The messenger logo

The News in Brief

Tuesday, July 26
Kabul blast: Georgia’s Prime Minister sends condolences to Afghanistan

Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili offered his condolences to the people of Afghanistan after a deadly terrorist attack in Kabul on Saturday.



The PM’s statement read that Georgia strongly condemned the terrorist attack against peaceful demonstrators, which killed more than 80 people and left hundreds more injured.

“In these challenging times, the Government of Georgia extends its heartfelt condolences to the Afghan government and the families of the victims,” Kvirikashvili said.

“We believe that this attack and other similar actions aimed against freedom, peace and innocent people represent the greatest crime against humanity. We hope that as a result of joint efforts of the international community, elimination of violent extremism and restoration of security across the world will become possible.”

Kvirikashvili added that Georgia supported the Afghan government's countermeasures aimed at eradicating the challenges facing the country and reinforcing its stability and security.
(agenda.ge)



Health condition of Georgian rugby players not changed

The health condition of Georgian rugby players who were injured in a car crash on 21 July has not changed.

According to doctors, rugby player Giorgi Lominadze, his wife and the wife of another rugby player Merab Kvirikashvili, are still in need of artificial respiration: “Their condition is unchanged,” a doctor said.

Merab Kvirikashvili is also being treated at the hospital, though his condition is not critical.

The car accident took place two days ago, when two cars - reportedly a BMW X5 and a Nissan Tiida - collided head on at high speed. The crash claimed the lives of three young people.
(IPN)



MIA releases statement on detention of Georgian criminal boss

Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) released a statement over the detention of a so-called Georgian criminal boss.

According to the ministry, officers of the Department of Fighting against Organized Crime have detained Teimuraz Ch., on charges of being the so-called ‘thief-in-law’, born in 1971.

“As established by the investigation, Teimuraz Ch. lived in the Russian Federation for last few recent years and was recognized as a “criminal boss’’ in the criminal world.

“He was detained at Tbilisi International Airport when he arrived on an Odessa-Tbilisi flight. The investigation is in progress,” reads the statement.
(1tv.ge)



State Audit Office summons donors of political parties for questioning

The State Audit Office has questions regarding donations to political parties participating in the upcoming elections.

As IPN was told by the head of the Financial Monitoring Service, Zurab Aznaurashvili, the State Audit Office summoned certain donors for questioning today.

According to him, there are questions about donations of "all the big parties", as there are cases when money has been donated by a private person who does not seemingly have any income.

"At this time, we have summoned 40 donors, though we have questions for all parties, including the major political forces. There are cases when money is donated by a private person who does not have any income. Accordingly, we ask them to come and personally provide the necessary information,"- said Aznaurashvili.

If the legality of the donation cannot be confirmed, the donor will be fined double the amount of the money donated to the party.
(IPN)



Double-decker trains offer double joy:
New, high class trains begin Tbilisi-Batumi route


Rail passengers can now enjoy a more comfortable journey on new double-decker trains when travelling from Georgia’s capital Tbilisi to the country’s Black Sea resorts.

A new rail service using four double-decker trains launched today. Each train will be able to carry 530 passengers and reach a maximum speed of 160km/h.

The new trains are modern and mean Georgia can now provide international standard of transport to people using the new service.

The double-decker trains will depart Tbilisi and head directly to Batumi, Kobuleti and Ureki without stopping at other stations along the way.

“This is a new stage in the history of Georgian Railway, which continues implementing the new strategy that envisaged integrating in the global transport logistic network,” said Konstantine Guntsadze, chairman of Supervisory Board of Georgian Railway.

In April, the Georgian Railway company ordered four double-decker trains (Stadler KISS) from a leading Swiss train manufacturing company, Stadler Bussnang AG, and on July 22 the first train arrived at Batumi Central railway station. “We are very proud to be represented in Georgian market and provide it with high standard trains, which are distinguished with high technologies and a delicate design,” said Stadler Altenrhein AG general director Markus Sauerbruch.

The four new trains are equipped with all modern equipment and ultramodern security systems, which fully meet European standards. Furthermore, these are the first-ever trains that fully meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Georgian Railways promised the current ticket prices for rail services between Tbilisi and Batumi would not change for those who used the new double-decker trains.

(agenda.ge)