Bakradze’s “Significant Experience” Reason for Reshuffle, Saakashvili Says
The new State Minister for Conflict Resolution Davit Bakradze vowed to more actively involve the EU in conflict resolution, while South Ossetian and Abkhazian de facto authorities doubted his appointment would have a positive affect on the process. (more)
Apartment Building in Central Tbilisi Demolished; Property Rights Again in Question
Over 20 families are left without homes after the Supervisory Service of Tbilisi City Hall began destroying a 13-story apartment building in central Tbilisi on July 20 which, they claim, was illegally constructed. Residents say their property is being illegally seized from them. (more)
Sanakoyev: Most Ossetians Support Broad Autonomy
“South Ossetia must stay within Georgia,” says Dmitry Sanakoyev, head of the Tbilisi-backed temporary administrative unit of South Ossetia. The 38-year-old Sanakoyev, once de facto prime minister of breakaway South Ossetia, spoke with The Messenger in his administrative base of Kurta—kilometers away from secessionist-controlled Tskhinvali. (more)
Water Park Offers Way to Beat the Heat—For a Price
Euro Park is possibly one of the ‘coolest’ places to be in Tbilisi this summer—but at GEL 50 a pop, it’s not clear whether many Tbilisebi will be able to afford fun in the sun at this new water entertainment center. Park director Salome Salukvadze says the price isn’t unreasonable considering what is included in the GEL 50. (more)
News in Brief
- Streetball Festival to be Held in Georgian-Ossetian Conflict Zone 
- Russia to Supply Electricity to Georgia Via Azerbaijan
- NATO Information Center to Familiarize Kakheti Residents with the Alliance
- De facto Abkhaz Interior Minister Denies Reports of Robbed Russian Tourists
- Ossetian Conference Elects Delegates
- Combined South Ossetian Wrestling Team Goes to International Competition

South Ossetia Moves Full Speed Ahead
On July 13, the head of the government’s administration announced that a commission to determine South Ossetia’s status had been established, and would be chaired by Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli. (more)


Baku–Tbilisi–Kars Plans Rolling Along
The first session of the coordination council for the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway was held in Baku on July 18–19. The talk of the session roved through a broad territory, covering plans for financing, planning, constructing, and operating the Georgia section of the tracks, running from Marabda to Katsakhi on the Turkish border. (more)
Georgia’s Total Foreign Debt Stands at USD 3.6 Billion
As of March 31, 2007, Georgia’s total foreign debt was nearly USD 3.6 billion. (more)
Armenia and Iran Move Ahead on Joint Projects
Iranian Foreign Affairs Minster Manouchehr Mottaki touted cooperation between Armenia and his country at a July 20 intergovernmental session, saying that mutual projects between the two are good for the entire region. (more)
Armenia Could See EUR 100 Million from EU Action Plan
The Armenian trade minister announced at a July 19 press conference that a draft EU–Armenian action plan would grant EUR 100 million to the country over the next five years. (more)


Press scanner
Today in history
Birthdays
Georgian words of the day