The Black Sea Peacebuilding Platform Develops in Georgia

The civil Society forum took place at the International Center on Conflict and Negotiation (ICCN) on December 22nd.

GPPAC Studies a Potential for Peace-making in the Middle East

Lebanon has rich traditions of inter-religious and inter-ethnic tolerance and cooperation, and could become a model for reconciliation in the Middle East, but has instead turned into a troubled spot itself. GPPAC recently arranged activities in Beirut and Baalbeck together with the local host NGO "Permanent Peace Movement" (PPM) chaired by Fadi Abi Alam.

Georgia-Russia Relations: Ways Out of Crisis. The Istanbul Process continues

The August 2008 war between Russia and Georgia has altered the geopolitical situation in the Caucasus and has heavily affected a broad range of security issues in Eurasia. Since then, there has not been any visible progress in Georgia-Russia relations, which has resulted in further polarization of public perceptions between all sides involved in the conflict.

Black Sea Peacebuilding Platform initiative brings together conflict resolution experts in Bucharest

On 28 – 31 October 2009, civil society conflict resolution experts from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine (including Nagorno-Karabakh and Transdniestria) met at UN House and at the Radisson Hotel in Bucharest.

GPPAC Promotes Lasting Peace in Mindanao

Director of ICCN Dr. George Khutsishvili participated as the Caucasus Regional Coordinator of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC)in the ISG events in Mindanao.

The ICCN coordinator of Political Analysis division Konstantine Otkhmezuri was in Switzerland at Geneva Center for Security Policy (GCSP) in January-March 2009.

The ICCN coordinator of Political Analysis division Konstantine Otkhmezuri was in Switzerland at Geneva Center for Security Policy (GCSP) in January-March 2009. He completed two courses of "European Training Course in Security Policy (ETC), European Security in A Global Context" and "Certificate of Advanced Studies in European Security (CAS)".

Peace Starts with Smile

International Center on Conflict and Negotiation in partnership with the Tbilisi Zoo administration organized a manifestation “Peace Starts with Smile” dedicated to the celebration of the International Day of Peace.

Smear And Loathing In Tbilisi: Mudslinging Targets Rising Georgian Political Star

Perched on a sidewalk along Tbilisi's central Rustaveli Avenue, a large makeshift billboard features a photograph of a beaming Irakli Alasania standing with his wife, Natia. The city pictured in the background? Not Tbilisi, but the glittering skyline of Manhattan.

UN’s Role In Georgia Has ‘Fundamentally Changed’

Johan Verbeke is the former head of the now-defunct UN observer mission in Georgia and was the UN’s special representative at the Geneva talks initiated after the August 2008 Russia-Georgia war.

Georgia Unveils 'Strategy On Occupied Territories'

The Georgian government made public on January 28 its strategy with regard to regaining control over the breakaway republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Georgian Leader Saakashvili Offers Afghan Supply Route

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili is offering the United States use of Georgian territory to transport arms and supplies to the conflict in Afghanistan.

Human Rights Watch. WORLD REPORT 2010 (Georgia)

President Mikheil Saakashvili faced a political crisis as thousands of opposition supporters took to the streets in the capital, Tbilisi, in early April 2009 demanding his resignation and early presidential elections.

Economic Freedom Score

Georgia’s economic freedom score is 70.4, making its economy the 26th freest in the 2010 Index. Its overall score is 0.6 point higher than last year due to improvements in trade freedom, property rights, and freedom from cor¬ruption. Georgia is ranked 14th out of 43 countries in the Europe region, and its overall score is higher than the world average.

Sentence Passed In Georgian 'Mutiny' Trial

Presiding judge Jemal Kopaliani passed sentence on January 11 on 20 men charged with planning, participating in, or failing to inform the authorities about an alleged mutiny on May 5 at the Mukhrovani military base near Tbilisi.

Medvedev Creates New North Caucasus Federal District

Russian President Dmitri Medvedev yesterday divided the Southern Federal District to create a new North Caucasus Federal District comprising six of the seven North Caucasus republics, plus Stavropol Krai.

Putin Crashes Medvedev's Party

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin gave a fiery speech at Russia's State Council meeting on Friday. He dismissed claims of falsification in October's regional elections -- claims that are widespread on the Russian Internet -- with this little ditty: "On the Internet 50 percent is porn material. Why should we refer to the Internet?"

At Davos, Sarkozy Calls For Rethink Of Capitalism In Wake Of Financial Crisis

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has told a gathering of the world's business and political elite that the global financial crisis demands a fundamental rethink of the capitalist system.

Clinton Urges Russia To Join U.S. Effort On European Security

(RFE/RL) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today recommitted the United States to the defense of Europe -- not from Russia, but with Russia, if Moscow is willing.

Russian, U.S. Officials Resume Nuclear Arms Talks

Officials from Russia and the United States are scheduled to resume talks today in Geneva on a new nuclear arms reduction treaty.

Heritage Foundation. 2010 Index of Economic Freedom

The 2010 Index of Economic Freedom covers 183 countries around the world, ranking 179 of them with an economic freedom score based on 10 measures of economic openness, regulatory efficiency, the rule of law, and competitiveness. The basic principles of economic freedom emphasized in the Index are individual empowerment, equitable treatment, and the promotion of competition.

Human Rights Watch. WORLD REPORT 2010

Human Rights Watch is one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights. By focusing international attention where human rights are violated, we give voice to the oppressed and hold oppressors accountable for their crimes.