The News in Brief

Separatist leaders to draw out joint plan for gaining recognition

Sergey Bagapsh, de facto president of breakaway Abkhazia, says he will meet with the leaders of secessionist South Ossetia and Moldova’s Transdniester in the “nearest future” to plot out a bid for international recognition of their de facto independence.

Bagapsh says the three separatist regions will appeal to Russia, the CIS and the UN for recognition of their independence. (Prime News)



Patarkatsishvili’s political party to stay together

Our Georgia, the political party of late billionaire tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili, will stay together under the leadership of MP Gocha Jojua, party representative Davit Shukakidze announced on February 22.

A party congress will be held this week, Shukakidze said, after which they will officially register with the Justice Ministry in preparation for a parliamentary elections bid this spring.

Founded in the beginning of January, the party’s fate fell into doubt after Patarkatsishvili’s sudden death. Nona Gaprindashvili, initially named head of the party, left after Patarkatsishvili’s family decided not to continue the tycoon’s political involvement. She said the party would probably disperse.

Patarkatsishvili died February 12 in England; initial test results suggest the cause was heart failure. He stood for president in the January 5 presidential election, taking just over seven percent of the vote after being accused by prosecutors of plotting a post-election coup. (Black Sea Press)



UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Georgia

Louise Arbour, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, arrives in Georgia today for a four-day working visit.

Arbour will meet with government officials, the human rights ombudsman and human rights activists, according to the press department of the UN’s Tbilisi office.

She will also observe the work being done by the human rights advisor within the United Nations country team in Georgia, as well as the human rights component of UNOMIG. (Prime News)



Education Ministry to start young offender education program

The Education Ministry is set to begin an education program for young offenders, according to head of the National Education Programs department Simon Janashia.

“The education situation in young offenders’ institutions is not good. There are teachers in the institutions, but offenders cannot at present obtain education qualifications while in detention,” Janashia said after visiting the Avchala detention center.

Janashia said an action plan has been outlined to improve the situation. (Black Sea Press)



Roads reopen after snowfall closure

Most of Georgia’s roads have reopened following their temporary closure due to snowfall last week, according to the Roads Department

Traffic is still banned on the Gudauri–Kobi section of the Georgian military highway due to an avalanche threat. The Mleta–Gudauri section of the same highway has reopened for vehicles with anti-slip chains. (Black Sea Press)