Regierung Georgian Dream scheint also die Kommunalwahl systematisch zu fälschen, nachdem im Vorfeld bereits Druck auf etliche Oppositionskandidaten ausgeübt wurde ...</div>
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<a href="http://babajana.com/index.php?newsid=38587" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">"ქართული ოცნება" მარნეულში არჩევნებს აყალბებს</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">- </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">15.06.2014, </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">babajana.com</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.frontnews.ge/ge/news/44856-%E2%80%9C%E1%83%A1%E1%83%90%E1%83%94%E1%83%A0%E1%83%97%E1%83%90%E1%83%A8%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A0%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1%E1%83%9D-%E1%83%92%E1%83%90%E1%83%9B%E1%83%AD%E1%83%95%E1%83%98%E1%83%A0%E1%83%95%E1%83%90%E1%83%9A%E1%83%9D%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1-%E2%80%9C-%E1%83%9B%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%AA%E1%83%94%E1%83%9B%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%97-%E2%80%9E%E1%83%94%E1%83%A0%E1%83%97%E1%83%98%E1%83%90%E1%83%9C%E1%83%98-%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%AA%E1%83%98%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%9A%E1%83%A3%E1%83%A0%E1%83%98-%E1%83%9B%E1%83%9D%E1%83%AB%E1%83%A0%E1%83%90%E1%83%9D%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1%E2%80%9C-%E1%83%97%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%9B%E1%83%94%E1%83%A0%E1%83%9D%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%99%E1%83%90%E1%83%9C%E1%83%93%E1%83%98%E1%83%93%E1%83%90%E1%83%A2--%E1%83%9C%E1%83%98%E1%83%99%E1%83%90-%E1%83%9B%E1%83%94%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98%E1%83%90%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%AA%E1%83%A1%E1%83%99-%E1%83%9B-%E1%83%AE%E1%83%9B%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%98-%E1%83%93%E1%83%90%E1%83%90%E1%83%99%E1%83%9A%E1%83%9D" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">Falsche Übertragung der Stimmenzahl von UNM-Oppositionskandidaten</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> - 17.06.2014, </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">frontnews.ge</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Beim Übertragen aus dem Wahlprotokoll in die Ergebnsliste gehen nachweislich in drei Wahlbezirken in Tbilisi jeweils 100 Stimmen verloren, ausgeführt durch die CEC (offizielle Wahlkommission), ...</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://www.frontnews.ge/ge/news/44856-%E2%80%9C%E1%83%A1%E1%83%90%E1%83%94%E1%83%A0%E1%83%97%E1%83%90%E1%83%A8%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A0%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1%E1%83%9D-%E1%83%92%E1%83%90%E1%83%9B%E1%83%AD%E1%83%95%E1%83%98%E1%83%A0%E1%83%95%E1%83%90%E1%83%9A%E1%83%9D%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1-%E2%80%9C-%E1%83%9B%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%AA%E1%83%94%E1%83%9B%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%97-%E2%80%9E%E1%83%94%E1%83%A0%E1%83%97%E1%83%98%E1%83%90%E1%83%9C%E1%83%98-%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%AA%E1%83%98%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%9A%E1%83%A3%E1%83%A0%E1%83%98-%E1%83%9B%E1%83%9D%E1%83%AB%E1%83%A0%E1%83%90%E1%83%9D%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1%E2%80%9C-%E1%83%97%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%9B%E1%83%94%E1%83%A0%E1%83%9D%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%99%E1%83%90%E1%83%9C%E1%83%93%E1%83%98%E1%83%93%E1%83%90%E1%83%A2--%E1%83%9C%E1%83%98%E1%83%99%E1%83%90-%E1%83%9B%E1%83%94%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98%E1%83%90%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%AA%E1%83%A1%E1%83%99-%E1%83%9B-%E1%83%AE%E1%83%9B%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%98-%E1%83%93%E1%83%90%E1%83%90%E1%83%99%E1%83%9A%E1%83%9D" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">“საერთაშორისო გამჭვირვალობის “ მონაცემებით, „ერთიანი ნაციონალური მოძრაობის“ თბილისის მერობის კანდიდატ ნიკა მელიას ცსკ-მ ხმები დააკლო</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> - 17.06.2014, </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">frontnews.ge</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">“საერთაშორისო გამჭვირვალობა – საქართველოს“ მონაცემებით, „ერთიანი ნაციონალური მოძრაობის“ თბილისის მერობის კანდიდატ ნიკა მელიას ცსკ-მ ხმები დააკლო.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">“საერთაშორისო გამჭვირვალობა – საქართველო“ 15 ივნისის ადგილობრივი თვითმმართველობის არჩევნებს 450-მდე დამკვირვებლით დააკვირდა.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">„აქედან ჩვენი 373 მოხალისე კენჭისყრის დღეს შერჩევის ზომის პროპორციული ალბათობის მეთოდით შერჩეულ უბნებზე დააკვირდა დედაქალაქში. ამ 373 უბნიდან მოპოვებული თბილისის საკრებულოს პროპორციული და მერის არჩევნების შემაჯამებელი ოქმები ჩვენ ცენტრალური საარჩევნო კომისიის (ცესკოს) შედეგების ვებგვერდზე http://results.gov.ge/ შეტანილ ინფორმაციას, საიდანაც საერთო სტატისტიკა დგება, შევადარეთ და რამდენიმე უზუსტობა აღმოვაჩინეთ. „ერთიანი ნაციონალური მოძრაობის“ მერობის კანდიდატისათვის, ნიკა მელიასთვის სამ უბანზე 100-100 ხმის დაკლების შემთხვევები: სამგორის #12 უბანი: ოქმის მიხედვით 111 ხმა აქვს მიღებული, მაგრამ ვებგვერდზე დაფიქსირებულია 11 ხმა; სამგორის #20 უბანი: ვებგვერდის მიხედვით, კანდიდატს 18 ხმა აქვს, მიუხედავად იმისა, რომ შემაჯამებელ ოქმზე თანდართული შესწორების თანახმად, მას 118 ხმა უნდა ჰქონდეს; საბურთალოს #78 უბანი: სავარაუდოდ, ნიკა მელიამ 131 ხმა მიიღო ამ უბანზე, თუმცა ოქმში რიცხვის პირველი ციფრი გადახაზულია და ცესკოს ვებგვერდზეც 31 ხმა არის დაფიქსირებული. აღსანიშნავია, რომ სუბიექტების მიღებული ხმებისა და არჩევნებში მონაწილე ამომრჩეველთა საერთოდ რაოდენობის დასაბალანსებლად სწორედ ეს 100 ხმა არის საჭირო“, - აღნიშნულია ორგანიზაციის მიერ გავრცელებულ განცხადებაში.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">ორგანიზაცია უბნების საბოლოო ოქმებსაც აქვეყნებს.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://www.fmabkhazia.com/news/5702-erthi-ubnis-okhmi-258-amomrchevlidan-kharthul-ocnebas-xma-misca-997-ma-mokhalakhem.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">Fehler im örtlichen Wahlbezirk, aber durch CEC korrigiert</a> - </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">17.06.2014, </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">fmabkhazia.com</span></div>
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Georgian-Dream-Kandidat bekommt 997 Stimmen, obwohl es im Bezirk nur 258 Wahlberechtigte gab.</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://www.fmabkhazia.com/news/5702-erthi-ubnis-okhmi-258-amomrchevlidan-kharthul-ocnebas-xma-misca-997-ma-mokhalakhem.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">ერთი უბნის ოქმი: 258 ამომრჩევლიდან "ქართულ ოცნებას" ხმა მისცა... 997-მა მოქალაქემ</a> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">- 17.06.2014, </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">fmabkhazia.com</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">„ნაციონალური მოძრაობის“ ვარკეთილის მაჟორიტარ დეპუტატობის კანდიდატი ლევან ხაბეიშვილი სოციალურ ქსელში გარდაბნის ერთ-ერთი უბნის შედეგების ოქმს აქვეყნებს. <span style="background-color: transparent;">ოქმზე დაფიქსირებულია ამომრჩეველთა მთლიანი რაოდენობა 258, ხოლო “ქართული ოცნებამ “, ამ ოქმის მიხედვით, 997 ხმა აიღო. </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">,,დემოკრატიული არჩევნების ნიმუში 258 ადამიანი მივიდა არჩევნებზე და ოცნებამ 997 ხმა აიღო“- წერს “ფეისბუქის “პირად გვერდზე ლევან ხაბეიშვილი. </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">ცესკოს ოფიციალურ გვერდზე კიდევ ერთი, შესწორების ოქმის ფოტოა გამოქვეყნებული ამ უბნიდან, რომელიც 23:50 საათზეა შევსებული და სადაც მითითებულია, რომ 997 ნაცვლად უნდა ეწეროს 97.</span></span></div>
</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27380&search=" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">EU Statement on Georgia's Local Elections</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> - 17.06.2014, </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Civil.ge</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">EU said Georgia’s June 15 municipal elections were “a further step in the continued democratic development of Georgia”, but also added that “<i>concerns remain about campaign-related intimidation and violence</i>.” </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">“We congratulate the voters and candidates for their participation in the first round of local government elections in Georgia on 15 June,” reads the statement, released by spokesperson of EU’s foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on June 17. “<i>We take note of the findings of domestic observers.</i>” </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">“The elections were marked by improvements in electoral processes, and an increased participation of women. At the same time, concerns remain about campaign-related intimidation and violence. <i>There must be no tolerance for violence or intimidation in the days leading up to the runoffs that are now scheduled to take place in a number of municipalities</i>,” it says.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">“Both an accountable government and constructive opposition are important features of a functioning democratic society. The EU calls on all sides to work together in the new local administrations in the interests of Georgia.” </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">“We commend the Central Elections Commission and local civil society organisations for their important contribution to the electoral process. The European Union looks forward to continuing its close cooperation with the Georgian government,” reads the statement.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=51480&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">UNM releases more footage on alleged rigging of elections</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">- </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">17.06.2014, </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">rustavi2.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">The United National Movement continues its allegations on election rigging in Marneuli election district. Zurab Japaridze presented more video footage, which he says, proves that there was a pressure on election commission. He said the former vice president of the Judo Federation, Tamaz Naveriani was seen at several polling stations in Marneuli, where he would enter the prohibited areas in the buildings of the polling stations. Japaridze asserts that Naveriani was violent in his actions; he drove a Lexus vehicle, in which the GD candidate Merab Topchishvili was also sitting.</span></span></div>
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The UNM has also release another footage, which describes a polling station, where the commission head took away the summarizing document without the consent of the commission members from the office.</div>
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<i>Based on these arguments, the UNM calls for nullification of the election results in Marneuli.<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://www.interpressnews.ge/en/politicss/58681-national-movement-publishes-two-videos-reflecting-instances-of-election-fraud.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">National Movement publishes two videos reflecting instances of election fraud</a> - <span style="background-color: transparent;">17.06.2014, interpressnews.ge</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">National Movement publishes two videos reflecting instances of election fraud National Movement publishes two more videos in relation to the facts of election fraud.</span></div>
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According to the party representatives, the material reflects the facts of election rraud in Marneuli and Dedoplistskaro.</div>
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The National Movement leaders named the surnames of the people who participated in fraudulent activity. They address the Interior Ministry to launch an investigation.</div>
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According to Zurab Japaridze, Tamaz Naveriani, former president of the Judo Federation falsified the elections in Marneuli.</div>
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“This person moved from one polling station to another in a Lexus with the candidate of Georgian Dream Topchishvili and personally pressured commission members,” – Japaridze said.</div>
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As per Nugzar Tsiklauri, the video materials have it that the commission members repeat several times that “there is no balance’’.</div>
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‘’It means that in Khornabuji, Dedoplistskaro district from which Garibashvili is, the election results are not people’s will but are caused by the deal between the commission head and the election commission head,”’’ – Tsiklauri said.</div>
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<a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=51482&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">CEC nullifies results of two election stations in Marneuli</a> <span style="background-color: transparent;">- </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">17.06.2014, </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">rustavi2.com</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">The Central Election Commission has nullified the results of the elections on two polling stations of Marneuli, where the videos of violation were taken. Currently, the district commission is discussing the details of the footage, which proves the assertions of the opposition party that there were the attempts of pressure on the commission members in Marneuli as well as procedural violations. The representatives of the CEC and observers are attending the meeting.</span></div>
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The persons seen on the videos have already commented on it saying the footage was fabricated.</div>
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<a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=51472&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">Three embassies make joint statement on elections</a> <span style="background-color: transparent;"> - </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">17.06.2014, </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">rustavi2.com</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/a/georgien-nachrichten.com/www/portal-home/goog_1023311584" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;">Kommunalwahlen in Georgien: Kongress fordert Null-Toleranz-Politik gegenüber Gewalttätigkeiten</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/a/georgien-nachrichten.com/www/portal-home/goog_1023311584" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;"> </a><span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://hub.coe.int/de/web/coe-portal/press/newsroom?p_p_id=newsroom&_newsroom_articleId=1926225&_newsroom_groupId=10226&_newsroom_tabs=newsroom-topnews&pager.offset=0" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">Pressemitteilung</a> - </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">16.06.2014, </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">hub.coe.int, </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Straßburg</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">„Jeder von uns ist zufrieden, dass die gestrigen Wahlen – ungeachtet der Berichte über lokale Zwischenfälle und einzelne Unregelmäßigkeiten – im Großen und Ganzen ruhig und friedlich abliefen. In Anbetracht des erbitterten Wahlkampfs mit Beleidigungen und Handgreiflichkeiten ist das keine Selbstverständlichkeit“, erklärte heute Jos Wienen (Niederlande, EPP/CCE), Leiter der Delegation des Kongresses der Gemeinden und Regionen zur Beobachtung der georgischen Kommunalwahlen, bei einer Pressekonferenz in Tiflis.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">„Bei den Wahlgesetzen besteht indes noch Verbesserungsbedarf. So begünstigt das derzeitige System die herrschenden politischen Kräfte und benachteiligt kleinere Parteien und unabhängige Kandidaten, besonders bei der Zusammensetzung der Wahlkommissionen. Außerdem ist unserer Auffassung nach das Auszählungsverfahren zu überprüfen“, sagte Wienen.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">„Des Weiteren wurde uns berichtet, dass sich Kandidaten von Oppositionsparteien von der Wahlliste streichen ließen, nachdem auf sie angeblich entsprechender Druck ausgeübt wurde. Wir fordern deshalb die georgischen Behörden dringend auf, angemessene und transparente Maßnahmen und rechtliche Verfahren einzuleiten. Das gilt ebenso für die gewaltsamen Zwischenfälle, die sich im Vorfeld der Wahlen und am Wahltag selbst ereigneten“, betonte er.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">„In Hinblick auf die für die kommenden Wochen angesetzten Stichwahlen ist also eine Null-Toleranz-Politik gegenüber Gewalttätigkeiten sowie herabwürdigender und gehässiger Rhetorik nötig. Ich rufe alle politischen Akteure – der Regierung wie der Opposition – nachdrücklich dazu auf, ihren Beitrag zu dieser Strategie zu leisten“, so der Leiter der Kongressdelegation.</span></div>
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<a href="https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?Ref=CG-PR027%282014%29&Language=lanGerman&Ver=original&Site=Congress&BackColorInternet=C3C3C3&BackColorIntranet=CACC9A&BackColorLogged=EFEA9C" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;">Pressemitteilung</a> - <a href="https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?Ref=2014066_wienen&Language=lanEnglish&Ver=original&Site=COE&BackColorInternet=C3C3C3&BackColorIntranet=CACC9A&BackColorLogged=EFEA9C" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;">Vorläufige Schlussfolgerungen</a> - <a href="https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?Ref=CG-PR026%282014%29&Language=lanGerman&Ver=original&Site=Congress&BackColorInternet=C3C3C3&BackColorIntranet=CACC9A&BackColorLogged=EFEA9C" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;">Pressemitteilung vom 11. Juni 2014</a> - <a href="http://www.coe.int/de/web/portal/georgia" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;">Georgien im Europarat</a><br />
<a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=51464&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;" target="_blank">Local government elections were conducted with numerous incidents</a> <span style="background-color: transparent;"> - </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">16.06.2014, </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">rustavi2.com</span><br />
The local gov<span style="background-color: transparent;">ernment elections were conducted in Georgia on June 15th, but they were not free of incidents. Several facts of pressure, argument, clashes were reported from various regions of Georgia. The activists of the United National Movement were assaulted in several regions. The first incident occurred in the headquarters of the Vazisubani single-mandate MP candidate Giorgi Oniani. According to one version, somebody shot twice at the window glass of the office. The investigation has been launched for `damaging others` property`; however, the police have not confirmed that the office was shot at. </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">The candidate of the Nino Burjanadze - United Opposition bloc rallied outside the N28 Nadzaladevi district. They said the members of the commission changed the number of the votes received by the ruling party candidate, which caused great difference with the real number of votes gained by them. </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">There was a clash in Khoni too - after the polling stations were closed, some yet unidentified persons intruded into the N22 election district. Fifteen persons broke the ballot box and tore the ballots. The commission member said these persons were the activists of the Georgian Dream Coalition. They also assert the UNM obtained the majority of votes at this district. </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">A voter and a member of the commission had a clash in Tskaltubo district. The candidate of the UNM Zviad Tvaltvadze tried to clarify what was going on, when he was insulted by a supporter of the GD. Tvaltvadze has been already interrogated. </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">When and in which cities the second run-off of the elections will be appointed is yet decided. The CEC will appoint the second round of elections after the vote count is over.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27370&search=" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;">UNM Leaders Comment on Local Elections</a> - 15.06.2014, Civil.ge<br />
Leaders of UNM opposition party said after polls closed in the June 15 local elections that “very low” voter turnout demonstrates that the Georgian Dream suffers “deep crisis of public trust”, and exit poll results, suggesting possibility of second round runoffs in some of the largest cities, show support to the ruling coalition is on decline.<br />
Giga Bokeria, one of UNM’s leaders, said that low voter turnout was a “direct result of general atmosphere of violence, hatred, intimidation, and cynicism created by the government.”<br />
He said that that contrary to predictions by Bidzina Ivanishvili’s “puppet” PM Irakli Garibashvili that UNM would disappear off the political radar, the opposition party has actually improved its result since the presidential elections seven months ago. Bokeria said that according to exit poll results GD itself is suffering a “serious decline” in support. “I am sure this trend will continue,” Bokeria told Maestro TV.<br />
MP Davit Bakradze, leader of UNM parliamentary minority group, said that “instead of imitating celebration” staged after the exit poll results were announced, the Georgian Dream should “learn lessons” from these elections.<br />
“I do not understand what they are celebrating when almost 60% of voters did not turn out at polling station and by doing so they [voters] expressed protest,” Bakradze said, adding that these elections should be a clear signal to the authorities that voters are not satisfied with government’s policies.<br />
“It will be regrettable if instead of learning this lesson, they will try to portray that everything is alright and it’s time for celebration now,” MP Bakradze said.<br />
Gigi Ugulava, one of UNM’s leaders and chief of its campaign, said: “In the second round runoffs our society will show even more clearly to the authorities that it can’t continue like this anymore… and should substantially change its policies and it should give up cynical approach as if it has delivered with all of its promises.”<br />
In a written statement UNM said that “a sharp fall in voter turnout illustrates deep crisis of public trust that the current Georgian government has fallen into.”<br />
“Unfortunately, today’s elections were substantially impacted by undemocratic, deteriorated election environment marred with frequent violence, well-documented pressure on UNM candidates as well as statements by top government officials justifying violence.”<br />
UNM described PM Garibashvili’s statement made after the exit polls were announced as “insistence that there will be no runoff in Tbilisi.” UNM said that such “insistence while all preconditions” for second round are in place is “inadequate and undemocratic.”<br />
“This statement points to a possibility of using the pressure employed by the government in pre-election period upon the election administration,” UNM said.<br />
<a href="http://transparency.ge/en/post/general-announcement/2014-elections-statement-regarding-electoral-processes-12-pm" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) !important;">Local self-government elections 2014: TI Georgia’s statement regarding electoral processes (7:00am-12:00pm)</a> - 15.06.2014, transparency.ge<br />
At this point, the 2014 local self-government elections are taking place in a safe environment. The polling stations that we are monitoring opened on time, around 8:00am. Transparency International (TI) Georgia’s observers have reported 6 minor and 11 relatively significant procedural violations. At this point, our monitors have submitted 5 complaints in total. Most violations were observed in Zugdidi and Martvili districts.<br />
Some of the significant violations observed by our monitors are described below:<br />
- Voting was disrupted at polling station #32 in Zugdidi district due to violence by unidentified individuals,<br />
Despite the fact that the marking identifier did not work in polling station #20 (Tamakoni) of the Martvili district, the voting process continued for several hours;<br />
- At four polling stations - #26 and #64 in Zugdidi and #11 and #27 in Martvili, two representatives from the same party/coalition were present at polling stations (Georgian Dream, United National Movement and Non-Parliamentary Opposition) although they are only allowed to have one single representative at each polling station.<br />
- Personal information on 10 voters out of the 14 registered on the mobile ballot box voters list in Isani district polling station #14 was incorrect and these citizens were denied the right to vote. After the mobile box was returned to the polling station, the Precinct Election Commission (PEC), upon consulting with the District Election Commission (DEC), corrected information about the voters and decided to allow them to vote.<br />
- At Didube district polling station #31 the initial procedures - which were supposed be conducted from 7 to 8am (assigning roles to PEC members) - took place earlier than 7am. As a result, TI Georgia’s observers could not monitor the procedures.<br />
- The candidates and party lists were not posted at Khoni district polling stations #1 and #4.<br />
We welcome the fact that the Ministry of Internal Affairs has already reacted and launched investigation into to the reported theft of ballots from the Martvili district polling station #16, as well as the alleged case of violence on UNM representatives.<br />
TI Georgia has deployed 450 observers to monitor the 2014 June 15 local self-government elections. Our stationary observers are assigned to 373 polling stations randomly selected in Tbilisi in all the 10 electoral districts of Tbilisi. In addition, TI Georgia has 15 mobile groups observing elections in Tbilisi. We also have 25 mobile teams monitoring elections in 29 municipalities and self-governing cities throughout 5 regions. The Civil Development Agency (CiDA) is assisting TI Georgia in Kvemo Kartli districts.<br />
TI Georgia will release its observations for the election day developments twice during the day: at 4 and 8pm.<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 12px;">Stichworte: Georgien, Wahlen, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 12px;">Sprache: englisch, deutsch Archiv: #</span></div>
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Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-54810533307509434412012-10-18T22:48:00.002+02:002014-11-25T20:40:33.715+01:00ÜBERSICHT ZUR PARLAMENTSWAHL AM 01.10.2012 IN GEORGIEN<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Quellen: </span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Civil Georgia, Rustavi2</span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.georgien-nachrichten.com/goog_1589898852"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Nachwahl zu drei Direktmandaten gewinnt </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Georgian Dream</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"> - Civil Georgia, 15.10.2012</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Zusammensetzung des neuen Parlaments:<br />Bidzina
Ivanishvili-angeführte Koalition </span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Georgian Dream</span>: 85 Sitze; </span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">United National Movement (</span>UNM) mit Präsident Saakashvili: 65 Sitze</span> Results
of repeat elections in eleven precincts of three single-mandate
constituencies on Sunday show that the Georgian Dream coalition has won
three more majoritarian MP seats in the new Parliament. It means that
the Georgian Dream won total of 41 majoritarian seats out of 73; rest of
the 32 single-mandate constituencies have been won by the UNM
candidates. The Georgian Dream won 44 seats through party-list,
proportional system and in overall Bidzina Ivanishvili-led coalition
will have total of 85 seats in the Parliament – 15 short of two-third
majority required for passing constitutional changes. UNM will have 65
seats in the new Parliament. Repeat majoritarian elections were held in
nine precincts of the Khashuri single-mandate constituencies, where the
Georgian Dream candidate’s victory was largely anticipated. Repeat poll
was also held in one precinct of Signagi single-mandate constituency
where UNM’s candidate Levan Bezhashvili, ex-head of the state audit
agency, lost the race to Georgian Dream’s Gela Gelashvili. Repeat
election was also held on Sunday in Gori’s one precinct where the
Georgian Dream candidate, Malkhaz Vakhtangashvili, won the race against
UNM’s Giorgi Tatishvili, ex-governor of Shida Kartli region.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.georgien-nachrichten.com/portal-home/10002/CEC-data1-20121015.jpg?attredirects=0"><img border="0" src="http://www.georgien-nachrichten.com/_/rsrc/1350326684807/portal-home/10002/CEC-data1-20121015.jpg?height=268&width=400" height="268" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.georgien-nachrichten.com/portal-home/10002/CEC-data2-20121015.jpg?attredirects=0"><img border="0" src="http://www.georgien-nachrichten.com/_/rsrc/1350326722161/portal-home/10002/CEC-data2-20121015.jpg?height=244&width=400" height="244" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.georgien-nachrichten.com/portal-home/10002/CEC-data3-20121015.jpg?attredirects=0"><img border="0" src="http://www.georgien-nachrichten.com/_/rsrc/1350326750053/portal-home/10002/CEC-data3-20121015.jpg?height=272&width=400" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25341&search=">Regierung tritt zurück </a>- 11.10.12, Civil Georgia<br />Präsident
Saakashvili hat den Rücktritt der georg. Regierung angenommen. ... Neue
Regierung muss nun nach der georg. Verfassung bis 17.10. antreten. ...
Die Nominierung der neuen Regierung erfolgt durch den Präsidenten nach
Beratungen mit den parlamentarischen Fraktionen. ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25333&search=">Nach Treffen geben Wahlgewinner Ivanishvili und Präsident Saakashvili Erklärungen ab</a></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"> - 09.10.12, Civil Georgia</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><i>Ivanishvili:</i>
“Our today’s meeting represented a continuation of that healthy policy,
which my team and I have brought into Georgian political space. The
fact that my team and I managed and created a precedent in Georgia to
change the authorities democratically will always be mentioned in a
dignified manner in Georgia’s history. ..."<br /><i>Saakashvili:</i> “I
want to tell you that today is the historic process. Peaceful handover
of most of the executive government’s powers in the framework of
democracy is ongoing for the first time in this region, in this part of
post-Soviet space. The Georgian people have made their choice. We have
always been saying and we will say it in the future too that we respect
the choice of the Georgian people. The Georgian people are supreme
actors in the country, which define political processes. ..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25327" target="_blank">Ivanishvili gibt Kandidaten für Minister- und Parlamentspositionen bekannt</a> - 08.10.12, Civil Georgia<br />Genau
eine Woche nach den Parlamentswahlen in Georgien hat der Anführer der
Oppositionskoalition und Gewinner der Wahlen Bidsina Iwanischwili sein
neues Kabinett vorgestellt. Dem Kabinett werden mehrere Personen
angehören, die bereits zuvor diplomatische oder Regierungsämter
innehatten.<br />• Außenministerin: Maja Pandschikidse (Frühere Botschafterin in den Niederlanden)<br />• Verteidigungsminister: Irakli Alasanja (Früherer UN-Botschafter)<br />• Innenminister : Irakli Garibaschwili <br />•
Minister für Infrastruktur und regionale Entwicklung sowie
stellvertretender Ministerpräsident: Kacha Kaladze (Ehemaliger
Fußballprofi von AC Mailand) <br />• Sprecher des Parlaments: David Usupaschwili<br />• Justizministerin: Tea Tsulukiani<br />• Minister für Arbeits, -Gesundheits- und Soziale Angelegenheiten: Amiran Gamkrelidse <span style="color: red;">(bereits 2001-2004)</span><br />• Minister für Landwirtschaft: David Kirvalidze <span style="color: red;">(bereits 2001-2003)</span><br />• Minister für Gefängnisangelegenheiten: Sozar Subari <br />• Minister für Kultur und Denkmalschutz: Guram Odisharia<br />• Minister für Sport und Jugend: Levan Kipiani <br />• Staatsminister für Europäische und Euro-Atlantische Integration: Alexi Petriaschwili <br />• Kote Surguladse: Staatsministerin für Diaspora- Angelegenheiten<br />Der zukünftige Regierungschef sagte vor der Presse: „Dies wird wahrlich eine Regierung des Volkes sein“. <br />Das
vorgestellte Kabinett muss nun von Präsident Micheil Saakaschwili dem
Parlament zur Bestätigung vorgelegt werden. Saakaschwili hatte zuvor
angekündigt mit der Georgian Dream Koalition zu kooperieren. <br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Georgia_%28country%29" target="_blank">Rückblick</a>: <span style="font-size: x-small;">1991 Unabhängigkeit von Sowjetunion; 1991-92 Swiad Gamsachurdia; <span style="color: red;">1992-2003 Eduard Schewardnadse (1964-72 Innenminister)</span>; 22.11.2003 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Revolution" target="_blank">Rosenrevolution</a>; 2003-2012 Regierung Saakaschwili</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46862&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Ivan</a><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46862&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0" target="_blank">ishvili gibt Kandidaten für Minister- und Parlamentspositionen bekannt</a> - 08.10.12, Rustavi2</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>VORLÄUFIGES WAHLERGEBNIS DER <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>PARLAMENTSWAHL AM 01.10.2012 IN GEORGIEN</b></span></span></span></b></span></span></span> </b></span></span></span></b></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.georgien-nachrichten.com/portal-home/10002/CEC-data1-20121008.jpg?attredirects=0"><img border="0" src="http://www.georgien-nachrichten.com/_/rsrc/1349681041446/portal-home/10002/CEC-data1-20121008.jpg?height=82&width=400" height="82" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.georgien-nachrichten.com/portal-home/10002/CEC-data2-20121008.jpg?attredirects=0"><img border="0" src="http://www.georgien-nachrichten.com/_/rsrc/1349681061079/portal-home/10002/CEC-data2-20121008.jpg?height=245&width=400" height="245" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.georgien-nachrichten.com/portal-home/10002/CEC-data3-20121008.jpg?attredirects=0"><img border="0" src="http://www.georgien-nachrichten.com/_/rsrc/1349681079255/portal-home/10002/CEC-data3-20121008.jpg?height=265&width=400" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br />Quelle: 08.10.2012, <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">www.civil.ge</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>GEORGISCHER TRAUM - GEORGIAN DREAM - AUSSAGEN ZUM PROGRAMM</b></span></span></span></b></span></span></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=24817" target="_blank">Georgian Dream - Bidzina Ivanishvili: Rede auf Kundgebung</a> - 27.05.12</span></span>, <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Civil Georgia</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">‘Elections - a matter of life and death for our country’;<br />‘Our goal is not to defeat anyone; our goal is Georgia’s victory’;<br />‘We’ll make no promises, which are impossible to deliver on’;<br />‘We
are starting struggle for Georgia’s reunification in order to make
unified, democratic Georgia a full-fledged member of EU, NATO’;<br />...</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><br />INTERNATIONALE REAKTIONEN ZUR PARLAMENTSWAHL AM 01.10.2012 IN GEORGIEN</b></span></span></span></b></span></span></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.eureporter.co/2012/10/georgia-ivanishvili/#.UGsu07P0ZMh.facebook" target="_blank">Georgia: Ivanishvili’s call for President Saakashvili’s resignation, a direct attack against democracy and the rule of law</a> - 02.10.2012, eureporter.com, By EU Reporter correspondent<br />The
President of the European People’s Party (EPP), Wilfried Martens, made
the following statement on the results of yesterday’s parliamentary
elections in Georgia: "The parliamentary elections which took place in
Georgia have reinforced<br />significantly the country’s democratic
credentials. Despite the foul campaign practices from the challengers, I
take note of the result and I commend President Mikheil Saakashvili
for respecting it and for facilitating a peaceful transition of power.
In the next five years, the democratic debate - with the United National
Movement (UNM) as the opposition party - will take place in the
parliament, not in the streets. For the past nine years, President
Saakashvili and the governments of the UNM - a member-party of the EPP -
consolidated and cherished democracy and the rule of law in Georgia. It
is not suprising that the OSCE has stated that ‘the Georgian people
have freely expressed their will’ and that ‘there were no grave
violations during the voting’. Thanks to President Saakshvili and the
UNM, Georgia has become a truly democratic and European country."
"Needless to say, the EPP will be monitoring very closely the new
government, which will be formed by Bidzina Ivanishvili’s ‘Georgian
Dream’ coalition, because it remains to be seen if they will preserve
the country’s democratic achievements and if they will keep Georgia on
the path of Euro-Atlantic integration. But to my astonishment, even as
the votes are still being counted, Mr. Ivanishvili has called for
President Saakashvili’s resignation. This call is totally unacceptable
and is a direct attack against democracy and the rule of law. Therefore,
I expect all those European politicians who were quick to congratulate
Ivanishvili today, to publicly denounce his call for the President’s
resignation and to demand for an immediate retraction. Moreover, I will
be working closely with our EPP parliamentary groups in the European
Parliament, the Council of Europe and the OSCE, in order to safeguard
the country’s democratic achievements; I also call on all other relevant
EU institutions to do the same and the European Commission in
particular, which is negotiating an Association Agreement with Georgia."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25312&search=" target="_blank">Int. Reaktionen auf die Wahlen in Georgien</a> - </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Civil Georgia, 04.10.12</span></span>Below
is a round-up of some of the international reactions to Georgia’s
October 1 parliamentary elections in which President Saakashvili’s
United National Movement lost majority in the legislative body after
being defeated by Bidzina Ivanishvili-led Georgian Dream coalition. </span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br />Extracts from OSCE/ODIHR-led Int’l Election Observation Mission’s <a href="http://www.osce.org/odihr/94593">13-page report</a> on preliminary findings and conclusions released on Oct.2: <br />Elections
marked an important step in consolidating the conduct of democratic
elections in line with OSCE and Council of Europe commitments, although
certain key issues remain to be addressed.<br />The campaign was
competitive with active citizen participation… Environment, however, was
polarized and tense, characterized by the use of harsh rhetoric and
some instances of violence.<br />The distinction between state activities and the campaign of the ruling party was at times blurred.<br />Overall,
election day was calm and peaceful throughout the country.
International observers assessed all stages of the election day process
generally positively with adherence to procedures, although counting
received a less positive assessment.<br />International observers
evaluated the counting process less positively than voting, with a
negative assessment given in almost one sixth of polling stations
observed. <br /><a href="http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2012/10/198578.htm">Statement</a> by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton – Oct.2:<br />
“The United States congratulates the citizens of Georgia on their
peaceful and active participation in yesterday’s parliamentary
elections. This was an historic day for all Georgians and for Georgia’s
democratic future. We support the OSCE/ODIHR election observation
mission and its assessment that the Georgian people have freely
expressed their will at the ballot box. And we urge the authorities to
conduct the final count and appeals transparently and in accordance with
the rule of law. Now that the people of Georgia have spoken, the United
States encourages all parties to work together constructively in the
new parliament to advance Georgia’s democratic and economic development.
We look forward to working with the new parliament, as well as the
cabinet and president of Georgia to build upon our strong relationship
and create a brighter future for the Georgian people. <br /><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/10/02/statement-press-secretary-georgian-elections">Statement</a> by the White House Press Secretary – Oct.2:<br />
“The United States congratulates the people of Georgia for the
successful completion of yesterday’s parliamentary elections, and the
achievement of another milestone in Georgia’s democratic development.
Georgian citizens have set a regional and global example by conducting a
competitive campaign, freely exercising their democratic rights, and
affirming their commitment to undertake a peaceful transfer of power.
Local and international election monitors, including OSCE/ODIHR,
contributed to ensuring a transparent electoral process. While the
final tabulation and appeals are still ongoing, these elections mark a
significant step in the consolidation of Georgian democracy. Much work
remains in the coming days and months. President Mikheil Saakashvili,
Bidzina Ivanishvili and the leadership of the Georgian Dream coalition,
and Georgia’s new parliament will need to work together in a spirit of
national unity to ensure continued progress on the advancement of
democracy and economic development to the benefit of the Georgian people
and the entire region. The United States stands with all Georgians in
welcoming these historic elections. President Obama and his
Administration look forward to furthering our close cooperation and
strong bilateral partnership with Georgia." <br /><a href="http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-B62CFEE7-40A3A2C8/natolive/news_90434.htm">Statement</a> by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen – Oct.3:<br />
“I congratulate the Georgian people on completing free, competitive and
peaceful parliamentary elections. This is an historic moment in
Georgia's democratic development. Now it is important for all sides to
come together for the good of the country and to further consolidate
reforms and democratic institutions. NATO is committed to our close
relationship with Georgia. We look forward to making this relationship
even stronger.” <br /><a href="http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/132699.pdf">Joint statement </a>of EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy Štefan Füle – Oct.2:<br />
“The EU congratulates the Georgian Dream coalition on its election
victory. The Georgian people have now spoken. Both responsible
government and constructive opposition are essential parts of a
functioning democratic society. We call on all representatives elected
to the new parliament to work together in the interests of Georgia. The
generally positive conduct of parliamentary elections on 1 October and
the high level of voter participation, underscore Georgia’s commitment
to its democratic path… We look forward to continued close cooperation
with Georgia on our ambitious mutual agenda of political association and
economic integration.” <br /><a href="http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/?id=818238082&view=News">Statement</a> by British Foreign Secretary William Hague - Oct.3:<br />
"The parliamentary elections in Georgia on 1 October marked a
significant step forward in Georgia’s democratic development. Although
the campaign environment was polarised and tense, voter turnout was high
and the contest highly competitive. I expect that the final result will
reflect the choice of the Georgian people. I welcome yesterday’s
statement from the OSCE/ODIHR Observer Mission and associated
Parliamentary Assembly Missions. The UK was pleased both to contribute
to these missions and field a large monitoring mission throughout
Georgia, in collaboration with the US and Netherlands Embassies in
Georgia. It is now time for all parties to set their differences aside
as they work together in the new Parliament and form a new Government.
Cooperation and political dialogue are the hallmarks of a true
democracy. The UK continues to support Georgia’s democratic future and
Euro-Atlantic aspirations." <br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25308">Statement</a> by Russian Foreign Ministry – Oct.3:<br />
“It is obvious that the Georgian society has voted for changes. We hope
that in the end these [changes] will allow Georgia to start
normalizing, building constructive and respectful relations with
neighbors. Such a development would obviously be welcomed in Russia.” <br />Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25300">said</a> on Oct.2:<br />
“If these [early] results become real, the political landscape of
Georgia will become more diverse. It can only be welcomed, because
probably it means that more constructive and responsible forces will
come to the Parliament.” <br /><a href="http://hub.coe.int/en/web/coe-portal/press/newsroom?p_p_id=newsroom&_newsroom_articleId=1165242&_newsroom_groupId=10226&_newsroom_tabs=newsroom-topnews&pager.offset=0">Statement</a> Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland - Oct.3:<br />
“The successful completion of open and competitive elections,
recognised as democratic by the international observers including
members of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, should be seen
as a clear and unequivocal sign of the success of the democratic
transformation of Georgian society over the last few years. I
congratulate the Georgian Dream Coalition on the election victory. It is
now important to complete all stages of the election process and
handover of government in a calm and constructive atmosphere. The
Council of Europe stands ready to further accompany the young but
dynamic Georgian democracy in upholding fundamental values and in
tackling the challenges which lie ahead." <br /><a href="http://assembly.coe.int/ASP/NewsManager/EMB_NewsManagerView.asp?ID=8025&L=2">Statement</a> by the President of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Jean-Claude Mignon - Oct.3:<br />
"Georgia has taken an important step in consolidating the conduct of
democratic elections. I particularly wish to welcome the constructive
approach taken by President Mikheil Saakashvili, who has announced that
he wishes to facilitate the process for forming a new government. I call
for dialogue between the political forces in Georgia to ensure the
success of their co-existence in the interests of the Georgian people
and stability in the region." <br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25305&search=">EU gratuliert Georgian Dream zum Wahlsieg</a> - Civil Georgia, 03.10.12</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25305&search=">EU Congratulates Georgian Dream on Election Victory</a> - Civil Georgia, 03.10.12<br />The
generally positive conduct of parliamentary elections on 1 October, and
the high level of voter participation underscore Georgia’s commitment
to its democratic path, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and
Štefan Füle, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood
said in a joint statement on October 2. </span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br /><i>"The
EU congratulates the Georgian Dream coalition on its election victory.
The Georgian people have now spoken. Both responsible government and
constructive opposition are essential parts of a functioning democratic
society,” the statement reads. In the statement the EU called on all
representatives elected to the new parliament “to work together in the
interests of Georgia.”</i> “We take full note of ODIHR’s preliminary
assessment of the conduct of the elections which considers that the
process has shown a healthy respect for fundamental freedoms at the
heart of democratic elections,” the statement reads. “We look forward to
continued close cooperation with Georgia on our ambitious mutual agenda
of political association and economic integration.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>NATIONALE REAKTIONEN ZUR PARLAMENTSWAHL AM 01.10.2012 IN GEORGIEN</b></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46851&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0" target="_blank">Statement by National Bank of Georgia</a> - 05.10.12, Rustavi2<br />President
of the National Bank of Georgia said today that the change of
government will have no negative affect on the bank system of the
country. Giorgi Kadagidze explained the country`s financial situation is
stable and Georgia has enough reserves to control the situation. "The
National Bank of Georgia always was, is and will be the guarantee for
the country`s financial stability. Today, the inflation is controllable
and the currency exchange rate is stable. Our bank system is very
healthy. Furthermore, we have reserves of USD 3 million, which are
enough for eradicating any kind of possible shock in the country. I
think, no questions exist or can even exist regarding the issue", he
said. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>PARLAMENTSWAHL AM 01.10.2012 IN GEORGIEN</b></span></span></span></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25301&search=">CEC Releases Early Results from 85.1% of Precincts</a> - Civil Georgia, 02.10.12 21:47<br />According
to the early results of party-list contest, released by the Central
Election Commission (CEC) as of 9:30pm, the Georgian Dream is in lead
with 54.89% and the UNM has 42.42%. These are the results from 3,151
precincts that is 85.1% of a total number of precincts. <br />No other
political group managed to clear the 5% threshold required for endorsing
candidates in the Parliament. According to early results,
Christian-Democratic Movement (CDM) received 2% of votes. CEC said that
final early results would be released later at night. Meanwhile, the
activists of Georgian Dream are holding a rally outside CEC demanding
quick release of results. <br />According to early results, the UNM
majoritarian MP candidates are leading in 37 single-mandate
constituencies, while Georgian Dream candidates - in 35. The CEC has not
received the results from the Aspindza single-mandate constituency yet.
<br />The UNM is leading in the following single-mandate constituencies:
Sagarejo, Gurjaani, Signagi, Dedoplistskaro, Lagodekhi, Kvareli,
Gardabani, Marneuli, Bolnisi, Dmanisi, Tsalka, Tetritskaro, Gori,
Khashuri, Akhaltsikhe, Adigeni, Akhalkalaki, Ninotsminda, Ambrolauri,
Tsageri, Lentekhi, Terjola, Bagdati, Vani, Khoni, Tskaltubo, Abasha,
Senaki, Martvili, Khobi, Zugdidi, Tsalenjikha, Chkhorotsku, Batumi,
Keda, Shuakhevi, Khulo. <br />Georgian Dream majoritarian MP candidates
are leading in the following single-mandate constituencies: Telavi,
Akhmeta, Tianeti, Rustavi, Mtskheta, Dusheti, Kazbegi, Kaspi, Kareli,
Borjomi, Oni, Mestia, Kharagauli, Sachkhere, Zestaponi, Samtredia,
Chiatura, Tkibuli, Tskaltubo, Kutaisi, Ozurgeri, Lanchkhuti, Poti,
Kobuleti, Khelvachauri. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dradio.de/jetztimradio/" target="_blank">Georgiens Präsident gesteht Wahlniederlage ein</a> - 02.10.12, dradio.de<br />Nach
der Parlamentswahl in Georgien hat Präsident Saakaschwili seine
Niederlage eingestanden. Seine Partei werde in die Opposition gehen,
sagte er in einer Fernsehansprache. Nach neuesten Hochrechnungen liegt
das oppositionelle Bündnis 'Georgischer Traum' des Milliardärs
Iwanischwili mit gut 53 Prozent der Stimmen deutlich vor der
Regierungspartei. Sie kann mit lediglich 42 Prozent rechnen. - Die
Organisation für Sicherheit und Zusammenarbeit in Europa wertete den
Verlauf der Wahl in Georgien als einen wichtigen Schritt auf dem Weg zur
Demokratie. - In Tiflis hatten bereits gestern Abend Anhänger der
Opposition mit Autokorsos und Hupkonzerten den erwarteten Erfolg
gefeiert.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><b>Deutschlandfunk -Internationale Presseschau 02.10.12 12:50 - Georgien nach der Wahl</b> - <a href="http://ondemand-mp3.dradio.de/file/dradio/2012/10/02/dlf_20121002_1250_04af7967.mp3">MP3</a> | <a href="http://www.dradio.de/aod/?station=1&playtime=1349175000&fileid=04af7967&">Flash</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25299" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">President Saakashvili Concedes Defeat in Parliamentary Election</span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"> - 02.10.12, Civil Georgia<br />In a </span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WGwhLIG-n0" target="_blank">televised address</a>
President Saakashvili conceded that his ruling UNM party had lost
Monday's parliamentary election, adding that UNM was now going into
opposition.</span><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25298"><br /> </a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25295" target="_blank">Wahlkommission beginnt die Ergebnisse zu veröffentlichen ab 3:50 Uhr Ortszeit</a> -</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://results.cec.gov.ge/" target="_blank">summary protocols on the web</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25295" target="_blank">CEC Starts Releasing Results, Claims its Website Under DoS Attack</a> - Civil Georgia, Tbilisi / 2 Oct.'12 / 04:12<br />Chairman
of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Zurab Kharatishvili, has said
that CEC website suffered denial-of-service attack, which delayed <a href="http://results.cec.gov.ge/" target="_blank">upload of summary protocols on the web</a>.
Results from 198 precincts out of total 3,766 were released as of
3:50am. “Our website was under DoS attack, which has caused minor
delays… but we were ready for such a scenario too,” Kharatishvili said.<br />So
far released data represent results from only 5.26% of precincts and
according to these results the Georgian Dream has in proportional,
party-list race 51.62% and the ruling UNM party – 43.85%.</span><br />
<a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25284"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">U.S. Ambassador Comments on Elections</span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"> - 01.10.2012, Civil Georgia<span lang="EN-GB"> </span><br />Political
leaders “on all sides have told us they will respect the results of a
credible process, and will actively encourage their supporters to do the
same,” U.S. ambassador to Georgia, Richard Norland, said on October 1. <br />“The
campaigning is over and the results of the election are now in the
hands of Georgia’s voters. This is a genuinely competitive occasion.
Despite numerous claims and predictions, no one knows in advance what
the outcome of today’s voting will be. Each and every Georgian voting
today will help decide the outcome,” he said. <br />“As observers, we have
been asked to monitor compliance with international standards and
report any violations. We hope there will not be violations, but if
there are we will report them, regardless of who commits them. Everyone
wants a credible election result. Leaders on all sides have told us they
will respect the results of a credible process, and will actively
encourage their supporters to do the same. ...<br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25281&search=" rel="nofollow">Georgien wählt das Parlament</a> - 01.10.2012, Civil Georgia<span lang="EN-GB"> </span><br />Over
3,600 polling stations across the country opened at 8am on October 1
across the country for the parliamentary elections. All the polling
stations are opened and voting is ongoing peacefully, according to the
Central Election Commission (CEC). It said first data on voter turnout
was expected by 10:30am local time. Simultaneously with parliamentary
elections, voters in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara are also electing
21-member local legislative body, Supreme Council.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46769&pg=1&im=main&ct=1&wth=0">Georgien wählt das Parlament für 8.Versammlung</a> - 01.10.12, Rustavi2<br />Georgia
is electing a new parliament today - polling stations throughout the
country were opened at 8 a.m. exactly. The country is electing the
parliament of 8-th convocation.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46758&pg=1&im=main&ct=1&wth=0"> 60,000 lokale Beobachter überwachen Wahlen </a></span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">- 01.10.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br />Georgian
NGOs are intensively involved in the process of monitoring of elections
- over 60 thousand monitors have been distributed on all polling
stations throughout Georgia. Fair Elections NGO has sent about 1270
monitors to all precincts.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46760&pg=1&im=main&ct=1&wth=0">61 internationale Organisationen beobachten Wahlen in Georgien</a> - 01.10.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Over two thousand monitors from 61 various international organizations
are observing parliamentary elections in Georgia. Delegations from the
OSCE, CoE and European Parliament are already at various polling
stations throughout Georgia.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46767&pg=1&im=main&ct=1&wth=0">Präsident gab seine Stimme ab</a> - 01.10.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">President
of Georgia has already made his choice - Mikheil Saakashvili went to
the 19th polling station of the Mtatsminda constituency at 9 AM together
with first lady Sandra Roelofs and younger son Nikoloz.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25282&search=" rel="nofollow">Präsident Saakashvili gibt Stimmzettel ab; er sagt, Georgien werde gewinnen</a></span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">- 01.10.2012, Civil Georgia</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"></span></span><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25259&search=">Wahlen, Russland und Gefängnisskandal in Präsident Saakashvili's UN-Rede</a></span></span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">- 26.09.2012, Civil Georgia</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB"> <br />...
he spoke of prison scandal in Georgia ... “The facts were sickening and
our responsibility was clear; our reaction was swift and we did what
democracies must do – we identified all the responsible, all these
responsible were arrested, two government ministers have resigned and we
put in charge of the prison system the fiercest critic of the prison
system – the human rights defender, the Georgian ombudsman,” ... He said
that the
democracy would prevail in Georgia
only if it remained “Georgian process” guarded from “externally
generated
security threats.” </span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><i>“The European Union Monitoring
Mission [EUMM] has just announced, that Russian forces are presently
undertaking mass illegal military build-up inside occupied territory, in former
territory of South
Ossetia, which is within Georgia’s internationally
recognized borders. As we speak they are bringing offensive weapons and troops
inside our borders,”</i> Saakashvili said. ... “I came here to tell you
that Georgia will remain an open society – this is the choice of our
citizens and there is no alternative to this,” he said. “Georgia has
conducted several elections in recent years all of which were observed
by international observers and all of which were free and fair.” ...
“Regrettably not all actors in the Georgian political landscape shared
these principles and are purposely working to undermine the legitimacy
of Georgia’s democratic institutions, how they are perceived at home and
in the international community,” he said. ... “The main thing that will
be confirmed [is] that Georgia will never go back, it will not be
dragged back under any pressure, under any dirty money from the North,
under any threat of military exercises and [threat of] direct military
invasion in case there are mass disturbances, in case there are some
kind of militias emerging and menacing us,” Saakashvili said. “It's not
gonna work,” he continued. “According to the European Union we are the
safest country in Europe; we are the least corrupt country of Europe
with strong government institutions; they cannot be bribed and they
cannot be undermined.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>PARLAMENTSWAHL AM 01.10.2012 - PARLIAMENT ELECTION AT 01.10.2012</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-19638775" target="_blank">Georgia elections: Furious PR battle for Western minds</a> - 20.09.12, BBC<br />By Damien McGuinness BBC News, Tbilisi<br />Less
than two weeks before elections in Georgia, a bitter political battle
is being fought not just in the country itself, but in Western corridors
of power. The West is being bombarded by two very different stories
about Georgia, with top international PR and lobby firms hired to push
the message. The war of words is costing both sides huge amounts of
money - in a country with high levels of poverty. The version pushed by
the Georgian government rests on a common perception of the country: a
small, plucky state, keen to shake off its Soviet past and join Nato,
bullied by Russia, and invaded in 2008. ... But now politicians and
journalists in the West are suddenly being told another story entirely:
President Saakashvili is accused of being authoritarian, of crushing
political dissent and of being responsible for Georgia's war with
Russia. By this account, the elections on 1 October will be rigged. It
is a well-funded message being spread by top international lobbyists and
PR firms hired by Georgia's opposition leader, the tycoon Bidzina
Ivanishvili, whose $6.4bn (£3.9bn; 4.9bn-euro) fortune is worth around
half of Georgia's GDP. ...</span><br />
<a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25149&search=" style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Liste der Kandidaten für Direktmandate</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"> - </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25149&search=">List of Majoritarian MP Candidates</a></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"> - 07.09.2012, Civil Georgia</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
... Ruling party United National Movement and Georgian Dream opposition
coalition are the only political groups, which have nominated their
candidates in all of the 73 constituencies across the country. Free
Georgia, led by Kakha Kukava, has its candidates in 64 constituencies;
Christian-Democratic Movement – 61; Labor Party – 58; New Rights – 54.
There are only four independent candidates.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">77 seats in 150-member Parliament will be allocated under the
proportional, party-list system among those parties and election blocs,
which will clear 5% threshold, and remaining 73 seats will go to
majoritarian MPs elected in single-mandate constituencies. ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25169">UNM's Party List of MP Candidates</a> (Regierungspartei; Präsident </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Saakaschwili)</span> - 01.09.12, Civil Georgia<br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25165">Georgian Dream's Party List of MP Candidates</a> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"> (Oppositionsbündnis; Miiliardär Iwani</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">schwili) </span></span>- 31.08.12, Civil Georgia</span><br />
<a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25068&search=" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Termine zur Wahl und Fristen</a><span style="font-family: ms,sans-serif;"> - </span><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25068&search=" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Election-Related Dates and Deadlines</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"> - 03.08.2012, Civil Georgia</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>IVANISHVILI ÜBERWACHT IN </b></span></span></span>GEHEIMEN AUDIO-AUFNAHMEN SEINE KOALITIONÄRE ?</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46753&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">More audio records of conversations emerge on internet</a> - 28.09.12</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span><br />
More audio records of the conversations between the leaders of the
Georgian Dream Coalition has emerged on internet today - the first part
of these dialogues were uploaded on youtube.com by the former body-guard
of Bidzina Ivanishvili. ... In the new files released today, the
leaders of the coalition speak slam
their allies from the same coalition and discuss the information policy
of the TV9, run by Ivanishvili. Gia Khukhashvili and Irakli
Gharibashvili are dissatisfied with the coverage of political events by
the TV9 channel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46739&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Ivanishvili`s body guard makes scandalous statement</a> - 27.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Body guard of the Georgian Dream coalition leader Bidzina Ivanishvili
has published his video address and scandalous footage on internet. Beso
Surmava says in his video address that the society should know the
truth about the coalition. He says Ivanishvili had instructed him
personally to chase and make audio records of the telephone
conversations of the leaders of the coalition.<br />`I know that these
videos will surprise many people, but I consider myself obliged to
behave the way I believe is right. I am personal body guard of Bidzina
Ivanishvili, I don`t know why, but our security service was instructed
by Bidzina to listen secretely and record conversations of the members
of the Georgian Dream at any possibility,` Surmava says.<br />The audio
records, which Surmava released on video, includes conversations of Eka
Beselia, who slams another member of the coalition Zakaria Kutsnashvili;
Irakli Gharibashvili swears Tina Khidasheli. Conversations of Irakli
Alasania, Gubaz Sanikidze and Gia Khukhashvili. ...</span> <span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b> </b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>WEITERE VIDEOS KURZ VOR DEN WAHLEN</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46743&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Tbilisi Mayor`s statement on secret video recordings</a> - 27.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"> Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava released today a statement regarding the secret video recordings released through social networks.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46740&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Scandaous video released on internet</a> - 27.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
The war of malpractices began on internet since the morning today - a
video depicting the dialogue of the Gardabani majoritarian MP candidate
from Georgian Dream Coalition Mamuka Areshidze with unknown person
emerged on social networks today.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46741&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Videos depicting meeting of late millionaire with politicians emerges on internet</a> - 27.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Users of social networks have released videos taken in the residence of
the late millionaire, politician and media magnate, Badri
Patarkatsishvili. In one of the fragments...</span><b><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">AUDIO-AUFNAHMEN VON GEORGIAN-DREAM-POLITIKERN ENTHÜLLEN DEREN KONTAKTE ZU KRIMINELLEN ?</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46738&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Khaindrava compains about pressure</a> - 27.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Politician and film director Goga Khaindrava complains about political
pressure from government. Khaindrava told journalists that the criminal
cases against him, which accuses him of connection with criminal
network, have been fabricated.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46728&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Opposition coalition members call interior ministry`s materials `fabrication`</a> - 26.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Representatives of the Georgian Dream opposition coalition commented on
the audio records of teh conversations released by the interior
ministry calling them a "fabrication".<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46723&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Kaladze`s meetings with criminal authorities was reported in June</a> - 26.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Reports about the meeting between Kakha Kaladze, leader of the Georgian
Dream party list and fugitive crime bosses in Europe were released
earlier in June. Rustavi2 learned about this meeting then and even aired
a reportage about this...<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46720&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">MIA releases audio conversations</a> - 26.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has released audio records of
the conversations between two leaders of the Georgian Dream Coalition,
Kakha Kaladze and Gubaz Sanikidze and the criminal bosses, who currently
live abroad.<br /><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><br />WAHLKAMPFMANIPULATION DURCH GEORGIAN DREAM MIT BESTECHUNG ?</span></span></b><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46718&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Khaindrava interrogated by law enforcers</a> - 26.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Opposition figure and former film director Goga Khaindrava was
interrogated by the police late last night with the status of witness.
He was giving testimony to the investigation regarding the video footage
and photos handed over to Georgian ...<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46716&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Prosecutor`s office releases special statement</a> <br />25.09.12 17:46 <br />
Prosecutor`s Office of Georgia has released video footage depicting
meetings of former Georgian politician and film director Goga Khaindrava
with Georgian crime bosses in Paris.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46710&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Ivanishvili comments on his nephew`s involvement in police bribing</a> - 25.09.12, Rustavi2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Leader of the Georgian Dream Coalition has commented on the video
footage released by the Interior Ministry yesterday. Video taken
secretly shows how Ivanishvili`s nephew Emzar Ivanishvili tries to bribe
police officer.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46703&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">President comments on GD candidate`s activities</a> - 24.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
President Saakashvili has commented on the video footage of police
officers` bribing released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs today, in
which one of the MP candidate from Georgian Dream Coalition, Aleko
Tabatadze is also mentioned.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46692&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">MIA arrests four persons for bribing police officers</a></span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"> - 24.09.12, Rustavi2<br />Ministry
of Internal Affairs of Georgia has arrested four persons with the
charges of bribing police officers. Special statement and the video
footage depicting the fact of bribery were released by the ministry this
morning.<br />Reportedly, police have arrested Giorgi Gherkerashvili,
Giorgi Dzotsenidze, Koba Samkharadze and police officer Roman
Maisuradze. In addition, police have seized $50 thousand bribe offered
to the police officers.<br />`Investigation of the case continues to
reveal and arrest other persons involved in the crime. Ministry of
Interior will hand over these materials to the prosecutor`s office of
Georgia for further reaction as the name of MP candidate Aleko Tabatadze
has been also tied with the fact of bribery,` the statement says.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46701&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Ivanishvili says the video footage released by MIA is false</a> - 24.09.12, Rustavi2<br />Leader
of the Georgian Dream coalition Bidzina Ivanishvili has said the video
footage depicting the bribing of police officers by the coalition`s
activists and his nephew is false. Ivanishvili says their ideology does
not envisage bribing of anybody.<br />`It was planned earlier and they had
been asserting they had something. It is absolutely untrue and
fabrication. Our ideology does not envisage bribing anybody and this is
false. Nephew or any other relative, who ever it is, it must have been
coming from the center, but such thing is not the part of our ideology,
it has never been so and nobody believes in this. This is a lie and it
will return to them and cause more irritation and concern in people,`
Ivanishvili said.</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b> </b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>WAHLKAMPF MIT BRUTALEN VIDEOS AUS GEFÄNGNIS IN GLDANI ?</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"> <br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46737&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Four persons arrested for prison abuse</a> - 27.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Prosecutor`s office of Georgia has arrested four persons with the
charges of prisoners` sexual assault and abuse - prosecutor Shota
Tkeshelashvili announced at the briefing today.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46736&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Bedukadze wanted by Interpol</a> - 27.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Vladimer Bedukadze is wanted by Interpol - fugitive former officer of
the Gldani N8 prison, whose photos have been already posted on the
official website of the international police structure. Bedukadze, who
recorded prisoner`s sexual abuse and torture on cameras, is wanted for
life and health offence charges.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46727&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Public council to monitor Georgia`s penitentiary system</a> - 26.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span></span><br />
A Public Monitoring Council has been established at the Ministry of
Correction and Legal Assistance of Georgia. The monitoring council will
comprise prominent public figures, representatives of NGOs and religious
minorities, also human rights activists.<br />
<a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46711&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Special commission to investigate prisoners` abuse and torture</a> - 25.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">, Rustavi2</span> <br />
A special commission will be formed within ten days to investigate the
facts of prisoners` abuse and torture in Georgian prisons - minister of
corrections and legal assistance of Georgia, Giorgi Tughushi announced
at the special briefing today.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46670&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Statement by Prosecutor`s Office of Georgia</a> - 21.09.12, Rustavi2<br />Prosecutor`s Office of Georgia has published a special statement calling on everybody to hand over any video or audio evidence p</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">roving
the torture or mistreatment to the prisoners in Georgia to law
enforcers in order to make adequate reaction and uproot similar facts.
Prosecutor`s Office also defines that not handing such materials to law
enforcers is also a crime and is punished with two year sentence.<br />`In
order to protect our prisoners from violence and punish the culprit, it
is very important that the investigation has full information about
their torture. That`s why, considering the interest of the relatives of
the inmates and whole Georgian society, we are calling on any person or
organization, who have obtained video footage or audio record depicting
prisoners` abuse, to provide these materials to prosecutor`s office
immediately,` says the statement.</span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46667&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">New Rights call for large-scale amnesty</a> - 21.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Opposition party New Rights has demanded nation-wide amnesty following
the prisoner torture scandal in recent days. Mamuka Katsitadze of the
party voiced their demand at the briefing today<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46666&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Penitentiary Minister entered Gldani prison together with journalists</a> - 21.09.12 12:06<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
The new minister of corrections and legal assistance, Giorgi Tughushi
entered Gldani prison for the first time after assuming the office of
the minister today. Tughushi was accompanied by journalists, who had a
possibility to take brief interviews from inmates.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46664&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">U.S. Helsinki Commission discussed situation in Georgia amid protest outside</a> - 21.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki
Commission) assembled in Washington yesterday to discuss the recent
scandal of prisoner abuse and torture in Georgian prisons.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46657&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Students hold rallies against violence in Tbilisi, Georgia </a> - 20.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
A students rally with slogans - Don`t torture! No Violence! - was held
outside the prison hospital in Tbilisi today. Prior to it, a part of teh
students, along with representatives of the Georgian Dream coalition
were assembled outside teh Ministry of Justice and the president`s
residence.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46659&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">PACE President shocked by ill-treatment of prisoners in Georgia</a> - 20.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Jean Claude Mignon, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Council of Europe (PACE), today issued a statement regarding the
ill-treatment of prisoners revealed in Georgia few days ago.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46655&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Ombudsman assumes office of corrections minister</a> - 20.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
President of Georgia has introduced the new minister of Corrections and
Legal Assistance today. Former public defender Giorgi Tughushi has
assumed the vacant position of the minister.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46654&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Prosecutor`s Office arrested another person involved in prisoner abuse </a> - 20.09.12</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span> <br />
Chief Prosecutor`s Office has arrested one more person involved in the
scandal of prisoner torture and abuse in the Gldani prison, the video
footage of which was released by televisions yesterday. As prosecutor
Murtaz Zodelava announced at the briefing today, the detained person is
Koba Chikvatia, the inspector of the juvenile colony.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46649&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">New Rights demand internatinoal investigation of prison scandal</a> - 20.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
New Rights opposition party demands international involvement in the
investigation of the prisoner abuse and torture scandal in Gldani
prison. Pikria Chikhradze of the party briefed today and addressed the
European Commissioner for human rights..<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46648&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Ten defendants sent to custody</a> - 20.09.12 12:13<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Ten defendants accused of prisoner abuse in the Gldani prison, have
been sent to custody under pre-trial detention today. Tbilisi city court
ruled on the case this morning.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46646&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">EU issues statement on prisoner abuse scandal</a> - 20.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
The European Union Delegation has issued a special statement regarding
the prisoner abuse in the Gldani N8 prison in agreement with the EU
Heads of Mission in Georgia.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46645&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Ombudsman`s representatives stay in prisons</a> - 20.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Representatives of Georgia`s Public Defender were in all problematic
prisons of Georgia until late last night after the president ordered to
let the ombudsman`s office control how prisoners are treated in prisons
in the state of emergency.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46644&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Brief dates still underway at Gldani prison</a> - 20.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Brief dates are still underway at the Gldani notorious prison since
yesterday - about 800 people have undergone registration for dates with
their relatives and family members after the president issued..<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46641&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Patrol police officers take over supervision in prisons</a> - 19.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Patrol police officers have been sent to prisons to take over
supervision of inmates there. The reshuffles were carried out after
President Saakashvili instructed law enforcement agencies today to
replace prison guards with patrol police officers.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46637&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Rallies held in regions to protest prisoner abuse </a> - 19.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Protest rallies were held in regions of Georgia to object to the
torture and sexual assault on convicts revealed in prison No8 in Gldani
district of Tbilisi.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46639&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Statement by Prosecutor`s office of Georgia</a> - 19.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">The
Prosecutor`s office of Georgia has released a statement regarding
investigation of the case of one of detainees, who was involved in the
torture and inhuman and degrading treatment allegedly committed by the
employees of the Penitentiary Department. <br />"Within the ongoing
investigation regarding the cases of torture (Article 1441) and inhuman
and degrading treatment (Article 1443), allegedly committed by the
employees of the Penitentiary Department, Davit Akobia, the officer of
the prison #8 in Gldani is being interrogated at the prosecutor
general`s office now. Davit Akobia is cooperating with the
investigation. He has already given a testimony given significant
information to the investigation. Davit Akobia wants to be involved in
the witness protection program", the statement says. <br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46636&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Saakashvili commissions revising correctional system </a> - 19.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili summoned today the prime
minister, the justice minister and the prosecutor-in-chief to his office
to discuss the facts of human rights violation revealed in the Gldani
prison of Tbilisi. <br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46635&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Opposition leaders condemn violence on inmates</a> - 19.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Leaders of several opposition parties have condemned the facts of
prisoners` pressure in Gldani prison, demanded criminal investigation
and accountability of the persons involved in this grave crime.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46634&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Patriarch makes special statement</a> - 19.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II has made a special statement
regarding the facts of prisoners` torture in Gldani Prison today. On
behalf of the Holy Synod, His Holiness called on the government to form a
special commission, which will be in charge of investigating the human
torture in prisons and guarantee protection of the rights of the
inmates.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46631&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">HRW publishes open letter about prisoners` abuse in Georgia</a> - 19.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
International human rights organizaton the Human Rights Watch has
published a statement regarding the facts of torture revealed in Gldani
N8 prison. The organization calls for detailed investigation and
punishment of the persons involved in the crime.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46614&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Ombudsman`s staff visited Gldani prison</a> - 19.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Representatives of Public Defender`s Office entered Gldani N8
penitentiary department following the scandal of the prisoners` torture
last night. They met with the convict Tamaz Tamazashvili. They say
Tamazashvili denies any connection with the facts of prisoners` torture
and abuse.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46627&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Ten persons arrested with the charges of prisoners` torture</a> - 19.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Ten persons have been arrested with the charges of torture and inhumane
treatment - Main Prosecutor of Georgia Murtaz Zodelava briefed in this
regards today and announced the positions...<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46626&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Police arrest ten persons suspected of prisoners` torture</a> - 19.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Police have arrested ten persons suspected of organizing prisoners`
torture in the Gldani N8 penitentiary facility. All of them have been
charged with article N144 - human torture.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46625&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Georgian Dream activists rallied at Gldani prison</a> - 19.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Members of the youth wing of the Georgian Dream opposition coalition
held a protest rally outside the Gldani N8 prison last night. The
protest was sparked after the Ministry of Internal Affairs released the
video depicting prisoners` torture and abuse, which took place in this
penitentiary facility.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46624&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Statement by Public Defender</a> - 19.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Public Defender of Georgia has released a special statement regarding
the facts of prisoners` torture in the Gldani N8 prison. In it, Public
Defender names all persons, who were shown in the videos depicting the
crime and demands beginning of investigation and punishment of the
persons involved.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46623&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Penitentiary Minister resigns</a> - 19.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">
Minister of Probation and Legal Assistance has resigned after the
Gldani prison scandal. Khatuna Kalmakhelidze appealed to Prime Minister
about resignation this morning.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46622&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">President`s Statement</a> - 19.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">President
of Georgia has made a special statement regarding the facts of human
rights violation revealed in the Gldani prison. The videos depicting
prisoners` torture and abuse were released by MIA yesterday. <br />`Fellow Georgians, <br />What happened in the Gldani number 8 penitentiary facility is a horrific affront to human rights and human dignity. <br />Those who organized, committed and allowed these crimes to happen will be severely punished. <br />The
police have already arrested most of those identified as involved in
these gross abuses. Others are on the run but being actively pursued by
police. <br />This case had already been under investigation because some
of the perpetrators had recently been identified as connected with
organized crime figures. <br />Tonight, I tell all the victims of these
inhuman actions and the whole nation that the Georgia we have built and
we are all building together shall not and will not tolerate such
behavior -- in its prisons or anywhere else. <br />We have not overcome
years of impunity and lawlessness to allow some people, whether they are
from the criminal world or, worse, from the penitentiary system itself,
to commit such crimes. <br />Those who were responsible for the penitentiary system and could not prevent such atrocities have been fired. <br />Those who committed these crimes will spend long years in jail. <br />The
whole idea of our new Georgia stands against this violence, which is a
reminiscence of our past that shall be and will be eradicated. <br />I ordered the relevant ministries to work restlessly on this case, identify, arrest and bring to justice all these criminals. <br />I will personally make sure that justice is delivered. <br />And
I will personally supervise that the dignity of our prisoners is
safeguarded in our system, against the abuses of the members of the
criminal world and of those corrupt rotten members of the penitentiary
who behave like mafia members. <br />I will supervise this because every
Georgian has the same right to dignity and fair treatment in the nation
we are all building together. <br />Our nation is based on the respect of human rights and human dignity and it will get rid of this ugly violence.<br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=46619&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=0">Statement by Ministry of Internal Affairs</a> - 18.09.12<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, Rustavi2</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has published a special statement today: </span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br />`On
the basis of operative information received from Gldani N8 prison an
investigation was launched upon the fact of degrading or inhumane
treatment against prisoners from the side of certain penitentiary
department employees. <br />As a result of investigative activities
jointly conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Penitentiary
Department, it was ascertained that Levan Purtskhvanidze, the head of
security section, Vladimer Bedukadze, an operative duty inspector
(dismissed from the occupied position in May 2012) and several
individuals under their influence have exercised inhumane treatment
against prisoners and made video records according to previously
elaborated plot. <br />From the received evidences it was established that
organization of inhumane treatment towards prisoners, video recording
of such behavior and proposal for material delivery to the clients in
return for substantial reimbursement were made by Tamaz Tamazashvili
(currently serving his term in the same prison) to penitentiary
department employees. <br />At this stage of investigation and from the
retrieved evidences, it became clear that initial contact with a client
was provided by Tamaz Tamazashvili and then by means of Tamaz
Elizbarashvili. <br />During searching activities held in the cabinet of
Levan Purtskhvanidze police detected video materials depicting inhumane
treatment exercised against prisoners and 17 000 USD. It is supposed
that besides the above mentioned material there are other video records
of the same character. <br />In the course of investigation Levan
Purtskhvanidze, the head of security section, Levan Pkhaladze, section
inspector Boris Parulava, were pronounced as an accused for committing
the motioned crime and detained. As for Vladimer Bedukadze, he was
currently announced as wanted. Investigation is in progress,` the
statement says. <br />Minister of Corrections and Legal Assistance,
Khatuna Kalmakhelidze held a special briefing regarding the violations
of convics` rights in prisons today. Minister said, the operative
department of the ministry worked in coordination with the Ministry of
Internal Affairs and revealed the aforementioned crime. Minister said
that any person, who tried to provoce violation of prisoners` rights
from outside, will be adequately punished in accordance with Georgian
legislation.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"></span><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25101&search=" style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Überblick zu allen Parteispenden</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"> - 11.08.2012, Civil Georgia</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25090&search=" style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Präsident
Saakashvili greift Ivanishvili an wegen groben Fehlern in der
Darstellung in seinem TV-Sender anläßlich des Jahrestages des
Georgienkrieges</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"> - 09.08.2012, Civil Georgia</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=25090&search=">Saakashvili Attacks Ivanishvili over His TV’s War Anniversary News Report Blunder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- ‘Only an idiot can ask a question: who started this war’;<br />- ‘Putin’s remarks are admission of guilt’;<br />- Saakashvili to Ivanishvili: ‘Your patron Putin himself said today that he started the war’<br />President
Saakashvili seized upon Bidzina Ivanishvili-funded television station’s
August war-related gaffe and said that Russia’s President Vladimir
Putin was “patron” of the Georgian Dream opposition coalition leader and
“his slaves”.<br />When reporting about the August war anniversary on
August 8 and giving a background information about those events, a
newscaster of the Channel 9 TV station’s noon news bulletin read out a
text from one of the Georgian news agencies, saying: “Military
hostilities were launched on August 7, 2008 between Ossetian
separatists, backed by the Russian troops, and the Georgian army.
Russia, which legally brought into the region its army units and
military hardware, formally engaged in the war on August 8.”<br />In its
3pm news bulletin the television station apologized for reporting that
Russia deployed troops legally, blaming mistake on a news agency, whose
text a newscaster was reading. The news agency, GHN, said it made a
mistake by not putting the word legally in scare quotes.<br />“Channel 9’s
newsroom apologizes for reading out a text prepared by a news agency
without verifying and checking it. At the same time the Channel 9 wants
to specify that it does not share such formulation of the text,” a
newscaster of TV station’s news bulletin announced.<br />Channel 9 was not
the only TV station which read out this text; Imedi TV’s journalist
used the same text, saying that Russian troops were deployed “legally”,
while delivering live report in Imedi TV’s 11am news bulletin on August
7. Imedi TV is co-owned by Saakashvili’s ally and former economy
minister Giorgi Arveladze.<br />Speaking in the Black Sea port of Poti,
which was one of the targets of Russia’s air strikes during the August
war four years ago, President Saakashvili said later on August 8: “This
morning one of the political party’s television channel announced that
Russian forces… were completely legally operating on the Georgian
territory.”<br />“We are a democratic state and they can think whatever
they want; they can say whatever they want, no matter how horrible and
disgusting it might be,” Saakashvili said. “But shouldn’t you have at
least slight of decency not to say something like this on the day when
we all should be paying respect to our fallen compatriots? These people
have not even a slight sense of solidarity.”<br />“Not a single law bans
to speak and think this way, but not a single law bans us to express
what we think about these people,” he continued.<br />“One thing is to
hate you government and it’s another issue to justify aggression against
your own country and to justify an attempt of conquering and destroying
your country.”<br />He then continued by speaking about the August 8
remarks of Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling them “admission of
guilt.” Putin said that the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces
had drawn up a plan of repelling Tbilisi’s possible attack on South
Ossetia more than a year before the August, 2008 war and in addition was
also training South Ossetian militias as part of this plan.<br />“But
here is the biggest paradox – today, the major initiator and culprit of
[the August, 2008] war, Vladimir Putin, absolutely explicitly stated
that for several years he had been planning and training armed groups
within our sovereign, independent territory; that is a classical legal
definition of an international aggression,” Saakashvili said.<br />“He
[Putin] himself made this admission and when this man states: ‘Yes, I
did it, I did it and I’m proud of that’, there are Georgian politicians
and their [media] outlets, funded with Russian money, which are sowing
uncertainty and confusion about this issue and asking one and the same
idiotic question – no one but an idiot will ask this question – ‘who
started this war?’.”<br />“I want to address these people, this man
[Ivanishvili] and his slaves: your patron Putin himself said today that
he started the war and he’s proud of that; maybe you will now revise
your versions about this issue and fit [your versions] to what Putin
himself has said,” Saakashvili said.<br />“This situation now looks like
when an offender admits committing a crime… but [the offender]-financed
lawyer still says: ‘No, no, that’s not what you think’,” Saakashvili
said. “I want to address these people: should not be there a difference
between Putin and you? He is Putin and you are Georgians. How can there
be uncertainty and confusion about who bombed our homes and our towns?”<br />Also
on August 8 the Georgian Foreign Ministry released a statement saying
that Putin’s “open admission of the long-term, pre-meditated nature of
the 2008 invasion offers critical insight into the conflict.”<br />“His
statements confirm Georgia's long-standing position that Russia's armed
incursion into Georgia in August 2008 constituted a premeditated act of
aggression against a sovereign nation,” the Georgian Foreign Ministry
said. "Based on today's statement, the Georgian government calls upon
the international community to continue to pressure Russia to withdraw
its occupying forces from Georgia and to respect the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of its neighbors."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>WAHLKAMPF FÜR PARLAMENTSWAHLEN 2012 DURCH IVANISHVILI ERÖFFNET</b></span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=24817&search=" style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Ivanishvili startet Kampagne mit großer Kundgebung</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> - 27.05.2012, Civil Georgia</span><br />
<a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=24816&search=" style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Ivanishvili-geführte Koalition demontstriert in Tbilisi</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> - 27.05.2012, Civil Georgia</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 12px;">Stichworte: Georgien, Wahlen, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 12px;">Sprache: englisch Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-92219432117248781552011-11-10T02:37:00.001+01:002011-11-13T02:50:02.015+01:00WTO-ABKOMMEN MIT RUSSLAND - WTO-DEAL WITH RUSSIA<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">10.11.2011 | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">Civil.ge</a> | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=24126&search=">Link zur Quelle</a> | Bilder | Video</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"> |</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=24122&search=" style="font-family:trebuchet ms,sans-serif">Georgien begrüßt 'erfolgreiches' WTO-Abkommen mit Russland</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"> - 10.10.2011, Civil Georgia</span><br /><div class="arttext_new" id="maintext"> <p>WTO deal with Russia is "very successful" for Georgia because "for the first time it allows to carry out international oversight on movement of cargo between Russia and Georgia's occupied territories," Nino Kalandadze, the Georgian deputy foreign minister, said on November 9.</p> <p>Georgia said earlier on November 9 that it had signed with Moscow an agreement in the Swiss-mediated talks, thus finalizing bilateral WTO negotiations.</p> <p>Kalandadze said that Georgia will soon make the signed documents publicly available.</p> <p>She said that apart of border crossing points located on the Abkhaz and South Ossetian sections of the Georgian-Russian border, Zemo Larsi-Kazbegi border crossing point outside the breakaway regions would also fall under the international monitoring, which is planned to be carried out by a private company hired by Switzerland. With this, Kalandadze said, “Russia has actually recognized a uniform trade regime with Georgia, which we also welcome.”<br /><br />“We hope that in the future Russia will also take such pragmatic stance in respect of those issues, which remain problematic between Russia and Georgia," she said.</p> <p>She also expressed Georgia's appreciation towards the Swiss mediation efforts. Russia and Georgia launched Swiss-mediated WTO talks in March, 2011.</p> <p> Tbilisi also welcomed Swiss efforts in the process of negotiations and stressed the importance of the decision, according to which a private company, which will carry out monitoring of trade between Russia and Georgia “will be accountable to the Swiss government and not to the sides.”</p><p><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=24118&search=" style="font-family:trebuchet ms,sans-serif">Georgien und Russland unterzeichnen WTO-Abkommen</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"> - 09.10.2011, Civil Georgia</span></p><div class="arttext_new" id="maintext"> <p>Russia and Georgia signed on November 9 a bilateral agreement, completing WTO talks, Georgian negotiator, Sergi Kapanadze, said.</p> <p>“We are very glad that after hesitation, Russia accepted the Swiss proposal; that is very important for us, because this is the first time when an international monitoring will be carried out on movement of cargo between Russia and Georgia, which also involves [cargo going in and from] Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region,” Kapanadze told Georgian TV station, Rustavi 2, via phone from Geneva on November 9.</p> <p>The package of documents includes bilateral agreement between the Russian and Georgian governments on customs administration and trade monitoring, he said. The package also includes documents related to the mandate of third, neutral party, Switzerland, which will hire a private company in charge of monitoring of trade. Kapanadze also said that the sides have also exchanged notes on terms of operation of a company, which will be monitoring the trade; these terms, he said, include provisions guaranteeing the company’s neutral operations.</p><p><br /></p><p>Georgian negotiator in the Swiss-mediated WTO talks with Moscow, Sergi Kapanadze, said on November 4, that an agreement had been reached with Russia and only technical issues are remaining, which should be settled in next five days.</p> <p>“We have an agreement with Russia,” Sergi Kapanadze, the Georgian deputy foreign minister, said after talks in Geneva. “We are glad that they [the Russian side] finally were able to accept the final Swiss proposal. Initialing of the agreement will happen tomorrow in Geneva.”</p> <p>He said that the text of the agreement “is the same”, which Georgia had accepted last week.</p> <p>“We will have technical work remaining next week, but hopefully there will be no complications as we have agreement over the text now,” Kapanadze said.</p> <p>He also said that next week the Swiss mediators would provide the text of the mandate that it would confer to a neutral private company.</p> <p>According to the deal observers from a private company will be stationed at the both ends of so called "trade corridors", but not inside of these corridors, meaning that they will not be stationed inside the breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Georgian officials said last week, that trade corridors, which will be defined by their geographic coordinates not by names, lie through breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The monitoring will also involve Zemo Larsi-Kazbegi border crossing point, which is on the undisputed section of the Georgian-Russian border, outside the breakaway regions.</p> <p>“We will also have to agree to the text of the contract that Georgia and Russia will sign with the monitors,” Sergi Kapanadze said.</p> <p>He said that the agreement should be signed before November 10, when the formal meeting of the WTO working party on Russia’s accession is scheduled.</p> <p>Negotiations on the accession of a new member to WTO are held within a working party, uniting countries that have unsettled trade issues with a candidate country. The meeting is expected to approve the Russia’s draft accession document, a voluminous report detailing conditions for joining the organization.</p><p>“We have also agreed to the text of the working party report on Russia’s accession, which relates its WTO related commitments to Georgia,” Kapanadze said.</p><p><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=24103&search=" rel="nofollow">Georgischer Unterhändler Sergi Kapanadze: 'Wir haben ein WTO-Abkommen mit Russland'</a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">- 04.10.2011, Civil Georgia</span></p><p>Georgian negotiator in the Swiss-mediated WTO talks with Moscow, Sergi Kapanadze, said on November 4, that an agreement had been reached with Russia and only technical issues are remaining, which should be settled in next five days.<br />“We have an agreement with Russia,” Sergi Kapanadze, the Georgian deputy foreign minister, said after talks in Geneva. “We are glad that they [the Russian side] finally were able to accept the final Swiss proposal. Initialing of the agreement will happen tomorrow in Geneva.”<br />He said that the text of the agreement “is the same”, which Georgia had accepted last week.<br />“We will have technical work remaining next week, but hopefully there will be no complications as we have agreement over the text now,” Kapanadze said.<br />He also said that next week the Swiss mediators would provide the text of the mandate that it would confer to a neutral private company.<br />According to the deal observers from a private company will be stationed at the both ends of so called "trade corridors", but not inside of these corridors, meaning that they will not be stationed inside the breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Georgian officials said last week, that trade corridors, which will be defined by their geographic coordinates not by names, lie through breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The monitoring will also involve Zemo Larsi-Kazbegi border crossing point, which is on the undisputed section of the Georgian-Russian border, outside the breakaway regions.<br />“We will also have to agree to the text of the contract that Georgia and Russia will sign with the monitors,” Sergi Kapanadze said.<br />He said that the agreement should be signed before November 10, when the formal meeting of the WTO working party on Russia’s accession is scheduled.<br />Negotiations on the accession of a new member to WTO are held within a working party, uniting countries that have unsettled trade issues with a candidate country. The meeting is expected to approve the Russia’s draft accession document, a voluminous report detailing conditions for joining the organization.<br />“We have also agreed to the text of the working party report on Russia’s accession, which relates its WTO related commitments to Georgia,” Kapanadze said.</p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Sprache: deutsch, englisch, Archiv: #</span></p></div></div>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-22434671614582041152011-07-30T02:12:00.001+02:002011-07-31T02:15:11.065+02:00Resolution zur Okkupation im US-Senat verabschiedet<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:hyphenationzone>21</w:HyphenationZone> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Normale Tabelle"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=23811&search=" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Resolution zur Okkupation im US-Senat verabschiedet</a> - 30.07.2011, Civil Georgia<br />In der Resolution wird Georgiens territoriale Integrität unterstützt und Abchasien und Südosseten als "von Russland besetzte Regionen" anerkannt. ...<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-size:100%;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/files/files/2011/SenateResolution175.pdf">http://www.civil.ge/files/files/2011/SenateResolution175.pdf</a></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-family:Cheltenham-Bold;mso-bidi-color:black;" lang="EN-GB">Calendar No. 113</span></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >112TH CONGRESS</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >1ST SESSION </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-family: Cheltenham-Bold;mso-bidi-color:black;" lang="EN-GB">S. RES. 175</span></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Expressing the sense of the Senate with respect to ongoing violations of</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia and the importance</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >of a peaceful and just resolution to the conflict within Georgia’s internationally</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >recognized borders.</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >MAY 10, 2011</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Mrs. SHAHEEN (for herself, Mr. GRAHAM, Mr. KYL, Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mr.</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >CARDIN, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. LUGAR, Mr. CASEY, Mr. COCHRAN,</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Mr. MCCAIN, Mr. KIRK, Mr. RUBIO, Mr. RISCH, Mr. LEVIN, Mr.</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >BARRASSO, Mr. BEGICH, Mr. MENENDEZ, and Mr. COONS) submitted the</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >JULY 27, 2011</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Reported by Mr. KERRY, without amendment</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-family:Cheltenham-Bold;mso-bidi-color:black;" lang="EN-GB">RESOLUTION</span></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Expressing the sense of the Senate with respect to ongoing</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >violations of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Georgia</span><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" > and the importance of a peaceful and just resolution</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >to the conflict within Georgia’s internationally recognized</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >borders.</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas, since 1993, the territorial integrity of Georgia has</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >been reaffirmed by the international community and 36</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >United Nations Security Council resolutions;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;color:white;">VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:02 Jul 28, 2011 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR175.RS SR175 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with BILLS</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >2</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >•</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Bold; mso-bidi-color:black;" lang="EN-GB">SRES 175 RS</span></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas the United States-Georgia Strategic Charter, signed</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >on January 9, 2009, underscores that ‘‘support for each</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >other’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >inviolability of borders constitutes the foundation of our</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >bilateral relations’’;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas, in October 2010, at the meeting of the United</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >States-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership, Secretary</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >of State Hillary Clinton stated, ‘‘The United</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >States will not waiver in its support for Georgia’s sovereignty</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >and territorial integrity.’’;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas the White House released a fact sheet on July 24,</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >2010, calling for ‘‘Russia to end its occupation of the</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia’’ and</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >for ‘‘a return of international observers to the two occupied</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >regions of Georgia’’;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas Vice President Joseph Biden stated in Tbilisi in</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >July 2009 that the United States ‘‘will not recognize</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states’’;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas, according to the Government of Georgia’s ‘‘State</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Strategy on Occupied Territories,’’ the Government of</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Georgia</span><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" > has committed itself to a policy of peaceful engagement,</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >the protection of economic and human rights,</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >freedom of movement, and the preservation of cultural</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >heritage, language, and identity for the people of</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Abkhazia and South Ossetia;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas the August 2008 conflict between the Governments</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >of Russia and Georgia resulted in civilian and military</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >causalities, the violation of the sovereignty and territorial</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >integrity of Georgia, and large numbers of internally displaced</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >persons;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;color:white;">VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:02 Jul 28, 2011 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR175.RS SR175 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with BILLS</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >3</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >•</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Bold; mso-bidi-color:black;" lang="EN-GB">SRES 175 RS</span></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas large numbers of persons remain displaced as a result</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >of the August 2008 conflict as well as the earlier</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >conflicts of the 1990s;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas the August 12, 2008, ceasefire agreement, agreed to</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >by the Governments of Russia and Georgia provides that</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >all troops of the Russian Federation shall be withdrawn</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >to pre-conflict positions;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas the August 12, 2008, ceasefire agreement provides</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >that free access shall be granted to organizations providing</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >humanitarian assistance in regions affected by violence</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >in August 2008;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas the recognition by the Government of Russia of</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Abkhazia and South Ossetia on August 26, 2008, was in</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Georgia</span><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas Human Rights Watch concluded in its World Report</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >2011 that ‘‘Russia continued to occupy Georgia’s breakaway</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >strengthened its military presence in the region by establishing</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >a military base and placing an advanced surfaceto-</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >air missile system in Abkhazia’’;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas the parties have taken some constructive steps in recent</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >months, including the resumption of direct flights</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >between Russia and Georgia, Russian troop withdrawal</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >from the Georgian village of Perevi, and regular participation</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >in the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas these positive steps neither adequately address the</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >humanitarian situation on the ground nor constitute full</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >compliance with the terms of the August 2008 ceasefire</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >agreement;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;color:white;">VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:02 Jul 28, 2011 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR175.RS SR175 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with BILLS</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >4</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >•</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Bold; mso-bidi-color:black;" lang="EN-GB">SRES 175 RS</span></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas, on November 23, 2010, before the European Parliament,</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Georgian President Saakashvili declared that</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >‘‘Georgia will never use force to restore its territorial integrity</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >and sovereignty’’;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas Secretary of State Clinton stated in Tbilisi on July</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >5, 2010, ‘‘We continue to call for Russia to abide by the</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >August 2008 cease-fire commitment . . . including ending</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >the occupation and withdrawing Russian troops from</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >South Ossetia</span><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" > and Abkhazia to their pre-conflict positions.’’;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas the Russian Federation blocked the extension of the</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >(OSCE) Mission to Georgia and the United Nations Observer</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Mission</span><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" > in Georgia, forcing the missions to withdraw</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >from South Ossetia and Abkhazia;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas troops of the Russian Federation stationed in</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Abkhazia and South Ossetia continue to be present without</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >the consent of the Government of Georgia or a mandate</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >from the United Nations or other multilateral organizations;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas, at the April 15, 2011, meeting in Berlin between</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >the foreign ministers of Georgia and NATO, Secretary of</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >State Clinton stated, ‘‘U.S. support for Georgia’s sovereignty</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >and territorial integrity remains steadfast. . . .</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >We share Georgian concerns regarding recent Russian</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >activities that can negatively affect regional stability.’’;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas, on April 25–26, 2011, Foreign Minister of Russia</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Sergei Lavrov made a high-profile visit to Abkhazia and</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >South Ossetia</span><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >, which was immediately criticized by the</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Department of State as ‘‘inconsistent with the principle</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;color:white;">VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:02 Jul 28, 2011 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR175.RS SR175 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with BILLS</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >5</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >•</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Bold; mso-bidi-color:black;" lang="EN-GB">SRES 175 RS</span></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >of territorial integrity and Georgia’s internationally recognized</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >borders’’;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas the Senate supports United States efforts to develop</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >a productive relationship with the Russian Federation in</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >areas of mutual interest, including non-proliferation and</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >arms control, cooperation concerning the failure of the</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Government of Iran to meet its international obligations</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >with regard to its nuclear programs, counter-terrorism,</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Afghanistan</span><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >, anti-piracy, and economics and trade; and</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Whereas the Senate agrees that these efforts must not compromise</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >longstanding United States policy or United</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >States support for its allies and partners worldwide: Now,</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >therefore, be it</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >1 </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="font-family:DeVinne-Italic; mso-bidi-color:black;" lang="EN-GB">Resolved, </span></i></span><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >That the Senate—</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >2 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >(1) affirms that it is the policy of the United</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >3 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >States to support the sovereignty, independence, and</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >4 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >territorial integrity of Georgia and the inviolability</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >5 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >of its borders, and to recognize Abkhazia and South</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >6 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Ossetia as regions of Georgia occupied by the Rus</span><span style="font-family:Times-Roman; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >7</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >sian Federation;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >8 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >(2) calls upon the Government of Russia to</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >9 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >take steps to fulfill all the terms and conditions of</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >10 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >the 2008 ceasefire agreements between Georgia and</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >11 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Russia</span><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >, including returning military forces to pre</span><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >12</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >war positions and ensuring access to international</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >13 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >humanitarian aid to all those affected by the con</span><span style="font-family:Times-Roman; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >14</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >flict;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;color:white;">VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:02 Jul 28, 2011 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\SR175.RS SR175 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with BILLS</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >6</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >•</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Bold; mso-bidi-color:black;" lang="EN-GB">SRES 175 RS</span></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >1 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >(3) urges the Government of Russia and the au</span><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >2</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >thorities in control in the regions of South Ossetia</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >3 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >and Abkhazia to allow for the full and dignified re</span><span style="font-family:Times-Roman; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >4</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >turn of internally displaced persons and inter</span><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi- font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >5</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >national missions to the territories of Abkhazia and</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >6 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >South Ossetia;</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >7 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >(4) supports peaceful, constructive engagement</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >8 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >and confidence-building measures between the Gov</span><span style="font-family:Times-Roman; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >9</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >ernment of Georgia and the authorities in control in</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >10 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >South Ossetia and Abkhazia and encourages addi</span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >11</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >tional people-to-people contacts; and</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >12 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >(5) affirms that finding a peaceful resolution to</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >13 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >the conflict is a key priority for the United States</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >14 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >in the Caucasus region and that lasting regional sta</span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >15</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >bility can only be achieved through peaceful means</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >16 </span><span style="font-family:DeVinne; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >and long-term diplomatic and political dialogue be</span><span style="font-family:Times-Roman; mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >17</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >tween all parties.</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;color:white;">with BILLS</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-family:Cheltenham-Bold;mso-bidi-color:black;" lang="EN-GB">Calendar No. 113</span></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >112TH CONGRESS</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >1ST SESSION </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-family: Cheltenham-Bold;mso-bidi-color:black;" lang="EN-GB">S. RES. 175</span></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-family:Cheltenham-Bold;mso-bidi-color:black;" lang="EN-GB">RESOLUTION</span></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="8"><span style="font-family:DeVinne;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;color:black;" lang="EN-GB" >Expressing the sense of the Senate with respect to</span></p>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-23085258078317389592011-07-22T01:46:00.000+02:002011-07-31T01:48:47.015+02:00EU-Erweiterungskommissar Stefan Füle hält Rede auf der Batumi-Konferenz<span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=23787&search=" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: times new roman;">EU-Erweiterungskommissar Stefan Füle hält Rede auf der Batumi-Konferenz</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> - 22.07.2011, Civil Georgia<br />As prepared</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">8th International Conference on 'Georgia's European Way'</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Batumi, Georgia, 22 July 2011</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Mr President, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I am happy to be here in Batumi with you today. Batumi is a fine symbol of the great Georgian hospitality that I enjoy so much and remember so fondly from this same conference two years ago.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I am also happy to be here to discuss openly Georgia’s European way and its aspirations, needs and practices.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Let me first briefly present to you the main results of the European Neighbourhood Policy review. This can be summed up in four ideas: deep democracy, mutual accountability, conditionality and differentiation, or the "more for more" approach.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Through this renewed approach, the EU agrees to provide greater support to partners engaged in building deep and sustainable democracy, to boost inclusive economic development and to strengthen both the Eastern and the Southern dimensions of the ENP, in particular in the areas of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. This increased support will depend on the willingness of partners to engage and their progress towards reforms.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">There is a specific dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy for the East - the Eastern Partnership that serves as the platform for engagement with Georgia and other neighbours in the Eastern parts of Europe.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">How will this renewed approach be translated into the Eastern Partnership?</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Within the limits of the time available, let me give you just four elements that I consider essential:</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">First, the Association Agreements: these are being negotiated with our Eastern partners and will remain the cornerstone of our relationship. However, in some cases, these far reaching and very complex agreements take a long time to negotiate. Under this renewed policy, we will need to identify tools that will allow us to bridge these long periods and intensify engagement with our partners.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Second, Civil Society and its role in pursuing the goals of the Eastern Partnership. The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum and its National Platforms are essential to promote the Eastern Partnership’s values, and we should strengthen their involvement. I am personally committed to additional support being provided to civil society in partner countries. For this purpose, we intend to establish a Civil Society Facility and a European Endowment for Democracy, in order to consolidate the role of civil society actors, including those which have not been able to benefit from EU support so far. I will also encourage the EU delegations in partner countries to launch a structured political dialogue with National Platforms.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Third, conflicts: comprehensive and concerted use of the whole toolbox that is now at the EU's disposal will allow us to contribute meaningfully to the resolution of protracted conflicts existing in Eastern Partnership countries.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Fourth, enhanced regional cooperation: it was actually President Saakashvili who had inspired us to seriously consider developping a forum for regular interaction between Eastern Partnership countries and the EU at the appropriate level and on a wide range of issues, creating a better connection between bilateral and multilateral tracks of the Eastern Partnership.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">The greatest challenge now lies in the implementation of this ambitious renewed policy. We will look into how we jointly – and I underline the word "jointly" - implement it at the upcoming Eastern Partnership summit in Warsaw. And I will be looking forward to our fruitful discussion there to which this conference is a prelude.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Let me now turn to the specific case of Georgia, and its European way.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Georgia has made its choice for closer integration with the European Union. The relationship between Georgia and the EU is gradually developing into a close, strong and dynamic partnership based on clear common objectives. Good progress has been made on negotiations for the Association Agreement. We need to move forward towards free trade and more freedom of movement. None of this is easy and many technical difficulties need to be solved before the objectives can become reality.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">But this European choice is above anything the choice of adherence to the universal values of democracy, respect for human rights and rule of law. In this respect, Georgia has already embarked on a solid path of reform and has made impressive progress since the Rose Revolution in 2003.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">However, there is much still to be done.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Democracy in Georgia needs to be consolidated. There needs to be a clear system of checks and balances. There needs to be a more tolerant and pluralistic political culture.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">What happened in May in Tbilisi during the protest rally must never happen again. I know an investigation into these events has been conducted but I believe further investigation into these events is needed to ensure that those responsible for excessive use of force and losses of human lives are held accountable for any eventual wrong doings.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Furthermore, democracy in Georgia needs to be more inclusive. Next year's parliamentary elections and the 2013 presidential elections demand a level playing field to be truly successful. These elections will be important test cases for Georgian democracy. In the meantime, all the political forces and also civil society representatives should engage together on the reform of the electoral system.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">The other fundamental foundation for democratic development is the independence of justice. Political influence over the judicial system cannot be tolerated anywhere and this is something the European Union monitors closely, and here also I believe there is room for improvement in Georgia.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Second, let me continue to what remains to be done at a socio-economic level.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Batumi is a great example of how Georgia is developing swiftly. However, I believe there is another Georgia beyond the splendid boulevards of Batumi. A Georgia that needs sustainable growth. A Georgia that needs to reduce social and regional inequalities. A Georgia that needs to create jobs for its workers and higher standards of living for its people. This is the European way. If Georgia seriously chooses to pursue this way, it needs to undergo very comprehensive and resolute reforms. But at the end of this journey, there will be sustainable, balanced and long term development for everyone.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">The last element that I would like to emphasise here is conflict resolution. The European Union’s position on this is well known. We support the security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. We will continue to oppose border changes brought about through use of military force. We will continue to engage in conflict resolution through deploying the full range of our instruments (namely financial assistance, Geneva International discussions, the European Union Monitoring Mission and the soon-to-be-appointed new Special Representative). All these elements of support together provide for the security and stability of Georgia.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Georgia itself is engaging in the process. It plays a constructive role in the Geneva discussions. President Saakashvili made a non-use-of-force commitment in front of the European Parliament last November and we have all welcomed it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">However, in order to reach reconciliation, serious and genuine engagement with the communities of the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is essential. The European Union and the international community can do their part, but it is mostly up to Georgia itself to find ways to build bridges. Isolation is no alternative. Georgia must show to these communities, now divided by conflict, that they are an integral part of Georgian society and will also benefit from closer political approximation and economic integration with the European Union. Let us do everything possible together so that people from both sides of the Administrative Border Line can again safely travel, trade and invest beyond that line. It is a way how to extend the benefits of European path to all communities, to all Georgians.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">To conclude, let me confirm that I am a strong believer in Georgia’s European way, and in a democratic, prosperous and reunited Georgia. Sharing the universal values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Offering its citizens all the benefits of modern European society. It might not be an easy choice for this country - Georgia needs to balance its geopolitical interests. It might not be the easiest possible way, but let me assure you that the European way is the real route to political and economic stability for this country.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">We are determined to work towards these goals, and we hope that together, as genuine partners, we can achieve them.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I look forward to today's discussions being fruitful, and many thanks to all those involved in organising the event – particularly my friend Gia Baramidze. Thank you for your attention.</span></span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-15748918853463090042011-05-31T11:38:00.000+02:002011-06-06T11:44:46.664+02:00Georgiens Ziel ist Europa - Georgia's European Goal<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">31.05.2011 | <a href="http://de.euronews.net/">Euronews</a> | <a href="http://www.euronews.net/2011/05/31/saakashvili-the-west-is-only-option/" style="color:#0000ff" title="Link zur Quelle">Link zur Quelle</a> | Bilder | <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDGTDNalLM8">Video</a> |</span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Im Interview mit Präsident Saakashvili stellt Euronews-Reporter Alasdair Sandford Fragen zu den Protestkundgebungen, der Entwicklung Georgiens hin zum Westen und demokratischen Werten sowie zu den Betiehungen zum Nachbar Russland. The “Rose Revolution” of 2003 finally allowed Georgia to turn the page on the Soviet era: the country’s politics personified by one man. Since then, President Mikhail Saakashvili has won two elections and survived a war he started with Russia over Georgia’s breakaway territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Strategically important on the post-Cold War chessboard, Georgia’s goals to join the EU and NATO have amplified friction with Moscow. Last week domestic problems brought street demonstrations in Tbilisi, as protesters complained of poverty and accused Saakashvili of monopolising power. The West and human rights groups condemned the police use of force as “excessive”. Several days later, the atmosphere was very different when Mikhail Saakashvili spoke to euronews. The man who likes to be called “Misha” chose a public park for the location, near the presidential palace where he had hosted a dinner. ... Interview-Text ...</span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Stichworte: Georgien, Innenpolitik, Russland, </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Sprache: deutsch, englisch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-12249487133581602182011-04-13T20:05:00.001+02:002011-06-06T11:56:26.518+02:00Georgien debattiert im Europaparlament<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">22.12.2011 | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">Civil.ge</a> | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=23341&search=">Link zur Quelle</a> | Bilder | Video</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"> |<br /><br /></span><span>In einer Resolution werden die signifikante Fortschritte Georgiens seit dem letzten Beobachterbericht 2008 begrüßt und das Engagement in den letzten zwölf Jahren seit Beitritt anerkannt.<br />Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) adopted on April 13 resolution on honoring commitments by Georgia, undertaken when the country jointed Council of Europe twelve years ago.<br />While welcoming “significant efforts” by the Georgian government in honouring its commitment and “considerable progress” achieved since the last monitoring report in 2008 despite the consequences of the August war, the resolution also outlines shortcomings in various areas.<br />The adoption of the resolution was preceded by debates on a report prepared by two co-rapporteurs on Georgia – Michael Jensen, a lawmaker from Denmark and Kastriot Islami, a lawmaker from Albania.<br />During the debates most of the speakers said that the report was “balanced” and, as one speaker said, the co-rapporteurs “managed to strike a middle ground” without underestimating progress or shortcomings.<br />The most of the criticism came from the Russian delegation, who said that the report was not fully reflecting the problems in Georgia, including one of “political prisoners”.<br />Sergei Markov, lawmaker from Russia’s ruling party, United Russia, said that the report “leaves mixed impression”; he said the report was not about “real Georgia, where the opposition is suffering and is afraid, where the TV channels are under the government’s control.”<br />MP Konstantin Kosachev, who leads the Russian delegation at PACE, said that Russia would be sincerely pleased with the Georgian people’s successes, because Russia considers Georgian people “as friends.” Kosachev said that while now everyone were expressing concern about developments in Libya, “we have to bear in mind that President Saakashvili tried to act very much the same against his own people” in August, 2008.<br />“While comparing to Gaddafi maybe you can recall Chechnya,” Akaki Minashvili, a senior Georgian lawmaker responded during the debates. “While [speaking about] political prisoners maybe you can recall Khadarkovsky; while speaking about friendship – we know what your friendship is; your friendship is expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Georgians from Abkhazia and South Ossetia.”<br />The resolution, which in overall was welcomed by the Georgian delegation, praises the Georgian authorities for taking initiatives “to overcome the polarisation and confrontational atmosphere that has regrettably dominated the political landscape”, as well as efforts “to strengthen the position and role of the opposition.”<br />The resolution says that the 2012 parliamentary and 2013 presidential elections “will be the litmus test” and calls on the political parties to agree on “election system that can muster the full trust of all electoral stakeholders.”<br />While welcoming the major constitutional changes, which will go into force in late 2013, the resolution also calls on the Georgian authorities to take into consideration recommendations by Council of Europe’s advisory body, Venice Commission. In particular the resolution calls for revising procedures for non-confidence vote to the government so that to strengthen the powers of the Parliament in this process; it also calls for increasing the Parliament’s role in budgetary matters.<br />The resolution expresses concern over “the problems of the administration of justice that could endanger the principles of equal application of the law.”<br />“The Assembly calls upon the Georgian authorities to address these problems which, if left unaddressed, could undermine the considerable progress made by the authorities in the field of judicial reform and the strengthening of the independence of the judiciary,” the resolution reads.<br />The resolution also notes “the persistent allegations that high-level corruption has not been fully eradicated”. It says that complaints over excessive use of force by the police during the protests “do not seem to be effectively and systematically investigated.”<br />The resolution welcomes “political will” of the Georgian government to address the problem of overcrowding and inadequate living conditions in prisons. It says that growth of the prison population “is largely the result of the very strict, even sometimes disproportionate, mandatory sentencing guidelines, even for minor crimes” and because of consecutive sentencing rules.<br />While welcoming entry into force of the law on the prosecution service, the resolution also says that considerable powers given to the Minister of Justice to conduct personally the prosecution of high ranking officials, such as president and members of the government, should be abolished.<br />The resolution expresses “regret” that Georgia has not yet honored its commitment to sign the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages and calls on Georgia to sign and ratify this Charter “without further delay.”<br />The resolution also expresses concern about “the manner in which IDPs were recently evicted from their residences in Tbilisi.” When during the debates this issue was raised by one of the speakers, a senior Georgian lawmaker Petre Tsiskarishvili responded: “I do not want you my dear colleagues to misinterpret the facts and call the resettlement process [of IDPs] ‘eviction’ or ‘throwing people out in the streets’.”<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-12838228849598230582011-03-11T13:08:00.000+01:002011-03-19T13:10:29.485+01:00US-Investor Donald Trump unterzeichnet Vertrag zur Entwicklung von zwei Bürotürmen im Wert von 300 Mio. USD<span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" >11.03.2011 | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">Civil.ge</a> | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=23226&search=">Link zur Quelle</a> | Bilder | Video</span> <span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" > |</span><br /><br />U.S. real estate tycoon, Donald Trump, signed a deal at a ceremony in New York in presence of President Saakashvili, to develop two towers in Georgia with an estimated worth of up to USD 300 million.<br />Trump will license his name in Georgia and his company will manage the two properties, but so far he has no plans to put his own investment into the deal, The New York Times reported.<br />“We’ll decide whether or not we want to invest,” Trump said.<br />The Trump Organization, company in charge of Trump’s property development, will work in Georgia with the Silk Road Group, Georgian conglomerate with business interests in transportation, telecommunications, banking and real estate, to line up financing for the project and market the towers.<br />The planned projects involve the Trump Tower Tbilisi on Rose Revolution Square, a formerly Republic Square; another is the Trump Riviera in Batumi. Construction, which will be overseen by the Silk Road Group, is scheduled to start in 2013, The New York Times reported.<br />After the signing of the deal Donald Trump appeared at a joint news conference with President Saakashvili at the Trump Tower in Manhattan on a background of a large banner reading: “Trump Invests in Georgia”.<br />Trump praised Georgia and its leadership saying: “This is a country with amazing leadership.” Trump, who said was thinking about running for the U.S. President in 2012 more seriously now than ever, criticized the Obama administration and said he would decide whether to run or not by June.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;" >Stichworte: Georgien, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;" >Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-30880274978694149082011-03-11T13:04:00.003+01:002011-03-19T13:08:33.404+01:00US-Vizepräsident Biden in Moskau: Russland und USA sind über Georgien anderer Meinung<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">11.03.2011 | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">Civil.ge</a> | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=23228&search=">Link zur Quelle</a> | Bilder | Video</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"> |<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">"Es ist noch viel Arbeit zu erledigen, um unsere Sicherheitszusammenarbeut und Nähe zu verbessern." "Wir meinen, dass ein größeres Prinzip auf dem Spiel steht. Wie in bereits München 2009 gesagt, ... 'unsere Sichtweise wird bleiben, dass souveräne Staaten das Recht haben, ihre eigenen Entscheidungen zu treffen und ihre eigenen Allianzen zu wählen.' Und weiterhin: 'Wir werden anerkennen, dass irgendein Staat eine Einflusszone habe.' Und nahezu ohne Rücksicht auf die Schwierigkeit - wir unterstützen keinen Staat, welcher mit Gewalt veranlassen will, die Führschaft einer gewählten - demokratisch gewählten Einzelperson zu ändern."</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“Genuine disagreement” remains between Russia and the United States over Georgia, U.S. Vice President, Joe Biden, said while speaking at the State University in Moscow on March 10.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">In his speech he spoke about the benefits Russia and the United States received in various areas two years after pressing “reset button”; he, however, also said that there “is still much work to be done to enhance our security cooperation and closeness”.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“We have a genuine disagreement not only with your [Russian] leadership but with the vast majority of the Russian people over Georgia,” Biden told the audience at the Moscow State University. “But there’s a larger principle at stake here in our view – and I want to be straightforward because if friends cannot be straightforward with friends, it really isn’t friendship based on mutual trust.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“We think there’s a larger principle at stake here. As I said when I announced the reset at Munich [Security Conference in February, 2009] I said, ‘It will remain our view that sovereign states have the right to make their own decisions and choose their own alliances.’ And further: ‘We will not recognize any state having a sphere of influence.’ And almost regardless of the difficulty, we don't support any state deciding through force changing the leadership of an elected – democratically elected individual,” Biden said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">He said the U.S. had been working closely with Russia and Georgia “to reduce the threat of further conflict.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“As a result, Georgia recently restated its commitment non-use of force, and commercial flights have resumed between Moscow and Tbilisi. But we must do more to assist those displaced by the 2008 conflict and enable normal travel and commerce to occur,” the U.S. Vice President added.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Sprache: deutsch, englisch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-14212769211576296772011-02-22T13:23:00.001+01:002011-02-23T13:32:20.464+01:00Ausscheidender EU-Gesandter Peter Semneby äußert sich zu Georgien<span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" >21.02.2011 | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">Civil.ge</a> | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=23170&search=">Link zur Quelle</a> | Bilder | Video</span> <span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" > |</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">"Die nächsten Wahlen 2012/13 seien für die Reife der Demokratie in Georgien äußerst wichtig"</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;"># 'Next elections crucial';</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;"># 'Georgia is a better place now';</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;"># 'Ruling party’s overwhelming dominance';</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;"># Georgia’s regional role;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;"># Needs for 'qualitative change' in Russo-Georgian ties;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;"># On term 'occupied' – 'labeling not the most important'</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Next elections, including parliamentary in 2012 and presidential in 2013, would be “crucial for the maturity of the Georgian democracy,” Peter Semneby, an outgoing EU’s Special Representative for South Caucasus, said on February 22 in Tbilisi.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“It is very important that the electoral legislature is agreed well beforehand [so] that it does not become part of the electoral campaign itself. Georgia needs to establish clear and stable rules of the game for the political competition between the parties,” Semneby said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">It was the Swedish diplomat’s last visit to Georgia in his capacity of the EU’s Special Representative, as his mandate on the post, which he held since 2006, expires on February 28.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">The fate of the post is unclear yet as the discussions about the mandate of Special Representatives were still underway within EU, he said. “There certainly [will] be a gap before this discussion is concluded,” Semneby said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Semneby, whose tenure coincided with Georgia’s several domestic political crises and the August war, said that it had been “a very challenging period” for Georgia.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“But I think Georgia is a better place now for many reasons, than it was in the beginning of my term in this job and not least thanks to the new stage that we have entered in relations between Georgia and the European Union with the start of negotiations on Association Agreement,” he said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“I very strongly hope Georgia will take these negotiations [on Association Agreement] seriously and Georgia will approach these negotiations with diligence that they deserve, because it is in a close relations with EU that Georgia can find the best guarantees that are available for its sovereignty and security,” Semneby said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Semneby, who acted for number of times as a facilitator between the Georgian authorities and the opposition during the internal political tensions, involving series of mass street protests in 2007-2009, said that those events “had ultimately healthy influence on the political discourse in general in Georgia.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“They demonstrated by balancing on the brink, on many occasions, what limits are on the use of force as means in politics and I think Georgia is much healthier place after these events were successfully dealt with,” he said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">'Overwhelming Dominance of Ruling Party'</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Semneby said that overwhelming dominance of the ruling National Movement Party in government branches was putting on the authorities a large degree of responsibility.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“The current governing party also needs to consider how it uses the overwhelming domination that it has at the moment – with the constitutional majority in the Parliament and control of all municipal councils in the country – in a responsible way in order to provide the oxygen for alternative political voices to be heard,” he said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Asked to elaborate further on the issue, Semneby said that he was only making an observation that there was “quite an extraordinary situation” in Georgia with one political force being “in a very, very, exceptionally strong position” and “it puts a large degree of responsibility on the political force that has this kind of dominance.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Georgia’s Regional Role and Russia</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Semneby said that Georgia in many ways achieved progress that “goes beyond what has been achieved by other countries in the region.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“It’s important to consider that for its international partners Georgia is important in regional context, not just by itself and Georgia therefore needs to make its own contribution to stability in this region,” he said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“This also includes relations with Russia where we need to find way - Georgia’s partners are willing and I think able to help here – to do more in terms of improving those relations without compromising on existential positions, but nevertheless there needs to be a qualitative change in these relationships.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“Realistically speaking it will take time to address all the conflict-related issues and in the meantime it will be necessary and important to improve and develop relations between Georgia and Russia even with such fundamental differences remaining,” Semneby said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">He said that apart of human aspect and restoring contacts between Russia and Georgia on “personal level”, there were “lots of practical issues” that needed to be dealt, including the one related to trade.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“If there is development of Georgian-Russian relations in a broader sense it may – I say ‘may’, it’s not absolutely certain that it would be the case – also improve conditions for resolving very difficult political issues that still remain between the two countries,” he said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Abkhazia, S.Ossetia</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Semneby, who has been involved in developing EU’s “engagement without recognition” approach towards Georgia’s breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, said that EU had “much more extensive and much more intensive” interaction with Sokhumi, than with Tskhinvali.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">He said he had extensive discussions both in Tbilisi and Sokhumi about where the greatest opportunities for engagement were and “I would say that the area of healthcare would provide important opportunities for further engagement.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Semneby said that many of the aspects of Tbilisi’s approach were mirroring those of the EU.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“We have welcomed many of the initiatives taken by the Georgian government and in particular the Action Plan” for Engagement, Semneby said referring to a document which was approved by the Georgian government in July, 2010 and which lays out steps for implementing goals outlined in Tbilisi’s Strategy on Occupied Territories.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“We believe it [the Action Plan for Engagement] contains very many interesting intentions that clearly mirror priorities and views of the European Union… We are obviously ready to make a contribution to supporting those parts of Georgian plan that are in line with our own policies and convictions,” Semneby said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">He said that Georgia needed international partners in order to facilitate reconciliation. “Georgia also needs to trust its international partners in this endeavor,” Semneby added.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Asked about his shunning away from using term “occupied territories” in reference to Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Semneby said: “Labeling here is not the most important issue.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“The fact is that we have conflict situation that needs to be dealt with in such a way that we ensure that certain objectives are fulfilled. We should focus on tasks here to rebuild contacts across the confrontation lines, we should address the humanitarian issues, security-related issues including fulfillment of the agreements that entered in August and September 2008,” he said.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;" >Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;" >Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-48562792111752448412011-02-12T13:29:00.000+01:002011-02-23T13:31:43.808+01:00In der Regierungserklärung bestimmt Präsident Saakashvili 2015 als neues Ziel zur Vollendung verschiedener Aufgaben<span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" >12.02.2011 | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">Civil.ge</a> | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=23138&search=">Link zur Quelle</a> | Bilder | Video</span> <span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" > |<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >President Saakashvili has set 2015 as a new target date for accomplishment of various tasks, which he laid out in his annual state of the nation address in the Parliament on February 11.<br />Among the targets listed by Saakashvili in his speech, which, he said, should be achieved by 2015 were: doubling agriculture production; doubling export; doubling state budget; halving current level of unemployment; 50% increase of average salaries; population growth to 5 million; increase of annual number of foreign visitors to 5 million; building of 17 new hydro power plants.<br />“You have probably noticed that while speaking about various issues I have numerously mentioned the year 2015,” said Saakashvili, who previously was often mentioning 2013 as a target date for accomplishment of his major tasks.<br />Saakashvili, whose second and final presidential term expires in 2013, said that 2015 was defined based on “long-term plan of Georgia’s development” and it had nothing to do “either with the election dates or political careers of separate individuals or the term in office of the sitting Parliament”, which expires in 2012.<br />“Instead it [the target date - 2015] matches with what is important for the country. People should know where we are going; our course will definitely continue,” Saakashvili said. He said for number of times in the past that he wanted “a team of reformers” to stay in power after his presidential term expires.<br />“Everything what we are talking about will be started in 2012-2013... Everything will be accomplished in 2015.”<br />“Therefore, 2015 will be the year of summarizing the first results of this plan. Our plan is based on the capabilities of Georgia, as well as on the existing dynamics of the course of reforms, real human and material resources and ongoing projects. The plan of Georgia’s development covers all the major sectors of economy and all major spheres of state activities,” Saakashvili said.<br />‘Modernization’<br />Saakashvili described his 70-minute long address as “a report about modernization.”<br />“Modernization will be one of the major results and tasks of the government’s and personally of my entire career,” Saakashvili said.<br />“For some people modernization may be a mere word, but for us it means transforming Georgia from a post-Soviet country into European democratic state, which will be the fastest growing country in Europe.”<br />“Modernization means to ensure that our citizen is more educated, more competitive, has modern knowledge and feels himself as a Georgian patriot, but simultaneously as a citizen of the world, a free person, for whom all opportunities are open, who do not suffer from an inferiority complex; low self-esteem and inferiority – these are what enabled the empire to try to subdue Georgia. As soon as we finally get rid of this inferiority complex, nobody will ever be able to enslave us again. And this is very important.”<br />“Modernization means reforms which have been implemented and will be implemented by the state and which will lead us to more civilized and democratic state. It means changes and innovations, which will pave the way towards more open and modern society – the society, which will not retire into its own shell, which does not have any phobias, which is multi-ethnic and multi-confessional, wherein each community is an integral part of the Georgian nation; the society, which aspires to the future instead of weeping for the past, which consists of free people with free thinking and free rule of life.”<br />Modernization means Georgia of such mentality, where politicians and society will be united like a fist to defend the interests of the country even if there are great ideological and political differences among them. Georgia, where criminal mentality will never return, where ethnic and regional divisions will never return, where corruption will never gain its foothold means Georgia, where the liberty of an individual is the cornerstone of the country and which will gain a worthy place in the international system as a sovereign, united and very successful state and not a single empire will ever be able to question its existence.”<br />“We will spare no efforts in the struggle for Georgia’s modernization… We will overcome all the obstacles and all the difficulties because we will be moving only forward, we will bring our struggle to the end and we will definitely win,” Saakashvili said.<br />Foreign Policy<br />On foreign policy issues Saakashvili said that Georgia achieved “significant diplomatic success last year”, because the term “occupation” in reference of Abkhazia and South Ossetia was establishing on the international arena.<br />“Today there is no longer a question mark about on whose side the international community is,” he said. “The entire world sees who is aggressor and who is in favor of the peace.”<br />On Russia he said that Georgia “wants a dialogue” with Moscow, “but we will never tolerate disintegration and occupation of Georgia.”<br />“The Russian leadership’s course has no future,” he said. “The idea of empire is still alive, but it has no future.”<br />He also said that “imperialistic thinking is waning” and added: “We are nearing the period when the imperialistic thinking will be faded away.”<br />“But I want to say, that we should be careful, so that to escape being a victim of the empire’s agony,” Saakashvili said.<br />He also said that Georgia’s course towards EU and NATO integration remained “unwavering” and attempts by Russia to isolate Georgia had “failed”. “We will never give up the choice of the Georgian people in favor of the Euro-Atlantic integration,” Saakashvili said.<br />For some other key points from Saakashvili's address see:<br />GEL 150 mln Extra Funding Planned for Agriculture<br />Gov’t Plans 'GEL 30 Food Coupons'<br />Saakashvili Aims Free Trade Treaty with EU by 2015<br />Debates<br />After the address Saakashvili listened to rebuttal speeches by parliamentary minority lawmakers and remarks by the ruling party MPs. Before start of his address, Saakashvili asked the foreign diplomats accredited in Tbilisi, and present in the Parliament chamber, to stay and attend the debates as well.<br />After the debates, which lasted for about four hours, Saakashvili thanked diplomats, remaining in the chamber for “patience” saying that the debates “demonstrated how far the Georgian democracy has gone”.<br />MP Giorgi Targamadze, leader of Christian-Democratic Movement and of parliamentary minority group, said in his rebuttal speech told the President to foster improvement of the electoral environment otherwise warned that Saakashvili would face, as he put it, “Mubarakization”. MP Targamadze was referring to Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak, who resigned on February 11 after 18 days of mass protest.<br />MP Targamadze slammed the President for creating “genetically modified media” and “semi-manufactured judiciary”. He also said that President was at top of “corruption pyramid” and added that removing a section of presidential orders from his official website was part of the authorities’ attempts to hide information about where public money was spent.<br />For couple of times President Saakashvili intervened in opposition lawmakers’ speeches; in one such case he interrupted MP Levan Vepkhvadze of the Christian-Democratic Movement when the latter was criticizing the government for entering in “unprofitable” five-year gas deal with Azerbaijan in 2008, claiming that Georgia had a chance to buy gas for a better price from Azerbaijan under the Shah-Deniz gas pipeline deal. When saying this, Saakashvili pressed MP Vepkhvadze to name any European country which was buying gas for lower price than Georgia. When the MP responded that European countries were receiving expensive gas because they were buying it from Russia, Saakashvili smiled sarcastically.<br />A lawmaker from the ruling party, Giorgi Gabashvili, said in his remarks that there were two types of opposition in Georgia – “insane and incompetent.” “You are among incompetents,” MP Gabashvili told lawmakers from the Christian-Democratic Movement.<br />‘Elite Corruption’<br />When MP Guram Chakhvadze of National-Democratic Party, part of the parliamentary minority group, criticized the government for “elite corruption”, Saakashvili asked him that “the political elite is now here… name who is corrupt”. PM Nika Gilauri and several ministers were also present in the chamber apart of lawmakers. MP Chakhvadze responded that he did not mean the President or ministers when speaking about elite corruption. He said that the Freedom House was also using this term – elite corruption in reference to Georgia and added that he was meaning those mid-level officials who had been arrested on corruption charges in Georgia.<br />“Someone, somewhere is bullshitting – it does not matter; we live in this country and everyone knows everything about everyone… The Georgian political elite is very clean… This is the major achievement of our state,” Saakashvili said.<br />MP Chakhvadze then backed off and said: “Let’s put it this way – a mid-level elite corruption.”<br />According to the U.S. Department of State’s 2009 human rights report, although levels of petty corruption fell in Georgia, concerns remained about high-level and "elite corruption." </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;" >Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;" >Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-74535677935049072522010-12-15T20:36:00.000+01:002010-12-16T20:40:29.191+01:00Civil Georgia im Gespräch mit den drei Beisitzern der Genfer Gespräche: 'Neuer Kontext' für Genfer Gespräche<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">22.12.2010 | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">Civil.ge</a> | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=20520">Link zur Quelle</a> | Bilder | Video</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"> |</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;" class="arttext" id="maintext"><ul><li>'Non-Use of force pledge in package with int'l security guarantees';</li><li>'We can cautiously be optimistic';</li><li>'Flexible informal framework';</li><li>'Optimistic about OSCE mission’s return in the long run';</li></ul> <p>Georgia's unilateral declaration on non-use of force creates "new context", which can serve to further progress in <strong><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=21574">Geneva Discussions</a></strong>, co-chairs of the talks, launched two months after the August war, say.</p> <p>The three co-chairs of the Geneva discussions, Pierre Morel of EU, Antti Turunen of UN and Bolat Nurgaliyev, the special envoy of outgoing Kazakh OSCE chairmanship, spoke on December 7 with Civil.ge about the implications non-use of force pledge may have on the Geneva discussions, as well as about the prospects of restoration of OSCE mission in Georgia.</p> <p>The diplomats were in Tbilisi after talks in Moscow and also visited Tskhinvali and Sokhumi in run up to fourteenth round of Geneva talks planned for December 16.</p> <p><em>The following is a transcript of the interview:</em></p> <p><strong>Q.: President Saakashvili made <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22880">unilateral pledge on non-use of force</a> on November 23, later <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22920">reiterated at the OSCE Astana summit</a>. It was then followed by <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22930">response from Tskhinvali, Sokhumi</a> and <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22891">Moscow</a>. This has long been one of the key issues in Geneva Discussions with the participants failing to achieve an agreement. What practical meaning this declaration may have on talks in Geneva and do you think it may be the sign of any breakthrough?</strong></p> <p><strong>Pierre Morel:</strong> We have taken note and we are not making statement speaking of a breakthrough. But what is clear is that it is the main subject on which we've been working for this year. We had plenty of other subjects, but this question of non-use of force and international security arrangements has been the matter we have tried to work very methodically - reviewing different options, getting proposals, comparing proposals, seeing the pros and cons of different formulas. So, we think that this work in Geneva, however modest, has helped to clarify ideas and has led participants [of the Geneva Discussions] to take the initiative, and indeed the statement by President Saakashvili is an important initiative. It is interesting to see that it led the other participants [of the Geneva Discussions] to react positively and we have now an expanded base for our work. Of course, all this is taking place just few days before the Geneva session, and this will be very much in the center of the next session.</p> <p><strong>Q.: If there is an agreement between the participants on this issue, it seems that one of the major <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22404">controversies</a> in the Geneva discussions will be removed. </strong></p> <p><strong>Pierre Morel:</strong> Yes, but we've learnt to be careful. It is very clear that there are different types, modalities of statement and declaration. Therefore, you have different approaches to the statement on non-use of force. We have to be precise and to see where there is convergence and where there is divergence. This is part of our work and we must progress on this important subject in full clarity.</p> <p>All the elements of the text of the statement of President Saakashvili are not exactly the way they might have been expected from other participants. But we have clear points of legal nature in this pledge. This is very important: I mean this is connected to international law, and now, in a written form. The modalities of the statement of President Saakashvili will be a matter of discussion, no doubt.</p> <p>One year ago, this kind of approach was considered by some as just impossible; now we have moved. I also need to recall that, for some participants, the initial line was to say that there is a need for an agreement and that a statement was not enough; but it was also recognized by them that a statement would be a good start. That's where we have to do our further work. Frankly, we have been confronted with a lot of skepticism on this subject; some would say one year ago that we were embarking into some kind of philosophical consideration; no, we have tried to pin down what were the possibilities, the limitations, the opportunities, and we have been working with all the options. This is the approach of the Geneva Discussions.</p> <p><strong>‘We Can Cautiously Be Optimistic’</strong></p> <p><strong>Antti Turunen:</strong> With his [President Saakashvili's] statement and inputs from Sukhumi and Tskhinvali we now have the material and we can say that the process is [moving] in right direction with this material we have and we can cautiously be optimistic. There is a feeling, that all the participants agree now that the Geneva Discussions are the right format and it's the only format where these issues are discussed. In that sense we have achieved a lot and secondly we have also achieved the full functioning of the IPRM [Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism] - both of these mechanisms, not only the Gali mechanism [referring to regular meetings held in Gali, breakaway Abkhazia], but also the <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22796"><strong>Ergneti mechanism</strong></a> [referring to regular meetings in frames of IPRM held in a village on the administrative border of breakaway South Ossetia] - are positive steps forward.</p> <p>I think we have all chances and also challenges to take the next step forward and try to formulate something, which is common, not only individual statements.</p> <p><strong>Q.: Mr. Morel said, while speaking about President Saakashvili's declaration, that it might not be what others expected; it seems there are still disagreements about the form of this non-use of force declaration. One of the recent proposals put forth by Russia was, that if the parties fail to agree on signing a legally binding agreements on non-use of force, then let them separately make unilateral, individual declarations on non-use of force. Georgia's unilateral declaration is very much similar to what Russia has been proposing...</strong></p> <p><strong>Pierre Morel:</strong> Yes, indeed. We have said that we have had different proposals; this was the base of the work of the co-chairs. Indeed, it can be the first step, and some also would argue that it should lead to an agreement - but an agreement between whom and whom and a statement from which participant of the discussions? So we have clearly taken a new step; we must assess where we are and, once again, [assess] what is now possible.</p> <p>Last year, the participants in Geneva [Discussions] were discussing ideas, launching proposals and counter-proposals... One year later, after this useful work, we have statements, including the formal one made by Georgian head of state in a prestigious place [European Parliament], confirming to major international interlocutors his position; we have Foreign Ministry reaction in Russia; we have inputs from Sukhumi and from Tskhinvali; so we have now a new context. This deserves further analysis.<br /><br /><strong>Q.: Judging from the Russian leadership's statements, Moscow is not going to make any such declaration on non-use of force as it considers itself a mediator and not a party into the conflict. Is this one of the reasons of your cautious stance?</strong> </p> <p><strong>Pierre Morel:</strong> This is a matter of discussion already [since] the last year. We continue to look after this dimension. We were discussing that in a context of drafts put on table between the participants; now we have new developments, which have taken place on the international level with the legal dimension. So let's reconsider this point further.</p> <p><strong>Antti Turunen:</strong> Both the substance and the format - everything is to be discussed; the format [is] also including possible guarantees of international security arrangements - all this is part of the package. We are just approaching this with cautious steps, and let's see how it functions.</p> <p><strong>'Non-Use of Force Pledge and Int'l Security Guarantees Should Go Hand in Hand'</strong></p> <p><strong>Q.: You mentioned international security guarantees. The document, which the co-chairs have developed known as "basic elements of a framework for an agreement on the non-use of force and international security arrangements", is this something in which you tried to combine the key positions of the participants - on the one hand calls for non-use of force and on the other - Tbilisi's insistence on creating international security guarantees in the breakaway regions?</strong></p> <p><strong>Pierre Morel:</strong> This is how you start; when you have different points of view and you have people seating around the table, looking for means to improve security - let's identify all the options; so, you first have to do a checklist in order to review all the dimensions. In this deepening of the discussion, we have stressed, again and again, with all the participants, that if you want to work on non-use of force, you have also to work on the international security arrangements, which are connected with non-use of force.</p> <p>Non-use of force is not the kind of concept which is floating in the air. This is something related to concrete situations, which implies rules of behavior and guarantees and consequences on the ground. Otherwise, why should one enter into this complex exercise? This is meant to improve real security; therefore, as soon as you begin to work on this legal and commitment dimensions, you must look at the guarantees and modalities.</p> <p>So we have always spoken of "non-use of force and international security arrangements". If partners, interlocutors are ready to commit themselves, they also look into the modalities in which this can be secured and can be prevented from non-compliance or failure.</p> <p><strong>Q.: So these two – non-use of force and international security guarantees - go hand in hand.</strong></p> <p><strong>Pierre Morel:</strong> Yes, exactly.</p> <p><strong>‘Flexible Informal Framework’</strong></p> <p><strong>Q.: Who are the mediators in the Geneva discussions? </strong></p> <p><strong>Pierre Morel:</strong> Well, let's not be trapped by the words, this would be my first reaction.</p> <p>As you know, the Geneva discussions started on October 15, 2008 - two months after the war. That was part of August 12 agreement and complementary arrangements of September 8. We started from scratch in the sense that Georgia has <strong><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=19341">withdrawn from the former Moscow and Sochi agreements</a></strong>; therefore, we had no real precedents. We started in a new context and we had therefore to elaborate our framework. Thus, we shaped this formula of co-chairs, which is linking the three organizations [UN, OSCE, EU]. Since the start, we have been working the same way, shaping further our system.</p> <p>As a part of this mission, we have paid regular visits to all participants, and you can call this a mediation role. But, usually, when you look at international norms, it is done within certain rules or under the aegis of one organization or with a formal agreement between the different parties to the conflict. We have not gone through too many procedural steps. We've had guidelines, and our mandate is based on the August 12 agreement. With the consent of all the participants in this rather flexible informal framework of the Geneva Discussions, we have tried to push as far as possible the work. There are about 60 people meeting every two months. Work is going on between the sessions, we do not stop [between them], this is our rule as co-chairs; our respective teams are constantly involved and this is what we have elaborated.</p> <p>We will not put ourselves into some kind of specific category, because we keep this informal character; it's called Geneva Discussions, it's not negotiations. So in that respect, I understand your need to qualify things more precisely...</p> <p><strong>Q.: I'm asking this because Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, said just recently "Russia, US, EU, OSCE and UN act there as mediators"...</strong></p> <p><strong>Pierre Morel:</strong> We would not enter into this kind of characterization. We start from what we have - the mission we have received - and we try to push it as far as possible.</p> <p><strong>Antti Turunen:</strong> This process itself hopefully will really create some kind of peace reconciliation, that's of course our dream and aim. But at the moment we try to do step-by-step, facilitating the discussions that we have in Geneva and it's the only forum for all the participants and it is important achievement in itself and now we are taking cautiously steps forward and hopefully we can keep making progress.</p> <p>Pierre Morel: In other words, we do not have full-fledged, structured system from the beginning. It was rather specific base from which we try to extract the maximum. We have had some results already and some positive impacts on the ground, together with EUMM [EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia] and with the work we have been doing between the sessions; this represents certain dynamism, we are there to further the process, as far as we can.</p> <p><strong>‘Optimistic about OSCE mission’s return in the long run’</strong></p> <p><strong>Q.: OSCE Summit in Astana adopted a Commemorative Declaration, but failed to adopt a comprehensive action plan with unresolved conflicts representing key stumbling block. Can you identify briefly what was the controversy particularly in respect of Georgia?</strong></p> <p><strong>Bolat Nurgaliyev:</strong> The major controversies were around the status issue of the two entities - South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Insistence that the fragment on protected conflicts should be titled 'Conflict in Georgia' was not receiving consensus among the participating states; that prevented us from putting [that fragment] in the text; otherwise, other aspects [were] agreed including to proceed [with the work] within the framework of the Geneva International Discussions. </p> <p>But I have to remind that the concluding part of the Declaration contains instruction to the incoming chairmanship of the OSCE to proceed working on the Action Plan taking into consideration what has already been discussed during preparation of the summit, plus the proposals and specific ideas, which were put forward during the summit and in the speeches of heads of government and heads of state.</p> <p><strong>Q.: There have been calls by number of western leaders at the Astana summit for re-establishment of the OSCE mission in Georgia. The previous, OSCE Greek chairmanship in 2009, was putting forth proposal in this respect. What were the Kazakh chairmanship’s efforts in this regard, what kind of proposals, if any, have been discussed and do you foresee any progress in this regard?</strong></p> <p><strong>Bolat Nurgaliyev:</strong> Of course we were very keen to ensure the continuity of the preceding efforts and we picked from where our Greek colleagues left that particular set of issues - it's not just one issue, it's also the essence of what the mission of the OSCE should be doing in the region.</p> <p>We were trying to adjust ideas put forward by different participants. For example: something is not acceptable to all the sides, then what about this, what about that - and this took quite a long time, because [during] each occasion we had the request for timeout for consideration of fresh proposals.</p> <p>But I think, more or less, the formula on which we will be proceeding to concentrate our efforts - Kazakhstan being the member of "OSCE Troika", will also be providing its own input, but now the leading role will be passed to the Lithuanian chairmanship - this way or other way, I am pretty optimistic that we will have an OSCE presence. But, of course, that will need further tries and in the long run I am sure that we will restore a meaningful and useful presence of the OSCE, which will continue to play its role in the Geneva International Discussions, as well as its engagement in implementation of specific projects, which were discussed yesterday here in Tbilisi and today in Tskhinvali.</p> <p><strong>Q.: You said you are optimistic about restoration of OSCE presence in Georgia; what is this optimism based on?</strong></p> <p><strong>Bolat Nurgaliyev:</strong> I've never heard that there is no need for that [mission in Georgia] and the acceptance of the projects that we are discussing, which have a direct bearing on everyday life of population of the region is the proof that we will be definitely having a field mission. But how it is going to be, on what footing - that is subject of further deliberation; the matter in principle is accepted; the devil is in details, but these details, I am sure, will be worked out.</p> <p><strong>Q.: There have been talks on launch of EU-funded and OSCE-implemented rehabilitation project in breakaway South Ossetia [if launched it will be the first of this kind since the August, 2008 war], involving repair works on Zonkari dam. Are there any tangible signs that this project will be launched?</strong></p> <p><strong>Bolat Nurgaliyev:</strong> Yes, we strongly hope that it's going to be this way, because there were some technical issues, which we had to clear; we seem to have come to understanding. Money is there, the technical feasibility has been studied. Now it's a matter of signing the contract and starting actual work. We were insisting that it should start as soon as possible given the winter’s coming and if it is snowing, maybe, there will be a delay, but that will be a delay caused by force majeure.</p></span></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Genfer Gespräche - Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-80648505647611793652010-12-11T21:02:00.000+01:002010-12-12T21:33:43.738+01:00Resolution zu Georgien im US-Senat<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">11.12.2010 | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">Civil.ge</a> | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22951&search=">Link zur Quelle</a> | Bilder | Video</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"> |</span><br /><br /> <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22950&search=" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: times new roman;">'Resolution zur Okkupation' im US-Senat initiiert</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: times new roman;">Die demokratische Senatorin Jeanne Shaheen hat eine Resolution verfaßt, die Georgiens territoriale Integrität und die Anerkennung von Abchasien und Südossetien als von Russland besetzte Regionen unterstützt. Russland auch aufgerufen, das Waffenstillstandsabkommen von 2008 vollständig zu erfüllen.</span><br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22951&search=" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: times new roman;">Entwurf einer Resolution zu Georgien im US-Senat initiiert:</a><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-weight: bold;">Draft of Resolution on Georgia Initiated in U.S. Senate</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Draft - S.RES.698</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate with respect to the territorial integrity of Georgia and the situation within Georgia's internationally recognized borders</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas, since 1993, the territorial integrity of Georgia has been reaffirmed by the international community and 36 United Nations Security Council resolutions;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas the Helsinki Final Act resulting from the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1975 states that parties ‘‘shall regard as inviolable all one another’s frontiers’’ and that ‘‘participating States will likewise refrain from making each other’s territory the object of military occupation’’;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas the United States-Georgia Strategic Charter, signed on January 9, 2009, underscores that ‘‘support for each other’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders constitutes the foundation of our bilateral relations’’;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas, in October 2010, at the meeting of the United States-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership, Secretary of State Clinton stated, ‘‘The United States will not waiver in its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity’’;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas the White House released a fact sheet on July 24, 2010, calling for ‘‘Russia to end its occupation of the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia’’ and for ‘‘a return of international observers to the two occupied regions of Georgia’’;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas Vice President Joseph Biden stated in Tbilisi in July 2009 that the United States ‘‘will not recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states’’ and went on to ‘‘urge the world not to recognize [Abkhazia and South Ossetia] as independent states’’;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas the August 2008 conflict between the Governments of Russia and Georgia resulted in civilian and military causalities, the violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, and large numbers of internally-displaced persons;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas the August 12, 2008, ceasefire agreement, agreed to by the Governments of Russia and Georgia, provides that all Russian troops shall be withdrawn to pre-conflict positions;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas the August 12, 2008, ceasefire agreement provides that free access shall be granted to organizations providing humanitarian assistance in regions affected by violence in August 2008; </span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas the International Crisis Group concluded in its June 7, 2010, report on South Ossetia that ‘‘Moscow has not kept important ceasefire commitments and some 20,000 ethnic Georgians from the region remain forcibly displaced’’;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas Human Rights Watch concluded in its World Report 2010 that ‘‘Russia continued to exercise effective control over South Ossetia and. . . Abkhazia, preventing international observers’ access and vetoing international missions working there’’;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas, in October 2010, Russian troops withdrew from the small Georgian village of Perevi;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas the withdrawal of Russian troops from Perevi is a positive step, but it does not constitute compliance with the terms of the August 2008 Russia-Georgia ceasefire agreement;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas, on November 23, 2010, before the European Parliament, Georgian President Saakashvili committed Georgia to not use force to restore control over the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas Secretary of State Clinton stated in Tbilisi on July 5, 2010, ‘‘We continue to call for Russia to abide by the August 2008 cease-fire commitment. . . including ending the occupation and withdrawing Russian troops from South Ossetia and Abkhazia to their pre-conflict positions.’’;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas the Russian Federation vetoed the extension of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Mission to Georgia and the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia, forcing the missions to withdraw from the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas Russian troops stationed in the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia continue to be present without a mandate from the United Nations or other multilateral organizations;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas the Senate supports United States efforts to develop a productive relationship with the Russian Federation in areas of mutual interest, including non-proliferation and arms control, cooperation concerning the failure of the Government of Iran to meet its international obligations with regard to its nuclear programs, counter-terrorism, Afghanistan, anti-piracy, economics and trade, and others; and</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whereas the Senate agrees that these efforts must not compromise longstanding United States policy, principles of the Helsinki Final Act, and United States support for United States allies and partners worldwide: Now, therefore, be it</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Resolved, That the Senate</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">(1) affirms that it is the policy of the United States to support the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Georgia and the inviolability of its borders and to recognize the areas of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as regions of Georgia occupied by the Russian Federation;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">(2) calls upon the Government of Russia to take steps to fulfill all the terms and conditions of the 2008 ceasefire agreements, including returning military forces to pre-war positions and ensuring access to international humanitarian aid to all those affected by the conflict;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">(3) urges the Government of Russia and the de facto authorities in the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia to allow for the full and dignified return of internally-displaced persons and international observer missions to the territories of Abkhazia and</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">South Ossetia;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">(4) supports constructive engagement and confidence-building measures between the Government of Georgia and the de facto authorities in the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia; and</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">(5) affirms that the path to lasting stability in this region is through peaceful means and long-term diplomatic and political dialogue.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-72637021650596303372010-12-08T21:40:00.001+01:002010-12-12T21:42:47.606+01:00Präsident Saakashvili spricht über Abchasien in der UN-Klimakonferenz in Cancun<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">08.12.2010 | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">Civil.ge</a> | <a href="http://www.president.gov.ge/index.php?lang_id=ENG&sec_id=228&info_id=5952">Link zur Quelle</a> | Bilder | Video</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"> |</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22942&search=" rel="nofollow">Präsident Saakashvili spricht über Abchasien in der UN-Klimakonferenz in Cancun</a><br />President Saakashvili told the climate conference in Cancun, Mexico that in “occupied region of Abkhazia the Black Sea coast has been experiencing abrasion due to the devastating practices of the occupying power and its proxy regime.”<br />“Their mining of inert materials from the Gumista River construction projects related to the Sochi Olympics has resulted in landslides and degradation of the microclimate,” he said while addressing the conference.<br />“Their illegal search for oil in the Black Sea, in the territorial waters of Georgia, is done in a total blackout, without any legitimate authority being able to check the impact on the environment,” Saakashvili continued. “This is extremely alarming. What is most unfortunate is that we are unable to halt these disturbing practices due to the ongoing occupation and the violation of all cease-fire agreements.”<br />He also told the conference, that the global warming was “a challenge for humankind”.<br />“Our overarching goal in Georgia is to show that lowering our consumption of fossil fuels can help us increase growth-and can do so in a sustainable way,” Saakashvili said.<br /><a href="http://www.president.gov.ge/index.php?lang_id=ENG&sec_id=228&info_id=5952" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Remarks of H.E. President Mikheil Saakashvili:</a><br />16th Conference of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change<br />Cancun, Mexico<br />8 December 2010<br /> Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,<br />Allow me to deliver my speech in Spanish, in honor of our Mexican hosts.<br />It is a great honor for me to be here at the Sixteenth Conference of the Parties of UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.<br />I will try to share with you Georgia's vision on how a little country like ours can be a laboratory for how to confront climate change and work on sustainable development.<br />But first, allow me to thank our Mexican hosts and all of you for the progress made during the conference.<br />There were fears that Cancun, after the disappointment of Copenhagen, would be a summit marked by little hope and low aspirations.<br />We must congratulate the Mexican Government, and in particular the President of the Conference, Ms. Patricia Espinosa, for their extraordinary work in rejuvenating these global climate talks. I also am very pleased by the appointment of Ms. Christiana Figueres as the Executive Secretary.<br />The conference, of course, is not over, but Cancun has the potential to mark a new beginning in our common pursuit of a low-carbon era.<br />We are near agreements on the REDD framework for compensating developing nations for preserving forests, as a well as on a "Green Fund" that will channel billions to poor nations to help them adapt to climate impacts, adopt low-carbon technology from developed countries, and convert to cleaner energy sources.<br />In a more ideal world, of course, the Copenhagen Accord would have been achieved last December and we would be gathering here in the aftermath of success.<br />As you know, Georgia is and remains a strong supporter of the Copenhagen Accord.<br />We believe that the time has past for a debate on whether the world needs to address climate change; the only question we now face is how to do so.<br />We also believe strongly that a low-carbon world not only benefits the environment, but also help decrease regional tensions.<br />After all, our country lies at a crossroads of global energy supplies, a region where oil and gas have helped fuel conflicts for more than a century. Building up local, renewable sources can help ensure that energy is not used as a political tool. Doing so in close cooperation with neighboring countries, as Georgia does, creates greater regional stability.<br />Immediately after Copenhagen, Georgia formally affiliated with the Copenhagen Accord and we fully support the implementation of its provisions. We also believe in the absolute necessity of continuing the UNFCCC process, and we're confident in a balanced outcome that reflects the guiding principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.<br />in addition to the question of CO2 emmisions it is time to start working and finding solutions for other environmental and sustainibility issues.<br />Although Georgia is a small country, we believe we can have a large impact, especially in our region-one that has suffered from environmental degradation, as well as oppression and instability.<br />Ecological concerns and policies are not reserved to big and wealthy members of the Northern World: transitional democracies, emerging countries, small republics can do their part. In fact, they should see the green ambition as the key for their development and their stability.<br />In the global fight against climate change, these countries have a critical role to play as laboratories for innovation-testing new ideas, setting ambitious targets, and serving as a model for others.<br />Our overarching goal in Georgia is to show that lowering our consumption of fossil fuels can help us increase growth-and can do so in a sustainable way.<br />We are bringing the same resolve to this initiative as we have brought to the reform of our economy, our institutions and our political sphere.<br />Georgia already has taken concrete steps in combating climate change. Tbilisi, our capital, has joined the "Covenant of Mayors Initiative of the European Union" to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. It is the first capital of the region to join the initiative.<br />Perhaps most important, Georgia is making great strides in developing its renewable energy program. We have established a friendly investment environment that has led to billions being poured into renewable energy sources, especially hydropower. <br />As a result of our rapid progress, already more than 80 percent of the electricity production in Georgia comes from renewable sources. In fact, we are exporting renewable energy to our neighbors, and we will eventually transmit it through Turkey to the European Union. This will enable us to achieve our goal of establishing Georgia as the first large-scale renewable energy exporter to Europe.<br />Our renewable energy initiatives can be complemented by large-scale initiatives to grow our forests and advance carbon sequestration activities, both of which will need the support of the international community.<br />These programs could allow natural forests to constitute as much as 10 percent of Georgia's territory, offering significant economic and environment benefits. Efforts such as these also will lead to the rehabilitation of degraded soils and vegetation cover, the protection of watersheds, and greater local employment.<br />In addition to these evolutions, we are launching a program that will lead to a cleaner transport industry. And public institutions will play the role of example. Georgia's government will, starting from this year, replace official traditional cars by electric ones.<br />Ladies and gentlemen,<br />I cannot end my speech without noting that there are man-made challenges to our climate that would be easy to stop and that we must not ignore. I have to point there to the tragic situation of Georgia's currently occupied region of Abkhazia, where the Black Sea coast has been experiencing abrasion due to the devastating practices of the occupying power and its proxy regime.<br />Their mining of inert materials from the Gumista River construction projects related to the Sochi Olympics has resulted in landslides and degradation of the microclimate.<br />Their illegal search for oil in the Blacksea, in the territorial waters of Georgia, is done in a total blackout, without any legitimate authority being able to check the impact on the environment. <br />This is extremely alarming. What is most unfortunate is that we are unable to halt these disturbing practices due to the ongoing occupation and the violation of all cease-fire agreements.<br />Ladies and gentlemen-<br />Global warming is a challenge for humankind as a whole and requires a response from a united humankind.<br />We must act with resolve and determination, setting aside our short-term interests, our actual rivalries or tensions, and taking concrete actions for our long-term good, for the good of the generations to come.<br />Thank you.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Sprache: deutsch, englisch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-56500364051507379682010-12-01T21:34:00.001+01:002010-12-12T21:38:30.171+01:00Präsident Saakashvili's Rede beim OSCE-Gipfel in Astana<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">01.12.2010 | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">Civil.ge</a> | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22920&search=">Link zur Quelle</a> | Bilder | Video</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"> |</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-weight: bold;">President Saakashvili's Speech at the OSCE Summit in Astana</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">December 1, Astana</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Thank you Mr. Chairman, distinguished heads of states and governments, ladies and gentlemen, allow me first of all to thank our Kazakh hosts, and you know, I have been in the city of Astana for the first time six years ago.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">This very city is a great evidence of what leadership of personalities, what historic differences it can make. And I think it is very much attribute also to the great man Nursultan Nazarbayev with very rare vision about this city, about this country, about this region.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And I think it is a great example to follow for all the others also in this region. Our common mission at the summit is to agree on a set of concrete steps to make the OSCE a true security community one free of dividing lines, conflicts, spheres of influence, a community in which human rights are respected and people live in dignity.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">We need a common vision for how to enforce the principles that define the OSCE, or how to foster a cooperation to quarrel rivalries and the strategy to help us overcome the danger of tensions and the so-called frozen conflicts that undermine the stability of our common area.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I am confident that we can make a substantial progress, but we cannot do it so if we ignore the difficulties we faced to overlook the progress or the result.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">35 years ago the Helsinki Final Act marked a fundamental shift in the history of international relations by affirming a set of principles to bind the behaviors of states, this included the inviolability of borders, the peaceful settlement of disputes, the territorial integrity of states and respect for international law on human rights.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Unfortunately over three decades later these principles are still being violated within the OSCE area. 11 years ago at the last OSCE summit in Istanbul we witnessed the adoption of another set of fundamental principles, embodied in the Istanbul summit declaration and a charter for the European security. What a different time it has been, I remember President Yeltsin together with President Clinton sealing up of what was the end of Cold War in the OSCE area, on withdrawal troops, on arms control, the commitments that had to be complied with. If those commitments had been upheld, my country would have been liberated from the presence of foreign troops on her soil.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Unfortunately, the time has changed, the mood has changed and Russia [inaudible] on the obligations it undertook in Istanbul both with respect to Georgia and to other states. In fact contrary to the spirit of Istanbul, Russia has dramatically increased the size of its forces illegally stationed within our internationally recognized borders.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Today more than 12 000 heavily armed troops enforced the Russian occupation of 20 percent of Georgian territory, with tanks, with missiles, with heavy artillery, this is a blatant violation of the Helsinki principles, the Istanbul declaration, international law and August 12, 2008 ceasefire agreement brokered by the European Union. If we treat these principles as dead letter, our community is destined to die as well.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">By contrast, if we commit to implementing than we can make progress towards being a real security community, one in which there is mutual sympathy, trust, and sense of common interests. These commitments have to be respected in all three dimensions, not only in political, military area.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">We all agree today that the human dimension is a pre-requisite for comprehensive and indivisible security. But in our case the human dimension commitment have been violated as well. In 1994- 1996 the OSCE summits in Budapest and Lisbon condemned the ethnic cleansing in Georgia and called for the safe and dignified return of IDPs and refugees.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Yet the number of IDPs and refugees in a country of less than 5 million people continue to increase, climbing up to 500 000 after the ethnic cleansing campaign of 2008. Half a million souls are thus deprived of their most basic human rights because of their origins, their nationalities, ethnicities, their faith, their political views. Human rights continue to be violated on a daily basis in the occupied regions; the OSCE has reported on this many times throughout the last two years as you all know very well.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">These facts, ladies and gentlemen, must not be ignored or overlooked, and previous OSCE agreements must be fulfilled. I came here with a message of hope and a profound commitment to helping lead positive change in our security community.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">We came here to tell you that these tragic facts can be reversed, that they will be reversed and that our conflict with the Russian Federation can be resolved. The way forward is through a comprehensive dialogue, not permanent confrontation.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">We rely on the power of words, not of bombs. On November 23rd, one week ago I made the solemn pledge in front of the European Parliament, that Georgia would never use force to restore its territorial integrity and sovereignty; that it will only resort to peaceful means in its quest for the de-occupation and the reunification of its territory. Even if the Russian Federation refuses to withdraw the occupational forces, even if less than 20% of original population remain in the occupied areas and 80% are held back to go back to their houses, even if its proxy militias multiply their human rights violations, Georgia will only retain the right to self-defense in case of new attacks and invasion of the Georgian territory that remains under control of the Georgian government.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">We have made this pledge, because we believe that peace is the only way to achieve our legitimate and legal goals.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I have just sent letters formulizing Georgia's pledge to the Secretary-General of the OSCE, UN and NATO, as well as the Presidents of the European Commission, the European Council and the United States.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I came here animated by the same spirit, reiterating my call to the Russian leadership to engage in serious negotiations, to engage in dialogue rather than in polemics. Unfortunately, despite our numerous calls Russia has not agreed to any dialogue either bilaterally or within the framework of the OSCE.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Dialogue between Moscow and Tbilisi remains one of the stumbling blocks of the Astana declaration. Yet this organization is built upon dialogue and consensus.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Last summit 11 years ago we encountered serious difference and overcame the true dialogue. We must master the same resolve today because without dialogue we will never bridge our differences. I am committed without any reservations to engage in dialogue as soon as possible as to seek peaceful solutions of our conflicts.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Ladies and Gentlemen, we all want to forge a new common space free of dividing lines, spheres of influence and intentions we have inherited from the history. We all want to have a true, security community.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">We need stronger, better and more resolute OSCE, one that does not shy away from tackling the real problems and serves as forum for dialogue between partners, between all the leaders at every level. There has been a lot of arguments around the OSCE, there has been an attack on ODIHR for instance in terms of election monitoring.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">It is ups and downs, we also had our arguments with them but I always believe that OSCE presence on monitoring for democratic process, election process, the whole democratic dialogue is very helpful to any country, especially for those who are coming out from cold to another kind of policy and to another sphere. Indeed, our region has been changing.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">No country of the OSCE but one as well as basically no other serious country in the world recognized occupation of our regions. The region has been changing itself; the country has become more independent, more self-reliant, speaking out with their voice.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Today I was speaking with Roza Otunbayeva, who is herself a symbol of changing Kyrgyzstan, but also lots of changes in this region. I think, this is the whole change of its democratization, better security and OSCE is a very important instrument.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">It was like this in the seventies, when it was in much more difficult situation of the cold war and it remains the same in today's world if we use it properly.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">We must not allow the past to undermine our future, the tools we have at our disposal are dialogue and consensus.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Georgia is committed to this path and I am confident that strengthened OSCE peace and cooperation will prevail in our region.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Thank you.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Sprache: deutsch, englisch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-66386180546681259072010-11-23T23:26:00.002+01:002010-11-26T23:33:21.959+01:00Präsident Saakashvili's Rede vor dem Europaparlament in Straßburg<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" >23.11.2010 | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">Civil.ge</a> | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22883&search=">Link zur Quelle</a> | Bilder | Video</span> <span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" > |</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Mr. President,<br />Distinguished Members of the European Parliament,<br />Ladies and gentlemen,<br />I am humbled by the immense honor that your invitation signifies for my country and I would like to thank the Presidency of the Parliament and all the political groups for this opportunity.<br />I came here to deliver a message of hope and to make a solemn pledge.<br />I came here to affirm that peace-a just and lasting peace-is possible in my region, and that we need Europe to contribute to it.<br />For centuries, the Caucasian mountains have been a geopolitical mystery, a beguiling paradox-a region where individuals and souls were free, but where citizens were oppressed; where cultures were tolerant, but where governments created artificial divisions; where people never ceased to feel deeply Europeans, but where walls erected by Empires turned Europe into a faraway mirage, where men and women were striving for peace, but where wars seemed unavoidable.<br />I came here to tell you that we must put an end to these times, that cooperation must replace rivalry, that negotiation must prevail over the rhetoric of war.<br />Ladies and gentlemen, in all the troubled corners of our world, the European Parliament is a symbol of hope-the striking proof that even the cruelest of conflicts can be overcome and that peace is worth any political risk.<br />This very place would not exist if-in the middle of ruins, surrounded by death and legitimate claims for revenge-brave leaders did not choose to end centuries of wars by launching the most ambitious and fascinating political experiment of our time: European unification.<br />This Parliament-divided not by nationality, but into political groups-fulfils the vision so eloquently expressed by Victor Hugo at the 1849 International Congress of Peace in Paris.<br />Allow me to quote this visionary poet in his own language:<br />"Un jour viendra où vous toutes, nations du continent, sans perdre vos qualités distinctes et votre glorieuse individualité, vous vous fondrez étroitement dans une unité supérieure, et vous constituerez la fraternité européenne. Un jour viendra où il n'y aura plus d'autres champs de bataille que les marchés s'ouvrant au commerce et les esprits s'ouvrant aux idées. Un jour viendra où les boulets et les bombes seront remplacés par les votes, par le suffrage universel des peuples, par le vénérable arbitrage d'un grand Sénat Souverain qui sera à l'Europe ce que le Parlement est à l'Angleterre, ce que la Diète est à l'Allemagne, ce que l'Assemblée législative est à la France!"<br />Most of Hugo's contemporaries thought he was an infantile dreamer when he pronounced this speech and it took more than 100 years and 2 world wars for History to hear his voice.<br />Ladies and gentlemen,<br />It is high time for Hugo's voice to be echoed and heard in my region as well.<br />It is high time for this voice of brotherhood to overcome the sounds of canons and the calls for hatred.<br />It is high time for the European peace to be extended to the Caucasus.<br />And it is our responsibility, as political leaders, to conceive bold initiatives in order to make this happen.<br />Ladies and gentlemen,<br />Exactly 7 years ago, the Rose Revolution initiated the new journey towards the European family of an old European nation, my beloved Georgia.<br />On November 23rd 2003, hundreds of thousands of citizens-of all regional, religious, and social backgrounds-peacefully took over the streets and the Parliament.<br />They did more than overthrow a corrupt, backward-looking regime: they triggered what The Economist of London called some weeks ago a "mental revolution."<br />As some of you know it well in this Assembly, there has been two ways of getting out from communist regimes after the liberating collapse of USSR: the European one and the nationalistic one, the rule of law and the rule of fear. To sum up: Vaclav Havel or Slobodan Milosevic.<br />Once the tyranny of the Party was over, the divisions, the corruption, the verticality, the bureaucracy, the cynicism and the authoritarianism that were the pillars of the Soviet society remained.<br />7 years ago, Ladies and gentlemen, Georgia was formally an independent State but Georgia was still part of this world of fears and hatreds.<br />The borders of the soviet mentality were not abolished yet and Soviet Union was still existing in the minds and the souls.<br />Only a "mental revolution" could lead to a European transformation of our societies.<br />This is the message that we, Georgians, brought to this region. This is the message that unleashed so much anger towards us among the nostalgics of the Empire.<br />But this is the message that turned Georgia into a laboratory of reforms for our region.<br />When we led the Rose Revolution, we were members of student organizations, opposition parties, civil society groups-all united by a single dream: to turn a dysfunctional post-Soviet country crippled by corruption and crime into a European democracy.<br />Ladies and gentlemen, Soviet Union was based on one principle: divide to rule.<br />People were artificially opposed to each others, at every level of the society, in every field.<br />In every Republic, the different religious, social, ethnic groups were put in constant rivalry and politics was understood as an art of manipulation of fears and hatreds.<br />This explains why former communists leaders turned so easily into nationalists, in the Balkans as well as in the Caucasus, in Eastern Europe as well as in Russia.<br />7 years ago, Georgia was still divided into isolated communities fearing each other and some extremists were using the weakness of the State to reject minorities.<br />Our first task was therefore to embrace multiculturalism and differences.<br />We have developed an affirmative action program - in all spheres, from higher education to law enforcement bodies.<br />Soviet Union had another caracteristic: an absolute centralization.<br />7 years ago, Georgia was still all about its capital and we initiated a vast decentralization program, heavily invested in regional infrastructures and spectacularly empowered local authorities.<br />As a result, regions that were once abandoned became the most striking examples of our development.<br />Until the Rose Revolution, all key regional principles were appointed by the President. So - while others were restoring the famous "vertical of power", canceling the autonomy of all regions - we systematically transferred powers to regional elected bodies.<br />This policy recently lead to the first direct election of the mayor of Tbilisi last May and in the decision to move the Constitutional Court to the city of Batumi and the Parliament to the city of Kutaisi.<br />Soviet Union was all about control and corruption, an overweight and inefficient State.<br />Our first step was therefore to dissolve the KGB, fire the entire police forces, as well as customs officers and tax agents, but also to open up our economy and our educational system.<br />The vision that guided all these steps was captured by a single symbol: besides every Georgian flag, in every official building, we installed a European flag.<br />We did this to show where we were aiming to take Georgia with our reforms.<br />Of course, our peaceful revolution has had its share of failures and shortcomings.<br />Of course, we have made mistakes.<br />But, as the great inventor of "European cosmopolitism" and one of my favorite philosophers- Emmanuel Kant-wrote about the French revolution: "You cannot be ready to be free until you are free."<br />What Emmanuel Kant meant, Ladies and gentlemen, is that no book can teach you in advance how to govern or even behave in freedom. You can only learn this from your own successes and failures.<br />We have had failures and we have learnt from them, but we have also had surprising successes.<br />Georgia has just been singled out by the World Bank as the number 1 economic reformer in the world over the last 5 years, and now ranks 12th place in the world for the ease of doing business, number one in Eastern and Central Europe.<br />Once the epicenter of the post-Soviet mafia, Georgia has made more progress against corruption than any other country in the world from 2004 to 2009, according to Transparency International.<br />I value these rankings only because they reflect and reveal the social and moral transformation that happened in my country, the "mental revolution" to which I referred earlier.<br />Georgian citizens have stopped thinking of their country as a post-Soviet state. They see it, judge it, and often criticize it as a European democracy.<br />Such change goes far beyond the leaders and parties that led the Rose Revolution. It is something that nobody owns and nobody can suppress, neither us nor anybody else. Such revolution leads to this amazing fact in our part of the world, the fact that Institutions are systematically more popular than any political figure.<br />There is a great deal more to do, obviously, and we are more committed than ever to pursuing our path of reforms.<br />We are aware than democracy is always a work in progress.<br />Ladies and gentlemen,<br />Our alternative democratic model was not welcome by everyone, of course.<br />It met fierce opposition among those revisionist forces who still perceive the fall of the USSR as the "worst catastrophe of the 20th century."<br />They imposed a full-scale embargo on my nation in 2006, deported our citizens, repeatedly bombed our territory, and finally invaded in 2008.<br />As I speak, these forces still occupy 20% of Georgian territory, in blatant violation of international law and of the August 12th cease-fire agreement brokered thanks to the efforts of my good friend, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was acting then as President of the European Union.<br />As I speak, Georgia still counts up to 500,000 IDP's and refugees who cannot return home because some people animated by an old imperialist mentality decided to welcome the 21st century by organizing ethnic cleansing campaigns and building a new Berlin Wall in my country.<br />How did we respond to these aggressions?<br />We fully implemented the ceasefire agreement and went beyond our obligations, without even once using as a pretext Russia's refusal to comply.<br />Last August, the head of the European Union Monitoring Mission, Hansjörg Haber, publicly praised Georgian restraint and our engagement strategy as "constructive unilateralism".<br />When tanks and missiles are standing at 50 kilometers of a capital, governments usually play the card of the besieged nation, proclaim that freedom is a luxury they cannot afford and start to crackdown their opposition and close their society.<br />We did exactly the contrary.<br />We are, Ladies and gentlemen, building a democracy at a gunpoint.<br />In front of the Iron Curtain than the occupation forces have built around the region of Abkhazia, in the small seaside town of Anaklia, a new tourism resort is being built as we speak, with beautiful hotels and sand beaches.<br />Some suggest that we should stop and wait until the situation is resolved and only then start building when the ground is less shaky.<br />Our philosophy is the complete opposite - we are constructing buildings not because they are on a strong ground but because building them will eventually make the ground stronger.<br />In Anaklia, a new phase of development started in 2005 after the place had been destroyed by the conflict already twice, in 1993 and 1998.<br />In 2008, it once again witnessed total destruction.<br />And few weeks after, the constructions started again.<br />A great poet and a famous Russian dissident, Alexander Galich, one of these 8 heroes that demonstrated on the Red Square in 68 against the invasion of Prague, wrote about Georgia:<br />"Прекрасная и гордая страна! / Ты отвечаешь шуткой на злословье."<br />Translation: "Splendid and proud country / You respond to mud-slinging by a smile"<br />Mr. President,<br />Distinguished Members of the European Parliament,<br />Ladies and gentlemen,<br />I am humbled by the immense honor that your invitation signifies for my country and I would like to thank the Presidency of the Parliament and all the political groups for this opportunity.<br />I came here to deliver a message of hope and to make a solemn pledge.<br />I came here to affirm that peace-a just and lasting peace-is possible in my region, and that we need Europe to contribute to it.<br />For centuries, the Caucasian mountains have been a geopolitical mystery, a beguiling paradox-a region where individuals and souls were free, but where citizens were oppressed; where cultures were tolerant, but where governments created artificial divisions; where people never ceased to feel deeply Europeans, but where walls erected by Empires turned Europe into a faraway mirage, where men and women were striving for peace, but where wars seemed unavoidable.<br />I came here to tell you that we must put an end to these times, that cooperation must replace rivalry, that negotiation must prevail over the rhetoric of war.<br />Ladies and gentlemen, in all the troubled corners of our world, the European Parliament is a symbol of hope-the striking proof that even the cruelest of conflicts can be overcome and that peace is worth any political risk.<br />This very place would not exist if-in the middle of ruins, surrounded by death and legitimate claims for revenge-brave leaders did not choose to end centuries of wars by launching the most ambitious and fascinating political experiment of our time: European unification.<br />This Parliament-divided not by nationality, but into political groups-fulfils the vision so eloquently expressed by Victor Hugo at the 1849 International Congress of Peace in Paris.<br />Allow me to quote this visionary poet in his own language:<br />"Un jour viendra où vous toutes, nations du continent, sans perdre vos qualités distinctes et votre glorieuse individualité, vous vous fondrez étroitement dans une unité supérieure, et vous constituerez la fraternité européenne. Un jour viendra où il n'y aura plus d'autres champs de bataille que les marchés s'ouvrant au commerce et les esprits s'ouvrant aux idées. Un jour viendra où les boulets et les bombes seront remplacés par les votes, par le suffrage universel des peuples, par le vénérable arbitrage d'un grand Sénat Souverain qui sera à l'Europe ce que le Parlement est à l'Angleterre, ce que la Diète est à l'Allemagne, ce que l'Assemblée législative est à la France!"<br />Most of Hugo's contemporaries thought he was an infantile dreamer when he pronounced this speech and it took more than 100 years and 2 world wars for History to hear his voice.<br />Ladies and gentlemen,<br />It is high time for Hugo's voice to be echoed and heard in my region as well.<br />It is high time for this voice of brotherhood to overcome the sounds of canons and the calls for hatred.<br />It is high time for the European peace to be extended to the Caucasus.<br />And it is our responsibility, as political leaders, to conceive bold initiatives in order to make this happen.<br />Ladies and gentlemen,<br />Exactly 7 years ago, the Rose Revolution initiated the new journey towards the European family of an old European nation, my beloved Georgia.<br />On November 23rd 2003, hundreds of thousands of citizens-of all regional, religious, and social backgrounds-peacefully took over the streets and the Parliament.<br />They did more than overthrow a corrupt, backward-looking regime: they triggered what The Economist of London called some weeks ago a "mental revolution."<br />As some of you know it well in this Assembly, there has been two ways of getting out from communist regimes after the liberating collapse of USSR: the European one and the nationalistic one, the rule of law and the rule of fear. To sum up: Vaclav Havel or Slobodan Milosevic.<br />Once the tyranny of the Party was over, the divisions, the corruption, the verticality, the bureaucracy, the cynicism and the authoritarianism that were the pillars of the Soviet society remained.<br />7 years ago, Ladies and gentlemen, Georgia was formally an independent State but Georgia was still part of this world of fears and hatreds.<br />The borders of the soviet mentality were not abolished yet and Soviet Union was still existing in the minds and the souls.<br />Only a "mental revolution" could lead to a European transformation of our societies.<br />This is the message that we, Georgians, brought to this region. This is the message that unleashed so much anger towards us among the nostalgics of the Empire.<br />But this is the message that turned Georgia into a laboratory of reforms for our region.<br />When we led the Rose Revolution, we were members of student organizations, opposition parties, civil society groups-all united by a single dream: to turn a dysfunctional post-Soviet country crippled by corruption and crime into a European democracy.<br />Ladies and gentlemen, Soviet Union was based on one principle: divide to rule.<br />People were artificially opposed to each others, at every level of the society, in every field.<br />In every Republic, the different religious, social, ethnic groups were put in constant rivalry and politics was understood as an art of manipulation of fears and hatreds.<br />This explains why former communists leaders turned so easily into nationalists, in the Balkans as well as in the Caucasus, in Eastern Europe as well as in Russia.<br />7 years ago, Georgia was still divided into isolated communities fearing each other and some extremists were using the weakness of the State to reject minorities.<br />Our first task was therefore to embrace multiculturalism and differences.<br />We have developed an affirmative action program - in all spheres, from higher education to law enforcement bodies.<br />Soviet Union had another caracteristic: an absolute centralization.<br />7 years ago, Georgia was still all about its capital and we initiated a vast decentralization program, heavily invested in regional infrastructures and spectacularly empowered local authorities.<br />As a result, regions that were once abandoned became the most striking examples of our development.<br />Until the Rose Revolution, all key regional principles were appointed by the President. So - while others were restoring the famous "vertical of power", canceling the autonomy of all regions - we systematically transferred powers to regional elected bodies.<br />This policy recently lead to the first direct election of the mayor of Tbilisi last May and in the decision to move the Constitutional Court to the city of Batumi and the Parliament to the city of Kutaisi.<br />Soviet Union was all about control and corruption, an overweight and inefficient State.<br />Our first step was therefore to dissolve the KGB, fire the entire police forces, as well as customs officers and tax agents, but also to open up our economy and our educational system.<br />The vision that guided all these steps was captured by a single symbol: besides every Georgian flag, in every official building, we installed a European flag.<br />We did this to show where we were aiming to take Georgia with our reforms.<br />Of course, our peaceful revolution has had its share of failures and shortcomings.<br />Of course, we have made mistakes.<br />But, as the great inventor of "European cosmopolitism" and one of my favorite philosophers- Emmanuel Kant-wrote about the French revolution: "You cannot be ready to be free until you are free."<br />What Emmanuel Kant meant, Ladies and gentlemen, is that no book can teach you in advance how to govern or even behave in freedom. You can only learn this from your own successes and failures.<br />We have had failures and we have learnt from them, but we have also had surprising successes.<br />Georgia has just been singled out by the World Bank as the number 1 economic reformer in the world over the last 5 years, and now ranks 12th place in the world for the ease of doing business, number one in Eastern and Central Europe.<br />Once the epicenter of the post-Soviet mafia, Georgia has made more progress against corruption than any other country in the world from 2004 to 2009, according to Transparency International.<br />I value these rankings only because they reflect and reveal the social and moral transformation that happened in my country, the "mental revolution" to which I referred earlier.<br />Georgian citizens have stopped thinking of their country as a post-Soviet state. They see it, judge it, and often criticize it as a European democracy.<br />Such change goes far beyond the leaders and parties that led the Rose Revolution. It is something that nobody owns and nobody can suppress, neither us nor anybody else. Such revolution leads to this amazing fact in our part of the world, the fact that Institutions are systematically more popular than any political figure.<br />There is a great deal more to do, obviously, and we are more committed than ever to pursuing our path of reforms.<br />We are aware than democracy is always a work in progress.<br />Ladies and gentlemen,<br />Our alternative democratic model was not welcome by everyone, of course.<br />It met fierce opposition among those revisionist forces who still perceive the fall of the USSR as the "worst catastrophe of the 20th century."<br />They imposed a full-scale embargo on my nation in 2006, deported our citizens, repeatedly bombed our territory, and finally invaded in 2008.<br />As I speak, these forces still occupy 20% of Georgian territory, in blatant violation of international law and of the August 12th cease-fire agreement brokered thanks to the efforts of my good friend, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was acting then as President of the European Union.<br />As I speak, Georgia still counts up to 500,000 IDP's and refugees who cannot return home because some people animated by an old imperialist mentality decided to welcome the 21st century by organizing ethnic cleansing campaigns and building a new Berlin Wall in my country.<br />How did we respond to these aggressions?<br />We fully implemented the ceasefire agreement and went beyond our obligations, without even once using as a pretext Russia's refusal to comply.<br />Last August, the head of the European Union Monitoring Mission, Hansjörg Haber, publicly praised Georgian restraint and our engagement strategy as "constructive unilateralism".<br />When tanks and missiles are standing at 50 kilometers of a capital, governments usually play the card of the besieged nation, proclaim that freedom is a luxury they cannot afford and start to crackdown their opposition and close their society.<br />We did exactly the contrary.<br />We are, Ladies and gentlemen, building a democracy at a gunpoint.<br />In front of the Iron Curtain than the occupation forces have built around the region of Abkhazia, in the small seaside town of Anaklia, a new tourism resort is being built as we speak, with beautiful hotels and sand beaches.<br />Some suggest that we should stop and wait until the situation is resolved and only then start building when the ground is less shaky.<br />Our philosophy is the complete opposite - we are constructing buildings not because they are on a strong ground but because building them will eventually make the ground stronger.<br />In Anaklia, a new phase of development started in 2005 after the place had been destroyed by the conflict already twice, in 1993 and 1998.<br />In 2008, it once again witnessed total destruction.<br />And few weeks after, the constructions started again.<br />A great poet and a famous Russian dissident, Alexander Galich, one of these 8 heroes that demonstrated on the Red Square in 68 against the invasion of Prague, wrote about Georgia:<br />"Прекрасная и гордая страна! / Ты отвечаешь шуткой на злословье."<br />Translation: "Splendid and proud country / You respond to mud-slinging by a smile"<br />Last time I visited Anaklia I saw a row of discotheques as lively as you can see anywhere in Europe, where young people danced just like they would do in Ibiza or Saint-Tropez.<br />The only difference was that after the last disco on the beech there is a wall that the occupying army has erected.<br />Let me ask you: what is more absurd than a New Berlin Wall on a sandy beech?<br />Ladies and gentlemen,<br />In short, we understand that peace is in our supreme interest and we are convinced there is no alternative to peace.<br />By jeopardizing peace, we would place at risk everything we have achieved and everything we want to achieve in the coming years.<br />And so I came here to announce a new step in our policy of constructive unilateralism.<br />I am here to take an initiative that, I hope and with your help, will defuse the tensions and allow serious negotiations to start.<br />Before coming, I reflected a lot and also consulted with our European and American allies.<br />The Georgian government already considers itself bound by the August 12th ceasefire agreement and has always understood that this ceasefire clearly prohibits the use of force.<br />But-in order to prove that Georgia is definitively committed to a peaceful resolution of its conflict with the Russian Federation-we take today the unilateral initiative to declare that Georgia will never use force to restore its territorial integrity and sovereignty, that it will only resort to peaceful means in its quest for de-occupation and reunification.<br />Even if the Russian Federation refuses to withdraw its occupation forces, even if its proxy militias multiply their human rights violations, Georgia will only retain the right to self-defense in the case of new attacks and invasion of the 80% of the Georgian territory that remains under control of the Georgian government.<br />I will address the relevant letters to the Secretary General of the United Nations, the Secretary General of the OSCE, and the leadership of the European Union, stating clearly that we commit ourselves not to use force in order to reunite our illegally divided country, neither against the occupation forces, nor against their proxies, even though the UN Charter could allow us to do so.<br />My pledge here, in front of you, constitutes a unilateral declaration of a state under international law.<br />This initiative, Ladies and gentlemen, is far from an easy one for a country that is partially occupied and that counts 500 000 IDPs and refugees.<br />It continues and expands our policy of "constructive unilateralism."<br />I am, ladies and gentlemen, ready for a deep and comprehensive dialogue with my Russian counterpart.<br />We will of course continue to participate in the Geneva talks, hoping that our pledge today will persuade the Russian Federation to stop blocking these discussions.<br />But we need the political dialogue to start as well. <br />And for this to occur, the international community must make clear to the Russian leaders that the situation today is totally irregular and unsustainable.<br />In order to push them to discuss a compromise, its is essential to clearly state the reality of the situation on the ground.<br />This is why we are asking that the Russian military buildup within the international borders of Georgia be qualified as an illegal occupation of a sovereign territory. Many European nations, as well as the United States, already have done so.<br />Equally, the brutal campaigns that have expelled hundreds of thousands of Georgian citizens from the occupied territories should be qualified as illegal acts of ethnic cleansing.<br />If we fail to denounce this ethnic cleansing, why would the occupiers ever even consider allowing them to return to their homes and villages?<br />Ladies and gentlemen, if the first victim of war is always the truth, the truth is always the most solid foundation of peace.<br />Our constructive unilateralism and the pledge I have just made will not have the expected impact if our European friends do not speak out the truth-if you do not speak out the truth."<br />I came here today, humbly, to tell you that we depend on you.<br />Ladies and gentlemen,<br />Our region has known too many wars in recent History. It is time, to paraphrase Hugo once again, to replace canons with roundtables.<br />Our region has had its own Warsaw, its own Coventry, its own Oradour-Sur-Glane, and it is time to build on our common rejection of war and destruction.<br />It is time to say that we must never have another Grozny- a regional capital of 400 000 inhabitants that has been totally wiped out from the surface of the globe.<br />It is time to say that we must never see again people expelled from their homes or deported on the basis of their nationality, their faith or their origins, as it happened in my own country as well as in other countries of the region.<br />I am ready to work with the Russian leadership so that this does not happen ever again, so that the consequences of war are reversed and the conditions for peace are established.<br />Walls like the one dividing Georgia will not be brought down by bombs, but by the commitment of citizens to build a free, united country-and by the commitment of the world community to enforce international law.<br />It is noticeable that, despite enormous pressure and multiple threats from Moscow, not a single former Soviet republic has recognized the dismemberment of Georgia.<br />It shows-to the great surprise and fury of some people-that the old times are definitely over.<br />It shows that the former captive nations of Soviet times have become strong, independent states that determine their own policies.<br />No one, in short, is going back to the USSR.<br />Ladies and gentlemen, our region has made its choice.<br />A war has been launched to stop this movement, but tanks cannot reverse the sense of History and it is time for the long and dolorous hangover of imperialism to end, peacefully.<br />I call, therefore, on the Russian leaders to make the choice of the future.<br />They could play such a major positive role in the ongoing transformation of our common region, accepting other countries as partners and not vassals.<br />We all want-I personally want-Russia as a partner and not as an enemy.<br />Nobody has a greater stake than us in seeing Russia turn into a country that truly operates within the concert of nations, respects international law, and-this is often connected-upholds basic human rights.<br />This is why I wholeheartedly support the efforts of European and American leaders to strengthen their relationship with Russia.<br />Our conflict has done nothing to harden feelings between our two peoples: I want to tell the Russian people that they will always be welcome in Georgia, as partners, as tourists, as students, as businessmen, as journalists or simply as friends. Not as occupation forces.<br />Ladies and gentlemen,<br />I would like to end this speech with a quote from the President of the first Georgian Republic, Noe Zhordania.<br />As you might know, Georgia was the first European social-democratic republic ever proclaimed in 1918.<br />A few days before the Red Army invaded his Georgia, Zhordania explained our European choice:<br />"What do we take from the cultural bow of European nations? Only 2000 years old national culture, democratic system and natural wealth."<br />Today, another Georgian President addresses you, with the same message of love for the European ideas and values.<br />It is rare that a nation is given twice in History the same opportunity.<br />I came here today to tell you that we will seize this opportunity and do whatever we can to achieve our European destiny.</span></span><br /></span><br />Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;" >Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-60792531622241082252010-11-20T20:13:00.000+01:002010-11-22T20:18:30.862+01:00NATO-GIPFEL 2010 IN LISSABON<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">20.11.2010 | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">Civil.ge</a> | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22869&search=">Link zur Quelle</a> | Bilder | Video</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"> |</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times new roman; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;font-size:78%;" ><b></b></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22869&search=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Georgien in der NATO-Gipfelerklärung - wörtliche Auszüge</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> - 20.11.2010, Civil Georgia</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">- Stabilität und erfolgreiche politische und wirtschaftliche Reformen in Georgien sind wichtig für die euro-atlantische Stabilität</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> - Bukarest-Entscheidung in allen Entscheidungen wiederholt: Georgien wird ein NATO-Mitglied werden</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> - NATO-Russland-Kooperation ist von strategischer Bedeutung<br />20. ...Stability and successful political and economic reform in Georgia and Ukraine are important to Euro-Atlantic security. We will continue and develop the partnerships with these countries taking into account the Euro-Atlantic aspiration or orientation of each of the countries.<br />21. At the 2008 Bucharest Summit we agreed that Georgia will become a member of NATO and we reaffirm all elements of that decision, as well as subsequent decisions. We will foster political dialogue and practical cooperation with Georgia, including through the NATO-Georgia Commission and the Annual National Programme. We strongly encourage and actively support Georgia’s continued implementation of all necessary reforms, particularly democratic, electoral and judicial reforms, as well as security and defence sector reforms, in order to advance its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. We welcome the recent opening of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia which will help in maximising our assistance and support for the country’s reform efforts. We welcome Georgia’s important contributions to NATO operations, in particular to ISAF. We reiterate our continued support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. We encourage all participants in the Geneva talks to play a constructive role as well as to continue working closely with the OSCE, UN and the EU to pursue peaceful conflict resolution in the internationally-recognised territory of Georgia. We continue to call on Russia to reverse its recognition of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions of Georgia as independent states...<br />23. ...NATO-Russia cooperation is of strategic importance, as reflected by today’s meeting of the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) at the level of Heads of State and Government in Lisbon. In light of common security interests, we are determined to build a lasting and inclusive peace, together with Russia, in the Euro-Atlantic Area. We need to share responsibility in facing up to common challenges, jointly identified. We want to see a true strategic partnership between NATO and Russia, and we will act accordingly, with the expectation of reciprocity from Russia. We recommit ourselves to the goals, principles and commitments which underpin the NRC. On this firm basis, we urge Russia to meet its commitments with respect to Georgia, as mediated by the European Union on 12 August and 8 September 2008. Over the past year, NATO-Russia cooperation has progressed and produced notable results. We welcome, in particular, the completion of the Joint Review of 21st Century Common Security Challenges, which has identified practical cooperation projects on Afghanistan, including counter-narcotics; non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery; counter-piracy; counter-terrorism; and disaster response. We also welcome the new extended arrangements offered by Russia to facilitate ISAF transit to and from Afghanistan. We are actively pursuing cooperation with Russia on missile defence, including through the resumption of theatre missile defence exercises. We will also want to discuss in the NRC a range of other topics, including Afghanistan; implementing OSCE principles; military deployments, including any that could be perceived as threatening; information sharing and transparency on military doctrine and posture, as well as the overall disparity in short-range nuclear weapons; arms control; and other security issues. We look forward to discussing all these matters in the NRC, which is a forum for political dialogue at all times and on all issues, including where we disagree. Our dialogue and cooperation with Russia also help us to resolve differences by building trust, mutual confidence, transparency, predictability and mutual understanding...<br />35. ... With our vision of a Euro-Atlantic area at peace, the persistence of protracted regional conflicts in South Caucasus and the Republic of Moldova continues to be a matter of great concern for the Alliance. We urge all parties to engage constructively and with reinforced political will in peaceful conflict resolution, and to respect the current negotiation formats. We call on them all to avoid steps that undermine regional security and stability. We remain committed in our support of the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova, and will also continue to support efforts towards a peaceful settlement of these regional conflicts, taking into account these principles.<br /></span><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22871&search=" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: times new roman;">Russ. Präsident Medvedev: Georgien 'wahrscheinlich schwerwiegendste' Unstimmigkeit mit NATO</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> - 20.11.2010, Civil Georgia</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, said that at Lisbon summit NATO and Moscow made “a significant step forward” towards boosting cooperation, but also said that differences, including on Georgia, remain.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“One of the most serious differences probably is about our assessment of 2008 events – attitude towards what has happened in August, 2008, towards those geopolitical changes, which occurred at that time; in particular emergence of two new states – South Ossetia and Abkhazia. But we [Russia and NATO] have noted that this issue should not become a stumbling stone,” Medvedev said while speaking at a news conference after NATO-Russia Council meeting in Lisbon on November 20.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“We have agreed that [differences] should not disrupt our relations,” he said. “On the contrary, we should work on finding ways out of these difficult situations. We should work on hearing each others’ arguments.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Medvedev said that in overall the Lisbon summit was “a significant step forward towards strengthening our relations” and for that reason, he added, this summit was “a historic event.”</span><br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22870&search=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Georgien in der Abschlusserklärung des NATO-Gipfels in Lissabon</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> - 20.11.2010, Civil Georgia</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">... Wie die Erklärung nach dem Strasbourg/Kehl-Gipfel ruft die jüngste Erklärung Russland auf, "seine Anerkennung von der Südossetien- und Abchasien-Region von Georgien als unabhängige Staaten rückgängig zu machen". ...</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Like NATO’s new strategic concept, </span><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22869" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">in respect of Georgia, the final declaration of Lisbon summit</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> reiterates the decision taken by NATO leaders at </span><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=17514" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">2008 Bucharest summit</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;">, that Georgia will become a member of the Alliance. </span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">It also reaffirms subsequent decisions taken by the Alliance in respect of Georgia, which among others also includes the one of </span><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=20663" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">2009 Strasbourg/Kehl summit</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> in which NATO leaders said that Georgia’s Annual National Programme, setting reforms targets, will help Georgia in advancing its reforms “without prejudice to further decisions which must be taken about MAP” – Membership Action Plan, a precursor to an eventual membership to which Georgia was refused at 2008 Bucharest summit. </span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Like the 2009 Strasbourg/Kehl declaration, the recent one again calls on Russia “to reverse its recognition of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions of Georgia as independent states.” </span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">While noting that NATO wants to see “a true strategic partnership” with Russia, the Lisbon summit declaration reiterates support to Georgia’s territorial integrity and calls on Moscow “to meet its commitments with respect to Georgia” undertaken under the August 12, 2008 six-point ceasefire agreement and follow up treaty of September 8, 2008. </span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">It says that “protracted regional conflicts” in South Caucasus and in Moldova “continues to be a matter of great concern for the Alliance.” </span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“We strongly encourage and actively support Georgia’s continued implementation of all necessary reforms, particularly democratic, electoral and judicial reforms, as well as security and defence sector reforms, in order to advance its Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” the declaration reads.</span><br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22868&search=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">NATO-Generalsekretär Rasmussen sagt, eine verbesserte NATO-Russland-Beziehung werde in veritabler Weise dazu beitragen, eine Lösung im Konflikt Georgien-Russland zu finden</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> - 20.11.2010, Civil Georgia</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who announced about launch of “fundamentally new relations” between NATO and Russia, said improved ties between the Alliance and Moscow would also help to resolve conflict between Russia and Georgia.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Speaking at a news conference after a meeting between NATO leaders and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Lisbon, Rasmussen said that the Alliance and Russia “agreed in writing that while we face main security challenges we pose no threat to each other.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">"For the first time the two sides will be cooperating to defend themselves," Rasmussen said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Asked how “fundamentally new relations” between Russia and NATO might effect conflict between Moscow and Tbilisi, Rasmussen responded: “I hope to see a resolution to that very unfortunate conflict and I can assure that within the framework, we have created for consultations with Russia, we will continue to discuss the Georgia issue.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“The NATO position remains the same; we insist on full respect of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; we will continue to pursue a non-recognition policy as regards Abkhazia and South Ossetia.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">"Generally speaking, I do believe, that an improved relationship between NATO and Russia will also contribute in a valuable way to find the solutions to the conflict between Russia and Georgia," Rasmussen said.</span><br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22867&search=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Präsident Saakashvili über 'fruchtbarste diplomatische Woche'</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> - 20.11.2010, Civil Georgia</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">President Saakashvili said this week was the most “fruitful” in terms of diplomatic successes for Georgia under his presidency.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Speaking to a group of Georgian journalists in Lisbon on sideline of NATO summit after meeting with President Obama, Saakashvili said that NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s resolution, his trip to Brussels to meet with EU leadership and talks with his U.S. counterpart, as well as his upcoming speech before the European Parliament on November 23 was marking failure of Russia’s attempts “to cast away and sideline” Georgia on the international arena.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“I am on this post [of the President] for many years already, but I do not remember having - and we have not had – such a fruitful international week. It means that all the attempts – and lots of money have been invested in those attempts - to somehow weaken… and to cast away and sideline Georgia [have foiled] and on the contrary, those attempts boomeranged against perpetrators of those attempts,” Saakashvili said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“This indicates on the fact that in every type of relations the truth will always prevail and good will always defeat evil. We need patience.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“In the 21st century, nobody will last long as an occupying force on a territory of the European country. This status of an occupier has been established and support to Georgia has been strengthened. What we need now is patience, unity – and I think that our people have this unity today – and we need hard work to make Georgia stronger,” he said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Saakashvili said that the NATO Parliamentary Assembly resolution, which mentions “occupation” and “ethnic cleansing”, was not “a minor event” and it was a result of “a huge diplomatic struggle.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">He also said that he was the only President of non-EU member state to be honored with an opportunity to address the European Parliament twice. He first addressed MEPs in November, 2006.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">"It happens not because there is a special attention personally to me, but because of support of Europe and rest of the world towards Georgia," he said.</span><br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22865&search=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Präsident Saakashvili 'zufrieden' mit den Gesprächen mit Obama</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> - 20.11.2010, Civil Georgia</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Schon die Tatsache, dass Präsident Obama nur wenige Treffen neben dem NATO-Gipfel einplante und dabei Georgien berücksichtigte, war eine wichtige Botschaft. </span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">President Saakashvili said the fact that President Obama’s scheduled of few bilateral meetings on sidelines of NATO Lisbon summit also included talks with his Georgian counterpart was in itself “an important message”.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“I am very satisfied with this meeting,” Saakashvili told a group of Georgian journalists in Lisbon after meeting with President Obama late on November 19 evening. “As you know this was President Obama’s only meeting here at NATO summit, apart his meetings with [Afghan] President Karzai and with the hosts [referring to Portuguese leaders] – and you know that Afghanistan tops the agenda of this summit; actually he had no other meetings here except of these ones. Of course this is already in itself an important message.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“During the meeting the President [Obama] made an extremely supportive statements about reforms in Georgia; he assessed highly democratic and economic reforms carried out in Georgia; he demonstrated good knowledge of details of the situation [in Georgia]; not only he reiterated support to Georgia’s territorial integrity, but [also demonstrated] that they [the U.S. authorities] are working on this issue and of course [Obama expressed] support towards the path, which will lead us to the NATO membership,” Saakashvili said.</span><br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22863&search=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">'Georgien bleibt in Afghanistan bis die Mission vollendet ist'</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> - 19.11.2010, Civil Georgia</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">President Saakashvili said on November 19 that Georgia would remain committed to the Afghan mission until it's accomplished.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Saakashvili made the remarks at a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, on a sideline of NATO summit in Lisbon. </span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“You know we are second biggest per capita contributors to Afghanistan in terms of numbers of troops. We have no caveats and we are fighting alongside the Americans, Canadians, with British and we are willing to stay there until the mission is accomplished,” he said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Georgia has 950 troops in Afghanistan; five Georgian soldiers were killed in combat in two separate incidents in early and late September.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Saakashvili also said at the meeting with the Canadian PM: “We love Canada in Georgia, not only in Georgia, but in the whole region, and not only because it’s a great country but it has been paying great attention to our region. It has been outspoken in defence of values and it’s a great ally in Afghanistan."</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Georgian State Minister for Euro-Atlantic Integration Issues, Giorgi Baramidze, said that Canada "is an active supporter to Georgia's NATO integration." "These relations are very important for us," he said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Meanwhile, Georgian First Deputy Foreign Minister, Giga Bokeria, said on November 19, that Georgia was expecting that NATO summit in Lisbon would give a "firm" recommitment to its decision at the Bucharest summit in 2008 to eventual Georgian membership.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">“We hope and we have a ground to hope that at this summit a very clear message will be made about future of Georgia’s NATO membership – that is a very firm reiteration of the NATO Bucharest summit decision; as you know there have been speculations on this issue and it is important to remove all the question marks about it,” Bokeria said.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Sprache: deutsch, englisch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-3580559026805971012010-11-14T11:53:00.004+01:002010-11-14T12:05:23.717+01:00TV-Interview von Innenminister Merabishvili: zu russischen Militärs an südossetischer Verwaltungsgrenze und Agententätigkeit gegen Georgien ...<span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" >14.11.2010 | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">Civil.ge</a> | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22846&search=">Link zur Quelle</a> | Bilder | Video</span> <span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" > |<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">'Nichts ist ausgeschlossen, aber ich träume nicht von irgendeiner Position'</span><br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22846&search=" rel="nofollow"></a><span>Das Interview mit Imedi TV war eines der seltenen, welches der Innenminister den </span><span>georgischen Medien gegeben hat. Er gilt als die einflußreichste Person in </span><span> Präsident Saakashvili's Regierung:<br /> * 'War can't be lost against corrupt country';<br /> * 'Doors open for North Caucasian friends';<br /> * 'No Intention to Irritate Russia';<br /> * Computer game 'Police'<br />Georgian Interior Minister, Vano Merabishvili, said he was not yet thinking about what his political career might be under the new constitutional system, when PM becomes key figure in the country.<br />In an interview with the Georgian television station, Imedi, Merabishvili said: "Nothing is ruled out, but I am not dreaming about taking any post."<br />"I am not thinking about which ministry or direction might be interesting for me; my everyday work does not leave me enough time to think about it... I do not deem it appropriate to think about it now; two years in Georgia is a long period... Things change so fast, developments are so dynamic... and it is impossible to make predictions for two years ahead", he said.<br />Then the interviewer narrowed down the question - although not further enough to directly ask if he was eying prime ministerial post - and asked if he was "thinking about elections" in 2012.<br />"No, I do not think about the elections," Merabishvili responded.<br />Georgia will have new constitutional system starting from late 2013, wherein most of the presidential powers will be transfered to Prime Minister; at the time Prime Minister will be elected by the Parliament, elected in the 2012 elections. Although there are widespread speculation in Georgia that President Saakashvili, whose second and final term in office will expire in late 2013, himself is eying for the prime ministerial post, some have also suggested that Vano Merabishvili might be aiming at the post.<br />The interview with Imedi TV, which was recorded few days ago and aired on November 13, was the rare one given to the Georgian media by the Interior Minister, regarded to be the most influential figure in President Saakashvili's administration. Opponents say Merabishvili's influence goes far beyond his professional duties as head of the ministry, which in itself is a powerful agency also incorporating security services.<br />In the interview Merabishvili, on the one hand, tried to downplay widespread notion that he exerts powers on decisions beyond his official competences, but on the other hand, he also said: "Decisions, which may not involve the Interior Ministry, are rare."<br />Imedi TV's 85-minute long program about Merabishvili incorporated a recorded sit-down interview with him, preceded by journalist's conversation with him in the minister's office and at various locations, including a construction site of one of the police stations in Tbilisi, which like other newly built police stations and like the Interior Ministry's headquarters itself is a glass building demonstrating, as Merabishvili says, transparency of the Georgian police.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">'War Can't Be Lost Against Corrupt Country'</span><br />One of the locations where the journalist accompanied Merabishvili was at the breakaway South Ossetia's administrative border, close to Akhalgori from where Russian military barracks are seen on the other side of the dividing line.<br />"That's the base where subversive actions, political and economic destabilization and banditry is being planned against Georgia," Merabishvili said looking in direction of the Russian troops' barracks. "Of course efficiency of thier [efforts] is not very high, because of active work of our police and counter-intelligence - thier major problem, however, is corruption and lack of interest of thier [Russia's] officers to defend Russia's interests; but we still need to work hard to foil plans of, although ineffective but numerous, aggressors and our adversaries."<br />"It is impossible for the country, where there is freedom and where the police is loved by the people, to lose the war against the force, where there is corruption, no human rights, no free economy... and from where soldiers are fleeing to sought asylum on our side," the Interior Minister said.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">'Opened Door for North Caucasian Friends'</span><br />Georgia's decision to impose 90-day visa-free travel rules for Russian citizens residing in the North Caucasus has not created any threat to Georgia, Merabishvili said.<br />"This is a door, opened to Georgia's friends. We have enough resources to foil any attempt of aggression against Georgia. Moreover, this gate [referring to possibility to cross Zemo Larsi-Kazbegi border crossing point without visa] allows us to gather more information and to carry out more surveillance on our adversary; hence, allowing us to prevent thier subversive or other acts [against Georgia]," he said.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">'No Intention to Irritate Russia' </span><br />Asked whether the Interior Ministry's decision to withhold till November 5 release of first official information about the capture of alleged Russian spies was related to the fact that the Russian military intelligence marks its professional day on that date, Merabishvili responded, that it was also a factor, but not the main reason.<br />He said it took some time before preparing all the materials in order to provide "good" media coverage of the case. Rustavi 2 television station aired a documentary about the case late on November 5.<br />Merabishvili said, that major reason behind providing high publicity to the exposure of the spy network was to warn and discourage those Georgian citizens, who still keep links with the Russian intelligence.<br />"Our goal was not to irritate Russia; vector [of this move] was not at all directed towards Russia," he said.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Computer Game 'Police' </span><br />Merabishvili also said that a team of software engineers and programmers, contracted by the Interior Ministry, was developing the first ever Georgian computer game, "Police", in which players will take part in virtual hunt down of criminals and Russian spies. The game will also be available in English for worldwide audience, the Interior Minister said.<br />He also said that although himself a computer savvy, he did not have a Facebook account and several accounts existing under his name on the social networking site did not belonged to him.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;" >Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Innenpolitik, Russland, Krieg-2008, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;" >Sprache: deutsch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-26167383886643105482010-10-28T12:21:00.002+02:002010-11-14T12:29:22.907+01:0020 Agenten in Tbilisi verhaftet - ‘Fiasko des russischen Agentennetzwerkes’<span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" >28.10.2010 | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">Civil.ge</a> | Link zur Quelle | Bilder | Video</span> <span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" > |</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style=";font-family:verdana,sans-serif;font-size:78%;" ><b></b></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22846&search=">Innenminister Merabishvili zu russischen Militärbarracken an der südossetischen Verwaltungsgrenze und Agententätigkeit gegen Georgien : "That's the base where subversive actions, political and economic destabilization and banditry is being planned against Georgia."</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - 14.11.2010, Civil Georgia</span><br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22832&search=" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: times new roman;">Präsident Saakashvili im Zusammenhang mit der Agentenaffäre: ‘Wir wollen keine Konfrontation mit irgend jemandem; wir verteidigen uns selbst.’</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - 09.11.2010, Civil Georgia</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">President Saakashvili awarded on November 9 Georgian counter-intelligence officers, who were part of the operation to uncover, as the President put it, “spy network of Georgia’s occupant country” and said that Tbilisi was ready for talks with Moscow if the latter demonstrated “good will”.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">“This operation was very important, important because our country is obviously under permanent pressure and threat of permanent destabilization attempts… We defend ourselves, and our counter-intelligence agents are on the forefront of this self-defense,” Saakashvili said at the meeting with the Interior Ministry leadership. "A real monster is in struggle against us."</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">“I would like to thank you and wish you further success in your attempts to stop the actions and tricks of Georgia's enemy... We’ve managed to create small, but efficient counter-intelligence service.”</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">“We do not want confrontation with anyone; we defend ourselves. If Russia shows good will and decides to launch negotiations with us, Georgia will always be ready for that. If we are talked to as a sovereign state, which has its democratically elected government, we will be ready for [talks] without any preconditions like we have always been,” he added.</span><br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22822&search=" style="font-family: times new roman;">TV-Dokumentation über 'russisches Agentennetzwerk' in Rustavi 2</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - 06.11.2010, Civil Georgia</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Georgia's most watched television station, Rustavi 2, aired during prime time on November 5 a documentary about alleged Russian spy network, which the Georgian Interior Ministry said, had operated in Georgia for years until it was uncovered last month.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The first reports about the arrest of individuals suspected of spying for Russia emerged last week. The first official announcement came only a week later on November 5; meantime, Rustavi 2 was airing a trailer of its planned documentary about, what it called, "“total fiasco of the Russian intelligence”.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Rustavi 2 TV, regarded as a pro-governmental nationwide broadcaster, was given an exclusive access not only to case files but was also able to film arrest of some alleged spies in Batumi on October 15.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The 30-minute documentary centers on a double agent with a code name 'Enveri', who, according to the Georgian Interior Ministry, played a key role in obtaining the Russian military intelligence's encryption materials through which, it said, it became possible to expose the alleged spy network.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The double agent, interviewed in dark studio, so that to hide his face, on a background of some Soviet symbols, was speaking in Russian saying that in late 1980s he served for the Soviet military intelligence in Georgia's port town of Poti.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">According to the Interior Ministry in 2006, when major spy row erupted between Russia and Georgia after Tbilisi arrested four Russian military officers on espionage charges, number of Georgian citizens turned themselves in admitting having links with the Russian intelligence. At the time the authorities promised amnesty for those who would have voluntarily reported about links with the foreign intelligence.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">According to the documentary, the trend showed alarming scales of the Russian intelligence operations in Georgia prompting the Georgian counter-intelligence to find someone who could have been planted inside the network. The former Soviet army officer was selected, according to the documentary.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">"I was hesitant initially, but eventually agreed as I have always been in service of my homeland - if at first it was the Soviet Union, then it was Georgia," the double agent with code name 'Enveri' says in the documentary.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">He said, that under the pretext of wanting to retrieve his pension as a former Soviet army officer, he contacted his "old acquaintances" in the Russian military intelligence and arranged a meeting in a Russian town close to the Ukrainian border. According to the documentary there he met with three operatives from the Russian military intelligence (GRU - Glavnoye Razvedovatelnoye Upravlenie), including one with name Sergey Akimov. The operatives, he said, trained him in how to use specially developed spy hardware and special software for exchange of encrypted information.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">After three days of "extensive training", the double agent, before departure back to Georgia, met with Yuri Zhilin, described in the documentary as chief GRU operative in Russia's Krasnodar region.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">After that, according to the documentary, he was regularly exchanging messages with GRU in a form of encrypted texts, image and music files mainly via e-mail. Encoding of such files, according to the documentary, required multiple passwords and software. In the process, according to the documentary, it also became possible to identify dozens of other Georgian citizens working for the Russian intelligence and in addition at least one GRU liaison officer was also identified - the Russian citizen, Yuri Skrilnikov, according to the Interior Ministry.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">According to the documentary Skrilnikov arrived in Georgia in May, 2010 for a meeting with the double agent, but he was detained by the Georgian counter-intelligence. What the documentary does not mention is that Skrilnikov was formally charged with currency forgery; another Russian citizen and one Georgian citizen were also arrested together with him - all of them worked for the Russian military based in Batumi before it was finally closed down in November, 2007.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It was reported in mid-October that court in Batumi found him guilty of currency forgery and sentenced him on October 7 to 18 years in prison. At the time the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the verdict as "yet another provocation against the Russian citizen" who in the past served in the Russian military base in Batumi. Skrilnikov is among those 13 persons, who, the Georgian Interior Ministry said on November 5, were arrested on spying charges.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The double agent says in the documentary that his Russian minders were "very much interested" in information related to western warships' port calls in Georgia, training courses carried out by Georgia's western partners for the Georgian forces, defense plan of the ports, structure of the Georgian land forces and thier location. He said all the information he was sending to his Russian handlers was approved by the Georgian intelligence.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">In the documentary a pilot of the Mi-8 army helicopter, who is among six Georgian military pilots charged with spying, says that during the August, 2008 war he informed his Russian handlers that Georgian helicopters were probably hidden in the Borjomi gorge. He said the wildfire, which erupted in the gorge, destroying over 200 hectares of forest there during the war, was probably a result of the information he provided to the Russian intelligence.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">In the end of the documentary narrator says that the operation against the Russian spy networks, "which was unprecedented in our country's history, enters into the new phase." It was then followed with an announcement made by deputy head of the Interior Ministry's counter-intelligence unit reiterating the authorities' promise guaranteeing amnesty for those who will voluntarily report about thier links with the foreign intelligence services.</span><br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22807&search=" style="font-family: times new roman;">TV wird Film ausstrahlen über das ‘Fiasko des russischen Agentennetzwerkes’</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - 02.11.2010, Civil Georgia</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Georgia’s nationwide broadcaster, Rustavi 2, aired promotional video of an upcoming documentary about, as it put it, “total fiasco of the Russian intelligence”.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The 40-second promo, first aired on November 1, provides some hints indicating that the documentary will apparently be about reported arrest of a group of Georgian citizens allegedly working for the Russian intelligence.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The promo mentions “18 spies”, although it was initially reported that 20 persons were arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">“Rustavi 2 presents documentary film ‘Enveri’; Russian intelligence taken by Georgia’s bait; methods through which the Russian intelligence operates throughout the world; the largest spy network has been exposed; total fiasco of the Russian intelligence; on Rustavi 2 soon”, the promo says.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Rustavi 2 TV, usually used for leaking official information, was non-committal when contacted for comment on the upcoming film.</span><br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22801&search=" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: times new roman;">Russisches Außenministerium: Moskau habe keine Kenntnisse zu Details bezüglich der Verhaftung von ‘Agenten’</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - 30.10.2010, Civil Georgia</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Russia is not aware of details of reported arrest by Georgia twenty of its citizens on suspicion of spying for Moscow, Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, said on October 30.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">“As far as I know, we are talking about the Georgian citizens. We do not know anything but that,” Lavrov, who is Hanoi, was quoted by the Russian news agencies.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">News about the arrest of alleged spies in Georgia was reported by Reuters on Friday evening, citing unnamed Georgian security sources. The Georgian Interior Ministry declines to confirm or deny the report and no official comment on the matter is expected until next week.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The Russian daily, Kommersant, reported quoting a Russian Foreign Ministry representative: “We have seen reports about alleged arrest of spies. But as far as there are no diplomatic relations between the two countries because of Tbilisi’s initiative, it is impossible for us to promptly find out what has happened. What is important and to what we have paid our attention is that the Georgian citizens are mentioned; so one should address the Georgian authorities for clarification.”</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">According to the Reuter’s report all the detainees are suspected of creating a spy network in Georgia and delivering secret information to Russia. It was reported in the Georgian media sources on October 30, that the detainees are also suspected of gathering sensitive information about procurements by the Interior Ministry and Ministry of Defense.</span><br /><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/georgia-arrests-20-suspected-russian-spies-2120516.html" style="font-family: times new roman;" target="_blank">Georgia arrests 20 suspected Russian spies</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - 30.10.2010, independent.co.uk</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">By William Dunbar in Tbilisi</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Georgia has arrested twenty people on suspicion of spying for Russia, it was reported last night. Citing an anonymous source in the security services, Reuters said that the detainees, all of whom are <i>Georgian citizens</i>, are suspected of being <i>part of a spy ring that passed secrets to Moscow</i>. A source in Georgia's ruling National Movement, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the arrests had taken place. ...</span><br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22799&search=" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: times new roman;">Nach Berichten sollen 20 russische Agenten festgenommen worden sein</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - 28.10.2010, Civil Georgia</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Reuters reported on Friday evening, citing unnamed Georgian security sources, that 20 people have been arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">According to the report detainees, all Georgian citizens, are suspected of creating a spy network and delivering secret information to Russia.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Details remain sketchy and the Interior Ministry representative declined to comment.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">“We do not comment on the matter; I can neither confirm nor deny [the report],” Shota Utiashvili, head of the information and analytical department of the Georgian Interior Ministry, told Civil.ge</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;" >Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;" >Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-73891727107139413422010-10-15T23:42:00.000+02:002010-10-21T23:46:20.881+02:00Schlüsselpunkte der neu verabschiedeten Verfassung<span style="font-size:85%;">15.10.2010 | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">Civil.ge</a> | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22757&search=">Link zur Quelle</a> | Bilder | Video</span> <span style="font-size:85%;"> |</span><br /><br />Parliament passed on October 15 amendments to the constitution with its third and final reading, which will significantly reduce powers of next president in favor of PM and the government.<br />The new constitution will go into force upon the inauguration of the next president, who is scheduled to be elected in October, 2013.<br />As soon as the new constitution goes into force in 2013, the government existing at the time will resign to give way to the Parliament, elected in 2012, to compose the new government.<br />Below are key points of Georgia's new constitution:<br />PM/Government<br /> * The government becomes the supreme body of the executive branch, which directs and executes the country’s foreign and domestic policy and which is accountable before the Parliament;<br /> * Prime Minister has the right to appoint and dismisses other members of the government, including defense and interior ministers (under the current constitution dismissal of these two ministers is an exclusive right of President). PM's resignation will automatically lead to the resignation of the government;<br /> * Government’s powers are suspended as soon the mandate of newly-elected Parliament is approved, and not upon electing a new President, as it is envisaged by the current constitution;<br /> * PM's candidacy is named by a political party, which will garner most of the votes in parliamentary elections;<br /> * Government members are named by PM-designate;<br /> * Government needs support of majority of MPs to win confidence vote;<br /> * If government's powers are suspended for reasons other than parliamentary elections, President nominates PM's candidate proposed by a parliamentary majority. In case of absence of parliamentary majority, a candidate should be proposed by a largest parliamentary faction;<br /> * If Parliament fails to give confidence vote to government twice, President will nominate PM's candidacy named by two-fifth of lawmakers; but if even in that case the Parliament fails to give confidence vote, President will have the right to dissolve Parliament and call early elections;<br /> * It is only up to government to submit state budget to Parliament for consideration making these two responsible for entire budgetary matters, leaving out President; government will have a lead role and the Parliament's role will be limited in the budgetary matters;<br /> * Gov't has right to request the Parliament ratification or denunciation of int'l treaties; President also enjoys with this right in some cases, but with the government's consent;<br /> * President will not have the right to appoint or dismiss ambassadors without government's approval (it will no longer be up to the Parliament to approve ambassadorial nominations);<br /> * The government (and not PM unilaterally, as it was envisaged by the initial draft) appoints and dismisses provincial governors, instead of the President as it is under the current constitution;<br /> * PM will have the right of “counterassignation” of presidential decrees, which means that most of the presidential decrees will require confirmation by PM's signature. However, this right of PM will not apply to presidential acts issued during war; as well as acts concerning a decision to dissolve the Parliament; calling elections; signing drafts into law; appointing judges; in the initial draft no PM's counterassignation was required for the presidential acts on appointment of top military brass, but in the final text PM and the government will have a say in this process too;<br /> * Gov't will have the right to request President to call for a referendum;<br /> * President requires government's consent on holding international talks or in case of signing international treaties.<br />Non-Confidence Vote<br /> * No less than 2/5 of the total members of the Parliament, e.i. at least 60 lawmakers will have the right to request for launching of non-confidence vote;<br /> * The process will be deemed as started if more than half of MPs support it; this vote can only take place not earlier than 20 days and no later than 25 days;<br /> * If as a result of this vote the process is endorsed, the Parliament shall, not earlier than 20 days and no later than 25 days, hold a separate vote on a nomination of new prime ministerial candidate, selected by at least 2/5 of MPs;<br /> * If a new candidate is supported, then the President comes into play;<br /> * The President should, within 5 days, either endorse the nomination or reject;<br /> * In case of presidential veto on a new prime ministerial candidate, the Parliament will have the right to vote for nomination of a same candidate no earlier than 15 and no later than 20 days;<br /> * But to override the presidential veto, the Parliament will need at least three-fifth of its members’ support, which is 90 MPs; while in other cases, such as vetoed laws (except of constitutional amendments), the Parliament will need only absolute majority (76 votes);<br /> * If the Parliament fails to override the veto, president will have the right, within three days, to dissolve the legislative body and call for early elections.<br />President<br /> * President will remain the head of state, a commander-in-chief and will represent the country (and not be a supreme representative as it is under the current constitution) in foreign relations;<br /> * President will no longer direct and exercise domestic and foreign policy of the state - as the current constitution says. This authority will be delegated to PM and the government;<br /> * A citizen of Georgia (and not natural born citizen as it was initially envisaged), who is at least 35 years old and has lived in Georgia for at least 5 years (instead of initial version of 15 years) and lived permanently in Georgia for last three years at the time of elections will be eligible to run for presidency;<br /> * President will have no right to hold a decision-making post in a political party, although will retain the right to be a member of a party;<br /> * President will have the right to appoint or dismiss chief of staff of the armed forces and other top military commanders only with agreement of the government;<br /> * President will not have the right to initiate draft laws;<br /> * President will not have the right to convene an emergency session of the Parliament;<br /> * President will not have the right to call for a referendum;<br /> * President will have the right to nominate members of telecommunications and energy regulatory commissions but only with an agreement of gov't;<br /> * President will have the right to nominate head of government of Adjara Autonomous Republic, but only after consultations with political parties and with an agreement of central gov't;<br /> * Issue of President's impeachment can be initiated by at least 1/3 of lawmakers. The issue will then be passed to the Constitutional Court. If the latter concludes that President's action contained signs of crime or violation of constitution, Parliament will have to vote whether to impeach or not President within 15 days. Votes of at least 2/3 of lawmakers will be required to impeach President.<br />Parliament<br /> * PM will have the right to raise before the Parliament the question of confidence of gov't in relation to initiated draft law; the Parliament has to vote on the draft law within 14 days with one hearing (and not with three hearing as usually) or vote non-confidence to gov't;<br /> * If the Parliament fails with vote of non-confidence it will not result into dissolving of the legislative body; it will mean that the draft law is adopted;<br /> * Although the Parliament will have the right to raise a question of responsibility of an individual cabinet member, the constitution does not specify what follows next and what might be the result of such demand by the Parliament;<br /> * Appointment of ambassadors will no longer require parliamentary approval;<br /> * One fifth of lawmakers, instead of current one fourth, will be able to initiate setting up of parliamentary investigative commission or other type of ad hoc commission; but setting up of such commission will still require Parliament's resolution, which has to be passed with majority vote of lawmakers present at a session;<br /> * Parliament will be able to overrule a presidential veto with majority vote of lawmakers, instead of currently needed support of two-third of Parliament members. However, this provision will not apply constitutional draft laws, when support of two-third of lawmakers will be required;<br /> * Parliament's role in respect of budgetary issues becomes limited;<br /> * Parliament will have the right to monitor budgetary spending through Chamber of Control - the main state audit agency; under the current constitution the legislative body can monitor state spending directly and in case of violations can demand suspension of such spending; the Parliament will be deprived of this right under the new constitution;<br />Other Provisions<br /> * President, PM and Parliamentary Chairperson's post can not be held by a person with double citizenship (in the initial draft, the provision also applied to all senior governmental posts);<br /> * Age requirement of judges will increase from current 28 to 30;<br /> * Term in office of judges of lower courts will expire after reaching a retirement age; the provision does not apply to judges of Supreme Court;<br /> * A probationary period of not more than 3 years will be introduced for judges;<br /> * Revision of the constitution will become more complicated as a proposed amendment will have to be adopted by two-third of all MPs in two subsequent sessions with a three-month interval.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22756&search=" rel="nofollow">Neue Verfassung wurde verabschiedet</a><br />Parliament passed on October 15 with 112 votes to five amendments to the constitution with its third and final reading, which will significantly reduce powers of next president in favor of PM and the government.<br />This is the second time in last six years when the constitutional system has been revamped; the existing system, which was introduced in 2004, concentrated most of the powers in the hands of the President.<br />The new constitution will go into force upon the inauguration of the next president, who will be elected in the elections in October, 2013. The initial draft envisaged new constitution's enforcement from December 1, 2013, but the provision was amended and it now says that the new system will go into force as soon as the new president is sworn.<br />The final version of the text, passed on October 15, includes some other important amendments as well.<br />One involves provision dealing with eligibility for presidential candidacy. According to the adopted text a citizen of Georgia - and not natural born citizen as it was initially envisaged in the text adopted with second reading - who is at least 35 years old and has lived in Georgia for at least 5 years - instead of initial version of 15 years - and lived permanently in Georgia for last three years at the time of elections will be eligible to run for presidency.<br />Another change involves reducing by 5 days timeframe of last stage of non-confidence vote – the stage which comes in case of the presidential veto on prime ministerial nomination. The process of non-confidence may take 45 or 55 days, or in case of the presidential veto on prime ministerial nominee 77 days or it even take maximum 92 days. In the very initial draft this process could have taken maximum of 127 days.<br />Lawmakers from the Christian-Democratic Movement, which is a leading party in the parliamentary minority group, voted in favor of the new constitution. A handful of remaining opposition lawmakers, who are not members of any parliamentary group, was against.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Stichworte: Georgien, </span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span><span style="color:#000000;">Innenpolitik, </span></span></span><span style="font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-15794463679564007732010-09-24T21:14:00.003+02:002010-10-07T21:23:02.101+02:00Saakashvili Speaks of 'United Caucasus' in UN Speech<span style="font-size:78%;">24.09.2010 | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">Civil.ge</a> | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22696&search=">Link zur Quelle</a> | Bilder | Video </span><span style="font-size:78%;"> |</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="arttext" id="maintext" style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><li>- To Abkhaz, Ossetians: 'we will protect you'</li> <li>- To Moscow: 'be part of transformation of region'</li> <li>- To Moscow: 'learn from us how to transform society'</li> <li>- To world leaders: 'help us to secure peace'</li> <li>- 'Modernization impossible with Khodorkovsky in Gulag' </li> <li>- Calls on three countries to reverse Abkhaz, S.Ossetia recognition</li></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">-------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">source: </span><span class="arttext" id="maintext" style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><a href="http://www.civil.ge/files/files/Saakashvili-UN-speech-220910.pdf">PDF-original of the speech at the UN General Assembly</a></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">REMARKS OF H.E MIKHEIL SAAKASHVILI</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">THE 65th SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">GENERAL ASSEMBLY</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">23 SEPTEMBER 2010</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">NEW YORK</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguished delegates,</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It is always a great honor for me to address the annual general assembly of the United</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Nations.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Ladies and gentlemen, in uncertain times like ours, cooperation is more necessary than ever.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Unless we stand together and invent new approaches to the global challenges we are all</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">facing, we will be tom apart by fear and self-destructive interests.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Gatherings like this one, therefore, are valuable only if they allow us to shape a common</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">vision for concrete actions towards peace, development solidarity, and justice.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">This month, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the international community and the</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">leadership of President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton. direct peace talks have</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">resumed between Israelis and Palestinians.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">They resumed precisely at a moment when many people had given up hope for a just and</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">lasting peace in the Middle East.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The road to peace. security. and justice is still a long one. The remaining obstacles are</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">enormous. But the goal is so noble and necessary that no effort should be spared.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">This is why today I would like to pay tribute to all those who are taking risks for peace.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Yes, risks. Because peace is never obvious. never easy.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">That is certainly true in the Middle East, and it is true in my region as well.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">One of our common goals, then, must be to enable those risk-takers who have the courage to</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">defy conventional wisdom and forge new paths to peace.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Peace is not an easy way. But peace is the only way.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">As the President of a young democracy that recently suffered from war and invasion and is</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">still under partial occupation by a nuclear superpower-I can say this: peace is our most</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">precious common goal and. at the same time. our only path towards the other goals we share.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">To those here. and in my own country who see no way to reverse the armed occupation or</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">reduce regional tensions. I say: peace is not only the goal, it is also the means to any goal.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Today. ladies and gentlemen. my region is at a crossroads.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">For too long. it has suffered from division. injustice. conflict. colonization. and violence.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Today. however. change is possible. In fact. change is already taking place.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I came here to speak about this change and to promote a specific vision - a vision for a free.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">stable and united Caucasus.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">From Pushkin, Lermontov or Tolstoy's times till now. the Caucasian mountains were a</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">symbol of wilderness and paradoxes. a region where individuals and souls were</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">fundamentally free. but where citizens were politically oppressed. where people and cultures</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">were deeply tolerant but where governments and authorities created artificial divisions. where</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">shepherds would cross 5000 meters high mountains. but where rulers erected walls nobody</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">could cross.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I came here today to tell you that these times are vanishing. that the dream of unity and peace</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">is possible.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">When I addressed you two years ago - in the aftermath of a full-scale invasion and when</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Russian Foreign Minister was openly threatening Georgia of total annihilation - few people</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">believed that our country would survive as an independent and democratic state.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Few people thought that our government would endure-that our economy would survive the</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">war and the global crisis-that our reforms could continue with renewed vigor-or that we</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">would make steady progress toward the European Union and Euro-Atlantic structures.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Well. I am proud to tell you. two years later. that we have succeeded against the odds.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Thanks to the commitment of the Georgian people and to the support of our friends and allies.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Today. Georgia is back.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Georgia is back. first as a laboratory for political reform and social transformation.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">2</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">More than ever, we are committed to the promise at the heart ofthe Rose Revolution-to turn</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">a failed state into a modern European one.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Our local elections last May were proof of that transformation and a</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">democracy, the result of seven years of patient, constant.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">milestone for our</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">tireless reform.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">This effort, of course, has to go on-and it will go on because a great deal remains to be done.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Our objective is clear: to create a more institutionalized system of liberal democratic</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">governance.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Ladies and gentlemen, my term as president ends in 2013 and these changes will survive my</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">presidency and the current government.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Because we are not only speaking about changes of leadership or reforms of institutions, we</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">are speaking about something deeper and stronger-something that The Economist of London</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">recently characterized as Georgia's "mental revolution."</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The Georgian people have tasted freedom, the absence of corruption, the fruits of economic</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">development, the emergence of a true meritocracy. They have changed their behavior, their</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">vision of the world, their dreams even, and they will mightily resist any attempts to reverse</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">these changes-no matter if those attempts come from inside or from abroad.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">This is our great victory: we helped to create something that goes far beyond the leaders and</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">parties that led the Rose Revolution. We helped to create a revolution of the heart and the</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">mind.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Once one of the most corrupt countries of the post-Soviet world, Georgia has made greater</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">gains in the fight against corruption, as measured by Transparency International, than any</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">other country over the past five years.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Once a place where foreign investors were kidnapped by gangs and mafias, Georgia is now</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">ranked by the World Bank as number II for the ease of doing business in the world a</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">ranking we hope to further improve this year.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">These rankings make clear why Georgia's only interest is a peaceful resolution of conflicts:</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Georgia is winning the peace-Georgia is winning through peace.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Our northern neighbor expected us to change our path when it imposed on us a full embargo</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">in 2006. invaded us in 2008. ethnically cleansed Georgian regions and illegally occupied 20%</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">of our territory. an occupation that continues to this day.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">All these actions had one objective: to destroy the Georgian laboratory of political. economic.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">and social reform-to prevent the region from changing.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We answered these relentless attacks by reinvigorating our reforms. opening our economy</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">even more. and accelerating our social transformation.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">3</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">This is our policy and no provocation will ever make us change it.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Thanks to this commitment to reform, Georgia is now a responsible international player.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I am proud that my nation is fighting international terrorism in Afghanistan. I would like to</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">pay tribute here to our nearly 1,000 soldiers who are risking their lives every day to help the</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Afghan people secure a stable, terror-free future.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I want to pay a special tribute today to company commander, First Lieutenant Mukhran</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Shukvani. Earlier this month, Mukhran was killed in the cause of peace, while serving</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">alongside NATO forces in the dangerous Helmand province of Afghanistan.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We are fighting other common scourges, too, focusing especially on the terrible danger of</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">nuclear trafficking. Many times over the past seven years, we have intercepted criminals who</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">had in their possession the essential ingredients for nuclear devices. Every step of the way, we</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">have cooperated with our allies in the international community to ensure that Georgia is doing</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">everything possible to confront this global danger.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Here I must pause to bring your attention to a grave problem that results from the partial</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">occupation of my country-a problem everybody should worry about, even those who</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">overlook international law, forget 500 000 lOPS and refugees, dismiss repeated assaults on</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">basic human rights, civil liberties, and the environment.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I am speaking of the lawlessness bred by the Russian occupation. Our two occupied regions</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">exist in a black hole of governance. Today, in these lands, criminals act with impunity. The</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">most elemental human rights are abused. Drugs and weapons are smuggled. People are</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">trafficked. And potential weapons of mass destruction are moved in and out of these</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">territories, posing a threat to us all.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Three days ago. we met in this very place to discuss the Millennium Development Goals and</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">our progress in meeting them over the past decade. I won't tire you with a recitation of our</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">efforts to achieve the MDGs-the strides we have made in halving our poverty rate,</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">reforming our educational system and improving health care.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">But I will tell you that these successes remain bittersweet for me because they cannot be</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">savored by all the people of Georgia.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Not by those who live in fear for their basic rights in the occupied territories. nor fully by</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">these 500 000 lOPs and refugees who were expelled from their homes.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Ladies and gentlemen, for the last two years. the Russian Federation has been violating the</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">cease fire agreement broke red on 12 August 2008. by my good friend French President</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Nicolas Sarkozy. who was acting at the time on behalfofthe European Union.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The Russian army has not withdrawn as required by the cease fire. European Union monitors</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">cannot enter Russian-occupied areas. where a constant military buildup is taking place.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Hundreds of thousands of lOPs. victims of the ethnic cleansing campaign led by the Russian</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">forces. are still prevented from returning to their homes.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">4</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">How did Georgia respond to these violations of international law and human rights?</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We answered with patience and calm.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We implemented-fully-the ceasefire agreement and went beyond our obligations, without</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">ever using as a pretext Russia's refusal to comply.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Last month, the head of the European Union Monitoring Mission. Ambassador Haber,</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">publicly praised Georgian policy as "constructive unilateralism."</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">What does "constructive unilateralism" mean?</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It refers for instance to our calm when FSB supported militias killed our policemen at the</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">occupation line or to our willingness to free criminals working for the occupation regime</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">when the other side was kidnapping teenagers who wanted only to visit their empty house.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">"Constructive unilateral ism" means that we behave in a civilized and patient way. even when</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">our enemy uses barbaric methods or implements an impulsive and irrational policy.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It means that - even if peace requires both sides to come to the table of negotiations - you can</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">pave the way to peace on your own.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">This "constructive unilateral ism" is based on the idea that peace is in the supreme interest of</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Georgia, that peace is the only path to the de-occupation of our country.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It forms the substance of the strategy on occupied territories that my government has put in</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">motion to engage the populations held hostage by the Russian occupiers. on the other side of</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">the New Iron Curtain that illegally divides our country.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Walls like the one dividing Georgia will not be brought down by bombs, but by the</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">commitment of citizens to build a free, united country-and by the commitment of the world</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">community to enforce international law and the principles of the UN Charter.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">This commitment is expressed in the refusal of nearly the entire world to legitimize the</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Russian occupation by recognizing the so-called independence of Abkhazia and the</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Tskhinvali region. a de facto annexation of Georgian territories by the Russian Federation.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It is noticeable that. despite enormous pressure and multiple threats from Moscow. not a</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">single former soviet republic has recognized this dismemberment of Georgia.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It shows-to the great surprise and fury of those who describe the fall of the Soviet Empire as</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">the worst catastrophe of the zo" century-that the old times are definitely over.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It shows that the change I evoked earlier already has taken root.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It shows that the former captive nations of the Soviet times became strong independent states</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">that can determine their own policies.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It is noticeable-and it is noticed in Moscow.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">5</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Ladies and gentlemen, I solemnly call today on those three, isolated UN member states that</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">recognized Russia's de facto annexation of our territories and legitimized the Russian led</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">ethnic cleansing campaigns to reverse their decision,</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It is never too late to overturn a bad policy, The dismemberment of Georgia has failed</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">categorically - and even the Russian Federation will one day need to reverse its disastrous</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">policy.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Imagine how uncomfortable these three isolated leaders from faraway countries will be when</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Moscow itself chooses to comply with international law and withdraw its troops?</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Because, ladies and gentlemen, that day will come.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Those who claimed a military victory in 2008 now face a diplomatic and political defeat. And,</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">in Moscow, the occupation and annexation will soon be debated. They are in fact already</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">debated in the corridors of the Kremlin.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Because this situation is not sustainable, even for the Russian leadership.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We have now, in our country, Russian soldiers deserting their units and fleeing to the</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Georgian side through the Wall erected by their superiors.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Just like Soviet soldiers did in Berlin during the Cold War.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">In which sense is History moving? Certainly not in the sense of those who can deploy</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">thousands of tanks but who cannot even take care of their soldiers or prevent them from</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">fleeing.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Ladies and gentlemen. those who refuse to modernize their society and to open their political</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">system might have an interest in war or instability.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">But in Georgia. we know and we have always known that peace is our interest- the very</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">precondition of our survival and our success.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Ladies and gentlemen. I have three calls to make today:</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">My first call is addressed to my fellow citizens of Abkhaz and Ossetian origins who live</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">behind the New Iron Curtain that divides our common nation. I want to tell them once again:</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">we will protect your rights. your culture. your history-we will work with you. we will work</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">./01' you.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">You are part ofa common history. a common culture. and a common future. Your differences</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">enrich our proud national tapestry.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Rather than succumb to annexation by the Russian Empire. we invite you to build together</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">with us a multicultural and multiethnic society that would be a regional model for tolerance</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">and respect.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I dream about the day when an Abkhaz or Ossetian citizen of Georgia - as it happened several</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">times in our common history - will become President of a reunited. democratic and European</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Georgia.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">6</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">And this dream will become possible in a reunited and free Georgia, a Georgia that would</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">build positive relations and even intense cooperation with the Russian Federation.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">A Russian Federation acting as a rational international player and not as a revisionist power.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">A Russian Federation that will have chosen cooperation instead of occupation, union of</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">markets rather than embargoes, tolerance instead of crackdowns.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">My second call is, therefore, to the Russian leadership: you face a choice.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Either you take a major part in this ongoing transformation of our common region, accepting</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">other countries as partners and not vassals.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Or this transformation will happen without you.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We all want-I personally want-Russia as a partner and not as an enemy.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">That is why the Georgian government supports the reset policy of the United States and the</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">European Union's engagement with Russia.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Nobody has a greater stake than us in seeing Russia turn into a country that truly operates</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">within the concert of nations, respects international law, and-this is often connectedupholds</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">basic human rights.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I want to tell the Russian people that they will always be welcome in Georgia, as tourists, as</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">students, as businessmen, as journalists or simply as friends. Not as occupation forces.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">And I want to tell the Russian leaders that they should care more about their citizens and less</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">about our diplomatic orientation, more about developing the Northern Caucasus - a region</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">that is exploding as I speak - than about undermining our development.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">They are welcome to come too if they want, in order to understand how a post-soviet society</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">can turn into a European one.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I invite them to come, with notebooks rather than with missiles, with ipads rather than</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">kalashnikov's,</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I was pleased to notice that some of our reforms inspired a few recent presidential speeches in</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Moscow.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Instead of fighting each other, we should excel together in modernizing our common region.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">And instead of secretly copying or envying our reforms, they should cooperate with us in</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">order to build a stable and free area.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Because. by looking over the best pupil's shoulder. one might not get the full picture of what</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">modernization means.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">And allow me to say that the complete picture is rather simple: you cannot achieve lasting</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">stability and prosperity without respecting some basic principles.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Modernization without freedom is not sustainable and you cannot hope to diversify and</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">develop your economy when you send your most successful businessmen to the Gulag. like</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Mikheil Khodorkovski.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Computers are not enough if you do not have free minds to use them.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">So let us free our minds from our common soviet past in order to build a common future.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">My third call goes to all of you. to the international community: help us to secure peace. in</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Georgia. but also in our broader region.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We Georgians have learned tragically how a so-called frozen conflict can very quickly</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">become a hot one.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">If there is clear support from the international community. I am convinced that a lasting peace</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">can be secured in the Caucasus.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I am convinced that if the world shows the same commitment to a peaceful resolution of</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">conflicts in my region than in other parts of the world. we can accomplish wonders.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It is in everybody's interest to see this strategic region. this crossroads of civilizations.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">become more stable. prosperous. and open.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">7</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Ladies and gentlemen, History has taught us that wars can erupt quickly - but also that brave</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">leaders can secure peace where and when nobody would ever believe that conflicts could be</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">resolved.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">History has taught us that regions that were torn apart by armed conflicts and contaminated by</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">hate - starting with Europe - can achieve lasting peace through cooperation, interdependence</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">and unity.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">History has taught us that dreams are often more realistic than resignation.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I strongly believe that a common market, shared interests, and political and economic</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">interdependence will one day give birth to a united Caucasus. That is what I am calling for</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">today.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We share a similar history of oppression, but we have also in common a deep, essential and</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">undefeated aspiration for freedom.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Let us capitalize on this aspiration. Our region will never be truly free if it is not united.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It will of course require a long and difficult series of efforts and gestures, from all of us, but</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">the objective is worth every sacrifice.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">As it happened a long time ago with the European Union - this amazing geopolitical</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">revolution we aspire to join one day - the historical move towards Caucasian unity will start</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">with concrete projects, in the energy sector, in the education and the cultural fields, in the civil</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">society spheres.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We should begin with more people to people exchanges. It is time we get to know each other</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">and forge links that will bring us together without changing existing boarders.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished delegates, my birth town and our capital. Tbilisi. is</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">inhabited by Caucasians from every religion and from every ethnicity. Altogether, these</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">people form a living example of tolerance and cooperation.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We, leaders, have to learn from this cohabitation of peoples and translate it into geopolitics.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Our unity would not be directed against anyone and, once again, we will not aspire to change</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">any borders.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We might belong to different States and live on different side of the mountains, but in terms</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">of human and cultural space. there is no North and South Caucasus, there is one Caucasus,</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">that belongs to Europe and will one day join the European family of free nations, following</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">the Georgian path.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We, the Caucasians. driven by legitimate or imaginary threat of annihilation from other</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">powers or from each other, hoped too often to be protected by neighboring empires.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">This anxious search for foreign shelter has led us to subjugation. assimilation or annexation.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It has authorized foreign leaders to artificially emphasize and manipulate our divisions.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">8</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We - Caucasian people - we all made the same mistake through History.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It is time to change.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It is time to stick together, to help each other to survive and progress.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It is time to understand that our region has sufficient resources and potential for all of us.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It is time to rely on ourselves, on the human potential of our citizens, to develop our own</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">education system and to organize our own development.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The Caucasus is one of the birthplaces of European civilization. It is time to show that the</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">energy of our ancestors does not belong only to a remote past and that we have something to</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">give to our children and to the world.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It is time to stop fighting and weakening each other and to realize that our strength consists in</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">unity.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It is time, ladies and gentlemen, for unity and for peace.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It is time to stop being prisoners ofthe past and to move towards our common future.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">In the past, Georgian citizens were perceiving our border with the Ottoman Empire as an</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">absolute threat.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Today, we have passport free customs, joint airport and free trade with Turkey.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Tomorrow, the citizens of Armenia and Azerbaidjan will be able to cross our borders without</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">passport.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Recently, a foreign diplomat told me that, after crossing our border with Russia, he</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">encountered dozens of roadblocks where local militias and FSB agents kept blocking the</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">passage from one valley to another, from one village to another, aggressively preventing</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">individuals from circulating in their own country.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It is time to replace barbwires and roadblocks by open borders and passeport-free customs, to</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">replace IDP camps by joint schools and universities, to replace kalashnikov by computers and</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">missiles by books, radios or TVs.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Ladies and gentlemen, in 2008, thousands and thousands of tanks. armed vehicles. troops and</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">militias crossed the Caucasian mountains, bringing destruction. death, hatred.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Now. it is time for ideas - these ideas of freedom and unity that we all cherish to cross the</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">same mountains. bringing hope, life and even love.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">As I speak, thousands of tanks. armed vehicles and missile platforms are entrenched or</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">moving all across the Caucasus.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">If we remain on our own. isolated from each other. they will prevail.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">But if everybody holds the hand of his neighbor. if tens of millions of unarmed people stand</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">together. shoulder to shoulder. being the continuation of each other just like the Caucasian</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">mountains. then no brutal force will ever break through this chain of awakened human spirits</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">and this thirst for freedom.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Thank you.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:78%;" >Stichworte: Georgien, UN, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:78%;" >Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-69670719921276883682010-09-08T21:20:00.004+02:002010-09-16T21:40:40.066+02:00UN-Generalversammlung verabschiedet Resolution zu den intern Vertriebenen in Georgien<span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" >08.09.2010 | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/">Civil.ge</a> | <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=20520">Link zur Quelle</a> | Bilder | Video</span> <span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" > |<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Es stimmten 50 Staaten für die Resolution und 17 Staaten mit Russland dagegen bei 86 Enthaltungen. Im Text der Resolution wird von "erzwungenem demokratischen Wandel" gesprochen. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Resolution</span></span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><b>A/RES/64/294</b></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" > :<br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />General Assembly</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" > GA/10976 </span><table style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="InsertedHeaderBottom" align="center" valign="top" nowrap="nowrap"><hr style="height: 2px;" color="#f79e18" width="100%" noshade="noshade" size="1"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td class="InsertedHeaderBottom" align="center" valign="top" nowrap="nowrap"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table> <!-- UN_DOCUMENT_HEADER: END --> <div class="Section1" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> <h1 style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:85%;" >General Assembly Adopts Text Recognizing Right of Return of Internally Displaced</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;font-size:85%;" > Persons throughout Georgia, Including Abkhazia and South Ossetia</span><br /></h1> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;" align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><u>Assembly Also Adopts Resolution Extending until 1 January 2014</u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;" align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><u>Transition Period for Samoa’s Graduation from Least Developed Country Status</u></b></span></p> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >By a vote of 50 in favour to 17 against, with 86 abstentions, the General Assembly today adopted a resolution recognizing the right of return of all internally displaced persons and refugees and their descendants, regardless of ethnicity, to their homes throughout Georgia, including in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Russian Federation introduced a motion for no-action on the text, but it was defeated by a vote of 67 against to 32 in favour, with 54 abstentions.</span></p> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >By the terms of the resolution, the Assembly reaffirmed the unacceptability of forced demographic changes and underlined the urgent need for unimpeded access for humanitarian activities to internally displaced persons and refugees in all conflict-affected areas in Georgia.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">It also called on all participants in the Geneva discussions, which began in 2008, to intensify efforts to establish a durable peace, commit to enhanced confidence-building measures and to create favourable security conditions for the voluntary, safe and unhindered return of all internally displaced persons and refugees to their homes.</span></p> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Speaking after adoption, Georgia’s delegate praised the Assembly for raising the hopes of all those in Georgia who had been forced by violence and fear to flee their homes. Expressing his most sincere gratitude, he said today’s vote marked the third straight year the Assembly had invoked the norms of international law to defend internally displaced persons and refugees to return to their homes. Each year, support was widening.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Acknowledging tensions that had arisen during the process, he said he understood that support for the text had not come easily, and at times, had little to do with substance, which made an affirmative vote even more noteworthy. The Georgian Government would remain as determined as ever to bring dignity and relief to long-suffering compatriots. It would continue to engage, including with those who had led the opposition to the resolution. He could only hope that in a year true progress would be made on the ground.</span></p> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >When he introduced the resolution earlier, he said that over the past 17 years, some 400,000 people of various ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural backgrounds — Armenian, Estonian, Georgian, Greek and Ukrainian, and among them, Christians, Muslims and Jews — had been driven from the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia. Apart from their hope for help from the Assembly, all Georgia’s internally displaced persons and refugees had were fading photos and memories. “We, as a community of States, must make a positive impact every time it is within our reach,” he said.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Speaking before the vote, the representative of the Russian Federation explained his Government’s reasons for introducing a no-action motion, saying that the text had nothing to do with noble humanitarian aims. Its motivations were exclusively political and based on short-term calculations by Georgia, which had not taken responsibility for the events of 7-8 August 2008.</span></p> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >He went on to say that the sponsors of the resolution refused to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia as autonomous States. The text’s provisions were unrealistic. For example, the idea of a timetable for the early return of refugees and internally displaced persons did not take into account the Secretary-General’s report, which stated that it was premature to develop one.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Moreover, he said the text’s adoption would considerably harm discussions under way in Geneva, where parties were considering the status of internally displaced persons and refugees. Indeed, it was the Geneva process in which Abkhazia and South Ossetian parties were taking part and it was the only way forward. Adoption of the text would only detract from realistic, practical measures taking place in the region. By refusing to consider such a confrontational initiative, the Assembly would do more for internally displaced persons and refugees than by voting for the proposed “odious” text.</span></p> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >In action on other matters, the Assembly, decided to extend by three years, until 1 January 2014, the transition period before Samoa graduated from least developed country status from 16 December 2010. By a consensus resolution to that effect, introduced by Yemen’s representative, it underlined the exceptional nature of such a decision, taken in the context of the unique disruption caused by the Pacific Ocean tsunami of 29 September 2009.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Speaking after action, Samoa’s delegate, providing context, said that 29 September 2009 would be “forever etched in our national memory and conscience” as the fateful day when part of the country was demolished by the deadliest natural disaster in its recorded history. One hundred forty three lives were taken, while over 500 families were displaced “in the wink of an eye”. Suddenly, Samoa’s economic outlook appeared vulnerable, its future uncertain.</span></p> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Recalling the Assembly’s 2007 decision to graduate Samoa from the least developed country status by December 2010, he said that a year into the transition period, Samoa was contracting severely, due to the global recession, and reeling from the tsunami, neither of which had been envisioned in 2007. The imminent end to the transition period, coupled with massive rebuilding costs — 20 per cent of Samoa’s gross domestic product — had forced the country to request an extension.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">With the adoption of the resolution, the Assembly had brought Samoa a “rainbow of hope”, he said, expressing particular thanks to Nepal’s representative, as Chair of the Least Developed Country Coordinating Bureau, Yemen’s representative, as Chair of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China, and to Samoa’s development partners who lent support when the country was most in need.</span></p> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Finally, the General Assembly decided to add Venezuela to the membership of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Speaking after that decision, were the representatives of Cuba and Ecuador.</span></p> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Speaking after action on the motion for no action were the representatives of Nicaragua, Belarus, United Kingdom and France.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Speaking in explanation of vote after the vote were the representatives of Switzerland, Lithuania, Estonia, Turkey and Czech Republic.</span></p> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >The General Assembly will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 8 September, to discuss the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">For information media • not an official record</b><br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:100%;" >The UN General Assembly passed on September 7 Georgia-sponsored resolut</span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:100%;" >ion <b>A/RES/64/294 </b></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:100%;" >reitera</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">ting the right of return of all displaced persons and refugees to breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia by a vote of 50 in favor to 17 against, with 86 abstentions.</span><br /></span></div><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >Two similar non-binding resolutions were also passed by the<a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=17843" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Assembly in 2008 (in respect of Abkhazia)</a> and <a href="http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=21447" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">in 2009</a>. Georgia welcomed that each year support for the resolution was widening.<br />Last year the resolution was passed with 48 countries voting in favor; 19 – against and with 78 abstentions. In 2008 the resolution was passed with small margin of 14 votes in favor to 11 against and 105 abstentions.<br />“We have two votes more [this year] and our opponents, Russian diplomats lost two votes,” Grigol Vashadze, the Georgian foreign minister, said at a joint news conference with his visiting Finnish counterpart, Alexander Stubb, on September 8.<br />“This trend will continue because of a simple reason – the international community has ruled a verdict on the occupying power’s actions in the occupied territories, including in respect of ethnic cleansing; there is a good wording in the resolution ‘forced demographic changes’, which is a synonym of ethnic cleansing,” he said.<br />Before the vote on September 7, Russia tried to remove the issue from the agenda, describing the text as “odious”; but its motion was defeated by a vote of 67 against to 32 in favor, with 54 abstentions.<br />Russia’s UN envoy said that the resolution had no humanitarian aims and its motivations were exclusively political and based on short-term calculations by Georgia. Russia also said that the text of resolution was unrealistic, in particular the idea of a timetable for the early return of refugees and internally displaced persons, which the Russian envoy said, did not take into account the Secretary-General’s report stating that it was premature to develop such timetable.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;" >Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;" >Sprache: deutsch, englisch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725203440970875837.post-7749441942339990092010-08-08T20:47:00.000+02:002010-08-10T20:49:44.250+02:002. JAHRESTAG 08.08.2008 - RUSSISCHE INVASION IN GEORGIEN - RUSTAVI 2<span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" >08.08.2010 | <a href="http://www.rustavi2.com/news/index.html">Rustavi2</a> | Link zur Quelle | Bilder | Video |<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38182&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Events devoted to second anniversary of Russia-Georgia war held in Gori</a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">08.08.10 18:03 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> Events devoted to the second anniversary of the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008 continue in the town of Gori in Shida Kartli Region. Civil rites were served in all acting churches of Shida Kartli.</span><img src="http://rustavi2.com/news/images/spacer.gif" style="font-family: times new roman;" /><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38181&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Support rallies for Georgia held in about 30 cities of world</a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">08.08.10 17:50 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> About 100 Georgian nationals assembled in New York to hold a protest rally over Russia`s aggression to Georgia. The protesters were holding Georgian national flags and chanting slogans: `Stop the Russian Aggression!`.</span><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38172&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Lithuanians express support to Georgia </a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">08.08.10 17:35 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> A support rally for Georgia was held in Lithuania. In cities of Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda, locals assembled on their own initiative and called on the world for pressing Russia and freeing Georgia.</span><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38170&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Russian opposition members hold support rally for Georgia in Gori town </a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">08.08.10 17:21 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> Representative of Russian opposition parties and public movements are holding a supporting rally for Georgia in teh town of Gori now. They are delivering speeches in the centre of the town.</span><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38177&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Medvedev pays first visit to occupied Abkhazia</a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">08.08.10 17:12 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> At the second anniversary of the Russia-Georgia war Dmitri Medvedev unexpectedly visited Sukhumi. After Russia`s recognition of Georgia`s two occupied regions, this is the Russian President`s firs visit to occupied Abkhazia.</span><br /><img src="http://rustavi2.com/news/images/spacer.gif" style="font-family: times new roman;" /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38179&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Georgian patriarch pays tribute to memory of soldiers killed in war</a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">08.08.10 16:39 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II paid tribute to memory of the people killed in the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008. After teh Sunday liturgy at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Ilia II delivered a sermon to the parish. </span><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38179&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://rustavi2.com/news/images/more.gif" /></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><img src="http://rustavi2.com/news/images/spacer.gif" style="font-family: times new roman;" /><br /><img src="http://rustavi2.com/news/images/spacer.gif" style="font-family: times new roman;" /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38178&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Representatives of provisional South Ossetian administration pay tribute to heroes</a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">08.08.10 16:22 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> Dmitri Sanakoev and other representatives of the provisional administration of South Ossetia arrived Sunday in Mukhatgverdi at the cemetery of soldiers killed in the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008. They were accompanied with internally displace people</span><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38176&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Citizens pay tribute to soldiers fallen for territorial integrity of Georgia </a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">08.08.10 15:36 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> Representatives of the Georgian Defence Ministry and family members of Corporal Vakhtang Gzirishvili killed in the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008 arrived Sunday (August 8) at the memorial to heroes killed in the war for Georgia`s territorial integrity.</span><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38175&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">IDPs in Gori sign symbolical Message to Civilized World</a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">08.08.10 14:53 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> Message of Internally Displaced People to Civilized World Rally continued Sunday in the town of Gori in Shida Kartli Region. IDPs living in Asps Settlement signed the symbolical document.</span><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38174&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">`Don`t let Georgia down, Cameron`: Guardian</a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">08.08.10 13:02 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> The UK government should do like the U.S. and continue to call for Russia to abide by the August 2008 ceasefire commitment, the Guardian British outlet says in its letter titled `Don`t let Georgia down, Cameron`.</span><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38174&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://rustavi2.com/news/images/more.gif" /></a><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38155&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">`We`ll keep fighting until last occupant leaves Georgia`: Saakashvili</a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">07.08.10 11:55 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> In 2008 we had again to take up arms to protect dignity of our homeland. We will keep fighting until the last occupants does not leave Georgia`, Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili said.</span><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38153&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Citizen of Russia presents apartment Georgian soldier`s family</a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">06.08.10 18:12 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Citizen of Russia presented an apartment to the child of a Georgian soldier killed in Tskhinvali in 2006. Olya Khvostikova, who is living in Krasnodar Oblast of Russia now handed over the two-room apartment to national hero Zaza Damenia`s son.</span><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38152&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Georgian Refugee Minister visits families of killed soldiers</a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">06.08.10 18:11 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Georgian Minister for Refugees and Accommodation visited Friday the families of soldiers killed in the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008. Koba Subeliani handed over two-week vouchers for Black Sea resort Kobuleti and other presents to family members of Romelashvili brothers</span><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38151&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Vice Premier reports to Putin about rehabilitation works in Tskhinvali</a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">06.08.10 18:09 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">First Vice Premier of Russia, after visiting Georgia`s occupied regions - South Ossetia and Abkhazia - reported to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Although Igor Shuvalov slammed the Kokoity`s government for failing the rehabilitation works while visiting Tskhinvali,..</span><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38150&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">`Two years after Georgia war, Saakashvili defiantly hangs on`: AFP</a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">06.08.10 18:09 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Agence France-Presse sums up results of the Russia-Georgian war that took place in August 2008. The agency has published an article titled ` Two years after Georgia war, Saakashvili defiantly hangs on`. </span><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38140&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">International Court of Justice appoints hearing of Georgia`s action against Russia</a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">06.08.10 18:05 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">International Court of Justice has appointed a hearing of Georgia`s action against Russia on the war in August 2008. The hearing will be held on Septermber 13-17, 2010 and it implies several stages.</span><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38148&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Abkhaz government members pay tribute to soldiers killed in August war</a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">06.08.10 15:10 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Members of the government of Abkhaz Autonomous Republic expressed Friday their condolences to families of soldiers killed in the August war in 2008. Members of teh Abkhaz government arrived at Mukhatgverdi Fraternal Cemetery and laid flowers on tombs of the fallen soldiers.</span><br /><img src="http://rustavi2.com/news/images/spacer.gif" style="font-family: times new roman;" /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38141&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Georgian Ministry of Justice Poppy Rally for memory of fallen soldiers</a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">06.08.10 12:20 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> Georgian Ministry of Justice has joined Poppy Rally. All representatives of the ministry will be wearing badges of poppies attached to their chests all day long. About 4000 employees of the ministry are participating in the rally...</span><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38141&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://rustavi2.com/news/images/more.gif" /></a><br /><a href="http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.php?id_news=38123&pg=1&im=main&ct=0&wth=" style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="nofollow">Georgian president visits internally displaced families </a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">04.08.10 18:25 </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili visited internally displaced people in teh village of Shaumiani, Marneuli District on Wednesday. 212 families on total are living in the village and 70% of them have been employed by the local government.</span></span> <br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;" >Stichworte: Georgien, Abchasien, Süd-Ossetien, Russland, Krieg-2008, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;" >Sprache: englisch, Archiv: #</span>Nachrichten aus und über Georgienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17719334646142710098noreply@blogger.com0