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PUTINS ERKLÄRUNGEN WIEDERHOLEN SICH: 2008 IN GEORGIEN / 2014 IN DER UKRAINE
Putin accuses U.S. of orchestrating Georgian war - 28.08.2008, edition.cnn.com
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has accused the United States of orchestrating the conflict in Georgia to benefit one of its presidential election candidates. Russian PM Vladimir Putin has accused the U.S. of orchestrating the conflict in Georgia. ...
... Die Proteste auf dem Maidan? Keine ukrainische Demokratiebewegung, sondern ein vom Westen provozierter, faschistischer Sturz der Regierung. Die Krim? Keine Annexion durch einen Völkerrechtsbruch, sondern ein demokratischer Prozess. Der Abschuss des Passagierflugs MH17? Nicht die pro-prussischen Separatisten, Schuld daran tragen die ukrainische Regierung und die USA. Der Krieg in der Ostukraine? Keine Aggression Putins, sondern ein Völkermord des ukrainischen Militärs an Russen. ... 
Putins Reich des Bösen - 24.10.2014, tagesschau.de
In der Ukraine-Krise hat der russische Präsident Wladimir Putin seinen Ton gegenüber Westeuropa und vor allem der USA verschärft. Ein "Vormachtstreben" der Vereinigten Staaten sei eine Gefahr für den Weltfrieden, sagte er in einer Rede in Sotschi. Das "einseitige Diktat" Washingtons führe zu einer Verschärfung von Konflikten und zur Entwicklung radikaler Regime, so der russische Staatschef. ...
Putin verteidigt Krim-Anschluss. Die Ukraine befinde sich in einem "echten Bürgerkrieg" und die USA hätten sich dafür durch ihre politische Einmischung mitverantwortlich gemacht.
... Die Ukraine-Krise sei entstanden, nachdem Janukowytsch die Unterzeichnung eines Assoziierungsabkommens mit der Europäischen Union verschoben habe. "Darauf folgte ein Putsch, der durch unsere amerikanischen Freunde unterstützt wurde. Das Ergebnis ist Chaos und ein echter Bürgerkrieg." ...

ÖKONOMISCHE KRISE IN RUSSLAND AUCH KRISE FÜR GEORGIEN ?
Why Russia’s financial crises keep on coming - 21.12.2014, theguardian.com
Until Putin faces up to the country’s economic challenges and invests in a modern manufacturing sector, low oil prices will always tip it into turbulence, recession and crisis
With a growing economic crisis and less money to share among the oligarchs, there is talk of splits in the Kremlin elite that could undermine the president’s power ... When a Reuters journalist told him that certain members of his inner circle blame him for the economic and political deterioration this year, he laughed, and said: “Give me their names!” ...
A deep recession is now a certainty for Russia in 2015. Things could get much worse ... Russians are right to worry: they are heading for a lethal combination of deep recession and runaway inflation. ...
Der Verfall des russischen Rubels könnte sich zu einer Krise größeren Ausmaßes entwickeln, warnt Thorsten Polleit. Der Frankfurter Ökonom ist überzeugt: Nur eine politische „Vernunftlösung“ kann jetzt noch helfen. ... DIW-Präsident Fratzscher sieht derzeit die Wahrscheinlichkeit einer Staatspleite Russlands bei rund 33 Prozent. ...
... The chief executive of Renault Nissan, Carlos Ghosn: "When the rouble sinks it's a bloodbath for everybody. It's red ink, people are losing money, all car manufacturers are losing money," ...
The casualties of Russia's decline - 18.12.2014, bbc.com, Joe Miller
... And German firm BMW may lose as much as €100m because of the rouble's decline, according to Bloomberg, ... Nightmare neighbours: Closer to home, many former Soviet countries are watching Russia's misfortunes nervously. ...
Linda YuehRussian President Vladimir Putin says that even if oil plummets to $40 per barrel, his country's economy will manage - and rebound in two years.
The concern then was that foreign exchange reserves had fallen to $421bn, down 16% from half a trillion at the start of the year. It fell below a level that's considered to be critical - having enough to cover 6 months of imports.
Now, FX reserves have dropped even further to $416bn and the Russian government has just committed reserves to shore up systematically-important banks to the tune of 1 trillion roubles. That's among other commitments already made, which could total over $100bn next year. ...

ASSOZIATIONSABKOMMEN GEORGIEN/EU - ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT GEORGIA/EU
European Parliament gave its consent to ratification of EU-Georgia Association Agreement, also including deep and comprehensive free trade treaty, on December 18 in Strasbourg. MEPs backed the agreement by 490 votes to 76, with 57 abstentions. ...
The vote came a day after the European parliamentarians debated on Georgia in Strasbourg on December 17.
   MEPs Debate on Georgia Ahead of Association Agreement Ratification
   President to Visit European Parliament as MEPs Set to Ratify AA
Critical amendments were introduced into the text of the European Parliament resolution - 15-12-2014, rustavi2.com
Official Tbilisi is waiting for the ratification of the Association Agreement. On December 17, the agreement signed between the EU and  Georgia is to be finally  approved by  the European Parliament, but not before the European MPs will vote for the resolution on the issue.
It is already known that the critical changes were recently made in  the document.
The critical changes of the  European Parliament resolution project were prepared by the liberals, whose partners in Georgia  are the "Republicans" and "Free Democrats". MEPs call on the government not to use the Prosecutor"s Office against political opponents and thus not pose a threat to the European future.
The  fact that the draft resolution t is critical has also been  confirmed by the ruling party  today. However, the  "Georgian Dream" coalition believes that  behind the critique is not only the Liberal Democrats’ party  but the European People"s Party as well.
Another change, which is expected to be included in the draft document, refers to an agreement between Abkhazia and Russia. The EU Parliament  condemns this agreement and calls on Russia to fulfill the 2008 ceasefire agreement.
Alongside with the ratification of the Association Agreement , the European Parliament will pass a resolution on Georgia. The debate on the democratic development of Georgia will take place before the ratification on December 17 in Strasbourg.
The government will not attend this historic event. It will be attended only by MPs.
The European parliament plans to ratify the Association Agreement with Georgia on December 17. Before the ratification  European MPs will adopt the resolution.
The expectations of Opposition and Ruling party  differs. The members of ruling party say that the resolution will underline and support  effective reforms and progress implemented by the government.
" Ratification will be very important historical moment and it will demonstrate that the European future of Georgia is shared by our allies. This will be great chance and responsibility."- The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia- Tamar Beruchashvili states.
The Analysts think the resolution will be strict . " The possibility that the resolution will be strict is very strong, Especially after the report of OSCE. I hope that the recommendations which will be stated in the text of resolution will be taken into the consideration. because it is very important for our country"- says Sergi Kapanadze, The director of Non-governmental organization- " Georgia"s Reforms Association."

GEORGIAN-DREAM-REGIERUNG GIBT MINENARBEITEN IN HISTORISCHEM BERGWERK SAKDRISI FREI
PM Irakli Garibashvili said that stir over gold mine Sakdrisi has been caused only by a small interest group, which, he claimed, tries to benefit from “grants” for archeological research; he dismissed allegations against government about disregarding cultural heritage as “very irresponsible and groundless.” ... President Giorgi Margvelashvili, who met campaigners for Sakdrisi on December 19, said in a statement that carrying out mining activity at the site, while court proceedings were still underway, was “inadmissible.”
Activists gathered outside the Ministry of Culture on December 15, 2014 to protest against decision giving go-ahead to the gold and mining company, RMG, to carry out mining activities at Sakdrisi hillock in southern Georgian, which some archeologists believe is one of the world’s oldest gold mine. 
The Georgian National Museum said it’s “extremely concerned” by developments over Sakdrisi archeological site, where gold and mining company, RMG, launched digging gold after receiving a go-ahead from the Ministry of Culture, causing outcry from preservationists, opposition parties and also drawing condemnation from the Georgian Orthodox Church.
The Georgian National Museum released a statement on Monday evening saying that Sakdrisi represents an “archeological site of international importance.”
The museum, whose researchers have been involved in study of the site for years, also said that there were attempts to misinterpret its role in the dispute. Some comments of Culture Ministry officials and executives from the mining company have been perceived as having national museum’s consent on the decision to proceed with mining activities at Sakdrisi and in exchange for the mining company to build a new museum in Bolnisi to house artifacts found at the site. 
 “The Georgian National Museum is extremely concerned over recent developments around Sakdrisi-Kachagiani. Activities and competences of the Georgian National Museum have been often misinterpreted recently, which damages the national museum’s scientific reputation, which in turn causes misleading of the public; therefore we want to reiterate once again our position that research, carried out by us together with the German side and other partners in full compliance of all the international standards, [demonstrates that] Sakdrisi represents an archeological site of international importance,” the Georgian National Museum said in the statement.
Archeologists from the Georgian National Museum have been studying the site together with colleagues from the German Mining Museum (Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum) with the funding from Germany’s largest private science funder, Volkswagen Foundation, since 2004. Artifacts found there, researchers claim, show that the mine dates back to the early third millennium BC and some samples even point to the second half of the fourth millennium BC, making Sakdrisi one of world’s oldest known gold mines.
The site was granted a special status and became protected under the heritage laws in 2006, but in 2013 the Georgian Ministry of Culture revoked this status.

INGA PAVLOVA KLAGT BIDZINA IWANISCHWILI IN MOSKAU AN - BIGAMIE ?
 German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier hailed close bilateral ties with Tbilisi, reiterated Germany’s support to Georgia’s European integration, saying that the country is closer to visa-free regime with the EU, and also expressed Berlin’s support to Georgia’s NATO integration, noting that Germany was behind substantial package of cooperation, which was offered to the country at the alliance’s summit in Wales.
Steinmeier started his two-day visit to Tbilisi, his second one this year, on Monday with a meeting with his Georgian counterpart Tamar Beruchashvili. Later on Monday evening he met President Giorgi Margvelashvili; he will meet PM Irakli Garibashvili on Tuesday.
Speaking at a news conference after talks with his Georgian counterpart, the German Foreign Minister said that relations between the two countries are very intensive now and bilateral ties have never been so close.
“I promise that we will actively support Georgia’s European path and choice,” Steinmeier said, adding that the Georgian authorities are “continuing European course.”
He said that the Association Agreement with the EU is an impetus for “modernization and reforms” in Georgia. “Application of this agreement has just started and it requires lots of energy and time from everyone in order for the Georgian citizens to receive benefits from this [agreement],” Steinmeier said, reiterating his country’s readiness to support Georgia in this process.
On visa liberalisation dialogue between Georgia and the EU, the German Foreign Minister said that “actually one step remains” before visa-free rules with the EU. Georgia fulfilled first-phase requirements under the visa liberalisation dialogue with the EU, moving to the second phase, involving effective implementation of relevant measures and legislation. 
 Dismissing views about Germany having “conservative attitudes” towards Georgia’s NATO membership, Steinmeier said that Berlin’s approach is right and adequate; he said Germany remains strongly supportive to 2008 NATO Bucharest summit decision, according to which Georgia will join the alliance once it meets necessary criteria.
Steinmeier also said that “the process moved forward” after NATO approved new substantial package of cooperation with Georgia during the summit in Wales in September.
He said that it was Germany who initiated this package for Georgia and added that the process is developing “logically.”
The German Foreign Minister said that conflict in Ukraine was also discussed during his meeting with the Georgian counterpart.

According to former Defense Minister and Chairman of the Free Democrats party, Irakli Alasania, every decision of the government takes longer than it should should because the decisions depend on a single man’s will instead of on the state institutions. According to him, Bidzina Ivanishvili's knowledge of the details of even the Prosecutor's Office does not speak in such details proves it. In his interview with Forbes Georgia, Alasania said he believed that this was damaging the country.

SÜDLICHER KORRIDOR GEGEN SOUTH-STREAM
Moskau gibt die Süd-Pipeline nach Europa auf. Weil die EU das Projekt blockiere, sagt Putin – und verschweigt die wahren Gründe. Sie zu nennen, würde Russlands Probleme vor aller Welt sichtbar machen. ...
SOUTH STREAM: Das lässt Europa kalt  - 02.12.2014, zeit.de 
Russlands Energie-Prestigeprojekt South Stream ist gescheitert. Die EU reagiert gelassen, fast erleichtert. Sie fürchtet mehr die russisch-türkische Partnerschaft. ...
Pipeline-Monopoly: Gas ist Gold - 22. Oktober 2014, freiewelt.net
von Institut für Strategische Studien Berlin (ISSB e.V.)
... Wie EU und Aserbaidschan Russland umgehen wollen: Russisches Gas oder aserbaidschanisches Gas? Die EU bevorzugt aus politischen und geostrategischen Gründen aserbaidschanisches Gas. Man will offensichtlich Russland umgehen. Wie das funktionieren soll, hängt von der Planung des Pipelinenetzes ab. Russland und sein Energieriese Gazprom favorisieren den Bau der South-Stream-Pipeline. ... Doch die EU hat andere Pläne. Nachdem die Entwürfe zur Nabucco-Pipeline durch den Balkan abgelehnt wurden, hat man sich für den Bau der Transadriatischen Pipeline durch Griechenland und Albanien nach Italien entschieden, um dort an das bestehende Pipelinenetzwerk anzudocken. 
Diese Pipeline ist als Fortsetzung der geplanten Transanatolischen Pipeline (TANAP) durch die Türkei gedacht, die wiederum an die bereits bestehende Südkaukasus-Pipeline anschließt. ... Vorraussetzung ist natürlich die politische Stabilität in Georgien, durch das die Südkaukasus-Pipeline führt. ...
Baku: Baubeginn des Südlichen Gaskorridors - 22.09.2014, de.euronews.com
Am 20. September wurde in Baku, Aserbaidschan, der Baubeginn des südlichen Gaskorridors gefeiert. Teile des gemeinsamen Projekt sind die South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP) sowie die Trans Anatolian Natural GasPipeline (TANAP). Gas soll zukünftig von Aserbaidschan über Georgien und die Türkei nach Südeuropa transportieren werden. ...
Erdgas für Europa: Hilfe aus Baku - 17.05.2014, faz.net
Das Erdgas aus dem kaspischen Meer könnte Europas Abhängigkeit von Moskau mindern. Neben Aserbaidschan und der Türkei sind an dem Gasleitungsprojekt „Südlicher Korridor“ zahlreiche weitere Länder beteiligt.
Um Europa sicher mit Gas zu versorgen, werden auch andere Möglichkeiten weit weg vom russischen Gas immer interessanter. Im Kaspischen Meer gibt es Gasvorräte - bisher fehlt jedoch die Pipeline für den Transport. Vom sogenannten "Südlichen Korridor" könnten gleich mehrere Länder profitieren. ...
Südlicher Korridor - neue Seidenstraße - Stand: 12.04.2014, crp-infotec.de
Energiepartnerschaft der EU mit Förder- und Transitländern, um sich einen besseren Zugang zu Gasvorkommen (und letztlich auch Ölvorkommen) im Kaspischen Raum und im Nahen Osten zu sichern und zugleich unabhängiger von russischen Gaslieferungen zu werden. ...
DER SÜDKORRIDOR: DIE ENTSCHEIDUNG - 15.01.2014, energlobe.de
Die Debatte über den Südlichen Korridor ist auf der Zielgeraden. Nicht Nabucco heißt der Favorit, sondern Trans-Adriatic-Pipeline (TAP). ... 
Energiegipfel in PragProjekt: Südlicher Korridor - 17. Mai 2010, sueddeutsche.de

EIN ARTIKEL ÜBER DIE UKRAINE VON 2008 NACH DEM GEORGIENKRIEG RÜCKWIRKEND INTERPRETIERT 
Der Artikel belegt heute, dass der Georgienkrieg 2008 in Europa offensichtlich nicht "ernst genommen" und daraus eine Lehre gezogen wurde; oder wie sonst hätte die Ukraine seitdem in die jetzige schwierige Lage geraten können:
GEORGIENKRIEG: Die nächste Beute? - 22.08.2014, zeit.de
... Vizepremier Nemyria ist gerade aus Georgien zurückgekehrt. Was er dort gesehen hat, hat ihn darin bestärkt, dass die Ukraine, sicherheitspolitisches Niemandsland zwischen Russland und der amerikanisch-europäischen Welt, eine klare Westbindung braucht. ... »Die Lehren aus Georgien lauten: Grauzonen sind gefährlich. Das Sicherheitsvakuum hat sich ausgedehnt. Die Ukraine befindet sich in diesem Vakuum.« Nemyria, ein nüchterner Historiker, ... »Europa muss die Alarmzeichen ernst nehmen. Gefrorene regionale Konflikte können sich innerhalb weniger Tage zu großflächigen, wenn nicht gar globalen Konflikten ausbreiten.« Seine Regierung, sagt er, habe daher die Absicht, »formellere Bande mit der europäischen Sicherheits- und Verteidigungspolitik« zu schließen. ... 
Und ebenfalls zur Erinnerung: Appell von Vaclav Havel: Europa muss für Georgien aufstehen - 22. September 2009, guardian.co, ins Deutsche übertragen von "Georgier in Karlsruhe"
Offener Brief: Zwanzig Jahre nachdem halb Europa befreit wurde, wird eine neue Mauer gebaut – quer durch Georgien, sagen Vaclav Havel und andere 
... Betrachtet man heute Europa, so ist es mehr als klar, dass die Geschichte nicht zu einem Ende gekommen ist und tragisch bleibt. Zwanzig Jahre nach der Befreiung der Hälfte des europäischen Kontinents, wird eine neue Mauer in Europa gebaut - dieses Mal in das Hoheitsgebiet von Georgien. ... Niemand will eine Konfrontation mit Moskau oder eine Rückkehr zu der feindseligen Atmosphäre des Kalten Krieges. Aber ebenso ist es wichtig, dass die EU und ihre Mitgliedstaaten eine klare und eindeutige Botschaft an die derzeitige Führung in Russland senden. ... Erstens, eine große Macht wird immer einen Vorwand finden oder konstruieren, um einen Nachbarn zu überfallen, an dessen Unabhängigkeit sich diese Macht stößt. ... Zweitens, das Versagen der westlichen Demokratien, auf die Zerstückelung einer befreundeten Nation zu reagieren, wenn auch eine kleine Nation, kann sehr ernste globale Folgen haben. (Anmerkung: Die Folge war die Annexion der Krim und der "frozen confict" im Osten der Ukraine, und was demnächst noch in der Ukraine zur Verbindung dieser Gebiete kommen wird ...) ... Es wäre völlig fatal, wenn wir uns in irgendeiner Weise einstellen sollten, die Art von Praktiken stillschweigend zu dulden, welche unseren Kontinent in den Krieg und die Aufteilung für die meiste Zeit des letzten Jahrhunderts stürzten. ... Auf dem Spiel steht nichts Geringeres als das Schicksal des Projekts, dem wir unser Leben fortwährend widmen: der friedlichen und demokratischen Wiedervereinigung des europäischen Kontinents. 

RUSSLAND TREIBT DIE ANNEXION DER ABTRÜNNIGEN GEORGISCHEN REGION ABCHASIEN VORAN
>>Geschichte Georgiens und seiner Regionen
The final text of the treaty incorporates many, but not all, of those changes which were made by the Abkhaz side in the initial, Russia-proposed draft. 
Nur vier Länder haben Abchasien als unabhängigen Staat anerkannt. Das hindert Wladimir Putin nicht daran, ein Abkommen mit der Führung der Kaukasus-Region zu schließen. ...
Der Kreml greift nach Abchasien - 15.10.2014, nzz.ch
Daniel Wechlin, Moskau ⋅ Der Zeitpunkt ist kaum zufällig: Vier Monate nachdem Georgien einen EU-Assoziierungsvertrag ratifizierte und unmittelbar vor einer weiteren Gesprächsrunde zwischen russischen und georgischen Repräsentanten hat der Kreml ein «Abkommen über Kooperation und Integration» mit Abchasien vorgeschlagen. Es sieht vor, das von Georgien abtrünnige Gebiet noch stärker an die Russische Föderation zu binden. ...
 
Russia’s signature of “a so-called ‘treaty on alliance and strategic partnership’ with Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia is detrimental to ongoing efforts to stabilise the security situation in the region,” EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement late on November 24. ...
(Anmerkung: Außenministerin Panjikidze ist am 05.11.2014 im Zuge der Krise um Verteidigungsminister Alansia und seiner Partei "Our Georgia - Free Democrats" zurückgetreten. Siehe Artikel unten.)
Moskau möchte die abtrünnige georgische Region Abchasien durch einen Vertrag noch enger an sich binden. Die Regierung in Tbilisi aber wolle ihren pro-westlichen Kurs fortsetzen, sagt Außenministerin Maia Panjikidze. ...
S: Welche Unterstützung brauchen Sie jetzt von der Europäischen Union, von Deutschland, in dieser neuen Entwicklung?
P: In dieser neuen Situation brauchen wir eine starke politische Unterstützung für die Wahrung unserer territorialen Integrität und Souveränität sowie eine deutliche Sprache gegenüber Russland. Moskau muss gesagt werden, dass sein Vorhaben in Abchasien ein genauso schweres Verbrechen ist wie die Annexion der Krim und wie die Unruhen in der Ostukraine. Das muss man auf die gleiche Ebene stellen.
Das Interview führte Robert Schwartz.
Exkurs: Enteignung auf Russisch - 18.02.2014, arte.tv (Anmerkung: Macht auch vor Staatsgebiten nicht halt !!!)
Mit dem Zerfall der Sowjetunion wurde das russische Staatseigentum im großen Stil privatisiert. Seitdem ist der Besitz im Land ungleichmäßig verteilt: Es gibt sehr reiche Menschen, die immer reicher werden, und extrem Arme. Doch seit es im Land Privateigentümer gibt, treten andere auf den Plan, die ihnen dieses Eigentum wieder wegnehmen wollen ...
Im Dokumentarfilm "Enteignung auf Russisch" begegnen wir Menschen, die in den unterschiedlichsten Rollen mit Enteignungen konfrontiert wurden - als Täter wie als Opfer, als glücklich Entkommene wie als Angehörige von Getöteten. Filmemacher Gentelev interviewt Experten, die sich mit dem russischen Rechtssystem befassen und die Lage im Land analysieren. Die Liste der Verbrechen im Zuge feindlicher Übernahmen ist lang: Dokumentenfälschung, Korruption und Bestechung, Erpressung, schließlich Bedrohung und Mord. Das Business dieser „Raubzüge“ ist ein komplexer Prozess, der die gesamte russische Gesellschaft durchzieht. Auch Polizei, Behörden und Gerichte sind in das lukrative Geschäft eingebunden. Einige Opfer sind sich sogar sicher, dass die Verbrechen mit Einverständnis der allerhöchsten Ebene in der russischen Regierung begangen worden sein müssen.
Der Film liefert erschreckende Einblicke in eine organisierte Wirtschaftskriminalität von ungeahnten Dimensionen. 

PUTINS PLAN ZUM AUSBAU DER RUSSISCHEN MACHT IST NUN IN DEN DEUTSCHEN MEDIEN ANGEKOMMEN
Als die Diaspora-Georgier in Karlsruhe und vielen Städten Europas 2008 über die russische Invasion in Georgien informierten, wurde die aggressive, kriegerische Dimension des russischen Vorgehens noch auf die "frozen conflicts" in den georgischen Regionen Abchasien und Südossetien geschoben. Die russischen Diffamierungen gegen die georgische Regierung von Präsident Saakashvili wurden aus Unverständnis und einseitigen russischen Quellen viel zu oft wiedergegeben und damit hier zu einem wesentlichen Teil des Meinungsbildes über Georgien. Der Artikel in der "Zeit" beschreibt nun allgemein das, was in Georgien seit 1989 vom Kreml zum Machterhalt unternommen wird:       
Putins großer Plan Seite 1 - 20.11.2014, zeit.de
Geheimdienstoperationen, Zollkriege, Grundstückskäufe, Propaganda und militärische Intervention: Wie Russland von der Ostsee bis zur Adria seine Macht ausbaut ... Aber überall in Europa versucht Russland gerade, seinen Einfluss auszuweiten, andere Länder an sich zu binden oder gar unter seine Kontrolle zu bringen. In Bulgarien wurden russische Geheimdienstler eingeschleust, die jetzt als russische Minderheit auftreten und von Moskau "beschützt" werden wollen. In Montenegro kauft Russland großflächig Grundstücke auf. Georgien wurde durch einen Krieg gefügig gemacht. Mal wird wirtschaftlicher Druck ausgeübt, mal wird über die Medien oder gekaufte NGOs, sogenannte Nichtregierungsorganisationen, Einfluss auf die Stimmung im Land genommen. ... Lange Zeit wirkte das Ganze eher zufällig, als handelte es sich um einzelne, voneinander unabhängige, regionale Vorgänge. Inzwischen aber nimmt die Bundesregierung an, dass alles in einem einzigen, großen Zusammenhang steht. Dass vieles gezielt aus Moskau gesteuert wird. ... In Moskau kursieren in der Tat weitreichende Ideen und Pläne, den eigenen Machtbereich auszuweiten. Sie sind lange vor Ausbruch des Konflikts in der Ukraine entstanden. ...
Seine Idee: den postsowjetischen Raum unter russischer Führung zu einigen.
Dazu ersann er die Eurasische Union. Sie sollte die Ukraine als zentralen Baustein einschließen. "Putin hat diese Union als Konkurrenz zur EU verstanden", sagt Dmitri Trenin, Direktor des Carnegie-Zentrums Moskau und ein Kenner der russischen Außenpolitik. Als im Februar 2014 der ukrainische Präsident – Russlands Verbündeter Viktor Janukowitsch – stürzte, ging Moskau in die Offensive. ...
Russlands verführerische Botschaft Seite 3 - 20.11.2014, zeit.de
Bei alledem geht es um mehr als nur um Gas, es geht um ein ökonomisch-politisches System. Russland bietet den wirtschaftlich schwachen Ländern in Ost- und Südosteuropa eine Abkürzung zum Wohlstand an. Macht es wie wir, macht es mit uns, dann fließt das Geld, auch ohne dass ihr eure Wirtschaft von Grund auf erneuern müsst, so lautet die verführerische Botschaft. Dabei ist es die Einladung zu einer Petrowirtschaft à la russe – nur ohne Petro, also mit wenigen Bodenschätzen. Tatsächlich wählten diese Länder damit die dauerhafte Abhängigkeit von einem Land, das seinerseits komplett vom Ölpreis abhängt. ...
Der unsichtbare, hybride Krieg Seite 4 - 20.11.2014, zeit.de
Der deutsche Internetkanal ist nur als Vorläufer gedacht; aus Berlin will man schon bald einen eigenen Fernsehkanal betreiben, ebenso wie in Frankreich. Russia Today ist das wichtigste Instrument der ideologischen Offensive des Kreml. Denn das Programm zielt auf die weichen Punkte des Westens – die wachsende Skepsis gegenüber Eliten; den Hang zur Selbstkritik; die Widersprüche in der Anwendung des Völkerrechts. ...
Redaktionen von Funk und Zeitungen sehen sich mit einer Flut prorussischer Kommentare konfrontiert. Die "SZ" hat nach eigenen Angaben Belege dafür, dass auch außerhalb Russlands Nachrichtenportale und soziale Netzwerke manipuliert werden sollen. ... 
"Agentur zur Analyse des Internets"
Im Zuge der Ukraine-Krise sahen sich Redaktionen von Zeitungen und Fernsehsendern mit einer Flut von Kommentaren konfrontiert, die die Maidan-Proteste als Werk von US-Geheimdiensten und die ukrainische Regierung als Nazi-Junta verunglimpften. Um solcherlei und andere Manipulationsversuche kümmere sich eine "Agentur zur Analyse des Internets" in Sankt Petersburg mit ihren 600 Mitarbeitern. ... Verfassungsschutz-Präsident Hans-Georg Maaßen ... hat darauf hingewiesen, dass russische Spione ihre Tätigkeiten ausgeweitet hätten. Darüber hinaus bemühten sich russische Geheimdienste auch, das Meinungsbild in Deutschland zu beeinflussen. Besonderes Interesse gelte der Bewertung der russischen Ukraine-Politik durch Deutschland, die EU und die Nato, mögliche Gegenmaßnahmen sowie die deutsche und europäische Energiepolitik. ... Der Militärwissenschaftler Jarno Limnéll meint, Ziel der russischen Infowar-Kampagnen sei, jedermann zu manipulieren, zum Beispiel auch Misstrauen zwischen Nato-Staaten zu säen, sagte er laut Welt. Dabei fielen immer wieder Argumentationsmuster auf, wie sie auch bei Links- und Rechtsextremisten in westlichen Ländern zu finden sind. ...
Im Internet organisieren prorussische Aktivisten groß angelegte Kampagnen gegen Wladimir Putins Kritiker. Der Informationskrieg des Kreml alarmiert nun auch die deutschen Sicherheitsbehörden. ... Zu den jüngsten Kunstgriffen dieser Propagandaschule gehört es, an bestehende Protestbewegungen im Westen anzudocken und sie in der Art eines trojanischen Pferds für eigene Ziele zu instrumentalisieren. ... Die Infiltration der westlichen Meinungsbildung ist mittlerweile auch ein Thema für Journalistenorganisationen. "Wir beobachten ein wachsendes Ausmaß verdeckter Propaganda von diktatorisch oder autoritär geführten Staaten auf deutschsprachigen Seiten von sozialen Netzwerken", sagte Christian Mihr, Geschäftsführer von Reporter ohne Grenzen in Deutschland, der "Welt". ...
Der britische Guardian geht davon aus, dass eine aus Russland gesteuerte Kampagne hinter der Unmenge an kreml-freundlichen Leserkommentaren unter eigenen Artikeln zur Ukraine-Krise steckt. Beweise habe er dafür aber keine.
Seit der Verschärfung der Ukraine-Krise im Februar finden viele Online-Medien – auch deutschsprachige – unter den eigenen Texten viele Leserkommentare, die Wladimir Putins Vorgehen in dem Konflikt verteidigen. ...

NEUER APPEL DER GEORGIER IN FRANKREICH ZU ABCHASIEN / RUSSLAND
AGF_2014_14-11-15_COMMUNIQUE_ABKHAZIE - Communique der AGF als PDF-Datei in französisch und georgisch
EXKURS ZUR ERINNERUNG: 
GEORGIENKRIEG, 07.-16.08.2008 - ENTEIGNUNG AUF RUSSISCH MACHT AUCH VOR STAATEN NICHT HALT
>> 2008 - Invasion Russlands
Enteignung auf Russisch - 18.02.2014, arte.tv
Mit dem Zerfall der Sowjetunion wurde das russische Staatseigentum im großen Stil privatisiert. Seitdem ist der Besitz im Land ungleichmäßig verteilt: Es gibt sehr reiche Menschen, die immer reicher werden, und extrem Arme. Doch seit es im Land Privateigentümer gibt, treten andere auf den Plan, die ihnen dieses Eigentum wieder wegnehmen wollen ...
Im Dokumentarfilm "Enteignung auf Russisch" begegnen wir Menschen, die in den unterschiedlichsten Rollen mit Enteignungen konfrontiert wurden - als Täter wie als Opfer, als glücklich Entkommene wie als Angehörige von Getöteten. Filmemacher Gentelev interviewt Experten, die sich mit dem russischen Rechtssystem befassen und die Lage im Land analysieren. Die Liste der Verbrechen im Zuge feindlicher Übernahmen ist lang: Dokumentenfälschung, Korruption und Bestechung, Erpressung, schließlich Bedrohung und Mord. Das Business dieser „Raubzüge“ ist ein komplexer Prozess, der die gesamte russische Gesellschaft durchzieht. Auch Polizei, Behörden und Gerichte sind in das lukrative Geschäft eingebunden. Einige Opfer sind sich sogar sicher, dass die Verbrechen mit Einverständnis der allerhöchsten Ebene in der russischen Regierung begangen worden sein müssen.
Der Film liefert erschreckende Einblicke in eine organisierte Wirtschaftskriminalität von ungeahnten Dimensionen. 
Dokumente zum Krieg - Ereignisse und Hintergrund des Georgienkrieges 2008
EU-geförderter Bericht zum Augustkrieg 2008 im Überblick und wesentliche Auszüge als PDF - Georgier in Karlsruhe
Der EU-Bericht erklärt im Kapitel 6 Teil 4 alle russischen Gewaltanwendungen als nicht gerechtfertigt, ebenso alle Gewaltanwendungen der Abchasen in Teil 5. Die Gewaltanwendungen der südossetischen Seite mit dem Beschießen georgischer Dörfer vor dem 7.8. verletzte das Gewaltverbot, welches für den Konflikt maßgeblich war. Die  Gewaltanwendungen nach dem 12.8. nach dem Rückzug der georgischen Einheiten waren illegal. 
In Teil 2  steht der Bericht Georgien das Eingreifen in Südossetien als gerechtfertigt zu als Selbstverteidigung in Form von „on-the-spot reaction“ und bezeichnet die georgische Offensive als nicht proportional zu dem einzigen erlaubten Ziel, zur Verteidigung gegen die andauernden südossetischen Angriffe. 
Die georgische Sicht, dass russische Truppen vor dem 7./8. georgisches Territorium betreten hätten, konnte von der Kommission nicht bestätigt werden. Die Kommission schließt aber nicht aus, dass neue Beweise das Betreten Georgiens durch russische Soldaten zu diesem Zeitpunkt zeigen. 
Der Bericht bestätigt auch die Anwesenheit regulärer russischer Streitkräfte in Südossetien vor dem 7.8. und die große Zahl an Provokationen zuvor auf georgischem Territorium. Die Kommission besteht im Kapitel 8 auf der Erfüllung des Sechs-Punkteabkommens, d.h. dem Rückzug der russischen Streitkräfte auf die Positionen vor dem 7.8. und stellt fest, dass dies Russland bis heute nicht erfüllt hat. Die Kommission nennt die Anerkennung Südossetiens und Abchasiens durch Russland einen "Anschlag auf die internationalen Anstrengungen zur Konfliktlösung". >>EU-geförderter Bericht zum Augustkrieg 2008
Im Original: ... Chapter 3 - Related Legal Issues 
3.1. The Legal Status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia - III. Comment –Seite 136 
South Ossetia should not be recognised, because the preconditions for statehood are not met. Neither should Abkhazia be recognised. Although it shows the characteristics of statehood, the process of 
state-building as such is not legitimate, as Abkhazia never had a right to secession. Furthermore, Abkhazia does not meet basic requirements regarding human and minority rights, especially because it does not guarantee a right of safe return to IDPs/refugees. ...
Part 4: Use of force by Russia against Georgia
... III. No justification of the use of force as self-defence ...
IV. No justification of Russian use of force as fulfilment of the peacekeeping mission ...
V. No justification of the use of force by invitation of the South Ossetian authorities ...
VI. No justification of the use of force by collective self-defence ...
VII. No justification of the use of force as “humanitarian intervention  ...
VIII. No justification of the use of force as action to rescue and protect nationals abroad ...
Part 5: Use of force in Abkhazia
II. Legal qualification of the Abkhaz and Russian offensive: violation of the prohibition of the use of force and armed attack on Georgia ...
III. Legal qualification of the Georgian operation: self-defence
... The use of force by Georgia was justified as self-defence. ...
IV. No justification of the Abkhaz and Russian use of force against Georgia ...
Chapter 6 - Use of Force, Part 2: Use of force by Georgia 238
II. Legal qualification of the Georgian offensive - Seite 239:
… Consequently, a government is generally not prevented from using armed force in internal conflicts, e.g. against insurgents starting a civil war or against territorial entities fighting violently for secession. …
Putin "leaked": ARD-Interview mit Putin - 29.08.08 (unzensiert) - google-blog    >>Seite 
... Roth: D.h. Sie werden ihre Truppen auf jeden Fall zurückziehen. Putin: Natürlich. ...
Vertragsverletzung des Sechs-Punkte-Abkommens vom 16.08.2008 durch Russland:
Russland hat seine regulären Truppen nicht auf die Ausgangspositionen zurückgezogen und hält ca. 20% des Territoriums von Georgien seither besetzt !
Der Europarat-Monitoring-Ausschuss schreibt im Dokument 12045 "Überprüfung aus inhaltlichen Gründen von zuvor ratifizierten Mandaten der russischen Delegation" am 29.09.2009: "... der Ausschuss bedauert, dass ein Jahr nach dem Krieg die meisten der wichtigsten Forderungen der Versammlung (Anmerk.: u.a. in Resolution 1633 mit dem Sechs-Punkte-Abkommen als Inhalt) nicht umgesetzt worden sind und dass nur sehr wenige Fortschritte bei der Bewältigung der Folgen des Krieges in zufriedenstellender Weise gemacht wurden."
NACH G20-TREFFEN IN AUSTRALIEN UND DEM PUTIN-MERKEL-DIALOG
Kanzlerin Angela Merkel hat in Sydney deutliche Worte gefunden: Russlands Staatschef Wladimir Putin stelle die europäische Friedensordnung in Frage. Der Westen müsse entschlossen vorgehen, sonst bedrohe seine Machtpolitik auch andere Länder. ... Sie warnte Putin, dass die EU vor Moskau nicht kuschen werde wie es die DDR einst getan habe: "Ansonsten muss man sagen: Wir sind zu schwach, passt auf Leute, wir können keinen mehr aufnehmen, wir fragen erst in Moskau nach, ob das möglich ist. So war es ja 40 Jahre lang, und da wollte ich eigentlich nicht wieder hin zurück." 
Merkels Russland-Rede in Auszügen - 17.11.2014, tagesschau.de
Kanzlerin Merkel hat nach dem G20-Gipfel ungewöhnlich deutliche Kritik an der russischen Ukraine-Politik geäußert. Internationales Recht werde mit Füßen getreten. ... 
"... Meine Damen und Herren, wie konnte es vor 100 Jahren zwischen den Völkern und Nationen so weit kommen? (...) Es fehlte der Wille, Differenzen auf friedlichem Wege zu begegnen - auch in der überheblichen Annahme eigener militärischer Überlegenheit. Doch der Glaube, moderne Kriege könnten sich eingrenzen lassen, erwies sich als fataler Irrtum. ... Russland verletzt die territoriale Integrität und die staatliche Souveränität der Ukraine. Ein Nachbarstaat Russlands, die Ukraine, wird als Einflusssphäre angesehen. Das stellt nach den Schrecken zweier Weltkriege und dem Ende des Kalten Krieges die europäische Friedensordnung insgesamt infrage. Das findet seine Fortsetzung in der russischen Einflussnahme zur Destabilisierung der Ostukraine in Donezk und Lugansk. ..."
"Es geht nicht nur um die Ukraine"
In einer anschließenden Fragerunde sagte Merkel unter anderem: "Es geht ja nicht nur um die Ukraine. Es geht um Moldawien, es geht um Georgien, wenn es so weiter geht, kann man fragen, muss man bei Serbien fragen, muss man bei den Westbalkanstaaten fragen." ...

PUTINS ERKLÄRUNGEN WIEDERHOLEN SICH: 2008 IN GEORGIEN / 2014 IN DER UKRAINE
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has accused the United States of orchestrating the conflict in Georgia to benefit one of its presidential election candidates. Russian PM Vladimir Putin has accused the U.S. of orchestrating the conflict in Georgia. ...
... Die Proteste auf dem Maidan? Keine ukrainische Demokratiebewegung, sondern ein vom Westen provozierter, faschistischer Sturz der Regierung. Die Krim? Keine Annexion durch einen Völkerrechtsbruch, sondern ein demokratischer Prozess. Der Abschuss des Passagierflugs MH17? Nicht die pro-prussischen Separatisten, Schuld daran tragen die ukrainische Regierung und die USA. Der Krieg in der Ostukraine? Keine Aggression Putins, sondern ein Völkermord des ukrainischen Militärs an Russen. ... 
Putins Reich des Bösen - 24.10.2014, tagesschau.de
In der Ukraine-Krise hat der russische Präsident Wladimir Putin seinen Ton gegenüber Westeuropa und vor allem der USA verschärft. Ein "Vormachtstreben" der Vereinigten Staaten sei eine Gefahr für den Weltfrieden, sagte er in einer Rede in Sotschi. Das "einseitige Diktat" Washingtons führe zu einer Verschärfung von Konflikten und zur Entwicklung radikaler Regime, so der russische Staatschef. ...
Putin verteidigt Krim-Anschluss. Die Ukraine befinde sich in einem "echten Bürgerkrieg" und die USA hätten sich dafür durch ihre politische Einmischung mitverantwortlich gemacht.
... Die Ukraine-Krise sei entstanden, nachdem Janukowytsch die Unterzeichnung eines Assoziierungsabkommens mit der Europäischen Union verschoben habe. "Darauf folgte ein Putsch, der durch unsere amerikanischen Freunde unterstützt wurde. Das Ergebnis ist Chaos und ein echter Bürgerkrieg." ...

ÖKONOMISCHE KRISE IN RUSSLAND AUCH KRISE FÜR GEORGIEN ?
Why Russia’s financial crises keep on coming - 21.12.2014, theguardian.com
Until Putin faces up to the country’s economic challenges and invests in a modern manufacturing sector, low oil prices will always tip it into turbulence, recession and crisis
With a growing economic crisis and less money to share among the oligarchs, there is talk of splits in the Kremlin elite that could undermine the president’s power ... When a Reuters journalist told him that certain members of his inner circle blame him for the economic and political deterioration this year, he laughed, and said: “Give me their names!” ...
A deep recession is now a certainty for Russia in 2015. Things could get much worse ... Russians are right to worry: they are heading for a lethal combination of deep recession and runaway inflation. ...
Der Verfall des russischen Rubels könnte sich zu einer Krise größeren Ausmaßes entwickeln, warnt Thorsten Polleit. Der Frankfurter Ökonom ist überzeugt: Nur eine politische „Vernunftlösung“ kann jetzt noch helfen. ... DIW-Präsident Fratzscher sieht derzeit die Wahrscheinlichkeit einer Staatspleite Russlands bei rund 33 Prozent. ...
... The chief executive of Renault Nissan, Carlos Ghosn: "When the rouble sinks it's a bloodbath for everybody. It's red ink, people are losing money, all car manufacturers are losing money," ...
The casualties of Russia's decline - 18.12.2014, bbc.com, Joe Miller
... And German firm BMW may lose as much as €100m because of the rouble's decline, according to Bloomberg, ... Nightmare neighbours: Closer to home, many former Soviet countries are watching Russia's misfortunes nervously. ...
Linda YuehRussian President Vladimir Putin says that even if oil plummets to $40 per barrel, his country's economy will manage - and rebound in two years.
The concern then was that foreign exchange reserves had fallen to $421bn, down 16% from half a trillion at the start of the year. It fell below a level that's considered to be critical - having enough to cover 6 months of imports.
Now, FX reserves have dropped even further to $416bn and the Russian government has just committed reserves to shore up systematically-important banks to the tune of 1 trillion roubles. That's among other commitments already made, which could total over $100bn next year. ...

ASSOZIATIONSABKOMMEN GEORGIEN/EU - ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT GEORGIA/EU
European Parliament gave its consent to ratification of EU-Georgia Association Agreement, also including deep and comprehensive free trade treaty, on December 18 in Strasbourg. MEPs backed the agreement by 490 votes to 76, with 57 abstentions. ...
The vote came a day after the European parliamentarians debated on Georgia in Strasbourg on December 17.
   MEPs Debate on Georgia Ahead of Association Agreement Ratification
   President to Visit European Parliament as MEPs Set to Ratify AA
Critical amendments were introduced into the text of the European Parliament resolution - 15-12-2014, rustavi2.com
Official Tbilisi is waiting for the ratification of the Association Agreement. On December 17, the agreement signed between the EU and  Georgia is to be finally  approved by  the European Parliament, but not before the European MPs will vote for the resolution on the issue.
It is already known that the critical changes were recently made in  the document.
The critical changes of the  European Parliament resolution project were prepared by the liberals, whose partners in Georgia  are the "Republicans" and "Free Democrats". MEPs call on the government not to use the Prosecutor"s Office against political opponents and thus not pose a threat to the European future.
The  fact that the draft resolution t is critical has also been  confirmed by the ruling party  today. However, the  "Georgian Dream" coalition believes that  behind the critique is not only the Liberal Democrats’ party  but the European People"s Party as well.
Another change, which is expected to be included in the draft document, refers to an agreement between Abkhazia and Russia. The EU Parliament  condemns this agreement and calls on Russia to fulfill the 2008 ceasefire agreement.
Alongside with the ratification of the Association Agreement , the European Parliament will pass a resolution on Georgia. The debate on the democratic development of Georgia will take place before the ratification on December 17 in Strasbourg.
The government will not attend this historic event. It will be attended only by MPs.
The European parliament plans to ratify the Association Agreement with Georgia on December 17. Before the ratification  European MPs will adopt the resolution.
The expectations of Opposition and Ruling party  differs. The members of ruling party say that the resolution will underline and support  effective reforms and progress implemented by the government.
" Ratification will be very important historical moment and it will demonstrate that the European future of Georgia is shared by our allies. This will be great chance and responsibility."- The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia- Tamar Beruchashvili states.
The Analysts think the resolution will be strict . " The possibility that the resolution will be strict is very strong, Especially after the report of OSCE. I hope that the recommendations which will be stated in the text of resolution will be taken into the consideration. because it is very important for our country"- says Sergi Kapanadze, The director of Non-governmental organization- " Georgia"s Reforms Association."

GEORGIAN-DREAM-REGIERUNG GIBT MINENARBEITEN IN HISTORISCHEM BERGWERK SAKDRISI FREI
PM Irakli Garibashvili said that stir over gold mine Sakdrisi has been caused only by a small interest group, which, he claimed, tries to benefit from “grants” for archeological research; he dismissed allegations against government about disregarding cultural heritage as “very irresponsible and groundless.” ... President Giorgi Margvelashvili, who met campaigners for Sakdrisi on December 19, said in a statement that carrying out mining activity at the site, while court proceedings were still underway, was “inadmissible.”
Activists gathered outside the Ministry of Culture on December 15, 2014 to protest against decision giving go-ahead to the gold and mining company, RMG, to carry out mining activities at Sakdrisi hillock in southern Georgian, which some archeologists believe is one of the world’s oldest gold mine. 
The Georgian National Museum said it’s “extremely concerned” by developments over Sakdrisi archeological site, where gold and mining company, RMG, launched digging gold after receiving a go-ahead from the Ministry of Culture, causing outcry from preservationists, opposition parties and also drawing condemnation from the Georgian Orthodox Church.
The Georgian National Museum released a statement on Monday evening saying that Sakdrisi represents an “archeological site of international importance.”
The museum, whose researchers have been involved in study of the site for years, also said that there were attempts to misinterpret its role in the dispute. Some comments of Culture Ministry officials and executives from the mining company have been perceived as having national museum’s consent on the decision to proceed with mining activities at Sakdrisi and in exchange for the mining company to build a new museum in Bolnisi to house artifacts found at the site. 
 “The Georgian National Museum is extremely concerned over recent developments around Sakdrisi-Kachagiani. Activities and competences of the Georgian National Museum have been often misinterpreted recently, which damages the national museum’s scientific reputation, which in turn causes misleading of the public; therefore we want to reiterate once again our position that research, carried out by us together with the German side and other partners in full compliance of all the international standards, [demonstrates that] Sakdrisi represents an archeological site of international importance,” the Georgian National Museum said in the statement.
Archeologists from the Georgian National Museum have been studying the site together with colleagues from the German Mining Museum (Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum) with the funding from Germany’s largest private science funder, Volkswagen Foundation, since 2004. Artifacts found there, researchers claim, show that the mine dates back to the early third millennium BC and some samples even point to the second half of the fourth millennium BC, making Sakdrisi one of world’s oldest known gold mines.
The site was granted a special status and became protected under the heritage laws in 2006, but in 2013 the Georgian Ministry of Culture revoked this status.

 German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier hailed close bilateral ties with Tbilisi, reiterated Germany’s support to Georgia’s European integration, saying that the country is closer to visa-free regime with the EU, and also expressed Berlin’s support to Georgia’s NATO integration, noting that Germany was behind substantial package of cooperation, which was offered to the country at the alliance’s summit in Wales.
Steinmeier started his two-day visit to Tbilisi, his second one this year, on Monday with a meeting with his Georgian counterpart Tamar Beruchashvili. Later on Monday evening he met President Giorgi Margvelashvili; he will meet PM Irakli Garibashvili on Tuesday.
Speaking at a news conference after talks with his Georgian counterpart, the German Foreign Minister said that relations between the two countries are very intensive now and bilateral ties have never been so close.
“I promise that we will actively support Georgia’s European path and choice,” Steinmeier said, adding that the Georgian authorities are “continuing European course.”
He said that the Association Agreement with the EU is an impetus for “modernization and reforms” in Georgia. “Application of this agreement has just started and it requires lots of energy and time from everyone in order for the Georgian citizens to receive benefits from this [agreement],” Steinmeier said, reiterating his country’s readiness to support Georgia in this process.
On visa liberalisation dialogue between Georgia and the EU, the German Foreign Minister said that “actually one step remains” before visa-free rules with the EU. Georgia fulfilled first-phase requirements under the visa liberalisation dialogue with the EU, moving to the second phase, involving effective implementation of relevant measures and legislation. 
 Dismissing views about Germany having “conservative attitudes” towards Georgia’s NATO membership, Steinmeier said that Berlin’s approach is right and adequate; he said Germany remains strongly supportive to 2008 NATO Bucharest summit decision, according to which Georgia will join the alliance once it meets necessary criteria.
Steinmeier also said that “the process moved forward” after NATO approved new substantial package of cooperation with Georgia during the summit in Wales in September.
He said that it was Germany who initiated this package for Georgia and added that the process is developing “logically.”
The German Foreign Minister said that conflict in Ukraine was also discussed during his meeting with the Georgian counterpart.

According to former Defense Minister and Chairman of the Free Democrats party, Irakli Alasania, every decision of the government takes longer than it should should because the decisions depend on a single man’s will instead of on the state institutions. According to him, Bidzina Ivanishvili's knowledge of the details of even the Prosecutor's Office does not speak in such details proves it. In his interview with Forbes Georgia, Alasania said he believed that this was damaging the country.

SÜDLICHER KORRIDOR GEGEN SOUTH-STREAM
Moskau gibt die Süd-Pipeline nach Europa auf. Weil die EU das Projekt blockiere, sagt Putin – und verschweigt die wahren Gründe. Sie zu nennen, würde Russlands Probleme vor aller Welt sichtbar machen. ...
SOUTH STREAM: Das lässt Europa kalt  - 02.12.2014, zeit.de 
Russlands Energie-Prestigeprojekt South Stream ist gescheitert. Die EU reagiert gelassen, fast erleichtert. Sie fürchtet mehr die russisch-türkische Partnerschaft. ...
Pipeline-Monopoly: Gas ist Gold - 22. Oktober 2014, freiewelt.net
von Institut für Strategische Studien Berlin (ISSB e.V.)
... Wie EU und Aserbaidschan Russland umgehen wollen: Russisches Gas oder aserbaidschanisches Gas? Die EU bevorzugt aus politischen und geostrategischen Gründen aserbaidschanisches Gas. Man will offensichtlich Russland umgehen. Wie das funktionieren soll, hängt von der Planung des Pipelinenetzes ab. Russland und sein Energieriese Gazprom favorisieren den Bau der South-Stream-Pipeline. ... Doch die EU hat andere Pläne. Nachdem die Entwürfe zur Nabucco-Pipeline durch den Balkan abgelehnt wurden, hat man sich für den Bau der Transadriatischen Pipeline durch Griechenland und Albanien nach Italien entschieden, um dort an das bestehende Pipelinenetzwerk anzudocken. 
Diese Pipeline ist als Fortsetzung der geplanten Transanatolischen Pipeline (TANAP) durch die Türkei gedacht, die wiederum an die bereits bestehende Südkaukasus-Pipeline anschließt. ... Vorraussetzung ist natürlich die politische Stabilität in Georgien, durch das die Südkaukasus-Pipeline führt. ...
Baku: Baubeginn des Südlichen Gaskorridors - 22.09.2014, de.euronews.com
Am 20. September wurde in Baku, Aserbaidschan, der Baubeginn des südlichen Gaskorridors gefeiert. Teile des gemeinsamen Projekt sind die South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP) sowie die Trans Anatolian Natural GasPipeline (TANAP). Gas soll zukünftig von Aserbaidschan über Georgien und die Türkei nach Südeuropa transportieren werden. ...
Erdgas für Europa: Hilfe aus Baku - 17.05.2014, faz.net
Das Erdgas aus dem kaspischen Meer könnte Europas Abhängigkeit von Moskau mindern. Neben Aserbaidschan und der Türkei sind an dem Gasleitungsprojekt „Südlicher Korridor“ zahlreiche weitere Länder beteiligt.
Um Europa sicher mit Gas zu versorgen, werden auch andere Möglichkeiten weit weg vom russischen Gas immer interessanter. Im Kaspischen Meer gibt es Gasvorräte - bisher fehlt jedoch die Pipeline für den Transport. Vom sogenannten "Südlichen Korridor" könnten gleich mehrere Länder profitieren. ...
Südlicher Korridor - neue Seidenstraße - Stand: 12.04.2014, crp-infotec.de
Energiepartnerschaft der EU mit Förder- und Transitländern, um sich einen besseren Zugang zu Gasvorkommen (und letztlich auch Ölvorkommen) im Kaspischen Raum und im Nahen Osten zu sichern und zugleich unabhängiger von russischen Gaslieferungen zu werden. ...
DER SÜDKORRIDOR: DIE ENTSCHEIDUNG - 15.01.2014, energlobe.de
Die Debatte über den Südlichen Korridor ist auf der Zielgeraden. Nicht Nabucco heißt der Favorit, sondern Trans-Adriatic-Pipeline (TAP). ... 
Energiegipfel in PragProjekt: Südlicher Korridor - 17. Mai 2010, sueddeutsche.de

EIN ARTIKEL ÜBER DIE UKRAINE VON 2008 NACH DEM GEORGIENKRIEG RÜCKWIRKEND INTERPRETIERT 
Der Artikel belegt heute, dass der Georgienkrieg 2008 in Europa offensichtlich nicht "ernst genommen" und daraus eine Lehre gezogen wurde; oder wie sonst hätte die Ukraine seitdem in die jetzige schwierige Lage geraten können:
... Vizepremier Nemyria ist gerade aus Georgien zurückgekehrt. Was er dort gesehen hat, hat ihn darin bestärkt, dass die Ukraine, sicherheitspolitisches Niemandsland zwischen Russland und der amerikanisch-europäischen Welt, eine klare Westbindung braucht. ... »Die Lehren aus Georgien lauten: Grauzonen sind gefährlich. Das Sicherheitsvakuum hat sich ausgedehnt. Die Ukraine befindet sich in diesem Vakuum.« Nemyria, ein nüchterner Historiker, ... »Europa muss die Alarmzeichen ernst nehmen. Gefrorene regionale Konflikte können sich innerhalb weniger Tage zu großflächigen, wenn nicht gar globalen Konflikten ausbreiten.« Seine Regierung, sagt er, habe daher die Absicht, »formellere Bande mit der europäischen Sicherheits- und Verteidigungspolitik« zu schließen. ... 
Und ebenfalls zur Erinnerung: Appell von Vaclav Havel: Europa muss für Georgien aufstehen - 22. September 2009, guardian.co, ins Deutsche übertragen von "Georgier in Karlsruhe"
Offener Brief: Zwanzig Jahre nachdem halb Europa befreit wurde, wird eine neue Mauer gebaut – quer durch Georgien, sagen Vaclav Havel und andere 
... Betrachtet man heute Europa, so ist es mehr als klar, dass die Geschichte nicht zu einem Ende gekommen ist und tragisch bleibt. Zwanzig Jahre nach der Befreiung der Hälfte des europäischen Kontinents, wird eine neue Mauer in Europa gebaut - dieses Mal in das Hoheitsgebiet von Georgien. ... Niemand will eine Konfrontation mit Moskau oder eine Rückkehr zu der feindseligen Atmosphäre des Kalten Krieges. Aber ebenso ist es wichtig, dass die EU und ihre Mitgliedstaaten eine klare und eindeutige Botschaft an die derzeitige Führung in Russland senden. ... Erstens, eine große Macht wird immer einen Vorwand finden oder konstruieren, um einen Nachbarn zu überfallen, an dessen Unabhängigkeit sich diese Macht stößt. ... Zweitens, das Versagen der westlichen Demokratien, auf die Zerstückelung einer befreundeten Nation zu reagieren, wenn auch eine kleine Nation, kann sehr ernste globale Folgen haben. (Anmerkung: Die Folge war die Annexion der Krim und der "frozen confict" im Osten der Ukraine, und was demnächst noch in der Ukraine zur Verbindung dieser Gebiete kommen wird ...) ... Es wäre völlig fatal, wenn wir uns in irgendeiner Weise einstellen sollten, die Art von Praktiken stillschweigend zu dulden, welche unseren Kontinent in den Krieg und die Aufteilung für die meiste Zeit des letzten Jahrhunderts stürzten. ... Auf dem Spiel steht nichts Geringeres als das Schicksal des Projekts, dem wir unser Leben fortwährend widmen: der friedlichen und demokratischen Wiedervereinigung des europäischen Kontinents. 

RUSSLAND TREIBT DIE ANNEXION DER ABTRÜNNIGEN GEORGISCHEN REGION ABCHASIEN VORAN
>>Geschichte Georgiens und seiner Regionen
The final text of the treaty incorporates many, but not all, of those changes which were made by the Abkhaz side in the initial, Russia-proposed draft. 
Nur vier Länder haben Abchasien als unabhängigen Staat anerkannt. Das hindert Wladimir Putin nicht daran, ein Abkommen mit der Führung der Kaukasus-Region zu schließen. ...
Der Kreml greift nach Abchasien - 15.10.2014, nzz.ch
Daniel Wechlin, Moskau ⋅ Der Zeitpunkt ist kaum zufällig: Vier Monate nachdem Georgien einen EU-Assoziierungsvertrag ratifizierte und unmittelbar vor einer weiteren Gesprächsrunde zwischen russischen und georgischen Repräsentanten hat der Kreml ein «Abkommen über Kooperation und Integration» mit Abchasien vorgeschlagen. Es sieht vor, das von Georgien abtrünnige Gebiet noch stärker an die Russische Föderation zu binden. ...
 
Russia’s signature of “a so-called ‘treaty on alliance and strategic partnership’ with Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia is detrimental to ongoing efforts to stabilise the security situation in the region,” EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement late on November 24. ...
(Anmerkung: Außenministerin Panjikidze ist am 05.11.2014 im Zuge der Krise um Verteidigungsminister Alansia und seiner Partei "Our Georgia - Free Democrats" zurückgetreten. Siehe Artikel unten.)
Moskau möchte die abtrünnige georgische Region Abchasien durch einen Vertrag noch enger an sich binden. Die Regierung in Tbilisi aber wolle ihren pro-westlichen Kurs fortsetzen, sagt Außenministerin Maia Panjikidze. ...
S: Welche Unterstützung brauchen Sie jetzt von der Europäischen Union, von Deutschland, in dieser neuen Entwicklung?
P: In dieser neuen Situation brauchen wir eine starke politische Unterstützung für die Wahrung unserer territorialen Integrität und Souveränität sowie eine deutliche Sprache gegenüber Russland. Moskau muss gesagt werden, dass sein Vorhaben in Abchasien ein genauso schweres Verbrechen ist wie die Annexion der Krim und wie die Unruhen in der Ostukraine. Das muss man auf die gleiche Ebene stellen.
Das Interview führte Robert Schwartz.
Exkurs: Enteignung auf Russisch - 18.02.2014, arte.tv (Anmerkung: Macht auch vor Staatsgebiten nicht halt !!!)
Mit dem Zerfall der Sowjetunion wurde das russische Staatseigentum im großen Stil privatisiert. Seitdem ist der Besitz im Land ungleichmäßig verteilt: Es gibt sehr reiche Menschen, die immer reicher werden, und extrem Arme. Doch seit es im Land Privateigentümer gibt, treten andere auf den Plan, die ihnen dieses Eigentum wieder wegnehmen wollen ...
Im Dokumentarfilm "Enteignung auf Russisch" begegnen wir Menschen, die in den unterschiedlichsten Rollen mit Enteignungen konfrontiert wurden - als Täter wie als Opfer, als glücklich Entkommene wie als Angehörige von Getöteten. Filmemacher Gentelev interviewt Experten, die sich mit dem russischen Rechtssystem befassen und die Lage im Land analysieren. Die Liste der Verbrechen im Zuge feindlicher Übernahmen ist lang: Dokumentenfälschung, Korruption und Bestechung, Erpressung, schließlich Bedrohung und Mord. Das Business dieser „Raubzüge“ ist ein komplexer Prozess, der die gesamte russische Gesellschaft durchzieht. Auch Polizei, Behörden und Gerichte sind in das lukrative Geschäft eingebunden. Einige Opfer sind sich sogar sicher, dass die Verbrechen mit Einverständnis der allerhöchsten Ebene in der russischen Regierung begangen worden sein müssen.
Der Film liefert erschreckende Einblicke in eine organisierte Wirtschaftskriminalität von ungeahnten Dimensionen. 

PUTINS PLAN ZUM AUSBAU DER RUSSISCHEN MACHT IST NUN IN DEN DEUTSCHEN MEDIEN ANGEKOMMEN
Als die Diaspora-Georgier in Karlsruhe und vielen Städten Europas 2008 über die russische Invasion in Georgien informierten, wurde die aggressive, kriegerische Dimension des russischen Vorgehens noch auf die "frozen conflicts" in den georgischen Regionen Abchasien und Südossetien geschoben. Die russischen Diffamierungen gegen die georgische Regierung von Präsident Saakashvili wurden aus Unverständnis und einseitigen russischen Quellen viel zu oft wiedergegeben und damit hier zu einem wesentlichen Teil des Meinungsbildes über Georgien. Der Artikel in der "Zeit" beschreibt nun allgemein das, was in Georgien seit 1989 vom Kreml zum Machterhalt unternommen wird:       
Putins großer Plan Seite 1 - 20.11.2014, zeit.de
Geheimdienstoperationen, Zollkriege, Grundstückskäufe, Propaganda und militärische Intervention: Wie Russland von der Ostsee bis zur Adria seine Macht ausbaut ... Aber überall in Europa versucht Russland gerade, seinen Einfluss auszuweiten, andere Länder an sich zu binden oder gar unter seine Kontrolle zu bringen. In Bulgarien wurden russische Geheimdienstler eingeschleust, die jetzt als russische Minderheit auftreten und von Moskau "beschützt" werden wollen. In Montenegro kauft Russland großflächig Grundstücke auf. Georgien wurde durch einen Krieg gefügig gemacht. Mal wird wirtschaftlicher Druck ausgeübt, mal wird über die Medien oder gekaufte NGOs, sogenannte Nichtregierungsorganisationen, Einfluss auf die Stimmung im Land genommen. ... Lange Zeit wirkte das Ganze eher zufällig, als handelte es sich um einzelne, voneinander unabhängige, regionale Vorgänge. Inzwischen aber nimmt die Bundesregierung an, dass alles in einem einzigen, großen Zusammenhang steht. Dass vieles gezielt aus Moskau gesteuert wird. ... In Moskau kursieren in der Tat weitreichende Ideen und Pläne, den eigenen Machtbereich auszuweiten. Sie sind lange vor Ausbruch des Konflikts in der Ukraine entstanden. ...
Seine Idee: den postsowjetischen Raum unter russischer Führung zu einigen.
Dazu ersann er die Eurasische Union. Sie sollte die Ukraine als zentralen Baustein einschließen. "Putin hat diese Union als Konkurrenz zur EU verstanden", sagt Dmitri Trenin, Direktor des Carnegie-Zentrums Moskau und ein Kenner der russischen Außenpolitik. Als im Februar 2014 der ukrainische Präsident – Russlands Verbündeter Viktor Janukowitsch – stürzte, ging Moskau in die Offensive. ...
Russlands verführerische Botschaft Seite 3 - 20.11.2014, zeit.de
Bei alledem geht es um mehr als nur um Gas, es geht um ein ökonomisch-politisches System. Russland bietet den wirtschaftlich schwachen Ländern in Ost- und Südosteuropa eine Abkürzung zum Wohlstand an. Macht es wie wir, macht es mit uns, dann fließt das Geld, auch ohne dass ihr eure Wirtschaft von Grund auf erneuern müsst, so lautet die verführerische Botschaft. Dabei ist es die Einladung zu einer Petrowirtschaft à la russe – nur ohne Petro, also mit wenigen Bodenschätzen. Tatsächlich wählten diese Länder damit die dauerhafte Abhängigkeit von einem Land, das seinerseits komplett vom Ölpreis abhängt. ...
Der unsichtbare, hybride Krieg Seite 4 - 20.11.2014, zeit.de
Der deutsche Internetkanal ist nur als Vorläufer gedacht; aus Berlin will man schon bald einen eigenen Fernsehkanal betreiben, ebenso wie in Frankreich. Russia Today ist das wichtigste Instrument der ideologischen Offensive des Kreml. Denn das Programm zielt auf die weichen Punkte des Westens – die wachsende Skepsis gegenüber Eliten; den Hang zur Selbstkritik; die Widersprüche in der Anwendung des Völkerrechts. ...
Redaktionen von Funk und Zeitungen sehen sich mit einer Flut prorussischer Kommentare konfrontiert. Die "SZ" hat nach eigenen Angaben Belege dafür, dass auch außerhalb Russlands Nachrichtenportale und soziale Netzwerke manipuliert werden sollen. ... 
"Agentur zur Analyse des Internets"
Im Zuge der Ukraine-Krise sahen sich Redaktionen von Zeitungen und Fernsehsendern mit einer Flut von Kommentaren konfrontiert, die die Maidan-Proteste als Werk von US-Geheimdiensten und die ukrainische Regierung als Nazi-Junta verunglimpften. Um solcherlei und andere Manipulationsversuche kümmere sich eine "Agentur zur Analyse des Internets" in Sankt Petersburg mit ihren 600 Mitarbeitern. ... Verfassungsschutz-Präsident Hans-Georg Maaßen ... hat darauf hingewiesen, dass russische Spione ihre Tätigkeiten ausgeweitet hätten. Darüber hinaus bemühten sich russische Geheimdienste auch, das Meinungsbild in Deutschland zu beeinflussen. Besonderes Interesse gelte der Bewertung der russischen Ukraine-Politik durch Deutschland, die EU und die Nato, mögliche Gegenmaßnahmen sowie die deutsche und europäische Energiepolitik. ... Der Militärwissenschaftler Jarno Limnéll meint, Ziel der russischen Infowar-Kampagnen sei, jedermann zu manipulieren, zum Beispiel auch Misstrauen zwischen Nato-Staaten zu säen, sagte er laut Welt. Dabei fielen immer wieder Argumentationsmuster auf, wie sie auch bei Links- und Rechtsextremisten in westlichen Ländern zu finden sind. ...
Im Internet organisieren prorussische Aktivisten groß angelegte Kampagnen gegen Wladimir Putins Kritiker. Der Informationskrieg des Kreml alarmiert nun auch die deutschen Sicherheitsbehörden. ... Zu den jüngsten Kunstgriffen dieser Propagandaschule gehört es, an bestehende Protestbewegungen im Westen anzudocken und sie in der Art eines trojanischen Pferds für eigene Ziele zu instrumentalisieren. ... Die Infiltration der westlichen Meinungsbildung ist mittlerweile auch ein Thema für Journalistenorganisationen. "Wir beobachten ein wachsendes Ausmaß verdeckter Propaganda von diktatorisch oder autoritär geführten Staaten auf deutschsprachigen Seiten von sozialen Netzwerken", sagte Christian Mihr, Geschäftsführer von Reporter ohne Grenzen in Deutschland, der "Welt". ...
Der britische Guardian geht davon aus, dass eine aus Russland gesteuerte Kampagne hinter der Unmenge an kreml-freundlichen Leserkommentaren unter eigenen Artikeln zur Ukraine-Krise steckt. Beweise habe er dafür aber keine.
Seit der Verschärfung der Ukraine-Krise im Februar finden viele Online-Medien – auch deutschsprachige – unter den eigenen Texten viele Leserkommentare, die Wladimir Putins Vorgehen in dem Konflikt verteidigen. ...

NEUER APPEL DER GEORGIER IN FRANKREICH ZU ABCHASIEN / RUSSLAND
AGF_2014_14-11-15_COMMUNIQUE_ABKHAZIE - Communique der AGF als PDF-Datei in französisch und georgisch
EXKURS ZUR ERINNERUNG: 
GEORGIENKRIEG, 07.-16.08.2008 - ENTEIGNUNG AUF RUSSISCH MACHT AUCH VOR STAATEN NICHT HALT
>> 2008 - Invasion Russlands
Enteignung auf Russisch - 18.02.2014, arte.tv
Mit dem Zerfall der Sowjetunion wurde das russische Staatseigentum im großen Stil privatisiert. Seitdem ist der Besitz im Land ungleichmäßig verteilt: Es gibt sehr reiche Menschen, die immer reicher werden, und extrem Arme. Doch seit es im Land Privateigentümer gibt, treten andere auf den Plan, die ihnen dieses Eigentum wieder wegnehmen wollen ...
Im Dokumentarfilm "Enteignung auf Russisch" begegnen wir Menschen, die in den unterschiedlichsten Rollen mit Enteignungen konfrontiert wurden - als Täter wie als Opfer, als glücklich Entkommene wie als Angehörige von Getöteten. Filmemacher Gentelev interviewt Experten, die sich mit dem russischen Rechtssystem befassen und die Lage im Land analysieren. Die Liste der Verbrechen im Zuge feindlicher Übernahmen ist lang: Dokumentenfälschung, Korruption und Bestechung, Erpressung, schließlich Bedrohung und Mord. Das Business dieser „Raubzüge“ ist ein komplexer Prozess, der die gesamte russische Gesellschaft durchzieht. Auch Polizei, Behörden und Gerichte sind in das lukrative Geschäft eingebunden. Einige Opfer sind sich sogar sicher, dass die Verbrechen mit Einverständnis der allerhöchsten Ebene in der russischen Regierung begangen worden sein müssen.
Der Film liefert erschreckende Einblicke in eine organisierte Wirtschaftskriminalität von ungeahnten Dimensionen. 
Dokumente zum Krieg - Ereignisse und Hintergrund des Georgienkrieges 2008
EU-geförderter Bericht zum Augustkrieg 2008 im Überblick und wesentliche Auszüge als PDF - Georgier in Karlsruhe
Der EU-Bericht erklärt im Kapitel 6 Teil 4 alle russischen Gewaltanwendungen als nicht gerechtfertigt, ebenso alle Gewaltanwendungen der Abchasen in Teil 5. Die Gewaltanwendungen der südossetischen Seite mit dem Beschießen georgischer Dörfer vor dem 7.8. verletzte das Gewaltverbot, welches für den Konflikt maßgeblich war. Die  Gewaltanwendungen nach dem 12.8. nach dem Rückzug der georgischen Einheiten waren illegal. 
In Teil 2  steht der Bericht Georgien das Eingreifen in Südossetien als gerechtfertigt zu als Selbstverteidigung in Form von „on-the-spot reaction“ und bezeichnet die georgische Offensive als nicht proportional zu dem einzigen erlaubten Ziel, zur Verteidigung gegen die andauernden südossetischen Angriffe. 
Die georgische Sicht, dass russische Truppen vor dem 7./8. georgisches Territorium betreten hätten, konnte von der Kommission nicht bestätigt werden. Die Kommission schließt aber nicht aus, dass neue Beweise das Betreten Georgiens durch russische Soldaten zu diesem Zeitpunkt zeigen. 
Der Bericht bestätigt auch die Anwesenheit regulärer russischer Streitkräfte in Südossetien vor dem 7.8. und die große Zahl an Provokationen zuvor auf georgischem Territorium. Die Kommission besteht im Kapitel 8 auf der Erfüllung des Sechs-Punkteabkommens, d.h. dem Rückzug der russischen Streitkräfte auf die Positionen vor dem 7.8. und stellt fest, dass dies Russland bis heute nicht erfüllt hat. Die Kommission nennt die Anerkennung Südossetiens und Abchasiens durch Russland einen "Anschlag auf die internationalen Anstrengungen zur Konfliktlösung". >>EU-geförderter Bericht zum Augustkrieg 2008
Im Original: ... Chapter 3 - Related Legal Issues 
3.1. The Legal Status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia - III. Comment –Seite 136 
South Ossetia should not be recognised, because the preconditions for statehood are not met. Neither should Abkhazia be recognised. Although it shows the characteristics of statehood, the process of 
state-building as such is not legitimate, as Abkhazia never had a right to secession. Furthermore, Abkhazia does not meet basic requirements regarding human and minority rights, especially because it does not guarantee a right of safe return to IDPs/refugees. ...
Part 4: Use of force by Russia against Georgia
... III. No justification of the use of force as self-defence ...
IV. No justification of Russian use of force as fulfilment of the peacekeeping mission ...
V. No justification of the use of force by invitation of the South Ossetian authorities ...
VI. No justification of the use of force by collective self-defence ...
VII. No justification of the use of force as “humanitarian intervention  ...
VIII. No justification of the use of force as action to rescue and protect nationals abroad ...
Part 5: Use of force in Abkhazia
II. Legal qualification of the Abkhaz and Russian offensive: violation of the prohibition of the use of force and armed attack on Georgia ...
III. Legal qualification of the Georgian operation: self-defence
... The use of force by Georgia was justified as self-defence. ...
IV. No justification of the Abkhaz and Russian use of force against Georgia ...
Chapter 6 - Use of Force, Part 2: Use of force by Georgia 238
II. Legal qualification of the Georgian offensive - Seite 239:
… Consequently, a government is generally not prevented from using armed force in internal conflicts, e.g. against insurgents starting a civil war or against territorial entities fighting violently for secession. …
Putin "leaked": ARD-Interview mit Putin - 29.08.08 (unzensiert) - google-blog    >>Seite 
... Roth: D.h. Sie werden ihre Truppen auf jeden Fall zurückziehen. Putin: Natürlich. ...
Vertragsverletzung des Sechs-Punkte-Abkommens vom 16.08.2008 durch Russland:
Russland hat seine regulären Truppen nicht auf die Ausgangspositionen zurückgezogen und hält ca. 20% des Territoriums von Georgien seither besetzt !
Der Europarat-Monitoring-Ausschuss schreibt im Dokument 12045 "Überprüfung aus inhaltlichen Gründen von zuvor ratifizierten Mandaten der russischen Delegation" am 29.09.2009: "... der Ausschuss bedauert, dass ein Jahr nach dem Krieg die meisten der wichtigsten Forderungen der Versammlung (Anmerk.: u.a. in Resolution 1633 mit dem Sechs-Punkte-Abkommen als Inhalt) nicht umgesetzt worden sind und dass nur sehr wenige Fortschritte bei der Bewältigung der Folgen des Krieges in zufriedenstellender Weise gemacht wurden."
NACH G20-TREFFEN IN AUSTRALIEN UND DEM PUTIN-MERKEL-DIALOG
Kanzlerin Angela Merkel hat in Sydney deutliche Worte gefunden: Russlands Staatschef Wladimir Putin stelle die europäische Friedensordnung in Frage. Der Westen müsse entschlossen vorgehen, sonst bedrohe seine Machtpolitik auch andere Länder. ... Sie warnte Putin, dass die EU vor Moskau nicht kuschen werde wie es die DDR einst getan habe: "Ansonsten muss man sagen: Wir sind zu schwach, passt auf Leute, wir können keinen mehr aufnehmen, wir fragen erst in Moskau nach, ob das möglich ist. So war es ja 40 Jahre lang, und da wollte ich eigentlich nicht wieder hin zurück." 
Merkels Russland-Rede in Auszügen - 17.11.2014, tagesschau.de
Kanzlerin Merkel hat nach dem G20-Gipfel ungewöhnlich deutliche Kritik an der russischen Ukraine-Politik geäußert. Internationales Recht werde mit Füßen getreten. ... 
"... Meine Damen und Herren, wie konnte es vor 100 Jahren zwischen den Völkern und Nationen so weit kommen? (...) Es fehlte der Wille, Differenzen auf friedlichem Wege zu begegnen - auch in der überheblichen Annahme eigener militärischer Überlegenheit. Doch der Glaube, moderne Kriege könnten sich eingrenzen lassen, erwies sich als fataler Irrtum. ... Russland verletzt die territoriale Integrität und die staatliche Souveränität der Ukraine. Ein Nachbarstaat Russlands, die Ukraine, wird als Einflusssphäre angesehen. Das stellt nach den Schrecken zweier Weltkriege und dem Ende des Kalten Krieges die europäische Friedensordnung insgesamt infrage. Das findet seine Fortsetzung in der russischen Einflussnahme zur Destabilisierung der Ostukraine in Donezk und Lugansk. ..."
"Es geht nicht nur um die Ukraine"
In einer anschließenden Fragerunde sagte Merkel unter anderem: "Es geht ja nicht nur um die Ukraine. Es geht um Moldawien, es geht um Georgien, wenn es so weiter geht, kann man fragen, muss man bei Serbien fragen, muss man bei den Westbalkanstaaten fragen." ...

UNM-PARTEI ORGANISIERT KUNDGEBUNG IN TBILISI MIT ANSPRACHE VON EX-PRÄSIDENT SAAKASHVILI
Etwa 30.000 Menschen haben in der georgischen Hauptstadt Tiflis gegen die eigene Regierung und gegen Russland demonstriert. Ihr Protest richtet sich gegen ein geplantes Abkommen zwischen der von Georgien abtrünnigen Region Abchasien und Moskau. ...
...  Viele der Demonstranten trugen georgische und ukrainische Flaggen mit sich und hielten Spruchbänder mit der Aufschrift "Stoppt Putin" in die Höhe.
Video
Thousands of people have been taking part in an anti-Russia protest in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi.
The rally was organised by Georgia's main opposition party, the United National Movement. ...
... Mr Saakashvili addressed the rally by video link from Kiev as the cheering crowd chanted his name.
"Let's show Georgia's government that the nation is united against the serious threat to its independence, its future," he said. Saakashvili's UNM party has accused the ruling Georgian Dream coalition government of not confronting what it claims is Russia's creeping annexation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. ...
At ‘No to Annexation’ Protest Rally UNM Slams ‘Collaborationist’ Govt - 15.11.2014, civil.ge
Protesters march on Rustaveli Avenue on November 15, 2014. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge
Thousands of protesters were gathered in Tbilisi center on November 15 at a rally organized by the opposition UNM party against what it calls is Georgian government’s “inaction” amid threat of “annexation” of Georgia’s breakaway regions by Russia.
In his address via video link from Kiev, ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili, who is chairman of UNM party, told protesters, gathered on the Rustaveli Avenue outside the Parliament, that it is now time “for the entire nation to stand united and to tell, before it is not too late, to [ex-PM Bidzina] Ivanishvili that the Georgian nation does not share his dream.”
UNM announced about the intention to hold the rally late last month after Russia-proposed new treaty on “alliance and integration” with breakaway Abkhazia was unveiled and which the Georgian Parliament condemned as “an attempt to annex occupied Abkhazia.” UNM said that it was also going to protest against what it calls the Georgian government’s policy of appeasement vis-à-vis Russia, which, the opposition says, has led to removal issue of the Georgian occupied territories from the international agenda.
Protesters, who were also joined by UNM supporters from some other towns, marched from Rose Square towards the Parliament building on the Rustaveli Avenue, holding a huge banner reading: “Stop Russia.” Some protesters were also holding posters “No to Annexation”, as well as EU, U.S. and Ukrainian flags along side with the Georgian flags, and a huge NATO flag was stretched in the middle of the protest venue at the Parliament.
A protester at UNM-organized protest rally in Tbilisi holds Ukrainian and EU flags as demonstrators, carrying a huge banner reading “Stop Russia”, march on the Rustaveli Avenue on November 15, 2014. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge
UNM MP Giorgi Gabashvili told the rally that the Georgian government is “deceiving itself, its own people and the entire world as if we are busy with mending our relations with the occupant.”
“No to annexation, down with the occupant, down with the collaborationist government,” MP Gabashvili said. “If the government does not revise its collaborationist policies, the verdict will be delivered and it will be delivered soon.”
UNM MP Irma Nadirashvili said: “I think that a political verdict has already been delivered against our government and these people, who are now standing here, will definitely executive this verdict in a democratic manner and it will happen very soon.”
“We came here because we have no hope in our government. We see slavish silence from our government while Russia prepares agreements for eventual annexation of Abkhazia and Samachablo [referring to breakaway South Ossetia],” she said.
Nika Melia, who was UNM’s Tbilisi mayoral candidate in 2014 local elections, told the rally: “The enemy, standing in 40 kilometers [referring to Russian troops in breakaway South Ossetia], will not be able to harm us, if we don’t have a collaborationist government in 400 meters from here [referring to a government building].”
“[Ex-PM] Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Russian money will never reign in Georgia; Georgia’s fate will never be solved in Moscow; Russia’s positions will never strengthen in our country,” he added.
View of the protest rally venue where two huge screens were installed through which ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili address supporters via video link from Kiev, November 15, 2014. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge
When ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is wanted by the Georgian authorities on multiple criminal charges, appeared on a huge screen installed at the protest venue, demonstrators greeted him by chanting: “Misha, Misha.”
Speaking via video link from the Ukrainian capital, Saakashvili portrayed situation in Georgia as a struggle between two “conflicting models” – the one, he said, “which we believe in and another one, which Ivanishvili wants.”
Crossed out picture of Russian President Vladimir Putin and posters reading: “No to Occupation” seen at a protest rally in Tbilisi, November 15, 2014. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge
Saakashvili, who called the rally “march of dignity”, said that on the one hand there is Georgia, which “still struggles for its dignity” and on the other there is Ivanishvili, who wants Georgia to appease “bear” and “follow it obediently to its den.”
He said that “Ivanishvili’s Georgia” is “tailored to the dream of one provincial dictator”.
“On the one hand, there is Georgia, which speaks out loudly against occupation and for our rights, our aspiration to freedom, and on the other hand, they want Georgia, which does not believe that Russia has aggressive plans and intentions against us and other neighbors; on the one hand there is Georgia, which is taking a European path, which believes that only this path can lead us to freedom… and on the other hand, there is Georgia, which disgracefully coordinates which path to follow with Kremlin messenger [Russia’s deputy foreign minister Grigory] Karasin,” Saakashvili said, referring to talks Georgian PM’s special envoy for relations with Russia, Zurab Abashidze and Karasin.              
UNM MP Giorgi Vashadze addresses protesters in Tbilisi center, November 15, 2014. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge
“Ivanishvili’s Georgia is silent and our Georgia is making a noise, like the Rustaveli Avenue is making a noise today,” he said. “Ivanishvili’s Georgia is alone; we have a huge army of Georgia’s friends.”
 “We should demonstrate to our enemy that its dream to break the neck to the idea of Georgia’s statehood with the help of the fifth column, tricks, bribery, intimidation, oppression, is doomed to failure once and forever and we will bury it.”
The rally was opened late afternoon with a moment of silence in honor of Kakha Bendukidze, who was behind anti-corruption and liberal economic reforms under Saakashvili’s administration, and who died on November 13 in London aged 58. The demonstration ended peacefully without any incidents after Saakashvili’s address, followed by the national anthem of Georgia and the EU anthem, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy.

REGIERUNGSKRISE IN TBILISI NACH ENTLASSUNG DES VERTEIDIGUNGSMINISTERS ALASANIA ?
Nach der überraschenden Entlassung des Verteidigungsministers Alasania treten zwei weitere Minister zurück und die Partei "Our Georgia - Free Democrats" aus dem Regierungsbündnis "Georgian Dream" aus. Das verbale Nachtreten des Premierministers Garibashvili, eingesetzt von Ivanishvili, deutet auf eine gezielte Ausgrenzung der Alasania-Gruppierung aus der Regierungskoalition "Georgian Dream coalition" hin, betrieben durch Strippenzieher Bidzina Boris Ivanishvili, Georgian-Dream-Democratic-Georgia-Parteigründer, Ex-Premierminister nach dem Wahlsieg 2012 und französisch-russisch-georgischer Multi-Milliardär auf Forbes-Liste: 2014 Platz 270, 2012 Platz 164 - 6,4 Mrd. So stellt es sich bisher dar - oder läuft eine innenpolitische Doppelstrategie im Vorfeld der nächsten von 2013Wahlen ?
Georgian and Western officials reacted with serious concern to statements of now sacked Georgian Defence Minister Irakli Alasania, ... Anytime a defence minister makes such powerfully worded statements that question state capacity, there are only two logical outcomes – either tanks will roll in streets to put the country back on course, or the country’s leader should immediately fire his defence minister. Fortunately, the latter was the cases, but the credit for this should be given to both parties who didn’t let emotions get in the way of their country’s democratic development. Though some harsh rhetoric might still finds its way into the media spotlight, it appears the main disagreements will be confined to party offices. ... Until recently, and based on public opinion polling results, there were two key players on the political stage – the GD coalition and the United National Movement (UNM), though both were in different weight categories and the Georgian media was often portraying the UNM as an ultimate opposition. The opposition should become more diverse now that the ex-Defence Minister’s Free Democrats party (FD) has dropped out of the ruling GD coalition. However, can FD in succeed in squeezing the UNM and establish itself as a strong player? ...
Georgiens Premier entlässt den Verteidigungsminister und provoziert eine Regierungskrise: Seine Außenministerin und vier Stellvertreter treten aus Protest zurück, die Parlamentsmehrheit ist dahin. ... Laut Umfragen unterstützen rund 80 Prozent der Georgier den Westkurs. Zugleich gibt es aber starke Widerstände gegen liberale europäische Standards, etwa bei der Gleichberechtigung von Homosexuellen. ... Seither mutmaßen nicht nur politische Gegner, Iwanischwili wolle sich mit Russland arrangieren und regiere aus dem Hintergrund weiter. Vor Letzterem warnte selbst Staatspräsident Giorgi Margwelaschwili, der mit Unterstützung des Oligarchen gewählt worden war. ...
Ernüchterung nach dem "Georgischen Traum" - 06.11.2104, derstandard.at
Analyse | Josef Kirchengast
Die Regierungskrise in Tiflis verstärkt Spekulationen über eine Änderung des bisher klar prowestlichen Kurses ... Petriaschwili sagte im Fernsehen: "Die Diktatur kommt nach Georgien. Unsere Demokratie ist in Gefahr." ...
Der abrupte Rücktritt mehrerer pro-europäischer Minister hat in Georgien eine Regierungskrise ausgelöst und in Brüssel die Sorge verstärkt, ein wichtiger westlicher Partner in der Region könnte sich wieder mehr in Richtung Moskau orientieren. ... Der frühere schwedische Außenminister Carl Bildt: „Das gesamte Team, das im Ausland in Verbindung gebracht wird mit der Öffnung Georgiens zum Westen, ist entweder zurückgetreten oder wurde entlassen.“ Auch wenn Russland vermutlich nicht selbst hinter der Entwicklung stecke, „gibt es keine Frage, dass es Menschen im Kreml gibt, die Georgien Applaus spenden.“ ... Länder wie Georgien, Moldawien, Armenien und Kasachstan sind im Streit über die künftige politische Orientierung der Region zwischen die Fronten des Westens auf der einen und Russland auf der anderen Seite geraten. ... Jacek Sariusz-Wolski, ein führender Experte in Fragen der Außenpolitik im Europäischen Parlament: „Die unsichtbare Hand Russlands hat Georgien von seinem europäischen Kurs abgebracht.“ ...
Georgiens Außenministerin Maja Panjikidse sieht den proeuropäischen Kurs der ehemaligen Sowjetrepublik in Gefahr und ist deshalb zurückgetreten. Die europäisch-atlantische Integration sei für sie und ihre Mitarbeiter die wichtigste Angelegenheit, sagte Panjikidse heute vor Journalisten. ... Georgien kommt als Transitland bei der Energieversorgung vom Kaspischen Meer nach Europa eine große Bedeutung zu.
Am Dienstag die Entlassung des Verteidigungsministers, nun der Rücktritt von Außenamtschefin Pandschikidse: In Georgiens Regierung scheint der Europa-freundliche Kurs - Russland lässt grüßen - an Fahrt zu verlieren. ... Der Minister hatte Regierungschef Irakli Garibaschwili vorgeworfen, das Streben der Schwarzmeerrepublik in die Europäische Union wie auch in die NATO zu sabotieren. Ausdrücklich betonte Garbaschwili nach dem Rauswurf seines Verteidigungsministers deshalb, dass auch er selbst nach wie vor einen Beitritt Georgiens zu EU und NATO anstrebe. ...
Ex-defense minister Irakli Alasania, whose Free Democrats party has quit ruling Georgian Dream coalition, said on Friday that he met ex-PM Bidzina Ivanishvili on November 6 to discuss recent political developments in the country.
“We have exchanged views about the current political situation in the country. It was a very sincere conversation,” Alasania told journalists in the Parliament in Tbilisi, where he is meeting parliament speaker Davit Usupashvili.
 “An agreement was reached that we should proceed the political process in a way that will not damage the state – that was mainly the substance of our conversation,” Alasania said, adding that “many issues” were also discussed on which he would speak publicly.
Ivanishvili, who was present at meetings of GD leadership council which were held this week in response to crisis within the coalition, is expected to speak about the recent events in an interview with Georgian public broadcaster, planned for Saturday evening.
... 
06.11.2014, 
... Garibashvili said that “people will learn lots of things and surprises” about Alasania.
“And it will be a shame for him and his team members, who will also learn many surprises about him,” Garibashvili said.
Calling the ex-defense minister “adventurer, stupid and ambitious”, Garibashvili said that Alasania’s “completely irresponsible, absurd” allegations about Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic choice being under attack are “damaging the country.” He said that these allegations were made “in style” of opposition UNM party’s “lies”.
“Personally for me what Alasania has done is a betrayal of October 1, 2012 victory [of the Georgian Dream in parliamentary elections]. This is yet another attempt to deceive the Georgian people – he has done it more than once previously and our population will see it, they will see many surprises,” Garibashvili said. ...
The U.S. Department of State noted with “concern” PM Irakli Garibashvili’s decision to dismiss Defense Minister Irakli Alasania and his deputy ministers, and the subsequent resignations of State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Foreign Minister.
“We have greatly appreciated the work of these ministers in service to their country and in partnership with the United States,” reads the statement of State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki.
“At a time of regional turmoil and domestic economic challenge, it is in Georgia’s interest to demonstrate stability, unity, commitment to due process and the rule of law, and public confidence in democratic institutions. We urge all parties to work towards these goals and to focus on securing Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic future.”
“We call upon the Georgian government to take steps to dispel perceptions that the judicial system is being used for political purposes, and to demonstrate its commitment to our shared democratic values,” reads the statement.
Irakli Alasania, ex-defense minister and leader of the Free Democrats, said on November 5 that his party quit the Georgian Dream ruling coalition.
... If the Free Democrats quit GD, which seems likely, the ruling parliamentary majority will lose 10 seats in the Parliament and consequently will also lose majority; although remaining the largest group, it will have 73 seats, instead of current 83, in the 150-member Parliament. ...
PM Sacks Defense Minister Alasania - 04.11.2014, Civil.ge
PM Irakli Garibashvili said late on Tuesday evening that he has dismissed Defense Minister Irakli Alasania.
Mindia Janelidze, who is a secretary of the state security and crisis management council at the PM’s office, will replace Alasania on the post of Defense Minister, the PM said.
Garibashvili’s announcement about firing of the Defense Minister came less than four hours after Alasania said that recent developments involving arrests of MoD and general staff officials, as well as newly filed charges against army medical officers are “obviously politically” motivated and represented an “attack on Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic choice.”
PM Garibashvili slammed Alasania’s remarks as “completely irresponsible” and said that Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration is “irreversible.”
“Violations revealed in the Ministry of Defense and related investigation have become a topic of active discussions in the public in recent days. Issue of procurements in the Ministry of Defense became topic of discussion of our government more than once over which ex-Defense Minister Alasania has been given censure and instructions. Despite of that investigative agencies have exposed whole set of violations and relevant legal reaction was made through launching criminal investigation. In recent days an obvious confrontation by the Defense Minister is being observed against the investigative agencies and there is an attempt to politicize the issue,” PM Garibashvili said.
“Instead of contributing to the investigation in order to help establish objective truth into the case, Irakli Alasania’s actions are causing politicization of the Defense Ministry and of the armed forces, which is categorically inadmissible for me and which affects negatively on our country’s security and government’s efficient work,” he said.
“We have stated for multiple times that fighting corruption is one of the priorities of our government and we are and will be uncompromising in case of exposing such facts no matter which agency or minister is involved – this is our principled position,” Garibashvili said.
“In order to avoid politicization of the Georgian armed forces and the politicization of the Georgian Ministry of Defense and in order to provide relevant conditions for an independent investigation, I have decided to dismiss the Defense Minister,” he said.
“Alasania’s irresponsible statement that this investigation in the ministry is an attack on country’s Euro-Atlantic choice, is completely irresponsible.”
“I want to reiterate once again what I have said for multiple times already that our country’s Euro-Atlantic integration is the choice of not only of our government by the choice of our people and this process is and will be irreversible,” the PM said.
“Georgian government’s foreign policy course, which involves the Euro-Atlantic integration does not and will never depend on any single minister’s position or opinion. So [Alasania’s] statement was completely irresponsible,” Garibashvili said.
“I had a meeting yesterday with [lawmakers from Alasania’s] Free Democrats faction, which is a member of the [GD ruling] coalition. I had a very open conversation with them and in their presence I asked Alasania questions, which were coming from the prosecutor’s office, and which I, as the Prime Minister, also have, but I have not yet received any reasoned answer, except of his abstract opinions and groundless responses,” Garibashvili said.
“I also want to state that our country’s Euro-Atlantic integration does not mean that alleged misspending of GEL 4 million should be taking place in the Ministry of Defense,” he said, referring to charges which have been filed against one former and four serving MoD and general staff officials, who were arrested on October 28.
Then referring to newly filed charges against other general staff officials from the medical service, who are accused of alleged negligence in cases of servicemen’s foodborne illnesses last year, Garibashvili said: “The minister who fails to solve the issue of food for soldiers for two years [since Alasania was the defense minister] of course cannot be considered as an efficient minister and he would have definitely been dismissed anyway even for that reason only.”
“And the minister, who purportedly was awarding his friends with tender and procurement [contracts] of course could not have stayed on this very responsible post,” Garibashvili said.
The PM said that the Georgian Dream ruling coalition will hold a meeting of its main decision-making body, political council, on Wednesday, and also invited at the meeting Alasania and his Free Democrats party, which formally still remains part of the GD coalition.
“Alasania and his party, as a member of the coalition, have all the rights to attend the meeting of political council and I want to say that I want to also convene an expanded meeting of the political council and I want Free Democrats parliamentary faction members to also attend this meeting,” Garibashvili said.
Alasania said late on November 4 that he would be attending GD’s political council meeting on Wednesday.
Mindia Janelidze, 36, whom the PM said would replace Alasania on the post of the Defense Minister, is not a political figure and is relatively little known to wider public.
Janelidze, who is currently secretary of the state security and crisis management council, was director of the counter-intelligence department at the Ministry of Interior since late 2012 when now PM Garibashvili held the post of the Interior Minister.
Zur Erinnerung Ivanishvilis "Rückzug aus der Politik": Ivanishvili: 'Ich werde die Politik in eineinhalb Jahren verlassen' - 24.10.2012, Civil Georgia
During a meeting with parliamentary minority group on October 24, incoming PM Bidzina Ivanishvili was asked by a United National Movement lawmaker whether he would quit politics in two years as he had once already said.
“Not in two years, even earlier,” Ivanishvili responded. “I may quit politics in year and a half.”
Ivanishvili said that from the very first day of entering into politics, he was saying that he would remain in politics from two to three years.
“I am in politics for one year already, I mean the time when I was in the opposition,” Ivanishvili continued. “Now after we won the elections I plan to leave the politics in year and a half, but I am not going to leave the country.”
“I will leave behind such a team [in the government], which will deliver on all of our promises, but I won’t give up responsibility over my promises and I plan to be an active member of the civil society,” he said.
“The society should learn how we should elect and how to then keep [governments] accountable; that’s where I plan to stand together with the civil society rest of my life in order to have European type of society,” Ivanishvili added.

RESOLUTION ZU GEORGIEN IM EUROPARAT WIRFT NEUER REGIERUNG U.A. MISSBRAUCH DER JUSTIZ UND UNBILLIGEN DRUCK UND ANFEINDUNGEN GEGEN DIE UNM-OPPOSITION VOR
PACE - Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe - Parlamentarische Versammlung des Europarates - Resolution 2015 on Georgia
Resolution 2015 (2014) - The functioning of democratic institutions in Georgia - Origin - Assembly debate on 1 October 2014, assembly.coe.int
Author(s): Parliamentary Assembly
Origin - Assembly debate on 1 October 2014 (32nd and 33rd Sittings) (see Doc. 13588 and addendum, report of the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee), co-rapporteurs: Mr Michael Aastrup Jensen and Mr Boriss Cilevičs). Text adopted by the Assembly on 1 October 2014 (33rd Sitting). 
1. The Parliamentary Assembly welcomes the smooth conduct of the 2012 parliamentary and 2013 presidential elections in Georgia, which, despite a polarised and acrimonious election environment, were overall democratic and in line with European standards. These elections mark the first time in Georgia’s recent history that the political power has changed hands peacefully and democratically through the ballot box. All the political forces should be congratulated on this achievement, which should be an example for the whole region.
2. The otherwise smooth handover of power was accompanied by a polarised and antagonistic political climate, especially during the period of cohabitation between the then President Milheil Saakashvili and the Georgian Dream coalition government. The Assembly regrets that these tensions sometimes overshadowed the many positive changes that were taking place in the democratic environment of Georgia. The United National Movement (UNM) has reported that several thousand of its activists and supporters were regularly interrogated and intimidated by various investigative agencies (some up to 30 times). A number of major opposition figures, including members of parliament, were violently attacked. It has to be noted that two years on, almost the entire leadership of the former ruling party has been arrested or is under prosecution or investigation: former Prime Minister and UNM Secretary General, Vano Merabishvili, former Defence Minister, Bacho Akhalaia, and former Tbilisi mayor and UNM campaign manager, Gigi Ugulava, are in prison (pre-trial detention). The judicial authorities have charged the former President, Mikheil Saakashvili, and ordered pre-trial detention in absentia, as well as for former Minister of Defence, David Keserashvili, and former Minister of Justice, Zurab Adeishvili. The emergence of a strong and experienced opposition, combined with a well-organised ruling coalition, has strengthened the role of the parliament and parliamentarianism in the political system in Georgia. Moreover, on a number of occasions, the parliament has managed to find consensus solutions to major political challenges. In the view of the Assembly, these are important developments and a major evolution of the political environment in the country.
3. With regard to the reform of the Constitution, the Assembly:
3.1. calls on the parliament to ensure that the changes to the Constitution address all the remaining recommendations of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) on the 2010 Constitution as well as the concerns of the Assembly regarding the remaining ambiguities in the division of powers and the systemic vulnerability to inter-institutional conflict;
3.2. urges all political forces to agree on an election system that can count on a broad consensus and that strengthens the pluralistic nature of the country’s political institutions. In this respect, the Assembly invites all stakeholders to consider the proportional–regional election system, based on open lists, which seems to have the agreement of most, if not all, political forces in the country; 
3.3. urges all the parties concerned to refrain from adopting amendments with contentious or divisive language or that would undermine the rights of any minority in the country;
3.4. welcomes the establishment and composition of the State Commission for Constitutional Reform as a clear sign that the authorities wish to amend the Constitution in an consensual and inclusive process and calls on all stakeholders to contribute constructively to this process;
3.5. recommends that the State Commission for Constitutional Reform closely co-operate with the Venice Commission in the drawing up of the constitutional amendments and request a formal opinion by the Venice Commission on the proposed amendments before they are adopted by parliament. 
4. The Assembly recalls its concerns about the independence of the judiciary and administration of justice in Georgia. In that respect, it welcomes the adoption of a comprehensive reform package for the judiciary and justice system that aims to ensure genuine independence of the judiciary and a truly adversarial justice system. The Assembly welcomes signals that the judiciary is now working more independently. However, it also notes that the proceedings in sensitive legal cases, including against former government members (some of them being leading opposition members), have revealed continuing vulnerabilities and deficiencies in the justice system that need to be addressed. Moreover, it regrets that the Georgian Parliament could not find the consensus necessary to elect all of its six members in the High Council of Justice. Further reforms of the judiciary, including of the prosecution services, are therefore necessary. In this respect, the Assembly:
4.1. suggests that the parliament considers a further amendment to the organic law of Georgia on the courts of general jurisdiction that would require at least two rounds of voting, with sufficient time for negotiations in-between, before lowering the threshold from a two-thirds majority to a simple majority to elect the parliament’s appointees to the High Council of Justice. In the view of the Assembly, this will facilitate and encourage agreement between the ruling majority and the opposition on the members of the High Council of Justice elected by the parliament;
4.2. calls on the parliament to contemplate considerably lowering the three-year probation period for judges to be appointed to a life term of office, in order to bring it into line with European standards; 
4.3. urges the parliament to amend the law on administrative offences with a view to removing the possibility of custodial sentences for such offences;
4.4. while welcoming the recent decrease in its use, expresses its concern about the continued widespread use of pre-trial detention in Georgia. The Assembly emphasises that detention on remand should only be used as a measure of last resort, when there is a clear risk of absconding, interference with the course of justice, or a serious risk that the person will commit a serious offence or pose a threat to public order and it should not be used for political purposes. It calls on the authorities to adopt clear guidelines for the prosecution and courts for the use of detention on remand, in order to ensure full adherence with the requirements of Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ETS No. 5) and Committee of Ministers Recommendation Rec(2006)13 on the use of remand in custody, the conditions in which it takes place and the provision of safeguards against abuse;
4.5. expresses concern over the widespread application of asset freezing to family members of opposition figures and former government officials in criminal cases not involving allegations concerning illicit assets;
4.6. urges the Georgian authorities to implement fully the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure on witness testimonies and jury trials.
5. The Assembly notes that the media reforms initiated by the authorities are considered by the Representative for the Freedom of the Media of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to be an improvement over previous legislation and in line with international standards. The Assembly welcomes the fact that these reforms address several of its previous recommendations. It regrets that these reforms were unnecessarily politicised in the tense pre-electoral political environment. 
6. The Assembly expresses its concern about the apparent politicisation of the public broadcaster and the recent difficulties experienced by the parliament in appointing an independent and impartial board of trustees to oversee its work. It considers this to be a signal that both the majority and the minority in parliament are attempting to politicise the composition and work of the board of trustees and ultimately the public broadcaster itself. Further amendments to the Law on Broadcasting need to be adopted obliging the parliament to appoint a board of trustees on the basis of the candidates proposed by the independent and impartial public selection committee that is foreseen in the law. In this context, the Assembly urges the Georgian Parliament to adopt the transitional measures necessary to implement the Constitutional Court decision with regard to the dismissal of the previous board of trustees. 
7. With regard to the recently adopted organic law on local self-government, the Assembly:
7.1. welcomes the fact that all gamgebeli and mayors of self-governing cities are now directly elected. In this respect, it suggests also considering the election of regional governors;
7.2. expresses its concern about the provisions that allow for the impeachment by the local councils of mayors and gamgebeli on any grounds. The Assembly considers that the impeachment of directly elected local officials, as well as the grounds on which this can be initiated, should be clearly prescribed and circumscribed by law;
7.3. takes note that this law, which affects the election procedure in local elections, was adopted only a few months before local elections were due to take place.
8. The Assembly takes note of the numerous changes in local governments in Georgia as a result of local councillors and city officials resigning or switching sides following the change of power at national level. While resignations and switching between parties is part of the democratic process, it is unacceptable if it is the result of duress. The Assembly is therefore seriously concerned by credible reports that a number of these changes were the result of undue pressure on local United National Movement (UNM) activists by supporters of the ruling coalition. The Assembly is also concerned by reports of violent disturbances of the campaign activities of the UNM, allegedly by Georgian Dream supporters, as well as reports that a considerable number of opposition candidates in the local elections, mainly from the UNM, withdrew their candidatures, allegedly under pressure from the authorities. There can be no place for such actions in a democratic society. The authorities should take prompt and effective measures to immediately halt such action and remedy the situation where necessary. The leaders of the ruling majority should give a clear and unambiguous signal to their supporters that any undue pressure on local officials, and disturbances of the political activities of the opposition, will not be tolerated. 
9. The Assembly takes note of the large number of allegations of possible criminal conduct by former government officials during their tenure. At the same time, it is seriously concerned about allegations that the arrests and prosecution of a number of former government officials are politically motivated and amount to selective and revanchist justice. The Assembly: 
9.1. underscores that there can be no impunity for ordinary crimes, including – and especially – those committed by government officials and politicians, whether current or past;
9.2. calls on the Georgian authorities to ensure that the investigation and prosecution of former government officials are conducted impartially, transparently and in full respect of the principles of a fair trial, as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights. It emphasises that not only should selective or politically motivated justice not take place, it should also be seen to be not taking place;
9.3. takes note of the charges filed against former President Saakashvili and, while emphasising that no one is above the law, urges the authorities to ensure that, given the charged political climate in the country, the legal proceedings, including requests for pre-trial detention, against him are not influenced by political motivations;
9.4. urges the authorities to investigate fully and in a transparent manner any allegations of improper conduct by law-enforcement agencies or the prosecution in relation to these cases;
9.5. considers that the introduction of jury trials for former government officials accused of having committed ordinary crimes is an important and positive step to help guarantee the impartiality of their trials;
9.6. taking into account the considerable tensions in the political environment created by these prosecutions, welcomes the suggestion by the authorities of a possible amnesty for all but serious crimes committed by former government officials;
9.7. expresses its concern about the length of the pre-trial detention of former Defence Minister Bacho Akhalaia and asks the authorities to use all legal means available to replace his detention on remand with some other non-custodial precautionary measure.
10. The Assembly welcomes the peaceful and calm conduct of the local elections on 15 June and 12 July 2014, which took place in an improved electoral environment. However, it expresses its concern about isolated violent incidents during the campaign period and about the allegations of pressure on, and intimidation of, candidates to withdraw their candidatures, which created a charged and contentious campaign environment. It calls on the authorities to fully, and transparently, investigate the reports of pressure on, and intimidation of, candidates to resign and, if violations are found, to prosecute perpetrators in line with the Georgian legislation.
11. The Assembly underscores the importance of an independent and impartial civil service. The alleged practice of hiring and dismissing civil servants on the basis of party affiliation by both previous and current governments runs counter to this principle and should be stopped.
12. The Assembly takes note of the large number of complaints filed by ordinary citizens with the prosecutor general for alleged miscarriages of justice and abuses of the justice system under the previous authorities, including forced plea bargaining, violations of property rights and ill-treatment while in prison. These allegations need to be properly investigated and, if need be, addressed. However, the Assembly wishes to underscore that any mechanism established to address these allegations should be a judicial procedure that fully respects the separation of powers, the independence of the judiciary and the obligations of Georgia under the European Convention on Human Rights.
13. The Assembly welcomes the law on the elimination of all forms of discrimination that was adopted on 2 May 2014 and which significantly enhances the legal framework for the protection of persons from discrimination. It takes note of concerns by civil society that the draft law would lack effective mechanisms to implement its provisions. The Assembly therefore suggests that the authorities conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the results of this law one year after its adoption, with a view to improving the effectiveness of the implementation mechanisms contained in it, if need be.
14. The increase of intolerant discourse and discriminatory acts against minorities, especially sexual and religious minorities, in Georgian society is of concern. The Assembly is concerned by the lack of effective investigation and prosecution of hate crimes against minorities. The authorities need to make clear that such behaviour will not be tolerated and that any perpetrators of violent or discriminatory acts will be prosecuted. There can be no impunity for such acts, irrespective of who committed them. All stakeholders, and especially representatives of political parties and institutions that hold high moral credibility in Georgian society, should refrain from divisive language and acts that could incite intolerance or deteriorate the situation of minorities. The Assembly welcomes the adoption by the Georgian Parliament in May of the new Human Rights Strategy and Action Plan.
15. With regard to the repatriation of the deported Meskhetian population, the Assembly considers that the repatriation programme has mostly focused on providing a legal repatriate status to the eligible applicants and not on facilitating the actual repatriation itself. In addition, the Assembly takes note of the long delays in the granting of citizenship to those who have received repatriate status. The Assembly therefore reiterates the need for a comprehensive repatriation strategy and in that context welcomes the adoption by the Georgian Government of a “State Strategy on Repatriation”.
16. The Assembly calls on the Georgian authorities to sign and ratify, without further delay, the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ETS No. 148), which is an accession commitment of Georgia to the Council of Europe. Noting the misconceptions that exist in Georgian society regarding the Charter, the Assembly recommends that the Georgian authorities organise an awareness campaign, with the involvement of civil society and the media, targeted at the different stakeholders in this process, with a view to clarifying the provisions of the Charter and its requirements.
17. The Assembly expresses its concern about the systemic illegal surveillance of citizens by the Georgian law-enforcement agencies, which violates the country’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. While welcoming recent measures to address this issue, the Assembly considers that comprehensive legislation is urgently needed to regulate data collection and surveillance by law-enforcement agencies. 
18. The Assembly takes note of the report “Georgia in transition” by the European Union’s Special Adviser for Legal and Constitutional Reform and Human Rights in Georgia, and former Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, and supports its conclusions and recommendations, as well as those contained in his follow-up report.
19. Georgia has made marked progress in its democratic development over recent years, although it has been overshadowed by the arrest and prosecution of almost the entire leadership of the former government party and former high officials, which raises questions about the eventual use of the justice system for political purposes. It is now important for it to overcome the antagonism, polarisation and sense of revenge that are still present in the political environment and for political stakeholders to contribute constructively to the further democratic consolidation of the country. The Assembly stands ready to assist the Georgian authorities and Parliament in this work.
PACE Debates on Georgia - 02.10.2014, Civil.ge
After a heated debate on October 1 the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a resolution on “the functioning of democratic institutions in Georgia”, which was opposed by the ruling GD members of the Georgian delegation and supported by opposition UNM.
Initial draft of resolution was prepared by PACE’s co-rapporteurs on Georgia based on their report, which was part of PACE’s regular activity of monitoring how the country honors its obligations undertaken upon its accession to the Council of Europe (CoE) in 1999.
But the initial draft was revised after amendments, many of them pushed for by UNM opposition members of the Georgian delegation, were endorsed by PACE’s monitoring committee a day earlier and then by the Assembly session on October 1.
Many of those amendments made the draft more critical of the Georgian authorities than it originally was.
Michael Aastrup Jensen of Denmark and Boriss Cilevičs of Latvia, the two co-rapporteurs on Georgia, were strongly against of some of those amendments, arguing that the proposed changes were turning their “balanced” report into a “partisan” one.
“If amendments are approved it actually steals the report in a completely different way [from] what we were trying to paint in our report,” PACE’s co-rapporteurs on Georgia Michael Jensen said.
“I am quite saddened by that, because Georgia is a very polarized place… We tried to write a report that is somewhat balanced, but still addressing different issues that still are in Georgia. But if the amendments are approved… then it will also take polarization and partisanships that are in Georgia into our report in this Assembly,” Jensen said, adding that it’s “completely a shame”, because PACE should not be taking sides in Georgia’s internal politics, instead should “try paint a picture as correctly as it is.”
 While presenting the draft at the session, Jensen said that despite of problems, “all in all we see progress” in Georgia and another co-rapporteur Boriss Cilevičs said that Georgia is “on the right track, but there is still long way to go.”
He said that some of the commitments undertaken by Georgia while joining the Council of Europe in 1999 still remain unfulfilled. He noted cases of intolerance towards religious, sexual minorities and also said that although the government is condemning such cases, the authorities are not taking sufficient measures to investigate and prosecute perpetrators. Repatriation of Meskhetians, he said, remains a problem and ratification of the language charter is still pending.
‘Progress Overshadowed’
The resolution notes “marked progress” in democratic development over recent years in Georgia, but after one of the amendments was added, the adopted text also says that this progress “has been overshadowed by the arrest and prosecution of almost the entire leadership of the former government party and former high officials, which raises questions about the eventual use of the justice system for political purposes.”
 Members of the Georgian delegation from the ruling GD coalition were strongly against of adding to the resolution a paragraph calling for replacing lengthy pre-trial detention of ex-defense minister and former prison system chief Bacho Akhalaia with other non-custodial measure. In the resolution the Assembly “expresses its concern about the length of the pre-trial detention of former Defence Minister Bacho Akhalaia and asks the authorities to use all legal means available to replace his detention on remand with some other non-custodial precautionary measure.”
The issue of prosecution of former senior government members and now opposition leaders dominated debates, which preceded the vote.
Pieter Omtzigt, a Dutch lawmaker from the group of European People’s Party (EPP), said: “The fact that almost whole former government can in a little while hold a cabinet meeting in a prison cell somewhere in Tbilisi is quite worrisome.”
Tiny Kox, a lawmaker from the Netherlands, who chairs Group of the Unified European Left in PACE, said the fact that “so many former politicians are now in prison is a very bad signal.”
 Roger Gale, a British Conservative MP, who is a member of European Democrat Group in PACE, said that “the Georgian Dream has turned into a nightmare” and ex-PM Bidzina Ivanishvili exercises “power without responsibility” and called Georgian cabinet members “puppet ministers.” He also said that amendments, which were endorsed by the monitoring committee, were needed in order to “give this report some real teeth.”
 Echoing co-rapporteurs’ position, a Swiss lawmaker Luc Recordon from the Socialist Group said that many of the proposed amendments were “radically” changing the report prepared by co-rapporteurs and added that some PACE members, unlike co-rapporteurs, were rushing to conclusions without properly checking facts on the ground.
Georgian Dream lawmaker, Eka Beselia, who chairs human rights committee in the Georgian parliament, said during the debates that calling for change of Akhalaia’s pre-trial detention for non-custodial measure “will be considered as a pressure on the independent court.” “There is no political persecution in Georgia; it was in the period of Saakashvili’s [presidency],” she added. 
 UNM MP Giorgi Kandelaki, a co-sponsor of many of the amendments, said during the debates that proposed changes were endorsed by the monitoring committee with overwhelming majority and rejecting them would be “utterly inappropriate and not respectful” of the committee members.
“Government of oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, who made his fortune in Russia, has been obsessed with the agenda of political retribution. By now this agenda has gone too far; Georgian democracy is backsliding,” MP Kandelaki said and called on the PACE to adopt the resolution with the proposed amendments because it would “help Georgia to slow down this democratic backsliding.”
“Ivanishvili is repeating path of [Ukraine’s former president Viktor] Yanukovych. Remember what Yanukovych was saying when he was prosecuting his opponents – that it’s ‘rule of law, I can’t interfere’. Ukraine’s experience showed that we must not buy these arguments, because they lead to disastrous consequences and we don’t want Georgia to explode,” he added.
‘Georgia’s Political Polarization Sweeps into PACE’
In his closing remarks PACE co-rapporteur on Georgia, Boriss Cilevičs said he disagrees with allegations voiced by some speakers that some former government members were prosecuted because they are now in the opposition. He said there are cases in which “credible allegations” exist and these allegations should be properly investigated.
He said that the PACE should not be telling Georgia not to prosecute someone just because a person was once a minister.
“Our mission is to follow that all the investigations, all the trials are held in full conformity with our own principles… and we wrote this in our draft resolution. When we notice violations, we speak about it and criticize our Georgian colleagues, but to say ‘no, don’t prosecute the former government in general’ – it’s politicized,” Cilevičs said. “Polarization is really harmful… We must do our best to help Georgia to overcome this polarization. If some superficial, not corresponding to the facts, amendments will be adopted today, it will not help Georgia, it will help some politicians and will deepen polarization, so this is why we, the co-rapporteurs, cannot agree with this.”
Another co-rapporteur, Michael Jensen, said: “We have a polarization in Georgia and this polarization has also swept into this Assembly.”
“I think co-rapporteurs’ work in this report is balanced, but we are also frank in our assessments and also in our proposals what Georgia should do. Therefore it is very important that two to three amendments… are being voted down, because if they are voted for, the report will stir in a completely different way and will be a partisan report,” Jensen said. 
Cilevičs voted against the amended draft of resolution and Jensen abstained; the resolution was passed with 103 votes to 27. 
The resolution “expresses concern over the widespread application of asset freezing to family members of opposition figures and former government officials in criminal cases not involving allegations concerning illicit assets.” The measure was applied in case against ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili. Co-rapporteurs spoke against inserting this wording in the draft, arguing that use of wording such as “widespread” in regard to this measure was factually incorrect.
Only one controversial amendment, which was expressing concern over ex-PM Bidzina Ivanishvili’s “reported interference… in the Georgian Government’s decision making”, was voted down.
There was a motion to send the report and the draft resolution back to the monitoring committee, but the proposal was rejected.
Minority Rights
The resolution expresses concern over “the increase of intolerant discourse and discriminatory acts against minorities, especially sexual and religious minorities, in Georgian society.”
“The Assembly is concerned by the lack of effective investigation and prosecution of hate crimes against minorities. The authorities need to make clear that such behaviour will not be tolerated and that any perpetrators of violent or discriminatory acts will be prosecuted,” reads the resolution.
“There can be no impunity for such acts, irrespective of who committed them. All stakeholders, and especially representatives of political parties and institutions that hold high moral credibility in Georgian society, should refrain from divisive language and acts that could incite intolerance or deteriorate the situation of minorities,” it says.
Several lawmakers from the Turkish delegation, as well as an Azerbaijani MP proposed adding to the text call for meeting “the demands of the Muslim community in the country for the construction of new mosques.” This proposed amendment was rejected by the Assembly.
PM to UNM: ‘Stop Partisan Struggle Against the State’
PACE was still debating on the draft resolution, when in Tbilisi PM Irakli Garibashvili expressed hope that the amendments, which were opposed by GD members of the delegation, would not have been added to the final text. He said that UNM, backed by its partner European People’s Party (EPP), “is very active there” at the PACE.
“Some amendments have been made [to the initial draft], but I think our delegation will respond to all the existing questions. Everyone should take into consideration reality that is in Georgia; the will of people has been expressed; we have different reality and I am sure [GD members of the delegation] will be able to demonstrate this reality as it is. I hope that – whether EPP or others – will not accept rumors and groundless allegations leveled by the [United] National Movement,” Garibashvili told journalists on October 1.
Next day, when commenting on the adopted text, PM Garibashvili said that there was no reason to make a stir because of this resolution. He suggested that it was passed because of EPP’s “solidarity” towards its partner party, UNM. 
“They [EPP] expressed solidarity towards the issues that were pushed for by the UNM. In fact there is no reason whatsoever to create a stir about it. If you have seen the main text of resolution, it speaks only positively… The wording that was made in reference to Akhalaia and Saakashvili – I do not deem it alarming. This is yet another attempt by the UNM to fight against its own state, its own people… This [resolution] is an expression of political parties [representing in PACE] and they [UNM] portrays it as if it is a call by the Council of Europe,”  
“These people [referring to UNM] now tell people that they have achieved adoption of an incredible resolution – they have achieved nothing. These people fight against the state… People know the reality… and they [UNM] are marginalizing themselves every day… Their reintegration into the society will be very difficult, so I call on them to stop this partisan struggle against their own state and people; what they are doing is damaging for the country; they fail to harm us by doing it, but they are damaging the state,” Garibashvili told journalists on October 2.
Giga Bokeria, a foreign secretary of the UNM party, said that PM’s such reaction was not a surprise. He said that Garibashvili’s rhetoric is similar to the one of “representatives of the authoritarian regimes, like Putin and others, for whom criticism from Europe amounts to state treason and action against the state, and who think that they are the state and fail to differentiate between the government and the country.”

EU Commissioner-Designate Hahn on Georgia -  - 01.10.2014, Civil.Ge
Johannes Hahn, the EU’s neighborhood and enlargement negotiations commissioner-designate told European Parliament members on September 30 that Georgia has clear aspirations for the European integration, but lot remains to be done, noting need for removing internal “tension.”
Johannes Hahn from Austria, who has held regional policy portfolio in the outgoing European Commission, will replace Štefan Füle if confirmed as neighborhood and enlargement negotiations commissioner.
Asked during a hearing in the European Parliament about Georgia’s integration perspective, Hahn also said that the EU certainly should be encouraging Georgia to come closer to the EU and specific steps have already been undertaken in this direction by signing the Association Agreement, including its deep and comprehensive free trade area (DCFTA), with Georgia.
Asked how he’s going to ensure that Association Agreements and DCFTAs with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine are implemented smoothly without outside interference, Hahn responded: “I can’t predict the future…, but you can be reassured that we will do everything, like always, to implement agreements.” 
He mentioned the Eastern Partnership briefly in his opening remarks during the hearing, saying that “it provides a good framework.”
“I am determined to ensure Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova get all the support they need to make their own democratic choices, and to undertake the necessary political and economic reforms,” the commissioner-designate said.
He also said that he will be supporting EU’s next foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini in “bolstering the EU’s role and contribute to resolving the frozen conflicts in our Eastern neighborhood.
Echoing statement of the incoming president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, Hahn reiterated that there will be no enlargement of the EU in next five years.
“Realistically no partner will be fully ready in that period. But that does not mean a standstill in our activities; quite the opposite,” Hahn said. “My role will be to help prepare those countries who want to join the EU, ensuring that all the criteria are fully met.”
 He also said that his “first priority” would be “to ensure that we do everything that we can to solve the current crisis in Ukraine”; the goal has to be a solution that respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity, independence and free choice.
Hahn also said: “I think we have to demonstrate to our Russian colleagues, that neighborhood policy should not be understood to endanger Russia. I think we have to see that it should be of mutual benefit for everybody if we are able to improve our relationship and it should be a relationship based on confidence, trust, not on negative impression and negative feeling, and I hope I can contribute something to it.”

RUSSLAND - NEUE OPPOSITION GEGEN DEN KREML ALS FOLGE DES  UKRAINE-KRIEGS ?
www.openrussia.org  - neue Platform im Internet durch Chodorkowski
Der frühere russische Ölmagnat Chodorkowski will proeuropäische Russen in einem Online-Forum versammeln. Die westliche Russlandpolitik kritisiert er als zu lasch. ... Laut Chodorkowski ist es keine politische Partei. Allerdings könnte dies auch taktischen Überlegungen geschuldet sein. Im Interview mit der Zeitung Le Monde sagte Chodorkowski: "Parteien sind in einem autoritären Regime sehr angreifbar. Die einzige Möglichkeit, die Leute haben, um gemeinsam Ziele zu verfolgen ohne zur Zielscheibe zu werden, ist es, sich in virtuellen Netzwerken zusammenzuschließen und dort gemeinsam Aktionen zu planen." ... 
... in Paris am Samstagabend während einer Feier der Tageszeitung «Le Monde»: ... Sollte es jedoch notwendig erscheinen, die Krise zu überwinden und eine Verfassungsreform einzuleiten, «dann wäre ich bereit, diesen Teil der Arbeit zu übernehmen». ... In einem aktuellen «Spiegel»-Interview: Auf die Frage, ob er sich vorstellen könne, im Leben noch russischer Regierungschef oder Präsident zu werden, antwortete Chodorkowski: «Ich habe nicht einmal vor, eine Partei zu gründen.» Er wolle nicht an Pseudowahlen teilnehmen, sondern sich gesellschaftlich engagieren. ...
Proteste gegen Putin - 21.09.2014, deutschlandfunk.de
Es war die erste größere Demonstration seit Beginn des Ukraine-Konflikts: Tausende in Moskau auf Friedenskundgebung gegen die Politik von Präsident Putin ... Es sei eine "brüchige Waffenruhe", und das Problem bleibe, Russland nehme "direkt oder mittelbar an dem Konflikt teil", hieß es heute auf einer Internetseite von Michael Chodorkowski. ... Der in der Schweiz lebende Kreml-Gegner saß zehn Jahre lang wegen Steuerhinterziehung in Haft und wurde Ende 2013 überraschend begnadigt. ... 
Lange hat sich die russische Opposition im Ukraine-Konflikt mit Kritik an Putin zurückgehalten. ... 
"Nein zum Krieg": Zehntausende haben nach Angaben der russischen Opposition in Moskau gegen die Ukraine-Politik von Kreml-Chef Wladimir Putin demonstriert. ... 

Ex-PM Bidzina Ivanishvili slammed President Giorgi Margvelashvili for viewing the government as his “competitor” and said that some of the President’s recent actions suggest Margvelashvili is “obstructing” government’s activities.
Ivanishvili’s new criticism of Margvelashvili comes in the midst of dispute between the President and the government over visit to the UN headquarters in New York later this month.  ...

NUN AUCH POLITISCHE STRAFVERFOLGUNG VON EX-PRÄSIDENT SAAKASHVILI ?
They have seized not my property, but Georgia - Mikheil Saakashvili They have seized not my property, they have seized Georgia, former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili told Rustavi 2 TV from Washington about the seizure of his property.
According to the ex-President, the main axis of the Georgian statehood has collapsed.
"The property, taken away by Ivanishvili in the recent days, is a classic example of an uncorrupted president, of state officials who do not steal, and of a politician who spends money on people and not a single penny for himself and his family. Show me one president in the world who had been a president for 9 years and has a smaller house than mine - the only property that I had created for 9 years. I love that house, but my personal emotions are not important. The most painful thing is that they seized not my property, but they seized Georgia, they stopped all processes in Georgia. Illegality and idiotism are under way in Georgia today," he said.
The former President connects the decision on the seizure of his property to former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili and thinks that everyone is ruled by him today. "The problem is that Georgia is ruled today by an uneducated, angry, bandit-like oligarch with an ugly soul, which sits in a grand palace and makes decisions about property seizures, arrests, expulsions and appointments. The main axis of statehood has been collapsed’, he said. ...
Saakashvili’s Property Impounded - 19.09.2014, Civil.ge 
Court has ruled in favor of prosecution’s motion and impounded property of ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili and his family members in Georgia ranging from vineyard and countryside house to old car.
Saakashvili is wanted in Georgia for charges of misspending and exceeding official authorities in several separate cases, which he denies as politically motivated.
The ruling to impound the property was issued by the Tbilisi City Court on August 29 and then upheld by the Court of Appeals earlier this month.
Saakashvili’s lawyer, Otar Kakhidze, who announced about impoundment of his client’s property on September 19, said court’s ruling was legally “absurd”, “completely groundless” and continuation of politically motivated persecution against the former president. ...
Mikheil Saakashvili’s lawyer names list of former President’s seized properties Mikheil Saakashvili’s lawyer has named a list of the former President’s seized properties. Lawyer Otar Kakhidze said the properties of Mikheil Saakashvili, his wife, children, mother, father and grandmother have been seized.
The list looks like this: agricultural land (less than 2 hectares) owned by Saakashvili in Kvareli as well as the Kvareli house (75 square meters); grandmother Mzia Tsereteli’s 500 square meters of land in Ozurgeti as well as her 10-year-old Toyota Rav4; mother Giuli Alasania’s less than 0.2 hectares of land in Kvareli; wife Sandra Roelofs’ apartment in Tbilisi; grandmother’s apartment, which is under construction, and her 17-year-old Honda Accord.

BBC-Documentation: Putin's Gamble - 13.09.2014, bbc.co.uk/programmes/
Auf BBC World News, Deutschland: 13.09.2014 23:30, 14.09.2014 17:30, 30 min.
Die Dokumentation beschäftigt sich auch mit den Details des Fluges MH17 und zeigt Hinweise: Es hätte eigentlich vom russ. Raketenwerfer von ukrainischem Territorium aus eine russ. Verkehrsmaschine abgeschossen werden sollen, um für den Kreml einen Grund für eine sofortige russ. Invasion in der Ukraine zu schaffen ... 
Vladimir Putin stands accused of launching an undeclared war against Ukraine. He has wrong-footed NATO and western diplomats. His rebel allies may well have the blood of the 298 passengers of flight MH17 on their hands but Putin has gambled boldly, playing on Europe's divisions. As fears of a wider war grow, reporter John Sweeney challenges the Russian strongman on the killing in Ukraine.

Hagel Pledges 'Even Stronger Military Ties' with Georgia - 07.09.2014, Civil.ge
  • Georgia’s request to acquire Blackhawk helicopters discussed;
  • Georgia’s possible role in U.S. coalition against Islamic State discussed;
  • Hagel: NATO summit results ‘significant victory’ for Georgia
  • Hagel: ‘Russia’s actions here and in Ukraine pose a long-term challenge’;
  • ‘Deepening NATO-Georgia ties especially important given Putin’s dangerous actions’;
  • ‘Putin’s irresponsible actions brought U.S, and friends, including Georgia, closer’;
... ‘NATO Summit Results Significant Victory for Georgia’
Speaking at a news conference after meeting with the Georgian Defense Minister, Hagel praised Georgia as “a committed and dependable partner” and pledged that the U.S. will continue supporting Georgia’s “ongoing defense modernization efforts”, as well as its drive to become NATO member.
He said that the NATO summit in Wales produced “an important milestone in Georgia’s efforts to join” the alliance. At the summit NATO adopted package of measures, including expanded defense capacity building efforts, more joint trainings and exercises, strengthened liaison and enhanced interoperability capabilities, which the Alliance said, will help Georgia to prepare for eventual membership.
“The minister [Alasania] and I discussed how to move forward with all these efforts by leveraging the substantial package of measures with Georgia that NATO leaders just endorsed at the Wales summit,” the U.S. Defense Secretary said.
He said that Georgia became one of those five nations, which achieved “new elevated status” and “very significant amount of new standing” of enhanced opportunities with NATO; four others are Australia, Finland, Jordan, and Sweden.
This “special partnership” with NATO, Hagel said, gives Georgia “new options, new expandability, new possibilities working within NATO.”
“The eventual membership for Georgia in NATO is something that we are committed to and the process to get there is important. I think Georgia has to see results of the summit as significant victory for them and significant addition to what will be their capabilities,” the U.S. Secretary of Defense said. 
Discussions on Georgia’s Request to Acquire U.S. Military Helicopters
Hagel said that the U.S. intends to make a “substantial contribution” to the package that was endorsed by NATO leaders in Wales, and at the same time, he said, the U.S. will also continue its bilateral capacity building efforts with Georgia.
According to the Pentagon, moving forward with Tbilisi’s desire to purchase Sikorsky Blackhawk helicopters was among the issues discussed.
“The minister [Alasania] and I discussed necessary steps for Georgia to acquire U.S. military helicopters that they have requested,” Hagel said.
He also said that “pricing and availability” and other details of this request by Georgia was discussed and added that the U.S. is “constantly focused on how we can do more” in terms of increasing Georgia’s defense capacity. “We’ll do more,” Hagel said.
Georgia and U.S. Coalition Against Islamic State
Hagel, who will be visiting Turkey after talks in Tbilisi, said that Georgia’s possible role in U.S. coalition to fight Islamic State was also discussed.
“The minister and I had a very good discussion on potential ways that Georgia could play an important role in this partnership with the United States and our coalition partners to destroy the ISIL [Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant] threat,” Hagel said.
Asked what Georgia contribution in fight against Islamic State might be, Defense Minister Alasania responded that as “a strategic partner and trusted ally of the United States, we fully support what the United States is doing to eradicate these barbarians.”
“We have developed quite an institutional building experience that will help probably Iraqis to put together their own armed forces. Trainings, exercises – these are the things that come to our mind, but as the Secretary [Hagel] mentioned in our discussions I think Georgia can play a supportive role in what they [the coalition] are trying to achieve,” Alasania said and added that discussions would continue further on this issue.
‘Putin’s Irresponsible Actions Pose Long-Term Challenge’
The U.S. Defense Secretary said that deepening ties between NATO and Georgia “are especially important given the dangerous and irresponsible actions” of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
“Russia’s actions here [in Georgia] and in Ukraine pose a long-term challenge that the United States and our allies take very seriously,” Hagel said. “President Putin’s actions have also brought the United States and our friends in Europe, including Georgia, closer together.”
He called on Russia to “fully withdraw its forces from Georgia’s borders” and welcomed “the restraint Georgia has shown.”
 Speaking about Ukraine, Georgian Defense Minister Alasania condemned “Russia’s aggression” and annexation of Crimea.
“Let me remind you that this is an extension of what we Georgians have lived through past twenty years, especially the aggressive war against Georgia in 2008. It is more painful for us to see that the world was not able to put checks on the aggressive behavior of Russia [in case of Georgia] and now we are paying another price,” Alasania said, adding that NATO decision to create rapid response force was “the right move.”
“Of course the confrontation should be avoided and we hope the ceasefire [in Ukraine] will hold, but we have a bitter experience in Georgia with trusting Russian ceasefire, so we’d better prepare for the contingencies,” Alasania said.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel arrived in Tbilisi on Saturday, where he will hold talks with the Georgian leadership on Sunday before heading to Turkey.
Hagel will meet President Giorgi Margvelashvili, PM Irakli Garibashvili, as well as his Georgian counterpart Irakli Alasania. ... “In addition to high-level engagements, we plan to intensify security assistance over the longer term,” the White House said. ...
French navy ship, Commandant Birot (F 796), is visiting Georgia’s Black Sea port of Batumi on September 6-8.
Joint diver training exercises with the Georgian coast guard officers will be held, according to the Georgian officials.
This is the third French navy ship making a port visit in Georgia this year.
Light stealth frigate FS Surcouf visited Batumi in mid-July and intelligence-gathering ship Dupuy de Lôme made a port visit also in Batumi in late April.

ABKOMMEN VON MINSK DER TRILATERALEN KONTAKTGRUPPE 
Original signed in Minsk - This document is available in Russian language only. 
Hier in einer inoffiziellen, deutschen Übersetzung: Das Protokoll der Ergebnisse der Kontaktgruppe-Konsultationen, gerichtet auf die Umsetzung des Friedensplans des Präsidenten der Ukraine, Petro Poroschenko, und der Initiativen des Präsidenten Russlands, Wladimir Putin.
Der Text der Erklärung ist nur im russischen Original verfügbar, diese inoffizielle Übersetzung wurde für die Ukraine-Analysen angefertigt:
Ausgehend von den Ergebnissen der Begutachtung und Diskussion der Vorschläge, die von den Teilnehmern der Konsultationen in Minsk am 1. September 2014 eingebracht wurden, hat die Dreiseitige Kontaktgruppe bestehend aus Vertretern der Ukraine, der Russischen Föderation und der Organisation für Sicherheit und Zusammenarbeit in Europa ein Einverständnis erreicht bezüglich der Notwendigkeit der Umsetzung folgender Schritte:
    Gewährleistung eines sofortigen beidseitigen Waffenstillstandes.
    Gewährleistung der Überwachung und Überprüfung des Waffenstillstands durch die OSZE.
    Durchführung einer Dezentralisierung der Macht, u. a. durch die Verabschiedung des ukrainischen Gesetzes "Über die befristete Ordnung der lokalen Selbstverwaltung in bestimmten Bezirken der Regionen Donezk und Luhansk" (Gesetz über den besonderen Status).
    Gewährleistung einer permanent aktiven Überwachung der ukrainisch-russischen Staatsgrenze und ihre Überprüfung von Seiten der OSZE durch die Schaffung einer Sicherheitszone in den grenznahen Gebieten der Ukraine und der RF [Russischen Föderation].
    Unverzügliche Freilassung aller Geiseln und gesetzwidrig festgehaltenen Personen.
    Verabschiedung eines Gesetzes über die Nichtzulassung von Verfolgung und Bestrafung von Personen im Zusammenhang mit den Ereignissen, die in einzelnen Bezirken der Regionen Donezk und Luhansk in der Ukraine stattgefunden haben.
    Fortführung des inklusiven gesamtnationalen Dialogs.
    Verabschiedung von Maßnahmen zur Verbesserung der humanitären Lage im Donbass.
    Gewährleistung der Durchführung vorgezogener Lokalwahlen im Übereinstimmung mit dem ukrainischen Gesetz "Über die befristete Ordnung der lokalen Selbstverwaltung in bestimmten Bezirken der Regionen Donezk und Luhansk" (Gesetz über den besonderen Status).
    Abzug der ungesetzlichen bewaffneten Einheiten, Militärgeräte sowie der Kämpfer und Söldner aus dem Gebiet der Ukraine.
    Verabschiedung eines Programms zum wirtschaftlichen Wiederaufbau des Donbass und Wiederherstellung der Lebensfähigkeit der Region.
    Sicherstellung der Garantie der persönlichen Sicherheit der Teilnehmer der Konsultationen.
Die Teilnehmer der Dreiseitigen Kontaktgruppe:
Botschafterin Heidi Tagliavini [Unterschrift]
Zweiter Präsident der Ukraine L. D. Kutschma [Unterschrift]
Botschafter der RF [Russischen Föderation] in der Ukraine M. Ju. Surabow [Unterschrift]
A. V. Sachartschenko [Unterschrift]
I. V. Plotnizki [Unterschrift] 
Die Zugeständnisse der Ukraine an die Separatisten sind groß: Laut der OSZE verspricht die Regierung einen Sonderstatus des Ostens und eine Amnestie für illegale Kämpfer. ...
Die Kämpfe in der Ostukraine sollen bald vorbei sein, zumindest vorerst: Im Bild ruhen sich ukrainische Soldaten in der Hafenstadt Mariupol aus. Die Kämpfe in der Ostukraine sollen bald vorbei sein, zumindest vorerst: Im Bild ruhen sich ukrainische Soldaten in der Hafenstadt Mariupol aus. (Bild: Sergei Grits / Keystone)
Die Ukraine und die prorussischen Separatisten haben in Minsk ein Protokoll über eine Waffenruhe unterzeichnet. Sie soll seit 17 Uhr gelten. Bis jetzt halten sich beide Parteien offenbar daran. ...

NATO SUMMIT IN WALES 2014
President Giorgi Margvelashvili, who led the Georgian delegation at the NATO summit in Wales on September 4-5, said he’s “satisfied” with the decisions taken by the alliance in respect of Georgia and said that the package extended to Georgia is “full of substance.”
“NATO has acknowledged its enhanced, intensified cooperation with Georgia. We have moved to the group of countries, which are qualitatively on higher level – Finland, Sweden, Australia, Jordan – the partners, whose defense systems are closer to NATO. Naturally this achievement is thanks to those 11,000 Georgian solders [who have served in international missions abroad],” Margvelashvili said in an interview with the Georgian Public Broadcaster on September 5. 
“Second important goal that we had was making one more firm step on the path towards NATO membership. Georgia today has cooperation mechanisms through deepening of which Georgia will actually achieve NATO standards and it has been unequivocally recognized and adopted by our partners,” he said.
“Third important goal was not just to make a step towards membership, but getting more security, more stability in our region even before joining the Alliance. This goal has also been achieved through this package; this is whole set of measures, involving more NATO activities in Georgia and more Georgian activities in NATO,” the Georgian President said.
“Of course we are satisfied with these achievements,” Margvelashvili said.
He also said that mechanisms, which Georgia already has with NATO, in substance are equivalent to membership action plan (MAP) – something that NATO has again refused to extend to Georgia.
“But I do not want to mislead the public and to say that it means we will no longer need MAP. We may not need MAP, but today we cannot say that MAP will never be needed,” the President said. “Formally this requirement [of going through MAP stage] still remains, it may not be the case in the future, but now it still is.”
Asked about possible supply of self-defense capabilities to Georgia, the President responded: “This is an issue over which a broad framework is being opened today for Georgia. It allows us to launch very intensive dialogue with [NATO] member states to fill the package [extended by NATO to Georgia]. It means that 28 member states recognize that such package exists and now we have to carry out dialogue individually with each of the member state in order to make this package even more packed.”
Asked if such talks are already underway, Margvelashvili responded: “Comprehensive dialogue is underway with our French, Turkish, U.S., Baltic and Eastern European colleagues.”
Asked if Georgia would be ready for NATO membership by the time of next summit, which will be held in Poland in 2016, Margvelashvili responded: “We will have very important steps taken in regard of NATO standards by the next summit.”
“Today’s progress [in respect of NATO] is thanks to our soldiers and our armed forces, and it is also a result of our progress in development of our democratic institutions. Further steps towards NATO should be made not only on the direction of defense system, but also towards further democratic development – these are those two tracks, which will lead us to eventual NATO membership,” Margvelashvili said.
Below are Georgia-related extracts from the 2014 NATO Wales summit declaration:
18. …We are also concerned by Russia's pattern of disregard for international law, including the UN Charter; its behaviour towards Georgia and the Republic of Moldova; its violation of fundamental European security arrangements and commitments, including those in the Helsinki Final Act; its long-standing non-implementation of the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty (CFE); and its use of military and other instruments to coerce neighbours…
30. ...Russia’s illegitimate occupation of Crimea and military intervention in eastern Ukraine have raised legitimate concerns among several of NATO’s other partners in Eastern Europe. Allies will continue to support the right of partners to make independent and sovereign choices on foreign and security policy, free from external pressure and coercion. Allies also remain committed in their support to the territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova…
31. ...We will continue to support efforts towards a peaceful settlement of the conflicts in the south Caucasus, as well as in the Republic of Moldova, based upon these principles and the norms of international law, the UN Charter, and the Helsinki Final Act. The persistence of these protracted conflicts continues to be a matter of particular concern, undermining the opportunities for citizens in the region to reach their full potential as members of the Euro-Atlantic community. We urge all parties to engage constructively and with reinforced political will in peaceful conflict resolution, within the established negotiation frameworks.
88. ...Defence Ministers also met with five partners [Australia, Finland, Georgia, Jordan, and Sweden] that make particularly significant contributions to NATO operations to discuss further deepening dialogue and practical cooperation as part of the enhanced opportunities within the Partnership Interoperability Initiative. We stand ready to consider the addition of other partners as their contributions and interests warrant. 
89. …Today we have decided to launch a Defence and Related Security Capacity Building Initiative to reinforce our commitment to partner nations and to help the Alliance to project stability without deploying large combat forces, as part of the Alliance’s overall contribution to international security and stability and conflict prevention. The Initiative builds upon NATO’s extensive expertise in supporting, advising and assisting nations with defence and related security capacity building. Building on our close cooperation and following their requests, we have agreed to extend this initiative to Georgia, Jordan, and the Republic of Moldova. We are also ready to consider requests from interested partners and non-partners, as well as to engage with international and regional organisations, with an interest in building their defence and related security capacity through this demand-driven initiative…
93. …NATO recognises Georgia’s significant efforts to strengthen its democracy and to modernise its military forces and defence institutions. We welcome the democratic development of Georgia, including through the peaceful transfer of power following parliamentary and presidential elections in 2012 and 2013, respectively. We encourage Georgia to continue implementation of reforms, including consolidating democratic institutions, taking forward judicial reforms, and ensuring full respect for the rule of law. NATO highly appreciates Georgia’s sizeable contribution to the ISAF operation and recognises the sacrifices Georgian troops have made in Afghanistan. Together with Georgia’s offer to participate in the NATO Response Force, these contributions demonstrate Georgia’s role as a contributor to our shared security. At the 2008 Bucharest Summit we agreed that Georgia will become a member of NATO and we reaffirm all elements of that decision, as well as subsequent decisions. Since then, Georgia has made significant progress and has come closer to NATO by implementing ambitious reforms and making good use of the NATO-Georgia Commission and Annual National Programme. We note that Georgia’s relationship with the Alliance contains the tools necessary to continue moving Georgia forward towards eventual membership. Today we have endorsed a substantial package for Georgia that includes defence capacity building, training, exercises, strengthened liaison, and enhanced interoperability opportunities. These measures aim to strengthen Georgia’s defence and interoperability capabilities with the Alliance, which will help Georgia advance in its preparations towards membership in the Alliance.
94. We reiterate our continued support to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. We welcome Georgia’s full compliance with the EU-mediated cease-fire agreement and other multilateral measures to build confidence. We welcome Georgia’s commitment not to use force and call on Russia to reciprocate. We continue to call on Russia to reverse its recognition of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions of Georgia as independent states and to withdraw its forces from Georgia. We encourage all participants in the Geneva talks to play a constructive role as well as to continue working closely with the OSCE, the UN, and the EU to pursue peaceful conflict resolution in the internationally recognised territory of Georgia…
98. …Here in Wales, our Foreign Ministers have met their counterparts from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Montenegro, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Ministers discussed the progress made by these countries, the Euro-Atlantic integration process, and other key Summit issues, including the international security situation. NATO is grateful to these partners for the significant contributions that they continue to make to NATO’s objectives and to international security and stability…
Left without long-sought membership action plan (MAP), Georgia was instead offered at a two-day summit of NATO leaders in Wales, which was concluded on September 5, with “substantial package” which, the Alliance said, will help Tbilisi advance its preparations towards NATO membership.
Repeating wording of previous summit declarations, the new one again reiterates 2008 NATO Bucharest summit decision that Georgia will become a member of the Alliance and also reaffirms “all elements” of that decision in 2008, as well as subsequent decisions.
Among “elements” of the 2008 Bucharest decision was that MAP should be the next step for Georgia on its “direct way to membership”; references to the need of going through MAP phase before joining the alliance are also made in NATO’s subsequent decisions in respect of Georgia and the same reference was again made at this recent summit by declaring that NATO reaffirms all elements of the 2008 summit decisions over Georgia.
    Georgia-related extracts from the Wales summit declaration
The Wales summit declaration of NATO leaders says that since Bucharest summit in 2008, “Georgia has made significant progress and has come closer to NATO by implementing ambitious reforms and making good use of the NATO-Georgia Commission and Annual National Programme.”
“We note that Georgia’s relationship with the Alliance contains the tools necessary to continue moving Georgia forward towards eventual membership,” it reads. 
“Today we have endorsed a substantial package for Georgia that includes defence capacity building, training, exercises, strengthened liaison, and enhanced interoperability opportunities. These measures aim to strengthen Georgia’s defence and interoperability capabilities with the Alliance, which will help Georgia advance in its preparations towards membership in the Alliance,” reads the declaration.
According to Georgian and NATO officials, the package for Georgia also include launching of NATO training center in Georgia, as well as “occasionally” holding of NATO exercises in Georgia. According to Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania after the package would then be followed by its “implementation plan”.
At the summit in Wales, NATO leaders have also decided to launch, what they called a Defence and Related Security Capacity Building Initiative aimed at reinforcing NATO’s “commitment to partner nations” and to help the Alliance “to project stability without deploying large combat forces.”
The initiative, which will be extended to Georgia, Jordan and Moldova, involves providing expertise, advice and assistance in defence and security capacity building.
In the Wales summit declaration NATO leaders also said that they recognize “Georgia’s significant efforts to strengthen its democracy and to modernise its military forces and defence institutions.”
“We welcome the democratic development of Georgia, including through the peaceful transfer of power following parliamentary and presidential elections in 2012 and 2013, respectively. We encourage Georgia to continue implementation of reforms, including consolidating democratic institutions, taking forward judicial reforms, and ensuring full respect for the rule of law,” reads the declaration.
It also reiterates Alliances appreciation for Georgia’s “sizeable contribution” to the Afghan operation and says that together with Georgia’s offer to participate in the NATO Response Force from 2015, “these contributions demonstrate Georgia’s role as a contributor to our shared security.”
The declaration reiterates NATO’s “continued support to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia”, welcomes Georgia’s “full compliance” with the EU-mediated 2008 cease-fire agreement, as well as its commitment not to use force and calls on Russia to reciprocate.
“We continue to call on Russia to reverse its recognition of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions of Georgia as independent states and to withdraw its forces from Georgia,” reads the declaration.
At a news conference on September 5 outgoing NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that Georgia is also among the group of five nations, who seek “enhanced opportunities” of cooperation with NATO. Four others are Australia, Finland, Jordan and Sweden.
The summit declaration says in this regard that NATO defence ministers met with counterparts from these five partners - Australia, Finland, Georgia, Jordan, and Sweden - which "make particularly significant contributions to NATO operations to discuss further deepening dialogue and practical cooperation as part of the enhanced opportunities within the Partnership Interoperability Initiative."
“Georgia’s participation in that group represents an acknowledgment of progress Georgia has made in its relationship with NATO. Georgia wants to further improve its ability to work and operate with NATO forces,” Rasmussen said.
On the sideline of the summit, NATO foreign ministers met their counterparts from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Montenegro, and Macedonia – countries, which aspire to join the Alliance.
“Ministers discussed the progress made by these countries, the Euro-Atlantic integration process, and other key Summit issues, including the international security situation. NATO is grateful to these partners for the significant contributions that they continue to make to NATO’s objectives and to international security and stability,” reads the summit declaration.
President Giorgi Margvelashvili, who led the Georgian delegation, held bilateral meetings with his French, Czech, Polish, Bulgarian and Latvian counterparts on the sideline of the summit. 

NINO HARATISCHWILI - NEUES BUCH: DAS ACHTE LEBEN
TV-Sendung  "Das achte Leben" von Nino Haratischwili - 31.08.2014, ttt - titel thesen temperamente, ardmediathek.de
Mit 32 Jahre alt schon eine der kraftvollsten Stimmen der deutschen Literatur: Meisterhaft verknüpft Nino Haratischwili in ihrem Epos "Das achte Leben" die Erlebnisse einer georgischen Familie mit den Revolutionen des 20. Jahrhunderts. - Sendung anschauen
Nino Haratischwili: "Das achte Leben (Für Brilka)", Von Sigrid Löffler
Nino Haratischwili erzählt teils schreckliche, teils verklärte Begebenheiten aus einer verschwundenen Welt, ständig bedroht von Eingriffen der beiden mächtigsten Georgier Sowjet-Woschd-Führer Stalin und Geheimdienstchef Berija. ... 
Ein Buch, das süchtig macht - 3sat.de, 31.08.2014
Roman "Das achte Leben" von Nino Haratischwili
Mit 32 Jahren ist sie schon eine der kraftvollsten und eindringlichsten Stimmen der deutschen Literatur: Meisterhaft verknüpft Nino Haratischwili in ihrem 1200-Seiten-Epos "Das achte Leben" die bewegenden Erlebnisse einer georgischen Familie mit den historischen Revolutionen des 20. Jahrhunderts. ...
Das betrügende Jahrhundert - 27.08.2014, fr-online.de
 Von Christoph Schröder
Nino Haratischwili stellt in Frankfurt bei riesigem Andrang ihren neuen, gewaltigen Roman vor ... „Das achte Leben (für Brilka)“ ist, das wurde bei der Premiere deutlich, auch das ambivalente Porträt eines Landes und seiner Bewohner; ein Land, das mit Stalin und eben Beria zwei zentrale Figuren sowjetischen Terrors hervorgebracht hat, gleichzeitig aber auch in seiner charmanten Melancholie ein verträumtes Eigenleben führt. Und es geht um „ein Jahrhundert, das alle betrogen hat.“ 
Ihre Karriere begann in Bremen – als deutsch-georgischer Schul-Theater-Austausch. Nino Haratischwili gehört heute zu den gefragten Nachwuchsdramatikerinnen an deutschen Theatern und sie schreibt erfolgreich Bücher. Jetzt ist ihr dritter Roman "Das achte Leben" erschienen. ... Neues Buch: Nach "Mein sanfter Zwilling", erschienen 2011, ist jetzt ihr neues Buch "Das achte Leben" herausgekommen. Vier Jahre hat sie an dem 1.280 Seiten starken Roman gearbeitet. Darin schildert sie eine weit verzweigte georgische Familiengeschichte, die im 19. Jahrhundert mit der Tochter eines Schokoladenfabrikanten beginnt und über sechs Generationen Kakao trinkender Nachfahren bis in die Gegenwart zieht. Silke Behl hat mit Nino Haratischwili über Georgien und ihr neues Buch gesprochen. ...
Sonntag, 7. September 2014, 11:03 Uhr, Radio SRF 2 Kultur
Wiederholung: Samstag, 13. September 2014, 20:00 Uhr, Radio SRF 2 Kultur
Acht Frauen acht Schicksale: Nino Haratischwili erzählt die Geschichte einer georgischen Familie über sechs Generationen. ... Ein Gesellschaftsroman, der einen Blick hinter den eisernen Vorhang gewährt, auf das Leben in dem Land südlich des Kaukasus. Die Autorin Nino Haratischwili ist mit ihrem Roman Gast in 52 Beste Bücher.

WER STEHT ALS NÄCHSTES AUF PUTINS EX-SOWJET-LISTE, KASACHSTAN ?
Könnte nach Moldawien (Transnistrien-Krieg 1992, 14. russ. Armee), Georgien (Abchasien-Krieg 1992, Südosstien-Abchasien-Invasion 2008, 58. russ. Armee und Schwarzmeerflotte), Ukraine (Krim, 19.000 stationierte russ. Soldaten ; Ostukraine, u.a. 32. russ. Armee) nun Kasachstan das nächste Ziel der russischen Armeen sein?
by Joanna Lillis
Russia's Defense Ministry has announced plans to hold large-scale military maneuvers near the border with Kazakhstan. The announcement comes as relations between Moscow and Astana sink to their lowest level since the collapse of the Soviet Union, amid heightened regional tensions over the war in Ukraine. Military exercises involving 4,000 troops and 400 pieces of military hardware will take place in the southern region of Altay in mid-September, Major Dmitriy Andreyev of Russia’s Strategic Missile Troops said on September 3, as quoted by RIA Novosti. ... The announcement came amid a chill in the usually warm Russo-Kazakh relationship. Kazakhstan is a close ally of Russia ... However, Astana’s loyalty has been tested to the limits by Russian policy in Ukraine ...  After an exasperated Nazarbayev issued a reminder on August 24 that Kazakhstan has the right to quit the EEU if its sovereignty is threatened, Putin sallied back with the suggestion that Kazakhstan’s statehood is very recent – and, by implication, very fragile. ... Astana is ever mindful of uncomfortable parallels between Kazakhstan and Ukraine. Both share long borders with Russia (7,000 kilometers in Kazakhstan’s case) and have large ethnic Russian populations (21 percent in Kazakhstan, with far higher proportions in the north near the Russian border). ...

OSTUKRAINE: ILOWAJSK - MASSAKER UND WENDEPUNKT DURCH RUSSISCHE ARMEE
Weltspiegel extra - TV-Sendung am 02.09.2014:
Ein ARD-Team begleitet eine Woche lang das ukrainische Freiwilligen-Batallion "Mirotworetz". ...
Am frühen Sonntagmorgen, den 24. August, bricht das ukrainische Freiwilligen-Batallion "Mirotworetz", übersetzt "Friedenstruppe", auf nach Ilowajsk im Süden von Donezk. Die Männer sind aktive oder pensionierte Polizisten. Ihre Aufgabe ist es, im sicheren Hinterland Checkpoints zu bauen und den kämpfenden Einheiten den Rücken freizuhalten. ... Nach fünf dramatischen Tagen haben die Eingeschlossenen mit ihren Gegnern einen Konvoi vereinbart, der auch Tote und Verletzte aus dem Kessel von Ilowajsk bringen soll. Drei Stunden lang warten 45 Fahrzeuge auf den Befehl, loszufahren. Dann wird der Konvoi plötzlich mit Mörsern und Granaten beschossen. Viele Fahrzeuge, auch ukrainische Panzer und Schützenpanzer, gehen in Flammen auf. Von mehr als 400 Männern entkommt nur ein Drittel, die weiteren werden gefangengenommen oder getötet.
Ilowajsk war die erste große Niederlage der ukrainischen Verbände nach Monaten stetiger Erfolge. Diese Augusttage gelten als Wendepunkt in der Ostukraine – ausgelöst durch eine massive Verstärkung der Separatisten durch russische Militärtechnik, Freiwillige und aktive Soldaten.
... Hundreds of Ukrainian troops are feared to have been massacred by pro-Russian forces who allegedly reneged on a deal to allow them to retreat.
Soldiers loyal to Kiev had been attempting to pull out of a besieged town 22 miles east of Donetsk.
Bodies were said to be littering an agreed retreat route where dozens of prisoners were taken by rebels. ... Ukrainian volunteer battalions said soldiers had been waving white flags when they were fired on from all sides as they left Ilovaisk. ... The commander of the largest volunteer battalion trapped in the town named Russian units involved as the 137th Regiment of the 32nd Division of the Russian army and Ninth Tank Brigade. ...

DER KREML UND DIE "VERNEBELUNG" - EU-POLITIKER ERKENNEN DIE RUSSISCHE INVASIONSSTRAGIE
Deutscher Außenminister Steinmeier: "Das Ganze hat nur Sinn, wenn Russland mit offenen Karten spielt und wenn die Vernebelung von Sachverhalten, wie wir sie heute morgen gesehen haben, wenn das endlich ein Ende findet".  ... Der schwedische Außenminister Carl Bildt sagte, man müsse die Dinge beim Namen nennen. "Das ist die zweite russische Invasion der Ukraine innerhalb eines Jahres. Wir sehen, dass die regulären russischen Truppen offensiv auf ukrainischem Territorium gegen die ukrainische Armee vorgehen." ...
Zur Erinnerung: Bei der russischen Invasion im August 2008 in Georgien war der Kaukasus in Wolken und Nebel gehüllt, ohne mögliche Satellitenbeweisbilder zu russischen Trupppenbewegungen... und der Absturz der polnischen Regierung 2010 ist beim Anflug auf das russische Smolensk in plötzlich aufgetretenem Nebel geschehen ...
Die Vertragsverletzung des Sechs-Punkte-Abkommens vom 16.08.2008 durch Russland !
... The Associated Press reported that Russian-backed separatists held control Friday of the coastal town of Novoazovsk on the new front in the Ukraine conflict. The separatists also announced their intention to keep pushing west toward a major port city. None of the half-dozen tanks seen by Associated Press reporters in the town of about 12,000 people bore Russian markings, but the packaging on their field rations said they were issued by the Russian army. ...
NATO’s Allied Command Operations in Mons, Belgium on Thursday (28 August 2014) released new satellite imagery that show Russian combat forces engaged in military operations inside the sovereign territory of Ukraine. "Over the past two weeks we have noted a significant escalation in both the level and sophistication of Russia’s military interference in Ukraine,” said Brigadier General Nico Tak, Director of the Comprehensive Crisis and Operations Management Centre at Allied Command Operations. "The satellite images released today provide additional evidence that Russian combat soldiers, equipped with sophisticated heavy weaponry, are operating inside Ukraine’s sovereign territory,” he said. ... "Russia is reinforcing and resupplying separatist forces in a blatant attempt to change the momentum of the fighting, which is currently favouring the Ukrainian military," Brigadier General Tak said. "Russia's ultimate aim is to alleviate pressure on separatist fighters in order to prolong this conflict indefinitely, which would result in further tragedy for the people of Eastern Ukraine," he added. ....
... chief-of-staff General Petr Pavel: If the Russian army crossed the Ukrainian borders, the Czech military command counts with deploying some 1,200 soldiers along the border in order to protect it together with the police. Further military units would be sent to guard strategic sites such as nuclear power plants and energy distribution facilities. ... “Russia's military activities and the annexation of [Ukraine's] Crimea have burdened the country's budget. This would soon afflict the living standard of common Russians, whose understanding for Russia's further military intervention would become much weaker than what it seems today,” Pavel said. ...

KONVOI PASSIERTE GRENZE - UND KEHRTE WOMIT NACH RUSSLAND ZURÜCK ?
Russland plant einen zweiten Konvoi mit Hilfslieferungen für die Ostukraine. ...  Lawrow: Die Lastwagen sollten noch diese Woche auf derselben Route fahren wie der erste Konvoi ...
Russland will weiteren Hilfskonvoi schicken   - 25.08.2014, deutschlandfunk.de... Russland sei bereit, "in jedem beliebigen Format" zu einer Lösung der Ukraine-Krise beizutragen, betonte Lawrow. Auch Treffen mit Frankreich und Deutschland, der EU und den USA seien möglich, sagte er. Russland sei überdies bereit zu einer Harmonisierung der Wirtschaftsbeziehungen zwischen der Ukraine und der Eurasischen Zollunion bestehend aus Russland, Weißrussland und Kasachstan. ...
Merkel in der Ukraine - "Ein Zeichen der Solidarität"  - 25.08.2014, deutschlandfunk.de
Interview mit Marieluise Beck, Bundestagsabgeordnete der Grüne, Sprecherin für Osteuropa-Politik der Fraktion: ... Das Problem ist, dass es derzeit keinerlei Zeichen für ein Einlenken des Kreml gibt. Parallel zu diesem ominösen Konvoi, von dem jetzt auch noch ominösere Aussagen sagen, dass der Konvoi beladen zurückgefahren ist, und zwar mit demontierten Rüstungsfabriken aus Lugansk, ...
... Die Führung in Kiew warf Moskau vor, in den zurückkehrenden Lastwagen des Hilfskonvois Produktionsanlagen nach Russland geschmuggelt zu haben. ...
Die Eskalation ist ausgeblieben: Der Konvoi aus russischen Lkws hat das Gebiet der Ukraine wieder verlassen. Bundeskanzlerin Merkel sichert Kiew bei ihrem Kurzbesuch Unterstützung zu - doch viel ausrichten kann sie nicht. ... Fraktionschefin der Grünen im Europa-Parlament, Rebecca Harms: Es bestehe in Kiew der Eindruck, dass Deutschland gegenüber Moskau zu viel Verständnis zeige und gegenüber Kiew eher zurückhaltend und weniger sensibel sei ...
Ukraine: Konvoi erreicht Lugansk - 22.08.2014 20:30, ARDtext
Nach tagelangem Warten ist der russ. Hilfskonvoi (?) ohne die Erlaubnis der Regierung in Kiew in die Ukraine eingefahren. Alle rund 280 Lkw hätten inzwischen ihren Zielort Lugansk erreicht, sagte ein Sprecher der Stadverwaltung der Agentur Interfax zufolge. Dort werde mit dem Ausladen der Hilfsgüter begonnen. Russlands Präsident Putin rechtfertigte die Entsendung des Konvois über die Grenze: Kiew habe die Erlaubnis dafür immer wieder verzögert, so dass Moskau eine Entscheidung treffen musste.
Konvoi: Schafre Kritik aus Kiew - 22.08.2014 20:30, ARDtext
Der ukrain. Präsident Poroschenko hat die eigenmächtige Einfahrt des russ. Hilfskonvois (?) in die Ostukraine als Bruch des Völkerrechts kritisiert. Die EU warf Moskau eine "klare Verletzung der ukrain. Grenze" vor. Die USA verlangten, Russland müsse den Konvoi sofort abziehen. Kanzlerin Merkel, die morgen nach Kiew reist, warf Moskau vor, eine "Eskalation billigend in Kauf" zu nehmen. NATO-Generalsekretär Rasmussen sagte, dies sei ein "eklatanter Bruch von Russlands internationalen Zusagen".
Ukraine: Litauens Konsul getötet - 22.08.2014 20:30, ARDtext
In der Ostukraine haben Unbekannte einen litauischen Honorarkonsul entführt und ermordet. Der Diplomat sei erschossen gefunden worden, teilte das litauische Außenministerium mit. "Bewaffnete Terroristen" hätten ihn vor wenigen Tagen an einen unbekannten Ort verschleppt und getötet. "Wir verurteilen dieses Verbrechen und hoffen, es wird untersucht und die dafür Verantwortlichen werden ermittelt und bestraft". Lugansk gilt als Hochburg der prorussischen Separatisten. 

NATO does not recognise the election held on 24 August in the Georgian region of Abkhazia.
This election does not contribute to a peaceful and lasting settlement of the situation in Georgia. NATO Allies do not recognise the Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions of Georgia as independent states.
The Alliance reiterates its full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders.

RUSSISCHE WIRTSCHAFT IN LANGFRISTIGEM ABWÄRTSTREND, AUCH OHNE SANKTIONEN ?
22.08.2014: Die russische Börse RTS fällt im Mittel seit 2011 (rd. 1800 auf rd. 1300) und die Export Deutschlands schwächen sich seit 2013 ab. Vermutlicher Grund: Kein Wachstum im Energieexportgeschäft und Wertverfall des Rubels seit Anfang 2013. Russland selbst versucht in den Medien davon abzulenken - Meldungen, die Börse würde ansteigen trotz Ukraine-Krise - , um vom zusätzlichen Druck der Sanktionen - Aussetzen des Wertpapierhandels ... ? - und der schwierigen Gesamtsituation abzulenken ...
Associated Press - 29.08.2014
... For the second day, Russian markets reacted nervously to the escalation of the conflict, with the Russian ruble sliding to the all-time low of 37.10 rubles against the dollar in early morning trading. It recovered later to 36.90 rubles. ...
... Die Leitindizes stiegen, auch der Rubel stabilisierte sich. Nach gaben nur einzelne Kurse. ... Unter Verkaufsdruck gerieten dagegen VTB, nachdem die USA die zweitgrößte russische Bank und ihre Tochter Bank of Moskow auf die Sanktionsliste gesetzt hatten. ...
Wertpapierhandel zwei Stunden unterbrochen - 30.07.2014, handelsblatt.com
Fast zwei Stunden ging nichts mehr an der Börse in der russischen Hauptstadt: Der Handel in Moskau brach am Nachmittag plötzlich ab, nach dem Grund suchen Experten noch. ... Vor dem Abbruch lag der RTS-Index mit rund 2,2 Prozent im Plus. ...
Bei ihren Sanktionen bringt die Europäischen Union nun auch Wladimir Putin nahe stehenden Personen ins Gespräch – und überlegt, wen sie mit Kontensperrungen und Reiseverboten bestrafen sollen. ... Russland hatte am Wochenende verärgert auf die jüngsten Sanktionsbeschlüsse reagiert und der EU mit der Aufkündigung der Sicherheitszusammenarbeit gedroht. ...
Außenminister Sergej Lawrow: sein Land werde die Sanktionen der EU und der USA nicht mit gleicher Münze heimzahlen ...
Russland-Exporte aus Euro-Zone eingebrochen - 18.08.2014, handelsblatt.com
Das Russland-Geschäft schwächelt – nicht nur wegen der Ukraine-Krise und russischer Sanktionen. ... Um 14 Prozent sanken die Ausfuhren aus der EU von Januar bis Mai im Vergleich zum Vorjahr, ... bereits spürbarer Rückgang noch bevor größere Sanktionen der EU gegen Russland wegen der Ukraine-Krise kamen ... 
Wansleben: Investoren und Verbraucher sind verunsichert 
Die deutschen Exporte nach Russland gehen kräftig zurück. Martin Wansleben, Hauptgeschäftsführer des Deutschen Industrie- und Handelskammertages (DIHK), erwartet auf Jahressicht einen Rückgang um etwa zehn Prozent. ... bereits seit einem Jahr rückläufige Export in die Russische Föderation: "Viele Exporteure sehen bereits deutliche Bremsspuren in ihrem Russland-Geschäft" ... Auch habe der Einbruch des Rubels deutsche Waren verteuert. ...
 - 
... Die Exporte seien stark rückläufig. ... Auch mit großen Investitionen hielten sich die Firmen zurück. ...
Auf den Devisenmärkten rollt der Rubel, und zwar wie derzeit alle Währungen von Schwellenländern, steil bergab. Seit Tagen schon markiert er zum Euro ein Allzeittief nach dem anderen. Ende Januar musste man in Moskau für einen Euro zeitweise fast 48,5 Rubel zahlen. Vor einem Monat waren es noch 45 Rubel, Anfang 2013 etwa 40 Rubel. Der Wertverlust innerhalb eines Jahres beträgt somit mehr als 20 Prozent. .... Auf dem Weg zur vollen Konvertibilität hatte die russische Zentralbank, die den Rubel-Kurs bislang an einer recht kurzen Leine hielt, damit begonnen, ihre Stützungskäufe langsam zurückzufahren.  ... Schwaches Wirtschaftswachstum (2013 magere 1,3 Prozent), hohe Inflation: Diese beiden Faktoren waren es in erster Linie, die den Rubel ursprünglich auf Talfahrt schickten, ...
Brasilien, Russland, Indien, China und Treffen der BRICS Staaten: Südafrika waren einst Hoffnungsträger der Weltwirtschaft, nun schwächeln sie. 
Andrey Gurkov, Russische Redaktion: 
Keiner der BRICS-Staaten hängt dermaßen stark von Rohstoffexporten ab wie Russland. Es war hauptsächlich die Ausfuhr von Energieträgern, die den wirtschaftlichen Aufschwung in der ersten Dekade nach der Jahrtausendwende befeuerte. ... Doch nun scheint das Potenzial dieser beiden Lokomotiven ausgeschöpft zu sein. Der kreditgetriebene Konsum stottert, die Industrie wächst nicht mehr, und der schwache Rubel hilft auch nicht viel, denn russische Unternehmen haben nicht viele weltmarktfähige Produkte, die sie exportieren könnten. Die russische Wirtschaft braucht mehr denn je eine Modernisierung, einen grundlegenden Strukturwandel, eine konsequente Förderung des Mittelstandes. Dazu wären politische und institutionelle Veränderungen nötig. Den notwendigen Reformen steht jedoch das System Putin im Wege. Russland wird "zu zentralistisch und diktatorisch regiert", Jim O'Neill, ...

CHANCEN AUCH FÜR GEORGIER IM DEUTSCHEN ARBEITSMARKT ?
Mechatroniker, Pfleger, sogar Kühlhauswärter: Hierzulande fehlen Fachkräfte. Über die „Positivliste“ für Engpassberufe sollten sie nach Deutschland geholt werden. Doch es kamen in einem Jahr nur 170. ... Für Bürger der Europäischen Union gilt die Arbeitnehmerfreizügigkeit. Ausländer aus Drittstaaten brauchen dagegen einen bestimmten Aufenthaltstitel. Der kann für Erwerbstätige über die Blue Card kommen, die Positivliste oder eine Vorrangprüfung - wenn Unternehmen also nachweisen, dass sie keinen Deutschen oder EU-Bürger gefunden haben für den Job. ...
Positivliste  - arbeitsagentur.de
Fachkräfte-Initiative: Ihr Klempner der Welt, kommt in dieses Land - 18.08.2014, spiegel.deFachkräfte können von außerhalb der EU leichter nach Deutschland einwandern, seit einem Jahr schon - doch bislang ist kaum jemand gekommen. Warum? ...

Russian government plans to adopt a decree suspending bilateral free trade agreement with Georgia signed twenty years ago.
The move comes after Georgia signed late last month deep and comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU; provisional application of large part of this treaty, which is part of the Association Agreement, will start from September 1.
A draft of the Russian government’s decree, which is going through final stages of procedures before being adopted, reads: “Accept a proposal by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has been agreed with the Ministry of Economic Development and Ministry of Justice, on suspension of the February 3, 1994 free trade agreement between governments of the Russian Federation and Georgia.”
A technical expert-level consultation was held in Prague on July 7 between Georgia and Russia on potential effects of Georgia’s deep and comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU on bilateral Georgian-Russian trade. The meeting was welcomed by both Tbilisi and Moscow as “constructive” and “useful”.
After meeting Georgian PM’s special representative for relations with Russia, Zurab Abashidze, in Prague on July 9, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said that Georgia’s free trade agreement with the EU would definitely have an impact on trade between Georgia and Russia, but the issue needed a thorough examination, including in the context of customs duties, in order to avoid “negative surprises.”
“I think that there is no need to threaten neither ourselves nor partners in advance with measures and sanctions; what is needed is to sit down calmly in mutual respect and thoroughly calculate in which areas and to what extent changes may occur in trade and economic ties between our countries following the recent signature by Georgia of the Association Agreement with the EU,” Karasin said on July 9.
Georgian PM’s special envoy for relations with Russia, Zurab Abashidze, said after the meeting on July 9 that “no dramatic changes are expected in our trade relations” with Russia.
Georgia’s bilateral trade with Russia increased 35.4% in the first five months of 2014, compared to the same period of last year, mostly due to 3.5-fold increase in Georgian exports to Russia.

 
Central Election Commission (CEC) summarized on Tuesday final vote tally of the July 12 second round runoffs of mayoral races in eight cities and gamgebeli posts in thirteen municipalities won by Georgian Dream candidates.
Elected mayors, including the one of capital city Tbilisi, as well as gamgebelis who won runoffs on July 12 will be authorized to take offices from August 2, according to CEC.
 
U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Richard Norland, who attended ratification of the Association Agreement with the EU by the Parliament on July 18, called on Georgia “to focus on a future-oriented agenda.”
“The signing and ratification [of the Association Agreement], following the ‘pause’ in the political season after the recent elections, represent an opportunity for all Georgians to now focus on a future-oriented agenda that will enhance political stability, improve the investment climate, expand economic growth and create jobs,” he said.
“While only Georgians can decide their national priorities, the challenges of the moment call for all of Georgia's energies to be focused on the future, and the U.S. is committed to supporting that path,” the U.S. ambassador said.

Georgia Ratifies EU Association Agreement - 18.07.2014, Civil.ge  
The Georgian Parliament ratified the Association Agreement with the EU, also including deep and comprehensive free trade area, at an extraordinary session on July 18.
The agreement, signed in Brussels on June 27, was endorsed by the Parliament unanimously with 123 votes.
President Giorgi Margvelashvili, PM Irakli Garibashvili and government members, as well as foreign ministers of Bulgaria and Latvia, Kristian Vigenin and Edgars Rinkēvičs, respectively, the second speaker of the Austrian parliament Karlheinz Kopf and EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle were in the chamber in Kutaisi as the Parliament voted for the ratification of the Association Agreement.
Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze told lawmakers that provisional application of “80 per cent of the agreement” will start from September 1.
EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle said in his address to the Georgian Parliament that the ratification was opening the way for “a swift provisional application” of the treaty, including its deep and comprehensive free trade agreement. “Immediately upon entry into force, the European Union will remove all import duties on imports from Georgia,” he said.
“Historic” was probably the most frequently used term by lawmakers from both GD ruling coalition and UNM parliamentary minority group during the hearing while they were describing significance of the ratification of this agreement.
“I am glad that I am here in the Parliament where such unanimity reins today – the government, parliamentary majority and minority groups, we are all united over a common idea,” President Margvelashvili said.
The hearing itself, preceding the vote, was used by the UNM parliamentary minority group to hit out at GD ruling coalition and also personally ex-PM Bidzina Ivanishvili, accusing them of “political persecutions” against UNM leaders, saying that “political retributions” will divert Georgia from the European path.
Before the invited foreign dignitaries delivered their speeches, UNM lawmakers put English-language banners in the chamber reading: “Towards EU Without Political Prisoners” and “European Georgia without Political Prisoners”.
“Regrettably Georgia’s internal political process is not European… because of politically motivated arrests,” UNM MP Giorgi Tsereteli said during the hearing.
UNM MP Giorgi Kandelaki said that 2003 Rose Revolution put Georgia back on the European track. “But it is now clear for everyone that Georgian Dream policies pose threat… to very foundation, which was laid in recent years” for Georgia’s EU integration, he said and added that “oligarch” Ivanishvili is “dismantling democracy” in Georgia.
“Collaborationist oligarch Ivanishvili’s path is not the European path. We [UNM] as the only alternative force to Ivanishvili’s collaborationist force, will soon replace him and get Georgia back on the development track,” MP Kandelaki added.
UNM MP Davit Darchiashvili said that the Association Agreement opens up new opportunities for the country. “But the bad news is that actual situation [in Georgia] is completely out of touch with the spirit of this agreement. Systemic problems are in this country. Arrest of Gigi Ugulava was the culmination of political persecutions,” he said.
“Political retribution is not a European standard,” UNM MP Giorgi Baramidze said and continued by referring to Ivanishvili: “How can we speak about democratic progress, when unauthorized person is an actual ruler of the country?”
UNM MP Nugzar Tsiklauri said referring to Ivanishvili that “silent obedience” to “Russian oligarch” would not lead Georgia to Europe.
“We are marking today the launch of a long road,” UNM MP Giorgi Gabashvili said. “The Georgian people has made this choice and not a single political force is capable to change it. If any political force tries to change this choice, it will get exactly what Ukraine’s [previous authorities] received.”
“Political persecution and retribution is not the path that will lead Georgia to Europe,” he said and told GD lawmakers: “You became hostage of your desire for revenge.”
Most of the GD lawmakers, who spoke during the hearing, opted not to focus in their speeches on the attacks from opposition MPs. “This day does not deserve to give response to these persons the way they deserve to be responded,” GD MP from Republican Party, Tina Khidasheli, said.
But one senior GD lawmaker Giorgi Volski said he can’t follow suit in not responding to “insulting” remarks of UNM MPs; he said that referring to formerly ruling party that “these people who now speak about the European values” are the ones who were violating all the fundamental European values while they were in government.
“But still I want to again thank all those people from any government and regardless of party affiliation, who worked honestly and who carried out [Association Agreement] negotiations [with the EU] professionally,” he added.
Some other GD lawmakers also acknowledged in their speeches contribution of previous authorities in negotiating the Association Agreement with the EU. GD MP Tina Khidasheli thanked ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili and his government “for tireless work on international arena, for further strengthening of Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic choice, bringing it to a qualitatively higher level.” She also thanked Georgia’s first and second presidents Zviad Gamsakhurdia and Eduard Shevardnadze.
“But this day does not belong either to President Gamsakhurdia, to President Shevardnadze or President Saakashvili. This day belongs to Georgian people, those people, who have struggled for Georgia’s independence,” MP Khidasheli said.
“We have a difficult path ahead, very difficult, full of obstacles and difficulties,” she continued. “Courage and boldness, steadfastness and caution are what our current government needs most of all to make European ideals and values the way of life in Georgia… We need courage for ensuring equality for all and not for enforcing this equality by the means of law and police; we should turn equality into the way of life and only then we will become a European country.”
Many of the lawmakers, who spoke during the hearing, were noting that both the legislative and executive government will have to work hard to meet commitments under the Association Agreement.
The voluminous agreement is accompanied by about three dozen of annexes, which list hundreds of relevant EU legislation to be taken by Georgia by a specific date with timeframes ranging from two to ten years.
“The ball is in our court and now it is fully up to us to use opportunities provided by this agreement,” GD MP Gigla Agulashvili said. “With the ratification of this agreement we are carefully knocking on EU’s door… and we will keep on knocking on this door.”
GD MP Victor Dolidze, who chairs parliamentary committee for European integration, said: “I am sure the authorities will implement provisions of the agreement with the same success as it signed the agreement sooner than it was initially expected.”
The extraordinary parliamentary session was closed with the EU anthem, Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” and then parliament speaker Davit Usupashvili invited the full house at a reception by saying: “Europe is good, but the ratification will not be valid if we don’t mark it with a glass [of wine].”

UNGEKLÄRTER GEWALTSAMER TOD DES MEDIENMANAGERS KITSMARISHVILI
PM comments on reports about Rustavi2 - 24.07.14, rustavi2.com
Prime Minister of Georgia says he is not going to comment on the allegations regarding the attempts of the government to take control on the Rustavi2 Television. As some reports say, the death of the company founder Erosi Kitsmarishvili was one of the parts of this plan. Irakli Gharibashvili told one of the talk shows that these statements were groundless and absurd and immoral and he would not comment on them, however, he added that if the government of Georgia aimed at having a television under control, Bidzina Ivanishvili would not have closed a year ago his own television the Channel 9 a few days before the elections.
`I will not comment on this absurd and immoral allegation. This allegation is absolutely unacceptable and groundless and I want to remind everybody, that if our government wanted to have an independent and own television, it is very simple - Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili would not have closed his own television Channel 9 a few days before the elections last year. I will not comment the statements of these immoral people. The answers will be given by the investigation,` the Prime Minister said.
New details have been found in the case of Erosi Kitsmarishvili`s death. Georgia`s National Expertise Bureau has released preliminary results of its conclusion regarding the death of the co-founder of Rustavi 2 TV Company.
Erosi Kitsmarishvili`s brother Zurab Kitsmarishvili said experts could not find fingerprints of Erosi Kitsmarishvili on the firearm which was seized from the car where Erosi Kitsmarishvili was found dead on July 14.
Zurab Kitsmarishvili also said there are fragments of different fingerprints on the firearm and no person has been identified so far.
The firearm is still left at the bureau for further examination.
As reported, the clothes Erosi Kitsmarishvili was wearing on the day of death are also being examined, along with the clothes of those people who found Kitsmarishvili dead in the garage of the block of apartments he was living in. 
Georgia`s Chief Prosecutor`s Office said it is necessary to release latest reporter regarding the death of Erosi Kitsmarishvili periodically due to the intense interest of people to the case.
As the prosecutor`s office said the case has not been reclassified and the investigation is still in progress under article 115 of criminal code, which deals with alleged cases of bringing a victim to a suicide. The case will be reclassified only if additional circumstances and new evidences are found.
Prosecutor`s office also said the crime scene was examined in the presence of Erosi Kitsmarishvili`s brother. The firearm from which the shot was fired and a cartridge-case were seized from teh crime scene. However it is uncertain yet, whether the shot was fired from the same CZ pistol, which Erosi Kitsmarishvili bought on the day of death or not.
According to the family`s decision, an independent expert has been involved in teh investigation of the case. As reported, Maia Nikolaishvili is supposed to engage in examination of the firearm as well as the body of Erosi Kitsmarishvili.
Prosecutor`s Office also said the video material from the surveillance cameras seized from Kitsmarishvili`s block of apartment as well as from the store, where he bought a firearm are being examined. However, the prosecutor`s office added that part of the material has been deleted and does not exist.
Prosecutor`s Office said the investigators are examining “various” lines of inquiry, including murder. 
Erosi Kitsmarishvili's family rejects possibility of suicide Erosi Kitsmarishvili's family has released its first statement and announced that they do not agree with the suicide scenario.
"The family is shocked by the tragedy. It was a totally unexpected and awful tragedy. It is very difficult for us to find any explanation. Erosi had always been distinguished by his energetic and active character. He had been thinking of a number of projects. Therefore, the family does not agree with the suicide scenario and is waiting for the results of the investigation", the family says in the statement.
Erosi Kitsmarishvili was found dead on the 15 of July. As the Chief Prosecutor’s Office informs, a firearm registered in Erosi Kintsmarishvili’s name, has been discovered at the murder scene. As per them, a shot has presumably been fired precisely from this firearm.
Kitsmarishvili Found Dead - 15.07.2014, Civil.ge 
Erosi Kitsmarishvili, Georgia’s former ambassador to Russia and ex-owner and founder of Rustavi 2 TV, was found dead in a garage of the apartment block where he had lived in Tbilisi’s Vake district.
News about Kitsmarishvili’s death broke late on Tuesday afternoon. Details are sketchy, but a spokesperson for prosecutor’s office told Civil.ge that investigation has been launched under article 115 of criminal code which deals with alleged cases of bringing a victim to a suicide.
“Investigative activities are underway and I would recommend everyone to refrain from speculation; it is in everyone’s interest to establish the truth concerning the causes [of death],” Justice Minister Tea Tskulukiani told journalists.
Kitsmarishvili, who would have turned 50 next month, was actively involved in politics in 2010-2011 as one of the leaders of now defunct opposition party; he kept low profile before re-emerging on the political scene ahead of the June 15 local elections in which he ran as a mayoral candidate in his native town of Rustavi. He was third in the race with 12% of votes and in run-up to the July 12 second round of election, together with three other former candidates, threw support behind UNM’s candidate, who lost the race to GD’s candidate.
Badri Nanetashvili, co-owner of Gori-based Trialeti TV, told journalists outside apartment building where Kitsmarishvili was found dead, that he spoke on phone with Kitsmarishvili at about 2pm on July 15; Nanetashvili said that he noticed nothing unusual.
Reacting to Kitsmarishvili’s death, his friends, former or current colleagues were saying that he was often speaking about his future plans, most recently considering launching a cable TV network; they also said that they cannot believe Kitsmarishvili could have killed himself.
Kitsmarishvili, with track record of political insider, was Mikheil Saakashvili close ally up until the August, 2008 war with Russia. In 1994 he co-founded Rustavi 2 TV, which grew into country’s major private television station; the TV channel played an important role in the 2003 Rose Revolution, which brought Mikheil Saakashvili into power. Kitsmarishvili owned shares in Rustavi 2 till 2004; how shares were re-distributed remains source of dispute up until now by his former partners.
Kitsmarishvili was Saakashvili’s one of the strategists ahead of the January, 2008 early presidential election, but broke ranks with him after accusing then President of a failure to avert the August war.
In autumn, 2010 he co-established the Georgian Party with some at the time opposition figures; among them was Sozar Subari, who is now minister in charge of prison system; Subari quit the party and joined Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream in late 2011. When Ivanishvili announced about intention to go into politics in October, 2011, he listed Kitsmarishvili among, what he called, “pseudo-opposition” figures and ruled out cooperation with him.
Since 2009 he was managing Tbilisi-based Maestro TV, but in late 2011 he became embroiled in a bitter dispute with TV channels’ co-owners and staff.

EDUARD SCHEWARDNADSE VERSTORBEN
Eduard Shevardnadze Dies at 86 - 07.07.2014, Civil.ge
Georgia’s second president and former foreign minister of the Soviet Union died on July 7 at the age of 86.
After stepping down from president following the 2003 Rose Revolution, Shevardnadze had spent most of his time at the Krtsanisi residence; there have been reports about his deteriorating health in recent months.
Shevardnadze, who became Georgia’s head of state in 1992 after Georgia’s first president Zviad Gamsakhurdia was ousted, was elected as country’s second president in 1995.
He held the office before November 23, 2003, when he was forced to resign as a result of street protest rallies, which became known as the Rose Revolution. ...
Eduard Shevardnadze, Georgia’s second president and Soviet Union’s last foreign minister, who died on July 7 at the age of 86, was buried in Tbilisi after a live televised state funeral on Sunday.
Foreign dignitaries from about thirty states, Georgian leadership, government ministers and the family members attended the funeral service in the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, where his coffin was lying in state since Friday. ...

EGMR-GERICHTSHOF VERURTEILT RUSSLAND WEGEN VERTREIBUNG VON GEORGIERN
Russland hatte 2006-2007 mehr als 4600 auf russischem Staatgebiet lebende Georgier festgenommen und ausgewiesen: Mit der Massenabschiebung Tausender Georgier hat Russland gleich gegen mehrere Grundrechte verstoßen. So urteilte der Europäische Gerichtshof für Menschenrechte und gab einer Klage Georgiens Recht. Der Urteilsspruch der Straßburger Richter liest sich wie eine Ohrfeige. Russland habe nicht nur gegen das Recht auf Freiheit und Sicherheit verstoßen sondern auch gegen die Verbote kollektiver Vertreibung und menschenunwürdiger Behandlung. Die Richter stellten außerdem eine "koordinierte Politik der Festnahmen, Verhaftungen und Ausweisungen" der russischen Behörden fest. ...  Auch der Europarat und Menschenrechtsorganisation hatten Moskau zur Zeit der Abschiebungen vorgeworfen, Georgier systematisch zu schikanieren und willkürlich festzunehmen. In einem Bericht des Europarats ist sogar von vier Georgiern die Rede, die während der Abschiebehaft gestorben sein sollen. ... Der Gerichtshof gab beiden Parteien ein Jahr Zeit, um eine gütliche Einigung über die Entschädigung der Betroffenen zu finden. Gelingt dies nicht, können die Richter die Höhe des Schmerzensgeldes festsetzen.
Gerichtshof verurteilt Russland wegen Vertreibung von Georgiern -  03.07.2014, http://origin.swissinfo.ch
... Moskau hatte damals auf die Festnahme und Ausweisung von vier russischen Offizieren aus Georgien reagiert, denen die Regierung in Tiflis Spionage vorwarf. Nach georgischen Angaben ordneten die russischen Behörden im fraglichen Zeitraum mehr als 4600 Ausweisungen an. Zahlreiche Grundrechte verletzt: Die Richter in Strassburg urteilten nun, dass Russland mit seinem "willkürlichen" Vorgehen unter anderem gegen das Verbot menschenunwürdiger Behandlung, kollektiver Ausweisungen ohne Einzelfallprüfung sowie gegen die Grundrechte auf Freiheit, Sicherheit und einen fairen Prozess verstossen habe. Die Regierung in Tiflis legte dem Gerichtshof auch Anweisungen russischer Behörden an Schulen vor, georgische Kinder zu identifizieren....
... «Willkürliches» Vorgehen: Russland machte in dem Verfahren geltend, die Abschiebungen seien im Zuge des Kampfes gegen illegale Einwanderung erfolgt. Die russischen Behörden weigerten sich aber, dem Gerichtshof die entsprechenden Rundschreiben des Innenministeriums vorzulegen, weil diese als geheim eingestuft seien. Damit verstiess Russland laut dem Urteil ausserdem gegen die Verpflichtung, dem Strassburger Gericht alle notwendigen Unterlagen zur Verfügung zu stellen. ....
weitere NZZ-Artikel zum Hintergrund:
Gespräch mit Georgiens Aussenministerin  - «Das Verhältnis zu Russland bleibt kompliziert» - 14. September 2013, 12:00 , nzz.ch
Georgien auf Westkurs - Im Schatten der Ukraine - 25. Februar 2014 , nzz.ch
... es sind vier und dann noch zwei weitere russische Offiziere wegen angeblicher Sabotage und Spionage mit viel Medienwirbel verhaftet worden. ... Die georgischen Innen- und Verteidigungsminister beschuldigten im georgischen Fernsehen die verhafteten russischen Armeeangehörigen, einer organisierten Gruppe anzugehören, welche vor zwei Jahren einen Sabotageakt organisiert und einen weiteren Anschlag geplant habe. Zudem hätten sie für Russland militärische Geheimnisse Georgiens ausspioniert. Innenminister Wano Merabischwili kündigte an, am Freitag Beweise für die Vorhaltungen zu präsentieren. Der russische Zorn: ... Iwanow: Georgien müsse aber mit adäquaten Reaktionen rechnen ... russisches Konsulat stellt die Gewährung von Visa an Georgier ein ... russische Parlamentarier riefen nach Sanktionen, einige gar nach Militäraktionen zur Befreiung der russischen Soldaten (!!!) ... wirtschaftlich: vorher bereits Importstopp für die wichtigsten georgischen Güter Wein und Wasser ... (Anmerkung georgien-nachrichten.com: Diese Maßnahmen gegen russische Spionagetätigkeiten in Georgien, insbesondere durch Wano Merabischwili, sind ein wesentlicher Grund für den Revanchismus seit 2013 gegen Politiker der damaligen georg. Regierung.) ...

UNM calls for interrogation of Vice PM Kaladze - 02.07.14, web.rustavi2.com
The United National Movement calls for interrogation of the Vice Prime Minister of Georgia Kakha Kaladze. Giorgi Oniani of the party registered a complaint at the prosecutor`s office, in which he accuses the Kakha Kaladze of having close partnership with crime boss Roman Barbakadze nicknamed Remena. The UNM says Remena was deported from Ukraine to Georgia but he vanished from the Tbilisi airport, which would be impossible without the support and patronage of the authorities. The UNM says Remena was provided flight to Turkey so that he did not cross the border of Georgia.

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EU-ASSOZIIERUNGSABKOMMEN FÜR GEORGIEN, UKRAINE, MOLDAWIEN UNTERZEICHNET - E.U. ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT
Moldau, Georgien - und die Ukraine: Drei osteuropäische Staaten rücken näher an die EU heran. Auf dem Gipfel in Brüssel wurde das historische Partnerschaftsabkommen mit den Ex-Sowjetrepubliken unterzeichnet. Moskau reagiert prompt. In Sachen Ukraine setzt die EU ein Ultimatum. 
Zäsur für Georgien nach dem Russland-Krieg von 2008: Georgien und Moldau hatten ihrerseits im November ihre Assoziierungs-Abkommen paraphiert. Auch diese beiden Länder standen nach dem Zerfall der Sowjetunion schon in Konflikten mit Russland: Im Falle Moldaus geht es um das abtrünnige Gebiet Transnistrien, das Russland politisch und wirtschaftlich unterstützt. In Georgien hatten sich die Gebiete Abchasien und Südossetien von Tiflis losgesagt, was 2008 zu einem Krieg führte, in den russische Truppen eingriffen. "Dieser Tag markiert den Beginn einer vollkommen neuen Phase in den Beziehungen zwischen Georgien und der Europäischen Union", sagte der Regierungschef des Landes, Irakli Garibashvili. Sein Land habe einen nicht mehr umkehrbaren Weg in Richtung europäischer Integration gewählt. ...
Assoziierungsabkommen Georgien rückt näher an Europa - 
... Mit einem Open-Air-Konzert will Georgien die Unterzeichnung des Assoziierungsabkommens mit der EU am Freitagabend feiern. Der Ort passt zum Anlass: der Europaplatz im Zentrum von Tiflis. ... Russlands Regierung hat sich in den letzten Wochen, anders als im Fall der Ukraine, nicht zu Georgiens Annäherung an die EU und der bevorstehenden Unterzeichnung des Assoziierungsabkommens geäußert. ... Doch 
Oppositionspolitiker Davit Dartschiaschwili traut dem Frieden nicht: „Russland hat Einfluss auf die politische Klasse in Georgien, es hat Leute, die hier die russische Karte spielen können. Russland kann wirtschaftliche Mittel einsetzen, ethnische Minderheiten benutzen oder kriminelle Netzwerke. Gott weiß, welche Taktik Putin anwenden wird."
EU-Osterweiterung: Zehn Jahre 10 plus 15 (Deutschlandfunk - Hintergrund - 01.05.2014) - deutschlandfunk.de
Russische Drohungen: Georgien reicht dem Westen die Hand (Deutschlandfunk - Aktuell - 24.04.2014) - deutschlandfunk.de
Georgien: Wunsch nach Assoziierungsabkommen (Deutschlandfunk - Europa heute - 24.04.2014) - deutschlandfunk.de
Russland droht Ukraine mit "ernsthaften Konsequenzen" - 27.06.2014, zeit.de
Das Assoziierungsabkommen zwischen EU und Ukraine ist kaum unterschrieben, da kommt die Drohung aus Russland: Die Ukraine werde die Folgen spüren. ... Die Folgen der Unterzeichnung für die Ukraine und Moldau würden "sicherlich ernst sein", sagte Russlands Vizeaußenminister Grigori Karasin. ... Georgiens Regierungschef Irakli Garibaschwili: "Blaupause für die europäische Integration Georgiens". Georgien wolle "ein volles Mitglied der europäischen Familie werden". Iurie Leanca, Moldawien: "Wir wollen zur europäischen Familie gehören. Wir wissen, wie anspruchsvoll dieser Weg sein wird. Aber zweifeln Sie nicht an unserer Entschlossenheit." ...
27.06.2014, 
Viele Georgier sehen ihre Zukunft in Europa und nicht in Russland. Ihrem großen Nachbarn trauen sie nicht. Visafreiheit im Schengenraum könnte Bewohner der abtrünnigen Gebiete Abchasien und Südossetien locken. ... Unterschiedliche Vorstellungen über den Umgang mit Russland sind auch einer der vielen Streitpunkte zwischen dem Regierungsbündnis „Georgischer Traum“ und der oppositionellen Vereinten Nationalen Bewegung, der bis vor kurzem Micheil Saakaschwili vorstand, Präsident Georgiens von 2004 bis ins vorige Jahr. ... Die Annäherung an die EU sieht Petriaschwili, Sondergesandter für die Beziehungen mit Russland, auch als Weg, um das „Vertrauen“ der Bewohner der abtrünnigen Gebiete zurückzuerlangen: Er hofft schon für das kommende Jahr auf Visumfreiheit für Georgien innerhalb des Schengen-Raums. Dann, argumentiert er, würden für die Menschen in Abchasien und Südossetien georgische Pässe wieder attraktiv. „Sie haben die Wahl: Integration mit Georgien oder Isolation.“ ... Giga Bokeria von der Vereinten Nationalen Bewegung wertet es als „strategischen Fehler“ des Westens, jetzt Putin nicht eine „strategische Botschaft“ zu senden und Georgien eine klare Beitrittsperspektive zur Nato zu geben: „Solange der Kreml seine Haltung zur Souveränität Georgiens nicht ändert, sollten wir ein Ort der Auseinandersetzung mit Russland sein.“ ... 
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Mit Hoffnung und Skepsis schauen die Georgier auf Europa. Und auf den Nachbarn Russland, der die Annäherung zur EU verhindern will. Schon der erste Europäer war ein Georgier, der sich in Dmanisi, nicht weit von der heutigen Hauptstadt Tiflis, niederließ. Der Vorfahr des Menschen kam als Emigrant vor rund 1,7 Millionen Jahren aus Afrika in den Kaukasus. ... Kaum ein Georgier wagt, eine klare Prognose über die Reaktion aus Russland abzugeben. „Wir sind von unserem Nachbarn alles gewöhnt“, meint der Chef der Denkfabrik GFSIS, Alexander Rondeli. Seit dem Zusammenbruch der UdSSR vor 23 Jahren wurde georgisches Gebiet besetzt, Krieg entfacht und mehrfach ein Embargo verhängt. Noch sei Russland nicht bereit, Georgien aus seinem Einflussbereich zu entlassen. Jeder Fuß Boden, der an die EU falle, sei – im Denken des Kreml – endgültig verloren. ... Rondeli zum Kreml/Russland: „Wir erklären immer den russischen Staat zum gewalttätigen Bösewicht und stellen ihm das unschuldige Volk gegenüber“. Tatsächlich sei aber auch das Volk von jenem Imperialismusvirus befallen, das den Anrainern das Leben zur Hölle mache. Zeige sich die Nähe von Volk und Staat nicht gerade in der überwältigenden Zustimmung zu der Intervention in der Ukraine? ... Moskau versucht seit anderthalb Jahren, mithilfe der orthodoxen georgischen Kirche die Stimmung langfristig noch umzukehren, Georgiens Traditionalisten doch noch für Putins Projekt einer „Internationale der Reaktion“ zu gewinnen. Aufhänger sind Themen wie gleichgeschlechtliche Ehe, Sexualkundeunterricht in Schulen – kurzum: westliche Verkommenheit. ... Die Integration in den Westen sei die Wahl der Georgier gewesen, betont Minister Petriaschwili. 85 Prozent entschieden sich für EU und Nato. ... Beim Abschlusskonzert letzte Woche am Konservatorium in Tiflis stimmten die Studenten zum Ausklang die EU-Hymne an. Der ganze Saal erhob sich und sang mit. Er sei überwältigt, sagte ein zufälliger Gast aus dem alten Europa: von der magischen Kraft der EU als Hoffnungsträger.
Trotz der andauernden Spannungen mit Russland hat die EU Assoziierungsabkommen mit der Ukraine, Georgien und Moldawien geschlossen. Die Unterzeichnungen fanden am Freitag in Brüssel statt. Die drei Regierungen zeigen sich sehr glücklich, streben aber längerfristig eine EU-Mitgliedschaft an. «Zukünftige Generationen in Ukraine, Moldawien und Georgien werden sich an diesen Tag erinnern», sagte EU-Ratspräsident Herman Van Rompuy auf dem EU-Gipfel. «Das ist ein grosser Tag für Europa.» ... Die EU hat den drei Staaten bisher jedoch keine spätere Mitgliedschaft versprochen. Doch EU-Kommissionspräsident José Manuel Barroso sagte: «Diese Abkommen bedeuten nicht den Endpunkt der Zusammenarbeit der EU mit ihren Partnern. Das ist nicht das Ende des Weges, sondern der Beginn einer Reise, auf die sich die EU und die drei Partner gemeinsam begeben.» ... 
Ukraine, Moldova, And Georgia Sign EU Accords - 30.06.2014, rferl.org, mit Video
... Garibashvili said Abkhazia and South Ossetia -- Georgian breakaway regions recognized as independent states by Russia -- would also see the advantages of closer ties with the EU. ... Among other things, the agreements will allow the three countries unfettered access to the EU's market of 500 million consumers.
The pact - which would bind the three countries more closely to the West both economically and politically - is at the heart of the crisis in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin said making Ukraine choose between Russia and the EU would split it in two.
Analysis - Steve Rosenberg, BBC News Moscow: There is a general sense of irritation or perhaps even anger here that Moscow has failed to convince countries like Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia not to sign this historic free trade deal today with the EU. Moscow has economic concerns about these deals - it is worried that the Russian market could be flooded by cheap goods from the EU that would hit Russian producers. ...
... The agreements are the EU's way of extending influence to its neighbors without offering actual membership. ... The agreements gradually liberalize trade with partners, meaning countries end up with unfettered access to the 28-nation bloc's 500 million consumers ... The EU also provides technical help and funds to help countries adapt to its regulations and allow businesses to bid for lucrative EU public works contracts. In return, the EU requires that countries meet its standards on human rights and democracy, fight corruption, strengthens the rule of law and reforms its economy. ... Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia are also agreeing to considerable domestic reforms that will challenge entrenched interests among business and the political class. 
Georgia's long road to Europe - 27.06.2014, bbc.com
Georgia has signed an association agreement with the EU just as its trading ties with Russia are picking up.
A similar path was chosen by Noe Zhordania, the leader of the short-lived Democratic Republic of Georgia, created after the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1918. "What do we have to offer to the cultural treasure of the European nations? A 2,000-year-old national culture, a democratic system and natural wealth. "Soviet Russia offered us a military alliance, which we rejected," he said. "We have taken different paths. They are heading for the East and we for the West." But his aspirations were halted when in 1921 the Red Army invaded the country and Georgia became a Soviet republic.
Almost a century later, many in Georgia regard the EU deal as a historic opportunity. ... But Tamara Kovziridze, a former lead Georgian negotiator with the EU, says that in the short term the benefits of this agreement are more likely to be political than economic. "This has enormous political relevance. The events in Ukraine have demonstrated that Russia does worry about EU integration," she said at a recent public discussion on Georgia-EU relations. ...
CHISINAU, Moldova: Russia pressures Moldova and Ukraine ahead of signing of E.U. Association Agreement - 26.06,2014, washingtonpost.com
CHISINAU, Moldova — A new showdown is looming over former Soviet states’ ties to Europe — the same trigger that has ignited months of violence in Ukraine. ... Russia has said it will flex its considerable muscle to squeeze any nation in the former Soviet orbit that seeks a future with Europe. Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia are facing intense pressure ahead of the deal’s signing, including threats of export bans and tightened immigration rules, as well as the specter of strengthened separatist movements. But the warnings may be backfiring, with leaders in all three countries saying Moscow’s ominous tone demonstrates more than ever why they need to pick a different path. ...
Ukraine: Defying Russia, Ukraine Signs E.U. Trade Pact - 27.06.2014, nytimes.com
BRUSSELS — Dealing a defiant blow to the Kremlin, President Petro O. Poroshenko of Ukraine signed a long-delayed trade pact with Europe on Friday that Moscow had bitterly opposed. He then declared he would like his country to one day become a full member of the European Union. 
Georgia, EU Sign Association Agreement - 27.06.2014, Civil Georgia
Georgia and the European Union signed Association Agreement, including deep and comprehensive free trade area (DCFTA), on June 27 in the margins of the European Council meeting in Brussels. ... The agreement, which is designed for gradual approximation of signatory countries to EU standards and regulations in broad range of areas among them trade, customs procedures and quality controls, does not give a pledge to eventual membership in the EU; but the reforms and approximation process, envisaged by the agreement, are viewed as preparation for potential membership sometime in the future. ... Speaking at the signing ceremony President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, said: “These are not just any other agreements, but milestones in history of our relations and for the Europe as a whole. In Kiev and elsewhere people gave their lives for this closer link to the European Union.” ... The Georgian Parliament is expected to ratify the agreement in second half of July. Although it may take several years before all EU-member states ratify the agreement, the treaty envisages provisional application parts of the agreement even before EU members and the European Parliament complete ratification process. ... Following Georgian ratification of the Association Agreement, provisional application could start tentatively by October, 2014. ... The voluminous agreement is accompanied by about three dozen of annexes, which list hundreds of relevant EU legislation to be taken by Georgia by a specific date with timeframes ranging from two to ten years. ... In July the EU plans to adopt new assistance programs for Georgia worth EUR 101 million to support reforms in the justice sector and implementation of the DCFTA, as well as to fund programs for small and medium enterprises. ... Meanwhile in Moscow, Russian President’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said that signing of the Association Agreements by Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine with the EU is their sovereign right, but Russia will have to take measures if it negatively affects on its economy. ...  According to the EU estimations, Georgian agricultural products will become more attractive on the EU market after the removal of EU import duties worth EUR 5.7 million on basic agricultural products and EUR 0.5 million on processed agricultural products. 
Georgian exports to the EU stood at USD 253 million in January-May 2014, a 58% year-on-year increase, according to the Georgian state statistics office, Geostat.
Georgian exports to CIS-member countries in January-May 2014 stood at USD 627.6 million of which Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia were Georgia’s largest exporting markets with USD 240.4 million, USD 129.7 million and USD 108.3 million, respectively.
Schritte bis zum Abkommen:
European Commission President Visits Georgia - 13.06.2014, Civil Georgia
European Commission President, José Manuel Barroso, arrived in Georgia on Thursday after visiting Moldova, to reiterate support as Tbilisi, along with Chisinau, will sign the Association Agreement with the EU on June 27. Speaking at a news conference after meeting Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Barroso said that the EU is ready to engage in discussions with Russia if the latter has concerns and wants to “clarify” some of the aspects of the Association Agreement, which also includes deep and comprehensive free trade treaty. ... Barroso stressed: “The European Union is imposing nothing on Georgia. Georgia has made a choice and we are here to support the choice of Georgia.” ... The European Commission President said that Georgia “belongs to the European family of nations” and the best way for Georgia to achieve approximation with the EU is to continue reforms. He said that Georgia has been a “frontrunner” in EU’s Eastern Partnership “thanks to the commitment of the successive governments.” ... Barroso also said that it’s important to avoid “excessive polarization”, which can be detrimental to the “good image that Georgia has in terms of being frontrunner in the Eastern Partnership.” ... The Georgian President awarded the European Commission President Barroso with the Order of the Golden Fleece “for firm support to Georgia’s national interests on the international arena and for contribution to development of the EU-Georgia relations.” ... 
It is Georgia’s sovereign right to sign the Association Agreement with the EU, but it should also understand possible consequences, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Alexander Lukashevich, said on May 22 and pointed at increasing Georgian exports to Russia. ... 

KOMMUNALWAHLEN 2014 IN GEORGIEN - ÜBERSCHATTET VON VERSTÖSSEN DURCH GEORGIAN DREAM
Die Zahl der Verstösse bei der Kommunalwahl war groß, hier einige Beispiele: 
Ein Verwandter des Georgian-Dream-Kandidaten wirft nacheinander ca. 150 Stimmzettel unter den Augen der Wahlhelfer in die Wahlurne und danach sogar auch die Wahlhelfer selbst. Die neue georgische Regierung  Georgian Dream scheint also die Kommunalwahl systematisch zu fälschen, nachdem im Vorfeld bereits Druck auf etliche Oppositionskandidaten ausgeübt wurde ...
Beim Übertragen aus dem Wahlprotokoll in die Ergebnsliste gehen nachweislich in drei Wahlbezirken in Tbilisi jeweils 100 Stimmen verloren, ausgeführt durch die CEC (offizielle Wahlkommission), ...
“საერთაშორისო გამჭვირვალობა – საქართველოს“ მონაცემებით, „ერთიანი ნაციონალური მოძრაობის“ თბილისის მერობის კანდიდატ  ნიკა მელიას ცსკ-მ ხმები დააკლო.
“საერთაშორისო გამჭვირვალობა – საქართველო“ 15 ივნისის ადგილობრივი თვითმმართველობის არჩევნებს 450-მდე დამკვირვებლით დააკვირდა.
„აქედან ჩვენი 373 მოხალისე კენჭისყრის დღეს შერჩევის ზომის პროპორციული ალბათობის მეთოდით შერჩეულ უბნებზე დააკვირდა დედაქალაქში. ამ 373 უბნიდან მოპოვებული თბილისის საკრებულოს პროპორციული და მერის არჩევნების შემაჯამებელი ოქმები ჩვენ ცენტრალური საარჩევნო კომისიის (ცესკოს) შედეგების ვებგვერდზე http://results.gov.ge/ შეტანილ ინფორმაციას, საიდანაც საერთო სტატისტიკა დგება, შევადარეთ და რამდენიმე უზუსტობა აღმოვაჩინეთ. „ერთიანი ნაციონალური მოძრაობის“ მერობის კანდიდატისათვის, ნიკა მელიასთვის სამ უბანზე 100-100 ხმის დაკლების შემთხვევები: სამგორის #12 უბანი: ოქმის მიხედვით 111 ხმა აქვს მიღებული, მაგრამ ვებგვერდზე დაფიქსირებულია 11 ხმა; სამგორის #20 უბანი: ვებგვერდის მიხედვით, კანდიდატს 18 ხმა აქვს, მიუხედავად იმისა, რომ შემაჯამებელ ოქმზე თანდართული შესწორების თანახმად, მას 118 ხმა უნდა ჰქონდეს; საბურთალოს #78 უბანი: სავარაუდოდ, ნიკა მელიამ 131 ხმა მიიღო ამ უბანზე, თუმცა ოქმში რიცხვის პირველი ციფრი გადახაზულია და ცესკოს ვებგვერდზეც 31 ხმა არის დაფიქსირებული. აღსანიშნავია, რომ სუბიექტების მიღებული ხმებისა და არჩევნებში მონაწილე ამომრჩეველთა საერთოდ რაოდენობის დასაბალანსებლად სწორედ ეს 100 ხმა არის საჭირო“, - აღნიშნულია ორგანიზაციის მიერ გავრცელებულ განცხადებაში.
ორგანიზაცია უბნების საბოლოო ოქმებსაც აქვეყნებს.
Georgian-Dream-Kandidat bekommt 997 Stimmen, obwohl es im Bezirk nur 258 Wahlberechtigte gab.
„ნაციონალური მოძრაობის“ ვარკეთილის მაჟორიტარ დეპუტატობის კანდიდატი ლევან ხაბეიშვილი სოციალურ ქსელში გარდაბნის ერთ-ერთი უბნის შედეგების ოქმს აქვეყნებს. ოქმზე დაფიქსირებულია ამომრჩეველთა მთლიანი რაოდენობა 258, ხოლო “ქართული ოცნებამ “, ამ ოქმის მიხედვით, 997 ხმა აიღო. ,,დემოკრატიული არჩევნების ნიმუში 258 ადამიანი მივიდა არჩევნებზე და ოცნებამ 997 ხმა აიღო“- წერს “ფეისბუქის “პირად გვერდზე ლევან ხაბეიშვილი. ცესკოს ოფიციალურ გვერდზე კიდევ ერთი, შესწორების ოქმის ფოტოა გამოქვეყნებული ამ უბნიდან, რომელიც 23:50 საათზეა შევსებული და სადაც მითითებულია, რომ 997 ნაცვლად უნდა ეწეროს 97.
EU Statement on Georgia's Local Elections - 17.06.2014, Civil.ge
EU said Georgia’s June 15 municipal elections were “a further step in the continued democratic development of Georgia”, but also added that “concerns remain about campaign-related intimidation and violence.” “We congratulate the voters and candidates for their participation in the first round of local government elections in Georgia on 15 June,” reads the statement, released by spokesperson of EU’s foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on June 17. “We take note of the findings of domestic observers.” “The elections were marked by improvements in electoral processes, and an increased participation of women. At the same time, concerns remain about campaign-related intimidation and violence. There must be no tolerance for violence or intimidation in the days leading up to the runoffs that are now scheduled to take place in a number of municipalities,” it says.
 “Both an accountable government and constructive opposition are important features of a functioning democratic society. The EU calls on all sides to work together in the new local administrations in the interests of Georgia.” “We commend the Central Elections Commission and local civil society organisations for their important contribution to the electoral process. The European Union looks forward to continuing its close cooperation with the Georgian government,” reads the statement.
The United National Movement continues its allegations on election rigging in Marneuli election district. Zurab Japaridze presented more video footage, which he says, proves that there was a pressure on election commission. He said the former vice president of the Judo Federation, Tamaz Naveriani was seen at several polling stations in Marneuli, where he would enter the prohibited areas in the buildings of the polling stations. Japaridze asserts that Naveriani was violent in his actions; he drove a Lexus vehicle, in which the GD candidate Merab Topchishvili was also sitting.
The UNM has also release another footage, which describes a polling station, where the commission head took away the summarizing document without the consent of the commission members from the office.
Based on these arguments, the UNM calls for nullification of the election results in Marneuli. 
National Movement publishes two videos reflecting instances of election fraud National Movement publishes two more videos in relation to the facts of election fraud.
According to the party representatives, the material reflects the facts of election rraud in Marneuli and Dedoplistskaro.
The National Movement leaders named the surnames of the people who participated in fraudulent activity. They address the Interior Ministry to launch an investigation.
According to Zurab Japaridze, Tamaz Naveriani, former president of the Judo Federation falsified the elections in Marneuli.
“This person moved from one polling station to another in a Lexus with the candidate of Georgian Dream Topchishvili and personally pressured commission members,” – Japaridze said.
As per Nugzar Tsiklauri, the video materials have it that the commission members repeat several times that “there is no balance’’.
‘’It means that in Khornabuji, Dedoplistskaro district from which Garibashvili is, the election results are not people’s will but are caused by the deal between the commission head and the election commission head,”’’ – Tsiklauri said.
The Central Election Commission has nullified the results of the elections on two polling stations of Marneuli, where the videos of violation were taken. Currently, the district commission is discussing the details of the footage, which proves the assertions of the opposition party that there were the attempts of pressure on the commission members in Marneuli as well as procedural violations. The representatives of the CEC and observers are attending the meeting.
The persons seen on the videos have already commented on it saying the footage was fabricated.
 - 
 Pressemitteilung - 16.06.2014, hub.coe.int, Straßburg
„Jeder von uns ist zufrieden, dass die gestrigen Wahlen – ungeachtet der Berichte über lokale Zwischenfälle und einzelne Unregelmäßigkeiten – im Großen und Ganzen ruhig und friedlich abliefen. In Anbetracht des erbitterten Wahlkampfs mit Beleidigungen und Handgreiflichkeiten ist das keine Selbstverständlichkeit“, erklärte heute Jos Wienen (Niederlande, EPP/CCE), Leiter der Delegation des Kongresses der Gemeinden und Regionen zur Beobachtung der georgischen Kommunalwahlen, bei einer Pressekonferenz in Tiflis.
„Bei den Wahlgesetzen besteht indes noch Verbesserungsbedarf. So begünstigt das derzeitige System die herrschenden politischen Kräfte und benachteiligt kleinere Parteien und unabhängige Kandidaten, besonders bei der Zusammensetzung der Wahlkommissionen. Außerdem ist unserer Auffassung nach das Auszählungsverfahren zu überprüfen“, sagte Wienen.
„Des Weiteren wurde uns berichtet, dass sich Kandidaten von Oppositionsparteien von der Wahlliste streichen ließen, nachdem auf sie angeblich entsprechender Druck ausgeübt wurde. Wir fordern deshalb die georgischen Behörden dringend auf, angemessene und transparente Maßnahmen und rechtliche Verfahren einzuleiten. Das gilt ebenso für die gewaltsamen Zwischenfälle, die sich im Vorfeld der Wahlen und am Wahltag selbst ereigneten“, betonte er.
„In Hinblick auf die für die kommenden Wochen angesetzten Stichwahlen ist also eine Null-Toleranz-Politik gegenüber Gewalttätigkeiten sowie herabwürdigender und gehässiger Rhetorik nötig. Ich rufe alle politischen Akteure – der Regierung wie der Opposition – nachdrücklich dazu auf, ihren Beitrag zu dieser Strategie zu leisten“, so der Leiter der Kongressdelegation.
Pressemitteilung - Vorläufige Schlussfolgerungen - Pressemitteilung vom 11. Juni 2014 - Georgien im Europarat
Local government elections were conducted with numerous incidents  - 16.06.2014, rustavi2.com
The local government elections were conducted in Georgia on June 15th, but they were not free of incidents. Several facts of pressure, argument, clashes were reported from various regions of Georgia. The activists of the United National Movement were assaulted in several regions. The first incident occurred in the headquarters of the Vazisubani single-mandate MP candidate Giorgi Oniani. According to one version, somebody shot twice at the window glass of the office. The investigation has been launched for `damaging others` property`; however, the police have not confirmed that the office was shot at. The candidate of the Nino Burjanadze - United Opposition bloc rallied outside the N28 Nadzaladevi district. They said the members of the commission changed the number of the votes received by the ruling party candidate, which caused great difference with the real number of votes gained by them. There was a clash in Khoni too - after the polling stations were closed, some yet unidentified persons intruded into the N22 election district. Fifteen persons broke the ballot box and tore the ballots. The commission member said these persons were the activists of the Georgian Dream Coalition. They also assert the UNM obtained the majority of votes at this district. A voter and a member of the commission had a clash in Tskaltubo district. The candidate of the UNM Zviad Tvaltvadze tried to clarify what was going on, when he was insulted by a supporter of the GD. Tvaltvadze has been already interrogated. When and in which cities the second run-off of the elections will be appointed is yet decided. The CEC will appoint the second round of elections after the vote count is over.

UNM Leaders Comment on Local Elections - 15.06.2014, Civil.ge
Leaders of UNM opposition party said after polls closed in the June 15 local elections that “very low” voter turnout demonstrates that the Georgian Dream suffers “deep crisis of public trust”, and exit poll results, suggesting possibility of second round runoffs in some of the largest cities, show support to the ruling coalition is on decline.
Giga Bokeria, one of UNM’s leaders, said that low voter turnout was a “direct result of general atmosphere of violence, hatred, intimidation, and cynicism created by the government.”
He said that that contrary to predictions by Bidzina Ivanishvili’s “puppet” PM Irakli Garibashvili that UNM would disappear off the political radar, the opposition party has actually improved its result since the presidential elections seven months ago. Bokeria said that according to exit poll results GD itself is suffering a “serious decline” in support. “I am sure this trend will continue,” Bokeria told Maestro TV.
MP Davit Bakradze, leader of UNM parliamentary minority group, said that “instead of imitating celebration” staged after the exit poll results were announced, the Georgian Dream should “learn lessons” from these elections.
“I do not understand what they are celebrating when almost 60% of voters did not turn out at polling station and by doing so they [voters] expressed protest,” Bakradze said, adding that these elections should be a clear signal to the authorities that voters are not satisfied with government’s policies.
“It will be regrettable if instead of learning this lesson, they will try to portray that everything is alright and it’s time for celebration now,” MP Bakradze said.
Gigi Ugulava, one of UNM’s leaders and chief of its campaign, said: “In the second round runoffs our society will show even more clearly to the authorities that it can’t continue like this anymore… and should substantially change its policies and it should give up cynical approach as if it has delivered with all of its promises.”
In a written statement UNM said that “a sharp fall in voter turnout illustrates deep crisis of public trust that the current Georgian government has fallen into.”
“Unfortunately, today’s elections were substantially impacted by undemocratic, deteriorated election environment marred with frequent violence, well-documented pressure on UNM candidates as well as statements by top government officials justifying violence.”
UNM described PM Garibashvili’s statement made after the exit polls were announced as “insistence that there will be no runoff in Tbilisi.” UNM said that such “insistence while all preconditions” for second round are in place is “inadequate and undemocratic.”
“This statement points to a possibility of using the pressure employed by the government in pre-election period upon the election administration,” UNM said.
Local self-government elections 2014: TI Georgia’s statement regarding electoral processes (7:00am-12:00pm) - 15.06.2014, transparency.ge
At this point, the 2014 local self-government elections are taking place in a safe environment. The polling stations that we are monitoring opened on time, around 8:00am. Transparency International (TI) Georgia’s observers have reported 6 minor and 11 relatively significant procedural violations. At this point, our monitors have submitted 5 complaints in total. Most violations were observed in Zugdidi and Martvili districts.
Some of the significant violations observed by our monitors are described below:
- Voting was disrupted at polling station #32 in Zugdidi district due to violence by unidentified individuals,
Despite the fact that the marking identifier did not work in polling station #20 (Tamakoni) of the Martvili district, the voting process continued for several hours;
- At four polling stations - #26 and #64 in Zugdidi and #11 and #27 in Martvili, two representatives from the same party/coalition were present at polling stations (Georgian Dream, United National Movement and Non-Parliamentary Opposition) although they are only allowed to have one single representative at each polling station.
- Personal information on 10 voters out of the 14 registered on the mobile ballot box voters list in Isani district polling station #14 was incorrect and these citizens were denied the right to vote. After the mobile box was returned to the polling station, the Precinct Election Commission (PEC), upon consulting with the District Election Commission (DEC), corrected information about the voters and decided to allow them to vote.
- At Didube district polling station #31 the initial procedures - which were supposed be conducted from 7 to 8am (assigning roles to PEC members) - took place earlier than 7am. As a result, TI Georgia’s observers could not monitor the procedures.
- The candidates and party lists were not posted at Khoni district polling stations #1 and #4.
We welcome the fact that the Ministry of Internal Affairs has already reacted and launched investigation into to the reported theft of ballots from the Martvili district polling station #16, as well as the alleged case of violence on UNM representatives.
TI Georgia has deployed 450 observers to monitor the 2014 June 15 local self-government elections. Our stationary observers are assigned to 373 polling stations randomly selected in Tbilisi in all the 10 electoral districts of Tbilisi. In addition, TI Georgia has 15 mobile groups observing elections in Tbilisi. We also have 25 mobile teams monitoring elections in 29 municipalities and self-governing cities throughout 5 regions. The Civil Development Agency (CiDA) is assisting TI Georgia in Kvemo Kartli districts.
TI Georgia will release its observations for the election day developments twice during the day: at 4 and 8pm.

BERLIN: MERKEL EMPFÄNGT GARIBASCHWILI
Wirtschaftsbeziehungen zu Georgien stärken - 02.06.2014, bundesregierung.de
Deutschland und Georgien wollen wirtschaftlich künftig enger zusammenarbeiten. Das verabredeten Bundeskanzlerin Merkel und Ministerpräsident Garibaschwili beim Antrittsbesuch des georgischen Regierungschefs in Berlin. Georgien sei heute ein "guter Investitionsstandort", sagte Merkel. ...
Die Annäherung Georgiens an die EU zeige sich darin, dass das Land bald ein Assoziierungsabkommen mit der EU abschließen werde, so Merkel. Garibaschwili dankte der Bundeskanzlerin für die Unterstützung bei der Einrichtung des Abkommens und betonte zugleich das Interesse Georgiens an einer EU-Vollmitgliedschaft. ...
Einen Beitritt Georgiens zur Nato steht für die Bundeskanzlerin derzeit nicht auf der Agenda. Sie fügte aber hinzu: "Wir sehen die Fortschritte, die Georgien macht."
Sie verwies auch darauf, dass das Land an mehreren Nato- und EU-Einsätzen beteiligt sei. Auf dem Nato-Gipfel im September solle daher deutlich gemacht werden, dass Georgien "ein guter Partner" bei schwierigen Einsätzen sei.
Merkel enttäuscht Georgien - 03.06.2014, sueddeutsche.de / dpa
Ein Beitritt Georgiens zur Nato ist für Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel (CDU) derzeit kein Thema. Beim Nato-Gipfel in Wales im September werde das aus ihrer Sicht nicht auf der Tagesordnung stehen, ... „Wir sehen die Fortschritte, die Georgien macht.“ ... „Es ist klar, dass Georgien der EU beitreten will.“
"Unser historisches Schicksal" - 02.06.2014, kas.de
Georgischer Premier bezeichnet bei der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung das Assoziierungsabkommen mit der EU als alternativlos:
Kurz vor Unterzeichnung des Assoziierungs- und Freihandelsabkommens zwischen der EU und Georgien Ende Juni hat der georgische Premierminister, Irakli Garibaschwili, bei einem Besuch in Berlin noch einmal die Alternativlosigkeit dieses Schrittes betont. In der Akademie der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung sagte er: „Der einzige Weg für unser Land ist der nach Europa. Das Abkommen wird den Prozess der Westbindung unumkehrbar machen.“
Garibaschwili wies auf die breite Zustimmung für das Abkommen in seinem Land hin. Über 80 Prozent der Bevölkerung würden es unterstützen. Es sei die souveräne Wahl der Menschen in Georgien und nicht gegen irgendeinen Nachbarn gerichtet. Das Abkommen sei das „historische Schicksal“ Georgiens.
Georgien habe sich eine Rückkehr in die europäische Familie verdient, weil es hart an sich gearbeitet habe, sagte Garibaschwili. Sein Land ist dabei, sich in einen modernen Staat nach europäischem Vorbild zu verändern. Er verwies auf die zahlreichen angeschobenen Reformen. Georgien habe heute eine kräftige Wirtschaft, modernisiere sich in den Bereichen Rechtstaatlichkeit, Justiz, Gesundheit und Bildung. Die Korruption werde bekämpft. Die Präsidentschaftswahlen 2013 hätten Beobachtern als fair und gegolten. Zudem habe sich Georgien als zuverlässiger Partner und „konstruktiver Akteur“ des westlichen Sicherheitsbündnisses erwiesen - zuletzt in Afghanistan und Zentralafrika.
Angesichts der Spannungen in der Region etwa in der Ukraine oder in Abchasien sowie Ossetien sagte Garibaschwilli, genauso wolle man auch die Beziehungen zu Russland gestalten. Man setze auf Deeskalation und Zusammenarbeit und wolle so beweisen, dass die östliche Partnerschaft mit der EU an der Grenze zu Russland friedlich möglich ist. „Georgien kann Vorbild für die gesamte Region sein“, so der Premier. Eine feste Verankerung in die westliche Wertegemeinschaft müsse daher im ureigenen Interesse Europas sein.
Brok: Abkommen ist die "richtige Investition in die Zukunft"
Der Vorsitzende des Ausschusses für auswärtige Angelegenheiten im Europäischen Parlament, Elmar Brok, hatte Georgien bescheinigt „auf einem guten europäischen Weg“ zu sein. Das Assoziierungsabkommen werde die positive Entwicklung Georgiens in allen Bereichen unterstützen. „Das Abkommen ist die richtige Investition in die Zukunft“, so Brok, der aber auch darauf hinwies, dass vor Georgien „kein sanfter Weg“ liege, sondern „harte Entscheidungen“ bevorstehen.
Angesichts neu aufflammender Spannungen in Abchasien wiederholte Brok noch einmal die wesentlichen Grundsätze der Schlussakte von Helsinki. Demnach ist die territoriale Integrität eines jeden Landes unantastbar. Jedes Land kann frei über seine Zukunft entscheiden. Kein anderes Land hat das Recht die territoriale Integrität eines anderes zu verletzten. Er kündigte an, dass er sich nach Unterzeichnung des Abkommens mit Georgien dafür einsetzen werde, dass der Vertrag schnellstmöglich ratifiziert werde.
http://www.heute.de/georgiens-ministerpraesident-garibaschwili-im-zdf-interview-33393154.html
von Andreas Kynast und Benjamin Dzialowski
Obwohl Georgien in Vorderasien liegt, träumt das Land von einem Beitritt zur Europäischen Union. Im Interview mit heute.de schwärmt Ministerpäsident Garibaschwili von der EU-Begeisterung in seinem Land und erklärt, warum er keine Angst vor Russland hat. ... Georgien hat ebenso wie die Ukraine mit abtrünnigen Provinzen zu kämpfen, die von Russland unterstützt werden. Die Landesteile Abchasien und Südossetien haben sich 2008 nach einem blutigen Konflikt abgespalten und werden außer von Russland nur noch von Nicaragua, Venezuela und einigen Pazifikinseln anerkannt. ... Der Europa-Fan Garibaschwili bringt nach Berlin zwei Bücher mit, sogenannte Beutekunst, die während des Zweiten Weltkriegs aus Deutschland gebracht wurde. Sie wurden 2006 als Teil eines Bestandes von bis zu 70.000 Büchern in der Universitätsbibliothek von Tiflis wiederentdeckt. Nach mehrjährigen Bemühungen des Auswärtigen Amtes ebnet die georgische Regierung jetzt den Weg für die Rückführung der Bestände. Die Übergabe der zwei Exemplare im Bode-Museum ist ein erster symbolischer Akt.
Sprecher: Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel, Ministerpräsident Irakli Garibaschwili
(Die Ausschrift des fremdsprachlichen Teils erfolgte anhand der Simultanübersetzung)
BK'in Merkel: Meine Damen und Herren, ich freue mich, dass heute der Ministerpräsident Georgiens, Irakli Garibaschwili, bei uns zu Gast ist. Es ist sein offizieller Antrittsbesuch, obwohl er vorige Woche schon einmal mit seinen Kollegen aus Moldawien und der Ukraine hier war.
Ich freue mich sehr, dass ich ihn hier in Berlin begrüßen kann, denn wir konnten heute ausführlich über die bilateralen Beziehungen zwischen Deutschland und Georgien sprechen. Wir haben sehr gute, freundschaftliche Beziehungen zwischen unseren beiden Ländern, und wir freuen uns natürlich auch, dass Georgien den Weg der Annäherung an die Europäische Union geht. Das wird sich auch in der Unterzeichnung des Assoziierungsabkommens ausdrücken. Wir sehen auf der anderen Seite, dass Georgien auch viel Kraft investiert, um die Beziehungen zu Russland Schritt für Schritt zu entwickeln. Insofern sehen wir, glaube ich, an diesem Beispiel auch, dass es nicht um ein Entweder-oder geht, sondern dass hier eine Regierung auch beide Bereiche sehr klar im Auge hat.
Wir haben über die Situation in Georgien gesprochen. Hier wird klar, dass wir noch mehr tun sollten, um die wirtschaftliche Kooperation zu stärken. Der Ministerpräsident wird heute auch ein Wirtschaftsforum besuchen, und wir werden von unserer Seite aus durchaus auch Unternehmen ermutigen, Partnerschaften und Investitionen in Georgien zu suchen. Georgien hat sehr, sehr gute Voraussetzungen dafür. Allerdings ist in den letzten Jahren sicherlich auch der Eindruck einer gewissen Instabilität entstanden; durch Südossetien und durch Abchasien sind viele abgeschreckt worden. Wir sollten daher ganz klar sagen, dass die jetzige georgische Regierung sehr klar auch die rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen verbessert, die Verlässlichkeit verbessert, und Georgien deshalb ein guter Investitionsstandort sein könnte.
Wir freuen uns ansonsten auch über die Zusammenarbeit im Zusammenhang mit der Europäischen Union und wünschen Ihnen viel Erfolg bei Ihrer Arbeit. Was wir hervorheben können als etwas, was schon sehr gut läuft, sind die Kooperationen im Bildungs- und im Wissenschaftsbereich sowohl mit der Humboldt-Stiftung als auch mit dem Deutschen Akademischen Austauschdienst als auch mit den Goethe-Instituten. Auch hier können wir die Dinge natürlich intensivieren, aber ich glaube, der nächste Schritt ist erst einmal, Georgien als guten Investitionsstandort bekannter zu machen.
Noch einmal herzlich willkommen hier in Deutschland und auf gute Zusammenarbeit!
MP Garibaschwili: Ich begrüße Sie! Es ist mir eine große Ehre, hier in Berlin zu Besuch zu sein. Ich möchte die Gelegenheit ergreifen und Frau Bundeskanzlerin Merkel für meine Einladung nach Berlin sehr herzlich danken. Das ist in der Tat eine große Ehre, und es ist ein sehr gutes, ein klares Zeichen. Vielen Dank für Ihre Unterstützung! Das ist insbesondere im Kontext unserer Beziehungen wichtig, denn wir können auf eine lange Tradition der guten Beziehungen zurückblicken, und zwar sowohl bilateral als auch im Rahmen der internationalen Organisationen und Institutionen. Ich könnte auch noch die Beziehungen in den Bereichen Wirtschaft, Handel, Kultur, Forschung und Bildung hervorheben. Wie die Frau Bundeskanzlerin auch sagte, müssen wir diese Beziehungen intensivieren und vervollkommnen.
Ich bin sehr froh, dass wir heute die Gelegenheit hatten, solche wichtigen Aspekte unserer Zusammenarbeit zu erörtern. Wir schätzen die entschlossene Unterstützung Deutschlands hinsichtlich der territorialen Integrität Georgiens.
Wir sprachen mit der Bundeskanzlerin auch über die Beziehungen mit der EU. Wie Sie wissen, unterzeichnen wir am 27. Juni das Assoziierungsabkommen. Damit werden wir auf die höhere Stufe der europäischen Integration gehoben. Ich bin mir sicher, dass das Assoziierungsabkommen Georgien erlauben wird, zur gesamten europäischen Familie zurückzukehren und ihr vollwertiges Mitglied zu werden.
Ich schätze es sehr, dass die Frau Bundeskanzlerin uns heute in Aussicht gestellt hat, uns bei der Implementierung des Assoziierungsabkommens zu unterstützen und insbesondere auch die wirtschaftlichen Beziehungen zu intensivieren. Das ist eine sehr klare Botschaft für uns, aber auch für andere europäische Partner, dass das Investitionsklima in Georgien von Tag zu Tag besser wird. Wir schätzen Ihre Einschätzung sehr.
Ich habe der Frau Bundeskanzlerin auch von den Reformen erzählt, die wir bereits umgesetzt haben beziehungsweise die wir im Kontext der europäischen Integration aktuell umsetzen und die auf die Stärkung der Demokratie, Rechtsstaatlichkeit, unabhängigen Justiz, aber auch die Stärkung der Menschenrechte, wirtschaftliche Entwicklung und sozialen Wohlstand ausgerichtet sind. Ich bin mir sicher, dass wir unsere Beziehungen tatsächlich noch intensiver gestalten können.
Ich habe die Frau Bundeskanzlerin auch darüber informiert, dass die georgische Regierung bemüht ist, die Beziehungen mit Russland zu verbessern. Unsere Regierung hat in den letzten zwei Jahren, nachdem wir die Parlamentswahl gewonnen haben, sehr viele konstruktive Schritte getan. Diese Schritte haben bereits Ergebnisse gezeitigt und Früchte getragen. Diese konstruktive Politik hat gezeigt, dass Georgien eine konstruktive, voraussehbare und stabile Regierung hat, die gute Beziehungen zu ihren Nachbarn pflegt - insbesondere zu Russland. Ich möchte auch betonen, dass unsere Regierung sehr entschlossen ist, motiviert ist, konsequent ist und auch vorausschaubar und verantwortungsvoll im Hinblick auf ihre internationalen Verpflichtungen ist.
Ich danke Ihnen, Frau Bundeskanzlerin Merkel, für das heutige Gespräch. Das ist eine sehr wichtige Etappe in den deutsch-georgischen Beziehungen. Vielen Dank!
Frage: (wurde nicht übersetzt)
BK'in Merkel: Ich glaube überhaupt nicht, dass irgendeine Entscheidung von Russland als grünes Licht für weitere Aggressionen genommen wird. Ich glaube vielmehr, dass der Versuch alle Unterstützung verdient, dass Georgien die Normalisierung und die Intensivierung der Beziehungen mit Russland vorantreibt.
Zum anderen ist die Frage des MAP aus meiner Sicht kein Tagesordnungspunkt für den nächsten Nato-Gipfel. Wir sehen aber die Fortschritte, die Georgien macht, und wir sehen auch, wie Georgien sich in die gemeinsamen Arbeiten zum Beispiel in Afghanistan einbringt. Ich denke, wir sollten zum nächsten Nato-Gipfel darüber diskutieren, wie wir deutlich machen können, dass Georgien ein guter Partner gerade in diesen schwierigen Einsätzen ist. Ich glaube, es gibt auch andere Möglichkeit als MAP dafür.
Frage: Ich hätte die Frage an den georgischen Ministerpräsidenten, wie er die derzeitige Lage in der Ukraine aus Sicht Georgiens beurteilt.
Frau Bundeskanzlerin, im weitesten Sinne eine Frage zu Europa: Der georgische Ministerpräsident hat gerade davon gesprochen, dass ein Assoziierungsabkommen unterschrieben wird. Konnten Sie ihm denn erklären, mit wem er es künftig in der Kommission auch als Ansprechpartner zu tun hat und warum Sie zwischen einer öffentlichen Unterstützung zwischen dem Kandidaten Juncker und einem gewissen Auf-die-Bremse-Treten, was die Berufung von Herrn Juncker angeht, lavieren?
BK'in Merkel: Ich kann auch beginnen; das ist kein Problem. Ich wurde, ehrlich gesagt, nicht danach gefragt, wer demnächst der Kommissionspräsident ist. Aber ich hätte diese Frage gerne nach meinen Möglichkeiten beantwortet. Ich kann das wiederholen, was ich auch schon gesagt habe: Ich arbeite in all den Gesprächen, die ich führe, dafür, dass Jean-Claude Juncker die notwendige Mehrheit im Rat bekommt, um der nächste Kommissionspräsident werden zu können.
Ich arbeite darüber hinaus daran, dass eine solche Entscheidung, selbst wenn sie kontrovers geführt werden muss - die notwendige Mehrheit kennen Sie; es ist eine qualifizierte Mehrheit -, in einem europäischen Geist stattfindet. „Europäischer Geist“ heißt, dass immer daran gearbeitet wird, ein höchstes Maß an Einigung hinzubekommen. Deshalb ist mir zum Beispiel nicht egal, ob Großbritannien Mitglied der Europäischen Union ist oder nicht, sondern man sollte alle Kraft darauf setzen, selbst wenn es kontroverser Entscheidungen bedarf, doch auch hier diesen europäischen Geist immer wieder lebendig sein zu lassen. Das braucht Zeit. Deshalb habe ich gesagt: Gründlichkeit geht vor Schnelligkeit.
Drittens geht es im Übrigen auch um Inhalte. Es geht jetzt nicht nur um Personalfragen, sondern es geht auch um das Programm, das die Europäische Kommission zusammen mit dem Parlament und dem Europäischen Rat in den nächsten fünf Jahren umsetzen muss. Auch darüber wollen wir Konsultationen führen, auch darüber muss sich der Rat erst einmal klar werden. In diesem Paket läuft meine Arbeit in den nächsten Wochen ab.
MP Garibaschwili: Vielen Dank für Ihre Frage. - Selbstverständlich stellt für uns, wie auch für alle Europäer, die Ukraine eine große Sorge dar. Die Ukraine ist unser langjähriger Partner und ein befreundeter Staat. Wir leiden mit. Wir möchten aber die Hoffnung zum Ausdruck bringen, dass der neu gewählte Präsident alles dafür tun wird, dass in der Ukraine Frieden und Stabilität wiederhergestellt wird. Wir unterstützten die territoriale Integrität der Ukraine. Die Ukraine ist ein befreundeter Staat von uns, die Ukraine ist unser befreundetes Volk. Wir beobachten mit großer Sorge und Aufmerksamkeit die Geschehnisse in der Ukraine. - Danke schön!
Frage: Frau Bundeskanzlerin, was denken Sie über den Abchasien-Plan von Herrn Steinmeier? Ich vermute, es ist die Rede vom Plan von 2007. Ist das heute immer noch aktuell? Kann man davon noch reden?
BK'in Merkel: Ehrlich gesagt, halte ich mich, was Abchasien und Südossetien anbelangt, jetzt einmal an die Darstellungen, die mir der Premierminister gegeben hat, nämlich dass Georgien versucht, eine schrittweise Normalisierung hinzubekommen. Ich glaube auch aufgrund unserer Erfahrungen mit Fragen der deutschen Einheit, dass es so ist, dass man immer eine richtige Mischung finden muss. Auf der einen Seite muss man das, was man für Unrecht hält, auch weiterhin als Unrecht benennen, und auf der anderen Seite muss man alles tun, um Menschen eine Perspektive dafür zu geben, wieder zueinanderzukommen und humanitäre Dinge möglich zu machen, was die georgische Regierung ja auch tut. Deshalb unterstütze ich auch sehr den sehr pragmatischen Kurs, den Georgien in den Kontakten zu Russland fährt, weil ich glaube, dass das zum Schluss auch den Menschen in Südossetien und Abchasien hilft. Wir haben sehr intensiv darüber gesprochen, wie die Lage dort ist, und ich glaube, man darf sagen, dass sie für die Menschen nicht einfach ist. Deshalb wird Deutschland alles unterstützen, insbesondere auch der Außenminister, was dazu führt, dass es den Menschen auch in diesen Regionen wieder besser geht.
Frage: Herr Ministerpräsident, Sie haben davon gesprochen, dass Ihr Land um gute Beziehungen zu Russland bemüht ist. Was würden Sie vor diesem Hintergrund der Regierung in Kiew und dem neuen Präsidenten der Ukraine raten, wie sie sich gegenüber Russland verhalten sollen?
Frau Bundeskanzlerin, Sie und andere Regierungschefs werden am Freitag erstmals seit Langem wieder mit dem russischen Präsidenten zusammentreffen. Versprechen Sie sich von den D-Day-Feierlichkeiten am Rande eine Wiederannäherung oder ein offenes Gespräch mit Putin?
MP Garibaschwili: Was können wir dem neu gewählten Präsidenten der Ukraine vorschlagen? Ich versuche vielleicht, kurz zu wiederholen, was ich schon öfter gesagt habe: Wir glauben, dass konstruktiver Dialog der beste Ausweg ist, um jede mögliche Krise zu lösen. Wir haben es geschafft. Wir haben gezeigt, dass konstruktive, normale Beziehungen mit Russland möglich sind und dadurch Probleme zwischen zwei Staaten lösbar sind.
Was unsere Annäherung an die Europäische Union angeht: Damit wollen wir auch ein Beispiel dafür geben, dass Georgien ein Ort sein kann, der einerseits ein Teil Europas werden will und in einem Monat ein Assoziierungsabkommen mit der EU unterzeichnen wird, aber gleichzeitig eine konstruktive Politik mit Russland fährt. Wir haben sozusagen von beiden Seiten positive Signale empfangen. Ich glaube, Georgien könnte in dieser Hinsicht beispielhaft in der Region werden.
Der Ukraine würde ich raten, so schnell wie möglich einen konstruktiven Dialog mit Russland anzufangen, aber natürlich unter Beteiligung der internationalen Gemeinschaft. Ich glaube, erst so wird man zu einem Ergebnis kommen können.
BK'in Merkel: Ich denke, dass wir uns erst einmal freuen können, dass der D-Day die Möglichkeit eröffnet, im Gedenken an die Ereignisse des Zweiten Weltkriegs die Feierlichkeiten auch in Anwesenheit des russischen Präsidenten zu begehen.
Zweitens werde ich ihm so gegenübertreten, wie ich das auch in Telefonaten tue. Es ist ja nicht so, dass ich seit Wochen nicht mit ihm gesprochen hätte. Insofern wird das eine Begegnung sein, die statt des Gesprächs über das Telefon vielleicht auch einen kurzen direkten Austausch möglich machen wird. Aber das, was ich zu sagen habe, ist nicht davon beeinflusst, ob es über das Telefon oder direkt geschieht.
Frage: König Juan Carlos aus Spanien hat heute Morgen abgedankt. Wollen Sie etwas dazu sagen?
BK'in Merkel: Ich kann dazu Folgendes sagen: Wir nehmen diese Entscheidung natürlich mit Respekt zur Kenntnis. Der König hat eine sehr wichtige Rolle in der Transition Spaniens in eine Demokratie gespielt. Ich persönlich habe oft mit ihm Gespräche geführt, die immer sehr tiefgehend und sehr konstruktiv waren. Ich glaube, er hat zu der deutsch-spanischen Freundschaft und zu den deutsch-spanischen Beziehungen einen unglaublich wichtigen Beitrag geleistet. Deshalb werde ich mich auch immer im Guten an ihn erinnern.

EUROPAWAHLEN 2014
Europawahl 2014 - elections2014.eu/de
Vom 22. bis 25. Mai 2014 wählen die Bürgerinnen und Bürger der Europäischen Union zum achten Mal das Europäische Parlament. In der Bundesrepublik Deutschland findet die Wahl am Sonntag, dem 25. Mai 2014, statt. Die Wahl zum Europäischen Parlament erfolgt nicht nach einem einheitlichen europäischen Wahlrecht, sondern nach nationalen Wahlgesetzen. Das Europawahlgesetz und die Europawahlordnung regeln das Wahlverfahren in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland.
Hintergrundinformationen zu europäischen Institutionen (ohne Georgien):
Die Europäische Union - europawahl-bw.de
Im Jahr 2007 feierte die Europäische Union  ihr 50jähriges Bestehen.
Am 25. März 1957 unterzeichneten die Mitgliedstaaten der Europäischen Gemeinschaft für Kohle und Stahl die Römischen Verträge. Diese bilden bis heute den Kern der Europäischen Union. 
Der aus dem griechischen stammende Begriff Demokratie (Demos = Volk, kratein = herrschen) bedeutet im Deutschen soviel wie Volksherrschaft. Das heißt, dass politische Entscheidungen nur von Institutionen getroffen werden können, die direkt oder indirekt demokratisch, also vom Volk, legitimiert werden. In allen Mitgliedsstaaten der Europäischen Union wird die demokratische Legitimation durch die Wahl von Parlamenten hergestellt. Im Fall der Bundesrepublik wären dies die Wahlen zum Deutschen Bundestag. Das Pendant zum Deutschen Bundestag bildet auf EU-Ebene das Europäische Parlament. ...
Die Europäische Kommission hat ihren Sitz in Brüssel, verfügt jedoch auch über Vertretungen in den Mitgliedsstaaten. 
Die Europäische Kommission nimmt in der Europäischen Union in etwa die Funktionen einer Regierung wahr. Sie vertritt nicht die Interessen eines bestimmten Mitgliedsstaates, sondern die Interessen der Europäischen Union. ...
Der Rat der Europäischen Union -Stimme der Mitgliedsstaaten  - europawahl-bw.de
Der Rat der Europäischen Union - früher auch als Ministerrat bekannt - ist das wichtigste gesetzgebende Organ und Entscheidungsgremium der EU. Er vertritt die Mitgliedstaaten und an seinen Tagungen nimmt je ein Minister aus den nationalen Regierungen der EU-Staaten teil. Sitz ist das Consilium, das Justus-Lipsius-Gebäude in Brüssel. In den Monaten April, Juni und Oktober tagt der Rat in Luxemburg. ...
Der Europäische Rat - europawahl-bw.de
Der Europäische Rat legt die allgemeinen politischen Zielvorstellungen und Prioritäten der Europäischen Union fest. Mit dem Inkrafttreten des Vertrags von Lissabon am 1. Dezember 2009 ist er ein Organ geworden. ...
Weitere Institutionen:
Informationen zu europäischen Institutionen (mit Georgien):
Europarat - CoE - Council of Europe      >>Seite
Georgische Partei "UNM - United National Movement", 2001 gegründet von Micheil Saakaschwili, founded in October 2001 by Mikheil Saakashvili.

EUROVISION SONG CONTEST ESC 2014 IN KOPENHAGEN - DÄNEMARK
Georgien mit The Shin konnte leider die Endrunde nicht erreichen:
Länderporträt: Georgien - eurovision.de
... Nach Kopenhagen reiste 2014 die Band The Shin und Sängerin Mariko. "Shin" bedeutet im Georgischen "nach Hause kommen" und das ist das Ziel der Musiker: Sie wollten ihre Zuhörer - egal wie weit sie weg sein mögen - mit ihrer Musik nach Hause führen. Unterstützt wurden sie von Mariko Ebralidze, einer in Georgien sehr bekannten Jazzsängerin. Am 14. März wird dann auch der Song im Frühstücksfernsehen des georgischen Senders GPB vorgestellt: "Three Minutes To Earth". Das Lied hat Einflüsse von Fusion-Jazz, georgischem Polyphongesang und ist alles andere als gefällig - die Jazzmusiker konnten sich im zweiten Halbfinale nicht durchsetzen.
Group "The Shin" & Mariko Ebralidze will present Georgia at the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC). The Georgian contender was announced by the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) during a special press conference held earlier this afternoon. Mariko Ebralidze will depart for Stuttgart, Germany, in several weeks where she will record a song together with “Shin.” Shooting of a joint video clip, directed by Kakha Bukhrashvili, will begin in Georgia afterwards.
The final of 2014 ESC will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, on May 10. 

UKRAINE-/RUSSLAND-REZEPTION IN ARD MIT NEUER DEUTLICHKEIT
Thomas Roth: Was ist das eigentlich, was wir gegenwärtig im Osten der Ukraine erleben? Ist das noch an internationalen Rechtsstandards orientierte Politik oder ist es nicht inzwischen viel eher eine Mischung von gezielt eingesetzter Gewalt und krimineller Erpressung, die an die mafiösen Methoden von Strauchdieben erinnert. 
Wozu diese Mischung führt oder führen soll, das ist klar: zur systematischen Zersetzung des Staates Ukraine. Täglich Schusswechsel, Besetzungen, immer noch halten prorussische Separatisten unter der Führung des selbst ernannten Bürgermeisters von Slawiansk sieben OSZE-Beobachter, darunter vier Deutsche, in Geiselhaft.
Immer noch protestieren internationale Regierungen dagegen, darunter auch heute wieder die Deutschen. Und immer noch zeigt sich, dass die ukrainische Regierung gegen all das machtlos ist. 
Und Golineh Atai mit Interviews aus der Ukraine ...

UKRAINE IM RUSSISCHEN WÜRGEGRIFF WIE EINST 2008 GEORGIEN
Heinemann: … Wird Russland nach der Krim auch Teile der Ukraine besetzen? Reiter: ... Und das ist ein unangenehmes Gefühl, einen großen Nachbarn zu haben, dessen Verhalten man nicht vorhersehen kann, der unberechenbar ist. …
Heinemann: … wenn Sie sich für einen Augenblick in die Lage der politisch Verantwortlichen in Moskau hineinversetzen: In Kiew sind Faschisten an der Regierung beteiligt, nach russischer Lesart. Eine erste Amtshandlung der neuen Regierung war das Verbot der russischen Sprache, das ist inzwischen wieder zurückgenommen worden. In Kiew wurde Präsident Janukowitsch mit den gleichen Mitteln gestürzt, die prorussische Milizen im Osten der Ukraine anwenden, und die Putschisten in Kiew gelten im Westen als Freiheitshelden und die im Osten als Unruhestifter. Können Sie verstehen, dass Moskau vor der eigenen Haustür für Ordnung sorgen möchte?
Reiter: Ich kenne diese Melodie, ich kenne diese Melodie sehr gut. Diese Melodie kennt jeder hier gut, der in einem Land des Warschauer Paktes lebte. Jeder Versuch einer Emanzipation wurde begleitet von derselben Melodie. Es waren immer Faschisten, Imperialisten, Agenten von der CIA am Werke. Das war das Gleiche bei der polnischen Solidarnocz, Solidaritätsbewegung. Ich kenne diese Melodie. Das war auch bei den Prag-Ereignissen. Das ist nichts Neues, das hat eine lange Tradition. Und auch der sogenannte "Minderheitenschutz": Schon im 18. Jahrhundert, da gab es noch nicht den Begriff "russische Minderheit", aber bevor es zu den Teilungen Polens kam, hat die russische Zarin interveniert zugunsten der Russisch-orthodoxen in Polen. Und da gibt es eine lange Tradition der Politik. Und ich glaube, es hilft sehr, die Geschichte zu kennen. Sie zeigt, dass es eben in der Politik vieler Länder doch eine erstaunliche Kontinuität gibt. Und diese Kontinuität geht hinaus über die Zeit des Kalten Krieges. Europäische Geschichte ist länger als die des Kalten Krieges und des Zweiten Weltkrieges. Sie hat mehr Deutungsmuster zu bieten. Also ich empfehle sehr, in diesen Tagen Geschichte zu studieren.
Heinemann: Wie sollte man mit dieser Kontinuität und dieser Melodie, die Sie angesprochen haben, umgehen?
Reiter: Man muss vor allem wissen, was man selber will. Man muss Entschlossenheit zeigen. Denn nur Entschlossenheit - es geht nicht darum, jetzt Muskeln spielen zu lassen. Nein, es geht darum, Entschlossenheit zu zeigen und deutlich zu sagen, was man akzeptieren und was man nicht akzeptieren kann. Nur das wird respektiert. ….
Energie: Unabhängig werden von Russlands Gas OSZE-Beobachter entführt - 25.04.2014, dlf.de
Pro-russische Aufständische haben in der Ukraine eine Gruppe westlicher Militärbeobachter in ihre Gewalt gebracht. Es sollen auch Deutsche darunter sein. Die Gruppe arbeitete im Auftrag der OSZE. Auch auf diplomatischer Ebene gibt es keinerlei Anzeichen für eine Entspannung. Mehr
Diplomatie muss Priorität haben - 25.04.2014, dlf.de
KOMMENTAR Der Kurs der deutschen Regierung in der Ukraine-Krise hat nichts mit Leisetreterei zu tun. Er ist darauf angelegt, alle Beteiligten zur Besinnung zu rufen, kommentiert Thomas Nehls. Konkrete Maßnahmen der Deeskalation auf allen Seiten sind überfällig. Mehr

Außenminister Steinmeier und der französische Außenminister Fabius in Georgien und Moldau, 23. - 24.04.2014 - auswaertiges-amt.de

Georgia in European Parliament's Resolution on Ukraine - 18.04.2014, Civil.ge
In its non-binding resolution adopted on April 17 on Eastern Partnership countries and in particular on “destabilisation of eastern Ukraine”, the European Parliament said that Georgia, like any other European state, has a European perspective.
The resolution, which calls on the EU-member states to consider strengthening sanctions against Russia for its support of armed militias in eastern parts of Ukraine, also mentions Georgia’s breakaway regions, saying that Russia “is still occupying the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia, in violation of the fundamental norms and principles of international law.”
“Ethnic cleansing and forcible demographic changes have taken place in the areas under the effective control of the occupying force, which bears the responsibility for human rights violations in these areas,” the resolution reads.
The resolution says that the Association Agreements (AA) with Ukraine and the other Eastern Partnership countries “do not constitute the final goal in their relations with the EU.”
It says that pursuant to Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, “Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine – like any other European state – have a European perspective and may apply to become members of the Union provided that they adhere to the principles of democracy, respect fundamental freedoms and human and minority rights and ensure the rule of law.”
The resolution reaffirms European Parliament’s support towards signing of the Association Agreements with Georgia and Moldova and their provisional application “immediately upon signature.”
The resolution “urges the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union to reduce the notification procedures following the signing of the AAs, so that provisional application can take effect as soon as possible after signing.”
The European Parliament also expressed its intention, “in the event of all requirements being met and the AAs subsequently being signed, to proceed with full ratification of the EU–Moldova and EU–Georgia AAs as soon as possible” and before the end of the current European Commission’s term in October.
It also calls for the allocation of the additional financial assistance to these countries.
In the resolution the European Parliament also called for “a frank and open dialogue” with Russia over the Eastern Partnership.
“The Russian concerns as regards the EU association process of Ukraine and the other Eastern neighbours must be adequately addressed and explained, so as to ease fears of new geopolitical dividing lines on the European continent,” reads the resolution.
It also says that “each country has every right to make its own political choices, but that the EU’s engagement with the Eastern partners aims to spread prosperity and increase political stability, from which the Russian Federation will also ultimately gain.”
Foreign Minister, Maia Panjikidze, welcomed the European Parliament resolution and said on April 18 that acknowledging Georgia’s European perspective is of particular significance. She said that it makes Georgia’s eventual goal to become EU member state “tangible”.

EU-GEORGIEN-ABKOMMEN RÜCKT NÄHER 
French, German FMs to Visit Tbilisi - 23.04.2014, Civil.ge

Moderation des Interviews mit Maia Panjikidze: Marietta Schwarz
Außenminister Frank-Walter Steinmeier empfängt am 10.04.2014 in Berlin seine georgische Amtskollegin Maia Panjikidze. 2008 habe es in Georgien ein ähnliches Szenario gegeben wie derzeit in der Ukraine, erinnert sich die georgische Außenministerin Maja Panjikidze, seitdem seien einzelne Landesteile von russischen Truppen besetzt. Sie traf sich in Berlin mit ihrem Amtskollegen Frank-Walter Steinmeier. ...
Panjikidze: Wir sind ein Land, das die territoriale Integrität und Souveränität der Ukraine anerkennt, und wir sind ein Land, das mit der Ukraine ganz enge Beziehungen hat, mit dem ukrainischen Volk. Und wir schauen mit Sorge auf die Ukraine und leiden mit, weil auch die Erinnerungen wach werden von 2008. Da gab es ein ähnliches Szenario in Georgien und das Resultat ist, dass zwei Teile von Georgien besetzt sind von russischen Truppen, das sind 20 Prozent unseres Territoriums, und die Beigebiete Südossetien und Abchasien sind als unabhängige Länder anerkannt von Russland. ...

U.S. House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner said he is “deeply troubled by pattern of ongoing harassment and detainment of former government officials as well as current opposition officials” in Georgia. His written statement on April 4 was made in reaction to questioning of former secretary of National Security Council Giga Bokeria by prosecutors earlier on the same day. Boehner said that this pattern “should be cause for concern throughout the international community of free nations.”
“The interrogation and intimidation in many cases has been motivated by political retribution, far removed from the fair and impartial justice to which every Georgian is entitled. Today’s report [of questioning Bokeria] is just the latest disturbing news casting doubts regarding the current Georgian government’s commitment to freedom, openness and democracy, especially as the country prepares for local elections. While the United States has no choice but to view these developments in the Republic of Georgia with increasing concern, I will continue to staunchly support the strong partnership the United States enjoys with those Georgians who remain committed to the values and defense of a free, democratic society,” reads the statement. 
Swedish Foreign Minister, Carl Bildt, tweeted: “Getting worried by developments in Georgia. Government's politics of revenge is not congruent with a free and fair election environment.” 

INNENPOLITIK: REGIERUNG IVANISHVILI/GHARIBSHVILI UNTERSUCHT GEGEN UND VERHAFTET OPPOSITIONSPOLITIKER ENDLOS ...
Former security secretary of Georgia, Giga Bokeria has been summoned for interrogation at the Office of the Chief Prosecutor. Bokeria, who currently is the foreign affairs secretary of the United National Movement, will be questioned as a witness, however, it is yet unknown about which case.
Bokeria is expected to go to the Department of Special Cases of the Chief Prosecutor`s Office at 15:00.
04.04.14
The Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance interrogated former MP, the member of the United National Movement, Koba Khabazi last night within the investigation of the work of municipal ltds. As former MP says, he was questioned about his work as the chairperson of the board of Tbilisi - City of Lights municipal company. ...
03.04.14
The wife of the opposition MP Akaki Minashvili was interrogated by the prosecutor`s office last night. The investigation questioned her regarding her work at the Ministry of Defence of Georgia two years ago. ...
Parliament passed on April 2 with 72 votes to 29 with its first reading a legislative amendment, which, after it is finally approved, will allow prosecutors to bring criminal charges against lawmaker from the UNM parliamentary minority group Roland Akhalaia. ...
Several civil society groups said on March 26, that number of aspects surrounding summoning of former president Mikheil Saakashvili for questioning “may cast a shadow over objective investigation” and called on the authorities not to give rise to the suspicion that the process is politically motivated. “It is obvious that any citizen of Georgia, including former president, is equal before the law and, if needed, is obliged to cooperate with investigation. But because of especially high public interest, this process should proceed maximally transparently and openly. It is of utmost importance to rule out any suspicion about politically motivated prosecution, which can significantly damage country’s image,” reads a joint statement by International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED); Transparency International Georgia; Georgian Democracy Initiative and Civil Development Agency (CiDA). ...
Štefan Füle, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood, reacted to Georgian prosecutors’ decision to summon ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili for questioning with a post on Twitter, saying that he’s watching it with concern. ...

The family of Georgia`s first president Zviad Gamsakhurdia plan to send special address to the government of Georgia, the Public Defender and the Chief Prosecutor and demand the completion of the investigation of the death reasons of their father. They say the investigation started in 2004 and in 2011 it concluded that Zviad Gamsakhurdia did not commit a suicide; therefore, they think the investigation should be continued to clarify how the first president died.
`We, the family of Zviad Gamsakhurdia, have decided today, on March 31, 2014, to submit requests to the offices of the authorities, public defender and the chief prosecutor and urge them to continue and complete the investigation to its logical end,` the elder son of the late president, Konstantine Gamsakhurdia said.
The youngest son of the first president, Tsotne Gamsakhurdia has also defined that it was not a request of the sons of the late president, but the demand of the citizens of Georgia to clarify and answer the question - if it was not a suicide, than what was it?
`This is not an act of fulfilling obligation of the family - we are all equally responsible to our history and our country and we believe that this step taken by the state of Georgia would serve the development of our country as one of the most important unanswered question will be finally answered and it will be answered properly and without bias,` Giorgi Gamsakhurdia said.

ENTFÜHRUNGSVERSUCH GEGEN DEN ABGEORDNETEN NUGZAR TSIKLAURI
NGOs calls for effective investigation - 01.04.14,  rustavi2.com
Non-governmental organizations call on the authorities to provide fast, effective and unbiased investigation of the fact of assault on opposition MP Nugzar Tsiklauri. ...
MP Tsiklauri interrogated at his place - 31.03.14,  rustavi2.com
The representatives of the prosecutor`s office interrogated opposition MP Nugzar Tsiklauri at his place today. The interrogation lasted three hours, which was followed by a forensic enquiry. The interrogation was attended by the lawyer of the member of the parliament. ...
Prime Minister of Georgia has commented on the fact of the assault on the opposition MP Nugzar Tsiklauri. Irakli Gharibashvili says he learnt about the incident this morning and assigned the prosecutor`s office to investigate the crime in time. ...
UNM MP Tsiklauri assaulted - 31.03.14, rustavi2.com
Opposition MP from the United National Movement has been assaulted late last night. As Nugzar Tsiklauri says, three cars stopped outside his house and several masked men tried to abduct him; they even used the electric shock to weaken him.
Tsiklauri has been hospitalized to Ghudushauri Clinic, where he was provided first aid. He had injuries on his face.
The MP has been already interrogated by the police. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the investigation is in progress under the article N125.
Tsiklauri thinks it was a politically motivated assault aiming to scare him.
UNM MP Tsiklauri Attacked - 31.03.2014, civil.ge
A lawmaker from UNM opposition party, Nugzar Tsiklauri, said he was attacked by at least seven men last night outside his home in Tbilisi. Tsiklauri, who had bruises visible at nose and eye, told journalists that he was attacked at about 3am on Monday by seven or eight masked men. He said that assailants tried to drag him into one of the three cars they had arrived, but failed and left the scene after a fistfight, which lasted for one or two minutes; Tsiklauri also said that attackers had electroshock devices. ...

SHALVA TATUKHASHVILI NACH VERHÖR VERSTORBEN
... According to the report, compiled by the National Forensics Bureau, most of the injuries on Tatukhashvili’s body were sustained maximum two days before his death, suggesting that those injuries could not have been sustained on March 18 when he last time visited Tbilisi prosecutor’s office.
Tatukhashvili’s family insists that he was “tortured” by investigators to obtain false testimony. According to autopsy report only a minor bruise on his finger was sustained about six or seven days before the death. Tatukhashvili family and its lawyer, Irakli Zakareishvili, who at the same time also represents a former senior interior ministry official Data Akhalaia against whom, according to prosecutors, Tatukhashvili testified twice (on February 24 and March 18), said they do not trust official autopsy report.
Hours before the prosecutor’s office announced about the results of official autopsy report, lawyer Zakareishvili released findings of an alternative examination, which was commissioned to an independent Tbilisi-based forensic bureau, Vector.
Examination of bodily injuries in this report was made based on an official protocol of post mortem external examination and photos of the body, taken by lawyer Zakareishvili several days after Tatukhashvili’s death. The report suggests that injuries could have been sustained in a time frame when Tatukhashvili was in Tbilisi prosecutor’s office.
Alexandre Gejadze of forensic bureau Vector, who compiled this report, however, said that his findings cannot be conclusive because his examination was based on protocol of external autopsy and on photos taken several days after the death. He told Rustavi 2 TV late on April 4 that official autopsy report, saying that most of the injuries were sustained in a time frame of two days before the death, does not necessarily come in conflict with his findings.
UNM parliamentary minority group says that in the condition when suspicions over the official investigation still remain, particularly when the Tatukhashvili family does not trust official probe, the best way to address the situation would be to launch an ad hoc investigative commission the Parliament. Lawmakers from the GD parliamentary majority group say that no such commission is required at this stage when official investigation is still ongoing.
GD ruling majority turned down on April 2 UNM’s proposal to launch an ad hoc investigative commission in the Parliament to look into circumstances surrounding last one month of life of a witness, who went missing a day after being questioned by prosecutors and who died on March 24, a week after reappearing.
Instead a special hearing of the parliamentary committee of human rights was held on April 3 during which deputy chief prosecutor Irakli Shotadze briefed lawmakers about the case.
A former special task force officer from the Interior Ministry’s department of constitutional security (DCS), Shalva Tatukhashvili, 33, was a witness in a criminal case against his former superior, Data Akhalaia, who was chief of DCS; Akhalaia, who is at large, was charged with a premeditated murder in aggravated circumstances. The case is related to the so called Navtlugi special operation in Tbilisi in which three young men were killed in January, 2006.
Tatukhashvili, according to prosecutors, provided incriminating testimony against his former superior; but Tatukhasvhili’s family and Akhalaia’s defense lawyer, Irakli Zakareishvili, who now also represents Tatukhashvili’s family, say that the testimony was obtained under “psychological pressure” and “torture”, which eventually resulted into death of the witness. The family made public post-mortem examination photos of Tatukhashvili, purportedly showing bodily injuries. Cause of the death is not yet clear as autopsy results are pending. ... On February 24 Shalva Tatukhashvili received a phone call from a prosecutor asking him to arrive for questioning in connection to Navtlugi special operation as at the time he was an acting commander of DCS special task force. ... In a letter to Data Akhalaia’s lawyer Irakli Zakareishvili, dated with February 25, the family asks him to represent its interests instead of those two lawyers, who were present at Tatukhashvili’s questioning. According to the letter, after the questioning, Tatukhashvili was hastily taken by law enforcement officers to an unknown location without allowing the relatives, who spent about eleven hours outside prosecutor’s office waiting for Shalva, to speak with him. ...
The investigation of the death reasons of Shalva Tatukhashvili, the son of the fugitive General Gogi Tatukhashvili and one of the major witnesses in the case of ex-official Bacho Akhalaia, is in progress, however, the family declares mistrust...
NGO, Ombudsman to meet Tatukhashvili family - 31.03.14,  rustavi2.com
The Public Defender of Georgia and the representatives of the Georgian Young Lawyers Association NGO will meet the family of Shalva Tatukhashvili regarding the investigation of the death of Shalva. ...
AUFGRUND DER EREIGNISSE IN DER UKRAINE UND GEORGIEN ZUR ERINNERUNG:
DIE KLARE ANALYSE VON 2011 VON DEM EHEMALIGEN EU-ERWEITERUNGSKOMMISSAR VERHEUGEN ZU GEORGIEN
Vor genau drei Jahren tobte im Kaukasus ein kurzer, heftiger Krieg zwischen Russland und Georgien. Ein paar Tage lang wandten wir uns dem Thema zu, dann kehrte der politische Alltag ein. Das Problem aber ist weiterhin ungelöst. Irgendwann wird dieser Konflikt wieder ausbrechen, und keine hastigen diplomatischen Shuttlemissionen werden mehr helfen. 
Die Fakten: Die von Präsident Sarkozy im Namen der EU ausgehandelten Bedingungen des Waffenstillstands werden nicht eingehalten. Russland erfüllt seine Verpflichtungen nicht. Moskau hat beide Territorien als Staaten anerkannt und missachtet damit die von der Staatengemeinschaft eingeforderte territoriale Integrität Georgiens. Die russische Wirtschaftsblockade gegenüber Georgien besteht fort. Auch heute dürfen EU-Beobachter nicht die damals umkämpften Gebiete betreten. 
Das Interesse Russlands ist eindeutig: Moskau will die volle Kontrolle über die Kaukasusregion, und darum soll die Integration Georgiens in die atlantischen und europäischen Strukturen, also Nato und EU, gebremst werden. Mit dieser Politik ist Moskau bislang erfolgreich - weil wir wegschauen. ... Die EU kann und muss sehr viel mehr tun als bisher. ... Der Kaukasus braucht keine externen Schutzmächte, sondern die Befriedung seiner Völker. Sonst werden sich die Wunden nicht schließen. ...
WELT.de: Die EU will trotz andauernder Menschenrechtsverletzungen ihre Partnerschaft mit dem Energielieferanten Russland ausbauen. Ist das richtig?
Verheugen: Wenn wir unsere Energielieferungen danach aussuchen würden, ob in den Lieferstaaten die Menschenrechte vollständig verwirklicht sind, dann dürften wir unsere Energie nur aus Norwegen beziehen. 
INNENPOLITIK: MOBILISIERT REGIERUNG IVANISHVILI/GHARIBSHVILI NUN GEGEN EX-PRÄSIDENT SAAKASHVILI ?
Premierminister Gharibashvili nutzt die kürzlich gestarten innenpolitischen Untersuchungen um den Tod von Zurab Zhvania im Jahr 2005, um Saakashvili für Aussagen nach Georgien zu zwingen. Einen Tag zuvor hatte Saakashvili in einer TV-Runde Russland verbal heftig attackiert.
Nothing will stop me except for physical elimination - Mikheil Saakashvili I will arrive in Georgia not to fulfill Putin’s dream but to free my country of those who fulfill Putin’s orders’, former president Mikheil Saakashvili said. The audio address, in which Saakashvili speaks from Holland, was released by Imedi TV yesterday. The former president said that for the recent weeks Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is very nervous about him. "In fact, I started a campaign for Ukraine's support. They created a very serious problem, but if now Putin thinks that I will quietly go and surrender, and my displacement will no longer be possible, it is a great folly. I'm going to continue to struggle for liberation of Georgia and the entire region as a free man. Nobody can restrict my movement. As for your question, whether I will arrive in Georgia or not, I can tell you that I will arrive in Georgia not to fulfill Putin’s dream but to free my country of those who fulfill Putin’s orders. This will happen much sooner than Ivanishvili can imagine it. The Russian oligarch was given two billions for fulfilling this task in 2012. There is no doubt that this was done be him. Europeans told me that he resigned only because to do this job in the shadow, as if he has nothing to do with it. I would like to say that no one will buy it. Everybody knows that the government is run by completely worthless people, which do not make any decision. Everyone knows that even Ivanishvili does not make final decisions. The decisions are made by those who gave him those two billions. These are temporal difficulties for Georgia. I will continue to fight. Nothing will stop me except for physical elimination from Putin’s side. I will continue my struggle as a free man. I'm not going to engage in Ivanishvili-Putin’s games. I will visit Ivanishvili, when it is needed, but for a different mission," he said. Mikheil Saakashvili was summoned to the Chief Prosecutor's Office for questioning as a witness yesterday.
One of the EU leaders warned me of Putin’s request and the deal agreed on with the Georgian government about his arrest - Mikheil Saakashvili The dream of Putin and some Georgians, that is to somehow restrict me, will remain a dream, former president Mikheil Saakashvili said on the Public Broadcaster while commenting on his summoning to the Prosecutor’s Office.
As the ex-president pointed out, he left Georgia because one of the leaders of the European Union warned him of Putin’s request and the deal agreed on with the Georgian government about his arrest.
‘Now Putin is trying to restrict my movement with the assistance of the Georgian government. This is related to the agreement achieved between Ivanishvili and Putin. Ivanishvili’s ‘departure’ from politics was conditioned by the fact that he wanted to create an illusion that the government is arresting people and he has nothing to do with it. I, of course, will arrive in Georgia, but not now and not for fulfilling Putin’s will. I will arrive when I prepare situation, when we all prepare situation in Georgia, Ukraine, in the whole region for getting free of Putin once and forever. The dream of Putin and some Georgians, that is to restrict me, will remain a dream. You can be sure now that dreams are either unfulfilled or turned into nightmares’, Saakashvili said.
Mikheil Saakashvili was summoned to the Chief Prosecutor's Office for questioning as a witness yesterday.
Policy of revenge will undermine Georgia’s trustworthiness and its development - Carl Bildt The policy of revenge will undermine Georgia’s trustworthiness and its development, Sweden’s Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said while commenting on Mikheil Saakashvili’s summoning to questioning.
‘When I last time was in Tbilisi and met with Mr. Ivanishvili, we agreed on that the policy of revenge would end, since this attitude is very harmful for Georgia. The policy of revenge has no future in Europe and such tendency will undermine Georgia’s trustworthiness and its development as a successful country’, Bildt noted. The comment was released by the Rustavi 2 TV. Mikheil Saakashvili was summoned to the Chief Prosecutor's Office for questioning as a witness yesterday.
22 March, 2014, georgianews.ge
‘Mikheil Saakashvili is obliged to cooperate with the investigation and give detailed answers to all the questions’, the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili said in an exclusive interview with the paper “Kviris Palitra”. ...
 - 20.03.14, rustavi2.com
Prosecutor`s office of Georgia has released a special statement regarding the video released on internet yesterday. The scandalous video included photos taken in the apartment, where the bodies of the late prime minister Zurab Zhvania and his friend Raul Usupov were found. The photos show injuries on the bodies of the dead. The press speaker of the prosecutor`s office said the publication of the video was illegal and it obstructed to the process of investigation which was intensively in progress. Currently, the investigation requires exhumation of the bodies, because the conclusions of the expertise of the bodies are not sufficient and compatible with the injuries seen on the pictures included in the criminal case.
The prosecutor`s office is currently holding negotiations with the families of the dead and the international bureaus to conduct exhumation of the bodies and new expertise.

GEORGIAN DREAM-CHEF, EX-PM UND MILLIARDÄR IVANISHVILI KRITISIERT OFFEN "SEINEN" PRÄSIDENTEN
... viele Mißverständisse untereinander in den ersten zwei Monaten ... zeigt sich nach Wahl in vollkommen anderer Weise ... heute nunmehr keine formalen Kontakte ...
Ex-PM slams Georgia`s president - 19.03.14, rustavi2.com
Former prime minister of Georgia Bidzina Ivanishvili, who currently has his own non-governmental organization The Citizen, has criticized president of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili, who was once his favorite and the member of his team, whom he personally nominated as the candidate for the president. In the political talk-show The Time for Politics, former PM said that Giorgi Margvelashvili had shown himself in an entirely different way after the election. `I can`t deny, I had expected better. For the first two months I had intensive polemics with the elected president. There were lots of misunderstandings between us. We had very tense disputes for those two months as he showed entirely different character... He showed himself in an absolutely different way after the elections. I`ll soon become 60 and I don`t remember such thing. Today we do not have informal relations and I don`t consider this as a tragedy. We both decided that this is not necessary and we can argue publicly if anything happens around him,` Ivanishvili said. Former prime minister has also talked about his attitude towards Prime Minister. He said Irakli Gharibashvili was a good PM and he found some kind of resemblance between them. Ivanishvili thinks that Gharibashvili is a successful prime minister. Ivanishvili has also criticizes president for appointing the member of the United National Movement, brother of the current opposition MP, Vano Machavariani, who currently works as the adviser of the president for foreign relations.
President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili commented on ex-PM Bidzina Ivanishvili's criticism on 19 March, saying Ivanishvili's opinions and attitude are "very important" for him. "I appreciate Bidzina, I have a high appreciation for him. His opinion is important for me. So, his criticism is not particularly pleasant for me. Also, Bidzina said that we were not able to agree on certain topics, that there were intense discussions. I want to underline that I am not going to publicize what we were talking about and discussing for only one reason – these are relations between me and Bidzina, which I am not going to discuss publicly. His assessments and remarks are painful for me," Margvelashvili said at a press conference on Wednesday at Avlabari residence. ...
 - 19.03.2014, civil.ge
President Giorgi Margvelashvili said that it was “not so pleasant” for him to hear former prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili criticizing him, but the President pointedly declined to discuss details of his differences with the former PM. ...
Former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili said to he’s “surprised” by and “disappointed” in President Giorgi Margvelashvili. Ivanishvili, who was previously often describing Margvelashvili as one of his closest friends, said that he no longer keeps “informal relations” with the President.
“I don’t see any tragedy in that. It’s even better for me; it gave me more free time,” he said in an interview with Tbilisi-based Imedi TV, which was aired late on March 18. He also said there “is no need to dramatize” differences they had. In the interview Ivanishvili also spoke about how he was involved in trying to dissuade President Margvelashvili from vetoing a bill in late December, more than a month after he formally quit PM’s post.
Asked how he would evaluate Giorgi Margvelashvili in his capacity of the President, Ivanishvili responded: “In general, I think, everything here is within norms. But I will not hide that I was expecting it to be better.”
“During the first two months I had lots of polemics with the elected president,” said Ivanishvili, who quit PM’s post on the day when Margvelashvili was sworn in as president on November 17, 2013, three weeks after his election victory.
Ivanishvili complained about Vano Matchavariani being, as he put it, Presidents’ “favorite”.
Matchavariani, who is brother of UNM lawmaker Mikheil Matchavariani, is Margvelashvili’s foreign policy adviser.
The main problem about president’s foreign policy adviser, he said, is Matchavariani’s “improper” actions in the past.
Ivanishvili said that after he entered into politics in late 2011, Margvelashvili brought into the team his friend Vano Matchavariani, but the latter quit shortly after that and took a well-paid job at the state-owned Partnership Fund. Ivanishvili said that Vano Matchavariani joined his team just to “anger” then ruling UNM party and to obtain from them a well-paid job in exchange for not being with Georgian Dream. 
Vano Matchavariani denied Ivanishvili’s allegation as being “not even close to truth.”
“It is very regrettable that Bidzina Ivanishvili was provided with distorted information,” Matchavariani told InterPressNews agency.
Although Ivanishvili said the fact that UNM senior figure’s brother is working for the president “is not a tragedy”, he also said that it was still “unpleasant” for him; he said he had “an argument for number of times” with Margvelashvili over this issue. “I do not want to dramatize it, but it remains unpleasant,” he said.
 Another issue on which Ivanishvili criticized Margvelashvili is the latter’s decision to start using, at least partially, a glass-dome presidential palace in Avlabari in Tbilisi. Although saying initially that he would not have used the palace, last week Margvelashvili held several meetings there including a ceremony of presenting credentials by seven new non-resident ambassadors. Margvelashvili said that the glass-domed presidential palace was used for this event as there is no enough space in government chancellery for such ceremonies.
Ivanishvili said that before being elected as president, Margvelashvili himself was strongly against of using this palace, built by ex-president Saakashvili’s administration.
“This [palace] is a symbol of ‘violence, evil and indecency’ – these are Giorgi’s words,” Ivanishvili said.
He said that by bringing this example he’s not at all implying that Margvelashvili had no right to use the palace; he said he wants to show how Margvelashvili changed his views on this particular issue after becoming the president.
“[Margvelashvili] showed principally different features and character after the [presidential] election,” he added.
Ivanishvili confirmed that he also had a dispute with the President in late December over Margvelashvili’s intention to veto a bill, which was strongly criticized by UNM opposition and many civil society organizations. The amendment to the criminal procedure code postponed once again introduction of a new rule that will replace current practice of compelled witness statements with questioning of witnesses only before court. 
The Parliament passed the amendment on December 26, 2013 – more than a month after Ivanishvili quit PM’s post. Ivanishvili said that that after learning about Margvelashvili’s intention to veto the bill he met the President in an attempt to convince him not to do that.
“I explained to him that [veto] would have triggered misunderstanding within the team, because it was approved by the [GD coalition] team in the Parliament and the United National Movement was against of this bill and vetoing this bill would have been an insult of his own team, which was helping him throughout this process [in election campaign]; to put it mildly he responded that he did not care. Then I told him that people will not understand [presidential veto] as well; again to put it mildly he responded that he did not care about it either,” Ivanishvili said.
He said that he failed to convince Margvelashvili against vetoing the bill and parliament speaker Davit Usupashvili even started to mobilize GD lawmakers for a parliamentary session to override possible veto, requiring votes of at least 76 MPs.
The bill was not vetoed by Margvelashvili, who signed it into law. Ivanishvili said that he had not “interfered” in this issue any more after his conversation with Margvelashvili and is not aware what made the President to change his mind and not to veto the bill.
Margvelashvili spoke on the issue in late January and said that there were differences between him and some other Georgian Dream ruling coalition members over this bill and was even considering “active interference”.
Ivanishvili also said in the interview with Imedi TV that there were “many misunderstandings” but would not like to speak about them.
“But I want to repeat that there is no need to dramatize it; today this man [the President] functions and is doing what he has to do under the constitution and I think he will improve in the future and do everything better,” he said.
“There were many surprises for me about [Margvelashvili], but it did not harm the public and nothing special has happened,” he said. “I have a certain disappointment, but nothing principle.”
In the same interview Ivanishvili praised PM Irakli Garibashvili and said that Garibashvili “is better prime minister than he was.”
Ivanishvili said that he has not changed his mind about Davit Narmania, minister of infrastructure and regional development, whom he selected as GD’s Tbilisi mayoral candidate in the June 15 local elections. Ivanishvili said there “is a high probability” that Narmania will win the race without requiring a second round runoff. He said the reason why he thinks so is that Narmania is a good candidate and on the other hand he will have no strong competitors in the race – neither from the UNM nor from the non-parliamentary opposition parties.

UKRAINE-KRIM-KRISE UND ÄUSSERUNGEN AUS GEORGIEN
Russia`s aggression to Ukraine should be stopped, Georgia`s territories should be de-occupied and integration into NATO of those countries which are ready should be accelerated, Georgian Speaker Davit Usupashvili said in response to the article published by Kommersant Russian newspaper.
"Georgian Parliament remains committed to the principles and enthusiasm expressed in the resolution. This is not just solidarity for the Ukrainian people but also an address, appeal and request to the U.S. and the European Union to take all necessary measures to stop the Russian aggression towards Ukraine; resolve the conflict in a peaceful and not armed way; assist the Ukrainian people and achieve Georgia`s de-occupation. We clearly said in our resolution that we address the European Union and the NATO to speed up integration of those countries, which are ready for this. This is important because threats are increasing towards the countries, which express readiness to approach EU and NATO", Usupashvili said. The Kommersant in its letter writes about chances for granting MAP (NATO`s Membership Action Plan) to Georgia. If Russia takes over Crimea, granting MAP to Georgia will be actually decided, - Kommersant said in its letter relying on a source from the U.S. State Department.
12.03.14, rustavi2.com
The failure of the international community to punish Russia for its 2008 invasion of Georgia has let Moscow think it can get away with seizing Ukraine`s Crimea region, Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili said in his interview with AFP. "The fact that the 2008 scenario used by Russia in Georgia - when a sovereign state`s territories were seized with military force - is now being employed again in 2014 against another country proves that in the last six years both we and our partners have failed to stand up to Russia," Margvelashvili told AFP in an interview. Tensions between Tbilisi and its Soviet-era master Moscow over the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia exploded into a brutal five-day war that saw Russian troops sweep into Georgia. In the wake of the conflict the Kremlin recognised both South Ossetia and a second separatist territory, Abkhazia, as independent countries and stationed thousands of troops there in what Tbilisi decries as a de facto occupation.
Saakashvili about ‘Russian invasion of Crimea’ on CNN - 01.03.2014, georgianews.ge, Video
But President Saakashvili, let me start with you. You were just in Kiev. You've been there all week. What do you see on the ground? Are you surprised to hear this at all?
 - 01.03.2014, transcripts.cnn.com
BURNETT:  ... But President Saakashvili, let me start with you. You were just in Kiev. You've been there all week. What do you see on the ground? Are you surprised to hear this at all?
MIKHEIL SAAKASHVILI, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA: No, I'm not surprised. Actually, Georgia was invaded by a large-scale Russian army. I was warning prior to the invasion. Georgia will come and then the new Ukraine will come. Putin is following his blueprint all the way through and actually coincidentally it happened both times during the times of the Olympic.
First, it was the Beijing Olympics and now it's the Sochi Olympics and actually the blueprint is exactly the same as they applied in Georgia. Same scale, so-called unidentified troops of the Russian army and we've seen them and we know them very well. We know their handwriting.
It's exactly the same thing and we are talking right now about full- scale legally and technically full-scale military invasion. That's all it is. They will gradually build it up. It's not based on some mass scale. Putin is not even disguising it anymore. We are talking about 21st Century invasion of 45 million people country as a response to a Democratic revolution that fled to Russia. ...
BURNETT: So President Saakashvili, how bad could this get? When you were president of Georgia, hundreds of people were killed, tanks came in, troops came in. I mean, is this just the beginning for Ukraine?
SAAKASHVILI: I think it's just the beginning. Actually last time, some people were trying to argue that it's irresponsible behavior of Georgia. What would you say this time? I mean, this is a pattern and Vladimir Putin is following his pattern no matter who does what.
Actually, the reality is that it's reminiscent of what happens in the 21st Century, very much like the land by then Nazi Germany and then of course this time exactly the way how European powers said for Poland, the United States, the United Kingdom and by the way, also Russia, together pledged to guarantee territorial integrity in 1994 when Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons.
So there's an obligation that the western powers who have for this not to happen. Now Russia blatantly violated the treaty obligations that the western powers for this not to happen. Now Russia blatantly violated the zone treaty obligations. So basically we are talking -- I mean, all the way through, western powers have been repeating, there is no more cold war.
But first of all, there was always cold war for Putin all those time. Now we are really getting to really, really hot war in Europe and this is an exceptional circumstances and what I'm talking about, there's a draft that makes it easy to integrate other country's territory into Russia. This is unheard of it. We are talking about Europe, 21st Century.
BURNETT: So you think that the analogy you just gave is a very powerful one. You're talking about Nazi Germany going into --
SAAKASHVILI: Legally there is not much of a difference because this guy, Vladimir Putin, now goes into another big European country, its neighbor, and wants to grab piece of its territory and make this part of Russia. This has gone beyond anything that anybody could contemplate. This is really, really serious stuff. ...
BURNETT: ... Back with us, President Saakashvili, let me ask you this question. Vladimir Putin, according to House Intelligence officials here in the United States, controls the Crimea Peninsula now tonight. What will the Ukraine do about it? You've been in Kiev all week. You've been with opposition leaders. Are they able to fight back? Are they going to resist?
SAAKASHVILI: Look, Ukraine is a very, very peaceful country and these people were really trying to put the whole thing together. They really reached out to Russian speakers in Ukraine and east of Ukraine mostly joined these protests so there was no pretext for Russians try to do that.
I mean, the whole thing is that they were trying to sell this story to the west and by the way, I mentioned one has to remember that part of Germany came in to protect. Russia invaded my country to protect so- called to protect - they also suffered because they had to leave the territory because there was ethnic cleansing involving also those ethnic groups.
So Russia using brutal force, they claim to be provoked, but this claim is not valid. Now, Ukrainians, I think they were starting to bring in a new interim government. The whole thing was very going very peaceful. I met with all of the leaders. I had a long conversation. Peaceful intentions to carry out Democratic changes, open up Ukraine over to Europe.
That's exactly what Vladimir Putin cannot forgive them because if they go democratic like European and the United States, he had to act on this fall sense of protecting more people. So what Ukraine has occurred like Georgia has considerable army.
BURNETT: So they will fight back?
SAAKASHVILI: They gave up nuclear weapons, but their officers are very good and by the way, the Russian Army is Ukrainian. So it's not so clear how Russians can force those people to fight against their homeland. The point is, that's the worst thing to get to the situation where we might get real war between two big European countries, like Russia and Ukraine.
By the way, when we talk about what Americans can do, look, you don't -- even if you don't send tanks, you can certainly expel Russia from G-8. You can send back to Putin banks and corrupt officials, including Putin himself, he's the most corrupt person in the world. It can all be seized. It's doable.
When European Union and sanctions people started to attack him. So just don't send tanks and but at least send tanks to Putin's banks and accounts and other sanctions because, you know, I heard the president saying it will cost him. I've heard this said by also previous administration after the Georgia invasion. Well, did it really cost him? If it had cost him, it would not have done Ukraine. He's gone on a rampage and he will act without impunity. ...

WER IN RUSSLAND PUTINS UKRAINE-POLITIK NOCH UNTERSTÜTZT 
Assistant to sculptor Zurab Tsereteli has rejected the reports as though the Georgian sculptor signed the petition supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin`s actions in Crimea. ergi Shagulashvili said that Zurab Tsereteli has never involved in politics and has never signed any political document. He said Zurab Tsereteli was included in the list of signers by the ministry of culture of Russia, however the sculptor himself refused to sign the document. Part of representatives of the Russian culture have expressed their support for the Kremlin`s policy towards Ukraine. Their special adrress was released today by the ministry of culture. "We want strong future for unity of our nations and cultures. That`s why we declare support for the position of president of the Russian Federation regarding Ukraine and Crimea", the letter signed by 85 famous people says. Among them are Sergei Bezrukov, Fyodor Bondarchuk, Genadiy Khazanov, Zurab Tsereteli and Nikoloz Tsiskaridze. Since Russian actor Sergei Bezrukov is among the people signing the letter, his tour to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia has been cancelled. The decision was made by the Chamber of Culture of Georgia. As representatives of the chamber said the reason for the cancellation was signing by Bezrukov the letter which supports Putin`s policy in Ukraine. In the meantime, the supporting address has been responded by a counter letter signed by Russian cinematographs, who demonstrate their support for the Ukrainian people. The open letter says that the cinema representatives agree with their Ukrainian counterparts` position and think that Russia has undertaken unprecedented anti-Ukrainian campaign. The letter has been signed by 150 people among which are Liya Akhedjakova, Eldar Riyazanov, Latavra Dularidze, Anton Dolin, Boris Khlebnikov, Vano Burduli and others. 

MÖCHTE PUTIN MIT DEM KRIM-KONFLIKT ZUM FÜHRER DER RECHTEN PARTEIEN WERDEN IN EUROPA WERDEN?
FN-Chefin Le Pen: "Je mehr Beobachter, desto besser" ... Russland will europäische Wahlbeobachter beim Referendum auf der Krim zulassen. Frankreichs Front National, Österreichs FPÖ und andere rechtsextreme Parteien sind eingeladen worden, die Abstimmung zu beobachten. Sie prüfen das Angebot. ... Mölzer, österreich. FPÖ-Europaabgeordneter: "Wir sind einige der wenigen, die versuchen, Russland zu verstehen." Auch der Chef der Lega Nord im EU-Parlament, Lorenzo Fontana, denkt über eine Krim-Reise nach. ...

RUSSLAND AUF DEM VORMARSCH - UKRAINE UND GEORGIEN
Russian helicopters have violated Georgian airspace - several helicopters flew over the Georgian controlled territory from the occupied Tskhinvali Region yesterday and from the occupied Abkhazia today. Georgian authorities have said it was yet another provocation by Russia amid the situation in Ukraine.
According to the reports, the helicopters flew over the villages of Gori, Kaspi and Zugdidi regions. Arguably, the occupants observed Georgian police check-points.
`This is the violation of the airspace of a sovereign state, this is the violation of those international agreements and contracts, in the frames of which we currently work with the Russian Federation, because this is not the violation of our airspace only, but also the violation of the controlled airspace. I take this as a provocation. There is a difficult situation in the region in general and we should be exceedingly careful not to be provoked. We respond to such steps by coordinated work with our partners and observe the developments in the region attentively and we observe how these developments are reflected on our country,` President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili said.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has already released a special statement regarding the violation of Georgian airspace by Russian Federation.
Parliament of Georgia has adopted the resolution on Ukraine - the draft resolution was proposed by the parliamentary majority. The majority and the minority debated on some points of the resolution during past two days, as the opposition was demanding insertion of the paragraph in the document on imposing sanctions to Russia.
Despite the resistance by the opposition, the ruling majority substituted the word `sanction` with the word `measures` and in the final version it was formed in a call for political, economic and diplomatic measures towards international community.
The paragraph initiated by the minority, which described the attempts of Russia on gaining spheres of influence in the region has been also removed by the majority MPs, but the address to the international society on solving the problem of Georgia`s de-occupation along with the solving the crisis of Ukraine towards the international community was included in the text. The resolution will be sent to international organizations.

Two tourists were killed, two others are missing and only one of the crew survived in an avalanche in Ushguli. The survived tourist contacted the rescue service for help in Ushguli. Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has already confirmed the report about the death of tourists. Three of the group of tourists is the citizens of France and two are German nationals. They were extreme skiers and were skiing down on an unpaved track, when the avalanche slid. Mestia governor Kakha Zhorzholiani says their entry was registered in Mestia on March 2nd; yesterday the skiers were warned about the danger of avalanche, but they ignored the warning.

UKRAINE-KRIM-KRISE: SAAKASHVILIS'S PROPHETISCHER BRIEF IM JANUAR
Mikheil Saakashvili`s letter in WSJ - 28.01.14, rustavi2.com
American newspaper The Wall Street Journal has published an article by Georgia`s former president. In the open letter entitled Why the West Must Join the Ukraine Protesters Mikheil Saakashvili reviews the situation in Ukraine calling it a `geopolitical revolution of the 21st century`.
`The burning dividing line between the hundreds of thousands of protesters in cities across the country and the Yanukovych regime`s police lies between two ideologies, two visions of the world and two choices of life: independent, Western democracy or Vladimir Putin`s Russia,` Saakashvili wrote.
`In Kiev, the future is being decided. A triumph for the protesters would mark the end of Mr. Putin`s dream of a restored Russian empire. Their defeat would mean a huge rollback of European influence and values. The credibility of the U.S., already eroding in the region, would vanish. Mr. Putin knows it. Brave citizens of Ukraine know it. That`s why, unlike in the Orange Revolution of 2004, this time there is blood in the streets. The police have killed protesters and openly committed torture. Disappearances of activists are regularly reported. The expression of concern by Western governments is not enough. I know Vladimir Putin well enough to understand that he is behind the crackdown in Kiev, just as his hand is at work in Bashar al-Assad`s massacres of Syrians and in the Iranian nuclear-weapons program. The time has come to hold the godfather responsible, not just the members of his clan. The Kremlin is a nerve center of the troubles that bedevil the West,` Saakashvili wrote in the article.

RUSSLAND - NICHT DURCH PUTINS AUGEN GESEHEN
http://www.reitschuster.de/ - tagesaktuelle Info-Webseite des gefürchteten Kremlkritikers und FOCUS-Korrespondenten in Russland ab 1999, aber: 2011 verließ er Moskau. Nach kritischen Veröffentlichungen sah er sich neben den Beschimpfungen auch Drohungen ausgesetzt. Den Drohungen folgten Taten: Reitschuster wurde mehrmals festgenommen und sogar verprügelt. Er sah sich deshalb 2011 gezwungen, Moskau zu verlassen. 

United National Movement of Georgia objects to the appointment of Ryan Grist, former deputy head of the OSCE mission to Georgia, as the deputy head of the European Union`s Monitoring Mission to Georgia. Zurab Japaridze of the party said today that the during the August war 2008, Grist was the main instrument of Russia to tarnish the reputation and mislead international society against Georgia. UNM calls on the government of Georgia to apply to all necessary measures and deport Grist from Georgia.
The name of the former captain of the British Army became popular in 2008, when during the days of war; he told various foreign editorials that on August 7th:
`It was clear to me that the Georgian attack was completely indiscriminate and disproportionate to any, if indeed there had been any, provocation,` Grist said.
Grist left Georgia briefly after the August war, however, he now returned to the country as the deputy head of the EUMM. 
Link zur Petition: Petition gegen Ryan Grist in EUMM - petitionen24.com
პეტიცია რაიან გრისტის დანიშვნასთან დაკავშირებით
საზოგადოება „ივერიის“ დამფუძნებლები, ქართველი დიპლომატები და სამოქალაქო საზოგადოების წარმომადგენლები თავს ვალდებულად მივიჩნევთ,  გამოვეხმაუროთ ევროკავშირის სადამკვირვებლო მისიის ხელმძღვანელის მოადგილედ რაიან გრისტის დანიშვნას.
რაიან გრისტი მოქმედებდა რა თავისი დიპლომატიური სტატუსის შეუსაბამოდ,  2008 წელს  ამაგრებდა ომის დაწყების რუსულ ვერსიას  და ზიანს აყენებდა საქართველოს ეროვნულ ინტერესებს. რაიან გრისტის ქმედება დაგმო „ეუთომ“  და იგი გაწვეულ იქნა.
საზოგადოება „ივერია“, ქართველი დიპლომატები და სამოქალაქო საზოგადოების წარმომადგენლები წარმოუდგენლად მივიჩნევთ, რომ  საქართველოს საგარეო საქმეთა სამინისტროს და შესაბამისად საქართველოს მთავრობას არ ცოდნოდა კანდიდატის ვინაობა, რომელსაც ევროკავშირი საქართველოში თავისი სადამკვირვებლო მისიის ერთ-ერთ წამყვან პოსტზე მოიაზრებდა. მეტიც, ევროკავშირი საქართველოს მთავრობასთან წინასწარი კონსულტაციებისა და მინიმუმ მისი არაფორმალური თანხმობის გარეშე კანდიდატს საერთოდ არ წარადგენს.
ევროკავშირის მიერ  რაიან გრისტის დანიშვნა ნიშნავს იმას, რომ საქართველოს საგარეო საქმეთა სამინისტროს არა მხოლოდ ეფექტური წინააღმდეგობა არ გაუწევია წინასწარი მოლაპარაკების გზით, არამედ მას მდუმარე თანხმობა აქვს მიცემული აღნიშნული კანდიდატის წარდგენაზე.
მივიჩნევთ, რომ რაიან გრისტის უკან გაწვევა არც ახლა არის გვიან, რისთვისაც საქართველოს მთავრობა ვალდებულია საქართველოს ინტერესებიდან გამომდინარე,  უმოკლეს ვადებში იმოქმედოს დიპლომატიური პრაქტიკის შესაბამისად.

An explosion occurred in the occupied Tskhinvali this morning. As Russian news agencies are reporting a hand grenade exploded at the house of the head of the de facto leader`s administration, Boris Chochiyev at 7 p.m.
Nobody was injured in the explosion, neither has it damaged the house of the e facto authority. Russian news agencies are reporting that the de facto president Leonid Tibilov summoned the so-called security council and assigned them to set up an operative group, which will investigate the crime.

Defense Minister visits Germany - 14.02.14, rustavi2.com
Delegation of the Ministry of Defense of Georgia led by Minister Irakli Alasania pays a visit to Germany. Irakli Alasania and other senior defense officials visited U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels, where Georgian military servicemen are taking training course. The training aims at assessing the level of readiness of Georgian soldiers. The Minister and the Chief of Staff of Armed Forces, Vakhtang Kapanadze attended the conclusive phase of the trainings today and got familiarized with the qualification of the Georgian soldiers. Georgian delegation has already held several meetings within the visit to the military base.

Forty-two US congressmen support granting NATO Membership Action Plan to Georgia at the next summit of the Alliance - the congressional representatives have sent a letter to the US Secretary of State John Kerry. The American lawmakers call on the Secretary of State to continue close cooperation with the NATO aspirant states, which want to impose new relationships with the United States and the NATO. Georgian Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Maia Panjikidze has hailed the support of the American lawmakers. `Georgian Prime Minister attended the last meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission, which was very successful for Georgia. In Munich, we also held meetings, which were promptly followed by this letter of support to Georgia. We assess this as a very serious support to the government of Georgia. We hope that the mood, which is felt in this letter, will be also felt at the next summit of the NATO,` Maia Panjikidze said.

Over 800 convicts are refusing to quit the hunger strike they started five days ago. The prisoners are demanding improvement of the conditions in prison and dismissal of the colony director, whom they accuse of mistreatment and abuse. Last night, nine prisoners were hospitalized to the Kutaisi hospital. They inflicted injuries to their bodies. All of them were returned to prison in a few hours, after being provided with necessary medical treatment. Currently, their health state is stable, prison administration says. Relatives and the lawyers of the convicts were outside the prison last night.

Three members of the Georgian Olympic team have already arrived in Sochi preparing for the opening ceremony of the Sochi Winter Olympics 2014. Nino Tsiklauri, Iason Abramishvili and Aleksi Beniadze are Georgian skiers. The fourth Georgian athlete, figure skater Elene Gedevanishvili will join them from Canada soon. The delegation of Georgian Olympic Committee, vice president and the secretary general had arrived in Sochi a few days earlier to carry out organizational work. The skiers will participate in the competitions first. Nino Tsiklauri`s participation is scheduled for Feb. 18th.

DIE SPIELE VON SOTSCHI - Januar 2014, arte.tv
Am 7. Februar sitzt Präsident Wladimir Putin in der Ehrenloge des Fisht-Stadions von Sotschi und nimmt an der Eröffnung der XXII. Olympischen Winterspiele teil. Putins Mannschaft hat ganze Arbeit geleistet und schon in der Vorbereitungszeit einige olympische Rekorde gebrochen: die teuersten Spiele aller Zeiten, die ersten Winterspiele in einer subtropischen Region und die strengsten Sicherheitsvorkehrungen der olympischen Geschichte. Politik und Sport – das bleibt eine schwierige Mischung. Die Vorbereitung der Olympischen Winterspiele von Sotschi hat sieben Jahre gedauert. Um Sport ging es dabei eigentlich nie. ...
Zu Wort kommen auch die "schärfsten Kritiker der Putinschen Spiele": u.a. Boris Nemzov, Garry Kasparov, Jelena Panfilova

SOTSCHI - SOCHI - 2014 - OLYMPISCHE SPIELE ODER RUSSISCHE SPIELCHEN ?
5. "Fair Play"-Spiele auf russisch: Georgische Olympionikin wird kurzerhand zu einer Russin auf der offiziellen Olympia-Webseite, weil sie im von Russland okkupierten georgischen Territorium Gali geboren ist: 
The official website of Sochi Winter Olympic Games has already changed the personal information of freestyle skier Marika Pertakhiya. The website says that the skier`s birthplace is Georgia, however few hours ago it showed Russia instead of Georgia as the sportsman`s birthplace. The English version of the profile is still empty. The changes were made after the Georgian Foreign Ministry objected to the information provided by the site saying that Marika Pertakhiya was born in Gali district on the territory of the Russian Federation. The information was changed soon after the objection and Georgia has been provided as a birthplace of Pertakhiya. Members of the Georgian delegation at the Sochi Olympics said the addressed the Olympic village and the international committee was also involved in the solution of the problem.
4. Puppenspiele in Sotschi - Puppet games in Sochi
Putin invites Tskhinvali puppet leader to Sochi - 04.02.14, rustavi2.com
Russian president Vladimir Putin has invited the leader of the puppet government of Georgia`s occupied Tskhinvali Region, Leonid Tibilov to Sochi Winter Olympics. The press service of the puppet leader released this information today. The report says that along with the opening ceremony, Tibilov will also participate in other official ceremonies. According to the same report, Russian President has also invited Tibilov to a special reception, which will be held in honor of foreign leaders attending the Olympic Games. Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze says they are now trying to obtain official information about the reports released by media and only afterwards, the government will take a decision how to react on this fact.
3. Territorialspiele an der georgischen Grenze bei Sotschi - Georgian border games near by Sochi
Lavrov Comments on Relations with Georgia - 21.01.2014, Civil Georgia
Moscow “values” Georgia’s willingness to contribute to the security of the Sochi Winter Olympic games, but despite of “all the signs of improvements” in bilateral ties, Georgia’s refusal to recognize “realities” that emerged after the August 2008 war will remain a “constraining” factor for the relationship, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on January 21. ...
The Georgian Foreign Ministry expressed “deep concern” over expansion of ‘border zone’ 11 kilometers deeper into the breakaway Abkhazia ahead of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi and condemned it as an “illegal action”.
The Foreign Ministry said that this decision by Russia and its “occupation regime” in Abkhazia “resulted into shifting of the Russian-Georgian state border 11 kilometers deeper into the Georgian territory.”
This move, the Georgian Foreign Ministry said, violates once again Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“The Georgian Foreign Ministry calls on the Russian Federation to stop provocative policy against Georgia and to live up to its international commitments, envisaged under the provisions of the [2008] cease-fire agreement,” reads the statement. ...
Outgoing EU special representative for South Caucasus and a co-chair of the Geneva talks, Philippe Lefort, reiterated EU’s support to Georgia’s territorial integrity and said no one should “attempt to misinterpret it.”
His comment was made in response to a report by Russia’s online news agency, Regnum, which wrote on January 20: “Status of South Ossetia as an independent state has been defined by the people of the republic a long time ago and it is actually impossible to change this position. It was announced by co-chair of the Geneva Discussions from the EU, Philippe Lefort, in Tskhinvali on January 20.” A similar report was also carried by the breakaway region’s official news agency, RES, after Lefort’s meeting with South Ossetian leader Leonid Tibilov in Tskhinvali on January 20. “The EU position is based upon the support for the territorial integrity of Georgia within internationally recognized borders, and nobody should be in any doubt of that or attempt to misinterpret it,” Lefort told Civil.ge by phone from Yerevan on January 21. ...
Government in breakaway Abkhazia extended its ‘border zone’ with Russia, where heightened security measures are enforced, 11 kilometers deeper into the breakaway region’s Gagra district ahead of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, which is less than 40 kilometers away from the Abkhaz section of the Georgian-Russian border.
... In a decree last August, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin ordered heightened security measures in and around Sochi, which will stay in force until March 21. According to the Abkhaz government’s decree, “a stationary checkpoint” will be established at the village of Bagripshi on the edge of the 11km zone, which will be manned by officers from the Abkhaz security service, interior ministry and migration service. At this checkpoint the officers will be authorized to check identification cards of persons entering into the extended ‘border zone’ or heading towards the Russian border, as well as to inspect vehicles. Abkhaz law enforcement officers will be carrying out round-the-clock patrols in the villages falling within the zone, according to the decree. Town of Gagra itself is outside of the zone. 
Was man aus der Vergangenheit zu Sotschi und Abchasien wissen sollte:
In diesem Kapitel wird untersucht, welches politische und militärische Mittel das Russische Zarenreich für die Eroberung Abchasiens angewendet hat. Diese Untersuchung soll olitische Motive und historische Hintergründe der russischen Annexion Abchasiens aufdecken. Eine vergleichende Analyse der gegenwärtigen Okkupation von 1993 und der Annexion von 1864 steht auf dem Untersuchungsplan. ...
2. Spionagespiele - spy games
Spiele unter totaler Kontrolle - 30.10.2013, dradio.de
100 Tage bis zu Olympia in Sotschi, Von Gesine Dornblüth
Während Deutschland über die NSA und das Handy der Kanzlerin diskutiert, arbeitet der russische Geheimdienst an einer flächendeckenden Überwachung der Besucher während der Olympischen Winterspiele in Sotschi. ... 
Überwachungskameras ... zusätzliche 5.500 Geräte installiert ... Irina Borogan, Geheimdienstexpertin des renommierten Internetprojekts Agentura.ru: ""Erstmals sollen Drohnen während Olympia eingesetzt werden. ..."" ... Geheimdienste werden die gesamte Kommunikation kontrollieren: mitschneiden, abhören, filtern, speichern. Telefonate, Internetverkehr, E-Mails, Skype, soziale Netzwerke. ... Sportler genauso wie Besucher ... Computerviren beim Kauf von Karten für die Wettbewerbe ...
1. Geldspiele - money games
Wenige Wochen vor Beginn der Olympischen Winterspiele sucht Sotschi noch nach einem Konzept, wie die teuren Sportstätten auch künftig ausgelastet werden können. ... Spektakuläre Spiele zum Preis von 12 Milliarden Dollar, einzigartig kompakt und „keine Staus, das verspreche ich“ - im Jahr 2007 hatte sich Wladimir Putin nicht bescheidenen gezeigt. ... Beispiel Achmed Bilalow: Sein Unternehmen baute die Skisprungschanzen. ... zwei Jahre später fertig und mit 245 Millionen Dollar etwa siebenmal teurer als geplant. ... Gesamtkosten inzwischen mindestens 50 Milliarden Dollar ... Korruption und Veruntreuung ungeheuren Ausmaßes machen Sotschi zu den teuersten Spielen der Geschichte. ...

50. MÜNCHENER SICHERHEITSKONFERENZ (MSC) 31.01. - 02.02.2014 
Zur 50. Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz vom 31. Januar bis 2. Februar 2014 gibt die MSC den Sammelband "Towards Mutual Security. 50 Years of Munich Security Conference" heraus. Über 50 prominente Teilnehmer reflektieren die Bedeutung der Konferenz, wichtige Debatten sowie zentrale sicherheitspolitische Herausforderungen. Download PDF
Zu Beginn des zweiten Konferenztages forderte der deutsche Außenminister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in seiner Eröffnungsrede ein konkreteres sicherheitspolitisches Engagement Deutschlands. Eine „Kultur des Heraushaltens“ dürfe es nicht geben, denn „um die Weltpolitik nur von der Seitenlinie zu kommentieren“, sei Deutschland zu groß.
Damit knüpfte er an die Äußerungen von Bundespräsident Joachim Gauck und Verteidigungsministerin Ursula von der Leyen vom Vortag an, die ebenfalls für ein entschiedeneres deutsches Engagement auf dem internationalen Parkett eingetreten waren. Zugleich bekannte er sich klar zum Bündnis mit den USA.  
Später am Tag zeigten sich auch US-Außenminister John Kerry und US-Außenminister Chuck Hagel als überzeugte Transatlantiker. Die Beziehung zwischen den beiden Kontinenten sei „Teil unserer Gene“, so Kerry. Gleichwohl monierten die Amerikaner einen Mangel an wirklichem Führungswillen auf europäischer Seite. Denn dazu gehöre auch, die entsprechenden Ressourcen zur Verfügung zu stellen. 
"Wir haben alle Tests der Demokratie bestanden" - 31.01.2014, deutschlandfunk.de
Maia Panjikidze im Gespräch mit Friedbert Meurer anläßlich der MSC
Georgien will in die NATO und Mitglied der EU werden. Gewaltausbrüche wie in der Ukraine seien ausgeschlossen, sagte die georgische Außenministerin Maia Panjikidze im Deutschlandfunk. Dank gravierender Reformen sei Georgien anders als 2008 reif für die EU und das Militärbündnis - trotz massivem Druck aus Russland. 
... Meurer: Ihre Sympathie gilt damit den pro-europäischen Kräften in der Ukraine. Wie wichtig ist für Georgien die weitere Entwicklung?
Panjikidze: Sehr wichtig, weil Ukraine ist ein befreundetes Land. Wir sind diesen Weg gemeinsam gegangen. Wahrscheinlich wissen Sie noch, dass in Bukarest 2008 gesagt wurde, dass die Ukraine und Georgien Mitglieder der NATO werden. Dann sind wir gemeinsam in die Ostpartnerschaft eingezogen und leider hat Ukraine diesen Weg verlassen. Wir hoffen sehr, zunächst einmal, dass es ohne Gewalt auskommt in der Ukraine, dass die Opposition und die Regierung einen Weg zum Dialog finden, und dass letztendlich die Ukraine auf diesen Weg zurückkehrt. ...
Meurer: Sie sagen, Frau Panjikidze, Georgien will in die Europäische Union, in die NATO. Russland wird da auch eine Rolle spielen. Russland wird vorgeworfen, die Annäherung der Ukraine zur EU hintertrieben zu haben. Blüht das Ihrem Land vielleicht auch?
Panjikidze: Russland hat in Georgien praktisch alle Instrumente zur Geltung gebracht, um Druck auszuüben. 20 Prozent unseres Territoriums sind okkupiert, zwei Gebiete von Georgien sind als unabhängige Länder anerkannt. Mehr Druck ist kaum vorstellbar. Aber vielleicht gibt es noch andere Mittel, irgendwie Druck auf uns auszuüben. Aber was ganz sicher ist: Die Regierung und das Volk sind sich einig, das ist der Weg, den wir gehen wollen, und wir hoffen sehr, dass dieser Druck ausbleibt. Vielleicht lernen alle aus dem Fall der Ukraine. ...

DIFFAMIERUNGSKAMPAGNE? - IMMER NEUE ANGEBLICHE VORWÜRFE GEGEN EX-INNENMINISTER MERABISHVILLI 
Former prime minister of Georgia Vano Merabishvili has commented on the video released on internet yesterday. The video was taken during the Mukhrovani mutiny and it shows how the officials planned measures to fight the uprising. In it, Merabishvili says that he needs `two corpses` the video caused serious scandal among politicians, however, Merabishvili made definitions at his trial at Kutaisi court today. `I am not ashamed that I said this. We had information that along with those persons participating in the mutiny, which everybody knows, two Russian advisers, GRU spies were also participating and we were informed that the insurgents killed both of them to cover this fact. The video shows that I was giving an order about finding these two bodies in order to prove the connection of Russian intelligence with the mutineers.
Prosecutor`s office starts investigation on scandalous video - 30.01.14, rustavi2.com
Prosecutor`s Office of Georgia has launched investigation to set the authenticity of the video released on internet yesterday. It shows the discussion of former authorities on how to plan the special operation against the mutiny at Mukhrovani military base. The mutiny occurred in May 2009. In the video, former interior minister Vano Merabishvili gives an instruction to `bring two corpses` to him.
Prosecutor`s Office has released a statement in this regard, according to which the video shows that senior officials are issuing an illegal order, therefore the investigation was launched to clarify the details of the incident.
The Prosecutor`s Office also reports that within the same investigation, they will also probe into the legality of the special operation conducted in May 2009 at Mukhrovani military base, in which Giorgi Krialashvili was killed and Koba Otanadze was seriously injured.

REISEN NACH GEORGIEN - TRAVEL TO GEORGIA
Wo jeder Gast ein Geschenk ist - 02.01.2014,  kleinezeitung.at
In Georgien und Armenien nimmt der Tourismus zusehends Fahrt auf. Eine Reise lohnt sich nicht nur wegen der Freundlichkeit. In der einen Hand ein Schwert, in der anderen einen Weinkelch - so wacht die "Mutter Georgien" (eine monumentale Statue) unweit der Festung Narikala über das Zentrum der georgischen Hauptstadt Tbilissi und fasst damit zwei grundsätzliche Wesenszüge des georgischen Volkes zusammen. ...
Hanseblick - Georgien. Der Balkon Europas - 23.06.2013, NDR-Sendung auf youtube.com
Sehr schöne Dokumentation, die bei einer 5 tägigen Reise quer durch das Land führte.
Geheimtipp im Kaukasus - 24.06.2011, salzburg.com
Georgien kämpft sich auf die Tourismuskarte zurück - mit viel Kultur, mit alten Weinbautraditionen und mit viel Charme. Noch ist das Land am Kaukasus Geheimtipp. ... 
>>Reisen nach Georgien-Aufenthalt in Georgie - Travelling to Georgia

ASSOCIATION GEORGIENNE EN FRANCE - PARIS
G. MAMNIASHVILI & G. DUBKOCONCERT EXCEPTIONNEL - Samedi 18 Janvier - 19h30
Chapelle Notre Dame des Anges, 102 bis, rue de Vaugirard, Paris 6e (M° St Placide)
Deux musiciens prometteurs et talentueux nous entraînent dans la magie de la flûte traversière et du piano. Ils nous font découvrir des œuvres peu connues du grand public.
Billets sur Digitick suivez le lien : http://www.digitick.com/g-mamniashvili-g-dubko-concert-chapelle-notre-dame-des-anges-paris-18-janvier-2014-css4-digitick-pg101-ri2184536.html
Billets en vente sur place (10€) 
Du vin géorgien vous sera offert à la fin du concert

EXPO GEORGIA - KALENDER 2014 - EVENT CALENDER 2014
Expo Georgia - Webseite für Ausstellungen in Georgien, site for expos in Georgia
Expo Georgia, 118 Tsereteli ave., Tbilisi, 0119, Georgia,  Tel. +995 32 2341100, Mail: expo@expogeorgia.ge
ExpoGeorgia is the leading exhibitiom and convention centre in the South Caucasus region. Major exhibitions are held in 4 exhibition halls year-round. In future it is planned to restructure the gesign of the fair grounds an significantly expand existing hall capacity.

REGIERUNG UND EX-REGIERUNG - KONTRÄRE SICHTWEISEN ZUR LAGE IN GEORGIEN
Regierung "Georgian Dream": Georgia's New Leaders Deliver New Year Addresses - 01.01.2014, civil.ge
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said in his New Year address to the nation that 2013 was important for consolidation of democracy and 2014 will be marked by “drawing closer to Europe” and President Margvelashvili said in his address that foundation for building of “a modern, European state” has been laid.
PM Garibashvili said 2013 was “very important” for Georgia, “full of emotions and events”, when, as he put it, “process of establishing justice started”.
“The era of fear and terror is over,” the PM said. “Thousands of people, unjustly detained in unbearable conditions by the previous government, are celebrating the New Year at home. I know that people still remain who are waiting for the justice. I assure you that this process will be in full conformity to the law and no one will doubt its fairness.”
Garibashvili said that his government “takes into account and reckons with voice” of the people.
He said that “economic development is our main challenge” and vowed that “numerous new enterprises” will be opened in 2014.
"2014 will be one of the most important years in terms of drawing closer to Europe. In August, 2014 Georgia will sign the Association Agreement with the European Union," the PM said, adding that travel to the EU without visa "is not an overly long-term prospect" for the Georgian citizens either.
He also congratulated “Abkhazian and Ossetian brothers and sisters.”
“I am convinced that we will surely come to an understanding, restore our relations and work to ensure our shared future,” the PM said.
President Margvelashvili mentioned “Abkhazian and Ossetian brothers” in his address too, saying: “We should manage to overcome the pain of the past and build a new Georgia with a new vision.”
“Last year, through a free and democratic process, we succeeded in consolidating democracy, closing the post-Soviet era and starting to build a modern, European state,” President Margvelashvili said. “However, the process of building a modern Georgia must be based on Georgian values and Georgian traditions.”
“There is no need to think about something new – we just have to return to ourselves,” Margvelashvili said. “Georgian people are oriented to freedom. Georgian culture is a culture of diversity and tolerance. Georgian people are individualists by nature, but at the same time, our slogan is – ‘Strength is in Unity’. Based on these very values, with new inspiration we should form a new, modern, European Georgia. With this tireless work, devotion to those values, which connect us to the past and establish bridges to the future, we should make a modern Georgian state – the one of which our ancestors dreamed.”
Ex-Regierung UNM: UNM Holds Protest Rally, Says 'Democracy is in Danger' - 28.12.2013, civil.ge
UNM opposition party and its supporters rallied on December 28 in Tbilisi, saying that some of the recent developments show “the democracy is in danger” in the country.
UNM supporters packed basketball arena in downtown Tbilisi on Saturday afternoon, listening to speeches by the party leaders, before marching down the capital city’s main thoroughfare, Rustaveli Avenue, towards the state chancellery, housing PM’s office.
Suspending Tbilisi mayor, Gigi Ugulava, from the office by the court upon the prosecution’s motion; reported pressure on former PM Vano Merabishvili, held in pre-trial detention, allegedly exerted on him by chief prosecutor Otar Partskhaladze, as well as the latter’s past criminal conviction in Germany, were among the issues protested by UNM at the rally.
“When a directly elected mayor is being removed from the office through means other than election that amounts to shaking of fundamentals of the democracy,” said Giga Bokeria of UNM party, who was secretary of the National Security Council under the previous administration.
Recently emerged allegations about chief prosecutor having a criminal record prompted calls for Partskhaladze’s resignation. Many commentators and analysts, including those sympathetic towards the ruling coalition, have also voiced criticisms, calling on the chief prosecutor to step down in order to avoid further scandal, which may harm not only personally him but the ruling coalition and the government as a whole.
In an interview with Rustavi 2 TV, broadcast on December 27, PM Garibashvili although confirmed that the chief prosecutor was convicted in Germany for, as he put it, “incident” with police, defended Partskhaladze and actually ruled out his dismissal; he lambasted UNM and said that the opposition party’s leadership was trying to “discredit” and “demonize” the chief prosecutor with a purpose to undermine “efficient” work of the prosecutor’s office. Garibashvili said that Partskhaladze “is a problem” for UNM because in just one month in office, the chief prosecutor invigorated investigations into high-profile cases, including those against some former government officials.   
“If some incident occurs to a person in the childhood, it should not become a reason for killing prospects for this person,” PM Garibashvili said of Partskhaladze, who was 24 at the time of his conviction in Germany in January, 2001.
Referring to these remarks of the PM, Gigi Ugulava said while addressing supporters at the UNM rally on December 28, that if a man in his mid-twenties is a child then 31-year-old PM turns out to be a juvenile.

Kompakter Meinungsartikel zu Russland und der Menschenrechtssituation: 
on Alexander Rahr 
Was treibt den starken Mann im Kreml an? Putin will die Größe Russlands wiederherstellen – ohne Demokratie und Menschenrechte. Die Russen folgen ihm: Sie misstrauen mehrheitlich dem westlichen Modell. ... 75 Prozent der Russen misstrauen einer freien Marktwirtschaft. Eine große Mehrheit hat den Verlust des Imperiums nicht überwunden. Russen vertrauen einem starken Staat und keiner Zivilgesellschaft. Nicht umsonst schrieb der begnadigte Ex-Oligarch Michail Chodorkowski, Putin sei "liberaler" als 80 Prozent seiner Bevölkerung. ... Wenn der Westen Putin besser verstehen will, sollte er sich mit den Ideen des Schriftstellers und Nobelpreisträgers Alexander Solschenizyn auseinandersetzen. ( Solschenizyns "Archipel Gulag" ist hochaktuell ) Putin hat sich jahrelang von ihm Rat geholt. ... Sein Ideal war die Umwandlung der kommunistischen Sowjetunion in einen starken russischen Nationalstaat. ... Putin glaubt, dass seine historische Mission im Wiederaufbau des russischen Staates besteht.  ...
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