The News in Brief

Tension mounts around Abkhazia

Tension escalated in the Abkhazian conflict zone over the weekend as Tbilisi and Sokhumi exchanged accusations of a troop build-up on either side of the administrative border, and separatist authorities claimed to have downed a Georgian spy plane.

“A serious increase in the concentration of Abkhaz forces in [southern Abkhazia’s] Gali district and the lower part of Kodori is being observed,” State Minister for Reintegration Issues Temur Iakobashvili said on April 19, calling on the UN to closely observe the situation.

De facto Abkhaz authorities denied the accusation, which came two days after separatist leader Sergey Bagapsh accused Tbilisi of reinforcing troops along its side of the administrative border.

Yesterday, separatist officials claimed to have downed an unmanned Georgian spy plane over the Abkhaz village of Gagida.

Iakobashvili confirmed an “explosion” occurred in the conflict zone but added that government officials did not know exactly what had happened.

However, he also said that according to government information, the Abkhaz authorities “do not have any equipment capable of shooting down an unmanned aircraft.”

A spokeswoman for the Defense Ministry said Sokhumi’s claim was an “act of provocation.”

In March, de facto Abkhaz authorities presented the wreckage of what they said was another downed Georgian spy plane.
(Messenger Staff)



Georgian Playboy closes down

Georgia’s edition of Playboy magazine has closed down due to commercial failure, a company representative said.

The magazine was launched last summer.
(Messenger Staff)



Ruling party representatives plant shrubs in Tbilisi

Ruling party representatives, including candidates running for majoritarian seats in upcoming parliamentary elections, participated in an environmental project in Tbilisi last week.

Together with Tbilisi City Mayor Gigi Ugulava, some officials visited Chugureti district where they planted shrubs.

“Planting greenery is necessary for our city. Against a background of mass construction it is important to take care of the ecology of the capital,” Lasha Zhvania told journalists.

Kutaisi is also implementing a greenery project, and the city municipality planed 500 new trees across five districts at the weekend.
(Black Sea Press)



Defense Ministry denies reports of Iraq attack

The Defense Ministry denied media reports that Georgian peacekeepers in Iraq have come under attack.

“Representatives of the Defense Ministry have been informed by the commander of the brigade that all the troops are in good health and there have been no incidents or attacks,” a Defense Ministry spokesman said.

Around 2000 Georgian troops are currently deployed in Iraq, in the town of Wasit, in Al-Kut province.
(Black Sea Press)



Peacekeepers bring humanitarian aid to Georgian and South Ossetian villages

Joint Peacekeeping Forces in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone brought 35 000 tons of humanitarian aid to village residents last week, according to the news agency RIA Novosti.

Fuel and foodstuffs were transported to the region.
(Black Sea Press)



Election for president of Georgian Chess Federation to be held in May

The board of the Chess Federation of Georgia (CFG) announced that an election for a new president will be held on May 24.

Vice-president Tamar Khmiadashvili will act as president until the election.

Anyone wishing to take part in the election must submit their application to Tbilisi Chess Palace in Vera Park by April 30.

Roman Sichinava resigned from the post recently.
(Black Sea Press)



Bakery opens in Zugdidi as part of government’s anti-poverty campaign

A bakery opened in Zugdidi as part of the government’s anti-poverty campaign.

The bakery has new trucks to transport bread to the whole region, and bread will be free of charge for disabled people and officials who work in the Georgia–Abkhazia conflict zone.

The bakery employs some 60 people.
(Black Sea Press)



Opposition coalition looks to Georgians in Russia for support

Conservative MP Kakha Kukava said that the opposition coalition aiming to attract the votes of diaspora Georgians in Russia.

Representatives from the coalition recently visited Moscow to try and garner support there, he said.

“It is a part of our election campaign strategy. Everybody knows that approximately a million Georgian citizens live in Russia, only a few participate in the election and this could provide an opportunity for the government to falsify results,” Kukava said.

“It should be noted that our intellectual elite and the greater part of our business elite reside in Russia,” he added.
(Black Sea Press)



Georgia to mark 60th anniversary establishment of state Israel

Georgia will mark the 60th anniversary of foundation of the state of Israel with big celebrations, according to the Israeli Embassy in Georgia.

A gala will be held on May 8 at the Triumph club involving a number of Georgian performers Tbilisi synagogue will organize a party. Government officials will take part in the festivities.

Israeli Ambassador to Georgia Shabtai Tsur said cooperation between the two countries has deepened in the economic, culture, education and tourism sectors.
(Black Sea Press)



Republican Party claim Kvemo Kartli candidate intimidated

The Republican Party claims its Kvemo Kartli candidate for parliament is being subjected to intimidation, and is threatening to contact the police over the matter.

Republican Leader Davit Usupashvili said that Ali Babayev, who chairs the Georgia My Motherland NGO, has been appointed as the party’s candidate for the majoritarian seat in Gardabani district but that his campaign is being hampered by intimidation.

“Babayev has been known for his loyalty to the Georgian state for many years. He tries to involve ethnic Azeris residing in Georgia in current construction projects,” Usupashvili said.

“If his activity continues to be hampered, the party will appeal to the police,” he added.

Parliamentary elections are slated for May 21.
(Black Sea Press)