The News in Brief

Two die in South Ossetia explosion

Two people have died after an explosion in the village of Kokheti in the breakaway region of South Ossetia, in what de facto authorities claim was an act of terrorism.

South Ossetian de facto officials say the explosion hit a police checkpoint near a polling station set up for the Russian presidential election.

Authorities named the dead as Azamat Alborov, 32, and Sevastian Maldzigovy, 43. (Prime News)



Republicans mull split from opposition coalition

Republican MP Davit Zurabishvili has confirmed that his party, now in the nine-party opposition coalition, is considering competing independently in the upcoming parliamentary elections, slated for late May.

He added that no firm decision has yet been made.

Tina Khidasheli, a leader of the party, refused to comment.

“It is not excluded that the Republicans will participate in the elections independently and the remaining parties of the opposition coalition participate as a single bloc,” coalition member Levan Gachechiladze told journalists.

The Republican Party has been part of the coalition since it was founded last September. (Black Sea Press)



Deputy Defense Ministers release statement on MAP

Positive conditions have been created ahead of the NATO Bucharest Summit in April for Georgia to receive a Membership Action Plan, the next stage toward integration into the Alliance, according to a joint statement by deputy Defense Ministers Batu Kutelia and Giorgi Muchaidze.

Earlier this month President Mikheil Saakashvili formally asked NATO to extend a MAP to Georgia. (Black Sea Press)



100 students to receive government grants

This year 100 students will receive government grants to study abroad, deputy head of the president’s administration Giorgi Gabashvili announced yesterday.

Students studying architecture, agriculture, tourism and engineering will be given priority this year, he added.

In 2005 34 grants were allocated; in 2006 the total was 48; and 88 students received grants last year, according to Gabashvili.

The grants cover complete or partial expenses for education abroad. Hopefuls are required to submit proof that their application to their chosen university has been successful, as well as other documents. (Black Sea Press)



Some Tbilisi residents receive transport benefits

Students, children and poor families will receive transport discounts from March 1 onwards, Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava announced when he unveiled a new bus route connecting Vashlijvari district with Tbilisi State University.

Students will pay 20 tetri instead of 40, while poor people will travel for ten tetri and children will ride for free. (Prime News)



French court postpones Okruashvili extradition hearing

A Paris court will hear the extradition case of ex-defense minister Irakli Okruashvili on April 16, according to Russian news agency RIA Novosti.

Okruashvili, who was arrested on corruption charges after accusing the government of malfeasance and murder plots last September, is under house arrest in Paris awaiting the extradition decision. He is applying for political asylum. (Black Sea Press)