The News in Brief

Hungarian Defense Ministry delegation visits Georgia

Hungary supports Georgia’s territorial integrity, Hungarian Defense Minister Agnes Vadai said when she met her Georgian counterpart Davit Kezerashvili yesterday.

Bilateral cooperation in the defense sector and military training were among the issues discussed, Vadai told journalists after the meeting.

The Hungarian delegation was also informed about reforms carried out by the Georgian Armed Forces, and discussed issues related to conflict settlement of Georgia’s breakaway regions.

Vadai emphasized that the conflicts should be settled peacefully and that all sides should work towards this.

She also met with Deputy Foreign Minister Nikoloz Vashakidze and declared Hungary’s firm support for Georgian integration into NATO.

As Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister said after the meeting, the sides focused on the issues of Georgia’s integration into NATO.

“Hungary is our partner and a NATO member-state. Today we have full support for all processes related to NATO integration,” Vashakidze said. (Black Sea Press)



Culture Minister views rehabilitated Chavchavadze Museum

Culture Minister Nika Vacheishvili observed the rehabilitated Chavchavadze Museum in Tsinandali yesterday.

Umbrella Consulting Ltd. undertook construction works in the museum in 2007. (Prime News)



CEC opens 47 polling stations abroad

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has opened 47 polling stations abroad for the upcoming parliamentary elections according to its press office.

Polling stations opened in 28 countries, with four opening in Greece, and three in the US, Turkey and Ukraine. (Black Sea Press)



PACE delegation to observe pre-election situation in Georgia

A delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) arrived in Georgia yesterday to observe the situation in the run up to parliamentary elections slated for Mar 21.

“A four-member delegation led by [PACE rapporteur] Matyas Eorsi, will make a pre-election visit to Tbilisi from 23 to 25 April, ahead of the parliamentary elections,” a PACE spokesperson said.

The delegation is scheduled to meet President Mikheil Saakashvili, Parliamentary Speaker Nino Burjanadze, as well as opposition figures and media representatives. (Black Sea Press)



Top five names in Christian Democratic Party list former Imedi journalists

The top five names in the Christian Democratic Party list are all former journalists of now-closed Imedi TV.

The Christian Democratic Party has nominated 162 candidates in its party list and put forward a further 32 for majoritarian seats in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

The founder and leader of the Christian Democratic Party, Giorgi Targamadze, was formerly a popular anchor at pro-opposition Imedi TV. (Black Sea Press)



Opposition leader: Possibility of armed conflict highest for years

Republican leader Davit Usupashvili said that the possibility of armed conflict in Abkhazia is the highest it has been in recent years.

“I am sure that in this scenario, the issue would not be settled in favor of Georgia,” he added.

“It was the president’s speech [after the recent downing of a Georgian spy plane] that prepared the ground for the next step,” Usupashvili said, adding that “many countries are ready for a certain armed conflict.”

“Deadlock has been created for all—for the Georgian authorities, Russia, Abkhazians and the West” he continued, “I am sure that the West is tired of our unreasonableness and obtuseness.” (Black Sea Press)



Booking BMI tickets easier in Georgia

BMI is offering its customers online booking and e-ticketing for Tbilisi–Heathrow flights, the company’s press department said in a statement.

Zuri Shakarashvili, BMI sales manager in Georgia, said that the e-ticketing system is becoming increasingly popular in Georgia. (Press Release)