ახალი სტატიები iccn.ge

On July 10, 2008 ICCN was visited by Head of European Union Delegation in Georgia

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On July 10, 2008 ICCN was visited by Head of European Union Delegation in Georgia, Ambassador Per Eklund and First Counsellor Robin Liddell on their initiative. The guests expressed interest in ICCN activities and the assessment of the political events made at ICCN. Co-operation between EU structures and ICCN is developing in many directions.

Development programs and their strategies Working meeting

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Since the end of 90-s International and local organizations in Georgia have started implementation of development programs instead of humanitarian activities. The main objectives of these programs were capacity-building and enhancement and empowerment of local communities. Different projects aim at infrastructure rehabilitation, development of agriculture and market linkages, as well as civic education. Integration issues were also in the focus of development programs.

Russian and Georgian Experts Meet in Istanbul

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November 25 and 26, 2008 a roundtable meeting took place in Istanbul between the groups of Georgian and Russian high-level experts.

Meeting at ICCN with Leaders of Universal Peace Federation

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On June 25 a meeting with the representatives of the Universal Peace Federation took place at ICCN office. This NGO, which has a consultative status at UN ECOSOC, is very active organization developing its activities all over the world. It promotes the peaceful solution to existing disputes in different regions of the world and encourages protection of human rights, tolerance, peaceful dialogue and cooperation.

ICCN – Berghof Collaboration for Peacebuilding in the Caucasus

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In order to increase public awareness of the role of democratic processes (UN involvement, etc.) in conflict resolution, the goal of the joint activity conducted by the Berlin Berghof Foundation for Peace Support in association with ICCN is to involve students from various academic backgrounds, representatives of NGO’s and youth organizations, as well as national minority representatives.

Appeal of the Civil Society Organisations of Georgia

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It is the third day already thnat Georgia is suffering from an open and clearcut aggression from Russia’s side. Georgia’s seaports, airports and other strategic objects are shelled, as well as dencely populated urban areas. Extremely tense is the situation in the conflict zone of South Ossetia, where the armed confrontation has reached its peak. There are numerous human losses and significant material damage is done. Russian Federation is conducting an undeclared was against a sovereign state, but an adequate reaction from the international community is belated.

Confrontation in the Caucasus: Roots, Dimensions and Implications

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The 16^th International Conference on Central Asia and the Caucasus organized by IPIS in Tehran, Iran

Address of the Georgian Civil Society Organizations Representing Coalition – For Democracy to the Elected 44th President of the United States Mr. Barack Obama

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We would like to greet you on behalf of the Coalition - For Democracy that stands for over a hundred non-governmental and media organizations in Georgia, and congratulate you with your election as the 44^th President of the United States of America!

Meeting in Pristina

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On January 19-23, 2009 Georgian-Abkhaz-South Ossetian meeting was held in Pristina (Kosovo).

A meeting took place at the Patriarchy of Georgian

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December 30, 2008 A meeting took place at the Patriarchy of Georgian Orthodox Church between His Holiness Patriarch Ilia II and Dr. George Khutsishvili Director of ICCN.

Statement of the Initiative Group of NGOs “Civil Manifesto”

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We, representatives of the civil society organizations of Georgia, being dedicated to the principles of non-partisanship, respect for human rights and diversity of opinions as well as culture of non-violence and civil responsibility, consider as our personal and professional duty to take direct part in the resolution of the political crisis emerged in the country.

Announcement of Civil Initiative for Constitutional Reform

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Social-political lifestyle of our country, last 2 decades is defined with obvious difficulties, violently changed government, civil and regional armed conflicts.

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

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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)".

Roundtable Solidarity

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International Centre on Conflict and Negotiation in the framework of program on civil society development organizes discussion series: Liberal Values and Democratic Transformation.

Berlin conference

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Conference: “Gender indicators in International Context” was organized by Bonn based NGO WOMNET.

An Open Letter to Mr. Joseph Biden, Vice President of the United States of America

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You may be aware of the sincere joy and enthusiasm shown by the Georgian people during the visit of President George W. Bush to Tbilisi in May 2005. With an impressive demonstration in honor of the U.S. President at the Liberty Square the entire Georgian nation expressed its gratitude to the American people, first of all, for the political, economical and humanitarian support the United States is invariably grants to the Georgian state both in bilateral relations and at the international arena.

GPPAC Promotes Lasting Peace in Mindanao

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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.

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

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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.

Training/seminar in Peace Journalism for the South Caucasus journalists

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On July 30-31 training in Peace Journalism was conducted by ICCN in partnership with the European Center for Conflict Prevention within the international network Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict.

A Peace Promotion Trip

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Director of ICCN Dr. George Khutsishvili participated in the voyage organised by the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC). Participants in the voyage were representatives of ECCP, members of regional coordinating agencies of GPPAC, the Peace Boat (a unique Japanese peacebuilding NGO actually located on a ship SS Oceanic and performing round the world trips to promote the culture of peace).

Workshop on the role of media in conflict resolution

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On September 21, media representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia met to discuss the role and function of media in conflict prevention/resolution. The participants talked about the power of media in promotion peace ideas and transformation of violence and aggression.

Peace Starts with Smile

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

The Black Sea Peacebuilding Platform Develops in Georgia

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

US, Czech Republic Sign Missile Defence Shield Deal

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On July 8th, the US and the Czech Republic signed a deal allowing elements of the US Missile Defence Shield to be based on Czech soil. A treaty between the two countries was forged in spite of Russia’s objections to the shield.

Iran and the nuclear issue

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Iran is defying a demand from the Security Council that it stop the enrichment of uranium. As a result, the Council approved a third round of sanctions against Iran on 3 March 2008. On 14 June 2008, a renewed offer was made to Iran to try to encourage the opening of negotiations. However, Iran said on 5 July that its position had not changed.

Russia issues warning over US radar in Europe

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Russia has threatened that it will be "forced to react not in diplomatic fashion but with military-technical means" if the United States moves ahead with plans to deploy parts of a missile defence system in the Czech Republic.

EU pledges €500 million to rebuild Kosovo

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS – The international community has pledged to invest €1.2 billion toward the rebuilding of Kosovo, with the European Commission alone putting aside €508 million to fill in the gaps in Pristina's financial needs from 2009 to 2013.

Pro-EU government approved in Serbia

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Serbia's parliament on Monday (7 July) approved the country's new government which will be led by prime minister Mirko Cvetkovic and favouring prompt EU membership– but which remains opposed to Kosovo's independence.

Parliament debating Kosovo resolution

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BELGRADE -- Parliament is today debating the resolution on Kosovo, the SAA, and the Russian energy deal.

Energy policy and EU integration

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BELGRADE -- Application of the energy agreement with Russia depends on the speed of Serbia’s EU integration, say energy experts.

EU and Russia try to inject energy into mutual ties

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - After a months-long diplomatic stalemate, the European Union and Russia, its largest neighbour and supplier of energy, are meeting today (26 June) to officially launch negotiations on a new strategic partnership pact.

Merkel's Ukraine Visit Signals Crucial Shift

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Angela Merkel's arrival in Kyiv marks the first visit to Ukraine by a German chancellor since the 2005 Orange Revolution brought a reformed, pro-Europe government to power. Her predecessor never found his way to Kyiv because he was worried by the grievances from Moscow that such a trip would have provoked. Merkel, though, gives less weight to Russia's concerns, even though they are expressed much more bluntly these days.

Military strike not an option on Iran, EU ministers say

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European Union foreign ministers on Tuesday (22 July) called for further diplomacy in dealing with concerns over Iran's nuclear programme and ruled out a military strike as an option.

Serbian ambassadors to return to EU capitals

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Serbia's government has decided to return the ambassadors that were withdrawn from EU states which recognised Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence in a move aiming to "normalise" relations with the 27-nation bloc.

Obama rallies Europe for war on terror

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama urged Europe and a "strong EU" to stand by the US in a war on extremism in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa, in a poetic speech delivered to 200,000 people in Berlin's Tiergarten Park on Thursday (24 July) evening.

Chechen Leader Takes On Three Powerful Adversaries, With Minimum Success

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There are three targets which the young and temperamental leader of Russia's Chechen Republic seems particularly fond of assailing (each for different reasons, of course): the Islamic insurgency that continues to pose a grave security threat; Russia's state-owned oil company Rosneft, which has a monopoly on Chechnya's oil industry; and the Russian armed forces in Chechnya, which are digging in for the long haul and take little heed of Kadyrov's desire for total power and control.

Ingushetian Minister Survives Suicide Bomb Attack

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NAZRAN, Russia (Reuters) -- A suicide car bomber blew himself up in Russia's southern republic of Ingushetia in an apparent attempt to kill the region's interior minister, police have said.

Red Flags Hint At Brewing Civil War In Ingushetia

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Ingushetia's interior minister narrowly escaped death this week when a suicide car bomber blew himself up just meters from Mussa Medov's motorcade, which was traveling outside the regional capital of Nazran.

Moldovan Talks With Separatists Canceled

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CHISINAU (Reuters) -- A new round of talks to resolve Moldova's 18-year-old separatist rebellion have been canceled, with the government and separatist leaders each blaming the other.

Czech Spying Accusations Against Russia Spark Political Storm

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Recent Czech intelligence reports have sounded the alarm over intensified intelligence activity by Russian and other foreign agencies focused on a planned U.S. missile-defense radar to be built near Prague and on strategic assets set to be privatized by the Czech government.

Romania opens door to Gazprom pipeline

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Romania is open to investing in the Gazprom pipeline South Stream, not just the EU Nabucco project, designed to reduce energy dependency on Russia, Romanian minister of economy Varujan Vosganian said on Thursday, contrary to the president's statements.

Feeling Expansive, Moscow Looks To U.S. 'Backyard': Latin America

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov seemed to acknowledge as much this week, when he turned routine talks with his counterpart from Caracas into an opportunity to remind the world that a squadron of Russian warships is making steady progress in its historic journey toward the Caribbean for November military exercises with Venezuela.

EU to start Moldova talks despite election fears

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The EU will start negotiations on a new partnership agreement with Moldova despite the risk the Communist government may exploit the move in the run up to general elections next spring, Kalman Miszei, the EU's top diplomat on Moldova told MEPs on Monday (6 October).

Kosovo eyes EU membership in 2015

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Two months after unilaterally seceding from Serbia, Kosovo has made it clear it wants to join the EU, setting 2015 as its accession goal. "After independence, our national aspiration is to join the EU," Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuci told the Reuters news agency on Wednesday (23 April).

Russia Hopes To Deploy New Nuclear Missile Next Year

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MOSCOW (Reuters) -- Russia hopes to deploy a new submarine-launched nuclear missile next year, underlining Moscow's determination to upgrade its nuclear strike forces, a senior defense official has been quoted as saying.

Energy and trade gripes dominate EU-Russia relations

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - Fears of another gas supply crisis and frustration over wood, meat and fish trade loom large in a new EU analysis of Russia relations, which takes a soft line on the Georgia conflict but warns of "disturbing" new violence in North Caucasus.

Barack Obama Elected Next President Of The United States

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WASHINGTON -- Senator Barack Obama of Illinois on November 4 was elected president of the United States, having promised dramatic change for the country after eight years of President George W. Bush's stewardship of national security and the economy.

Medvedev: ‘Barbaric Attack’ on S.Ossetia was a Test for Russia

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The August war with Georgia and global financial crisis are among two major topics addressed by Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, in his first annual state of the nation address on November 5.

Medvedev In Venezuela To Build Ties With U.S. Critic Chavez

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The two-day visit -- the latest stop on Medvedev's Latin American tour -- features talks between Medvedev and Chavez that are expected to concentrate on possible further Russian arms sales, cooperation in the oil and gas sector, plus Venezuela's interest in building a nuclear reactor, and the development of trade.

Brussels to recognise 'European aspirations' of post-Soviet states

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The European Commission is to propose pulling the EU's six post-Soviet neighbours closer to the West by recognising their "European aspirations" and creating a new "European Economic Area." But a draft communiqué indicates that EU-Russia relations have preferential status.

Russian Senators Approve Extending Presidency

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MOSCOW (Reuters) -- Russia's upper house of parliament has given its assent to constitutional amendments extending the presidential term from four to six years.

EU, NATO voice concern over Georgia shooting incident

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EU high representative Javier Solana said he regretted the shooting while speaking to reporters on Monday (24 November) alongside NATO secretary general Jaap de Hoop Scheffer after a meeting of the alliance's North Atlantic Council and the EU's Political and Security Committee, although he was not ready to assign responsibility for what happened.

2025: the end of US dominance

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The United State's leading intelligence organisation has warned that the world is entering an increasingly unstable and unpredictable period in which the advance of western-style democracy is no longer assured, and some states are in danger of being "taken over and run by criminal networks".

Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World

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We prepared Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World to stimulate strategic thinking about the future by identifying key trends, the factors that drive them, where they seem to be headed, and how they might interact.

UN Says Kosovo, Serbia Agree To Cooperate With EU Mission

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UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -- Kosovo and Serbia will cooperate with a European Union justice and police mission that Brussels hopes will be deployed in Kosovo by early next month, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said.

The Top 10 Stories You Missed in 2008

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Along with reducing troop levels in Iraq, President-elect Barack Obama has pledged to dramatically increase the U.S. presence in Afghanistan in a strategy similar to the “surge,” which proved so effective in reducing violence in Iraq.

Helsinki, Finland, 4 December 2008 - Secretary-General's message to the 16th OSCE Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe [delivered by Johan Verbeke, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Georgia]

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Recent events in your region have riveted the world's attention and challenged existing arrangements for peace and security. Indeed, following the tragic fighting in Georgia and the South Caucasus in August, and in light of persistent instability in the area, we may have to re-think our respective roles on the ground.

The 10 Worst Predictions for 2008

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Prognostication is by far the riskiest form of punditry. The 10 commentators and leaders on this list learned that the hard way when their confident predictions about politics, war, the economy, and even the end of humanity itself completely missed the mark.

The chance for a new world order

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As the new U.S. administration prepares to take office amid grave financial and international crises, it may seem counterintuitive to argue that the very unsettled nature of the international system generates a unique opportunity for creative diplomacy.

On January 20, 2009, the inauguration ceremony of the 44th President of the US will take place in the US Capitol.

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On January 20, 2009, the inauguration ceremony of the 44th President of the US will take place in the US Capitol. Obama will take the oath upon the Bible that was used by the US 16th President Abraham Lincoln in 1861. His address will be followed by religious blessing and the national anthem.

On Feb. 1, Metropolitan Kirill will be installed as the 16^th Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.

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On January 27, 2009 at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow Metropolitan Kirill was elected as a new leader of the Russian Orthodox Church. This was the first elections of Russian Patriarch since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Biden says up to Georgia whether to join NATO

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MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said on Sunday it was up to Georgia to decide whether it would become a member of the NATO military alliance.

U.S. unveils changes to foreign policy

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MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Joe Biden announced changes to U.S. foreign policy on Saturday that emphasized diplomacy over military power but also urged allies to shoulder more of the burden in tackling global crises.

Geneva talks: “Proposals for Joint Mechanisms for Averting and Reacting to Incidents”

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The fourth round of Geneva talks that is jointly mediated by the UN, EU, and OSCE were held on February 18-19, 2009. Together with Georgia, Russia, and the United States, de facto Abkhaz and South Ossetian representatives were also represented in the talks.

Text of a Joint Statement by President Obama and President Medvedev

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Reaffirming that the era when our countries viewed each other as enemies is long over, and recognizing our many common interests, we today established a substantive agenda for Russia and the United States to be developed over the coming months and years.

THE RIGHT DIRECTION FOR U.S. POLICY TOWARD RUSSIA

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The goals of the Commission on U.S. Policy toward Russia are to offer its best judgments on American national interests and priorities in the U.S.-Russian relationship to the President, the Congress, and the interested public; to explain why constructive management of this critical relationship is difficult given recent history, differing interests, and sometimes competing narratives; and to present broad policy recommendations for a new administration to advance American national interests effectively in relations with Russia.

EU sets low expectations for Russia summit

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The European Commission last week sent proposals to Moscow on how to beef up an existing Early Warning Mechanism (EWM) to alert Brussels on the risk of future gas cut-offs, such as the massive outage in January.

Fifth Round of Talks End in Geneva

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Despite “initial difficulties” the sides discussed in “a constructive spirit” security and stability in the region, as well as humanitarian issues, co-chairs of the Geneva discussions said after the fifth round of talks on May 19.

Interview with the US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

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Interview With Mikhail Solodovnikov of RTR

North Korea Warns Of Military Strike Against South

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SEOUL (Reuters) -- North Korea on May 27 threatened a military strike against the South a day after Seoul joined a U.S.-led initiative to intercept shipments suspected of being involved in weapons of mass destruction.

North Korea Fires More Rockets; Says U.S. Hostile

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SEOUL (Reuters) -- North Korea, defiant in the face of international condemnation of its latest nuclear test, has fired two short-range missiles off its east coast and accused the United States of plotting against its government.

IGROUNDBREAKING U.S.-RUSSIA JOINT THREAT ASSESSMENT ON IRAN

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A confl uence of events has presented the Russian Federation and the United States with an unusual opportunity to transform their relationship. The unfortunate reality is that trust is at an exceedingly low level between the elites and publics of both nations. Building that trust requires a leap of faith that they can work together on the most diffi cult issues.

Obama's First Hundred Days and U.S. Presidential Realities

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U.S. presidential candidates run for office as if they would be free to act however they wish once elected. But upon election, they govern as they must. The freedom of the campaign trail contrasts sharply with the constraints of reality.

Amnesty International Report 2009

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The Amnesty International Report 2009 documents the state of human rights during 2008, in 157 countries and territories around the world. It reveals the systemic discrimination and insecurity that prevent progress in law from becoming a reality on the ground. Crucially, this report reveals a world where, time-andagain, states pick and choose the rights they are willing to uphold, and those they would rather suppress.

The Geography of Recession

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The global recession is the biggest development in the global system in the year to date. In the United States, it has become almost dogma that the recession is the worst since the Great Depression. But this is only one of a wealth of misperceptions about whom the downturn is hurting most, and why.

2009 Global Corruption Barometer

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Transparency International’s (TI) 2009 Global Corruption Barometer (the Barometer) presents the main findings of a public opinion survey that explores the general public’s views of corruption, as well as experiences of bribery around the world.

Eastern Partnership:getting down to work

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Four weeks after the launch of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) the EU and its eastern neighbours1 are getting down to work. One of the innovations of the EaP is a new multilateral dimension to relations with these countries alongside the bilateral path of cooperation.

Undermining Democracy: 21st Century Authoritarians

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When asked not long ago about the effectiveness of the European Union’s posture toward an increasingly assertive and illiberal Russia, former Czech president and communist-era dissident Vaclav Havel argued that the European democracies had lost their voice and needed to take a fi rmer, more open stand against abuses by their large and strategically important neighbor to the east.

Voters Send Anti-Immigration Message In EU Vote, Analyst Says

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Europeans in 27 countries voted last week for the 736 seats in the European Parliament. A record low turnout of voters rejected the ruling center-left and handed victories to center-right parties, and in some cases, far-right anti-immigration parties.

German Foreign Minister In Moscow For High-Level Talks

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The German foreign minister, who has arrived in the Russian capital for a working visit, was originally set to meet only with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, for what was advertised as an "extensive exchange of views."

Red Alert: Iran's Election Results (Open Access)

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The Iranian election is currently in turmoil. Both Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi are claiming to be ahead in the vote.

Following a Different Map to a Similar Destination

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WASHINGTON — More than four years after his predecessor declared it America’s mission to end tyranny around the world, President Obama is trying to reformulate a lofty goal that has become tarnished in many circles.

No democracy needed for Russia, says ruling party think-tank

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia does not need to move toward greater democracy because the financial crisis requires strong leadership, a think-tank close to the ruling party United Russia has said in a report.

Russian Military Cuts Leave Soldiers Adrift

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KUBINKA, Russia — Next to a parking lot here is an orphan of a building that could be mistaken for a large toolshed. It was once used as a flophouse by transient workers who put up nearby apartments, but was then deemed by health inspectors to be unfit for humans. Mold coats the walls like graffiti, ceilings are crumpling and rats skulk about.

Belarus Leader Snubs Moscow Security Pact Summit

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(RFE/RL) -- Belarus has signaled a growing rift with Russia, saying President Alyaksandr Lukashenka would not attend a security summit in Moscow.

Presidential Race in Iran

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Over 32 million Iranians went to the polls on June 12, 2009 to elect the president for the next four year term. Reformist Mir Moussavi, former prime minister, appeared to be the main rival to incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Official Downplays U.S. Role In Competition For Turkmen Gas

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ASHGABAT -- The U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan says the impression that the United States is competing for Turkmenistan's energy resources is inaccurate.

U.S. Says Undecided On Eastern Europe Missile Plan

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- The Obama administration has said it was undecided about a Bush-era plan to put U.S. missile defenses in Eastern Europe, which has been fiercely opposed by Russia and strained bilateral ties.

the analytical center Levada conducted an inquiry of 1600 Russians from 128 populated places of 46 regions in the country.

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On 22-26 May of the current year the analytical center Levada conducted an inquiry of 1600 Russians from 128 populated places of 46 regions in the country. The subject of inquiry was: “Friends and Enemies of Russia”.

the analytical center Levada conducted an inquiry of 1600 Russians from 128 populated places of 46 regions in the country.

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On 22-26 May of the current year the analytical center Levada conducted an inquiry of 1600 Russians from 128 populated places of 46 regions in the country. The subject of inquiry was:

The failed states index

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t is a sobering time for the world’s most fragile countries—virulent economic crisis, countless natural disasters, and government collapse. This year, we delve deeper than ever into just what went wrong—and who is to blame.

US and Kyrgyzstan agree on base

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The US and Kyrgyzstan are reported to be finalising a new deal on the use of an air base that has been the hub for American operations in Afghanistan.

Council of Europe quarrels over leadership

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Internal quarrelling marks the sixtieth anniversary of the Council of Europe, with the mandate of Terry Davis as Secretary-General having only weeks left to run.

Belgium gets first deputy wearing Muslim headscarf

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In Brussels, Mahinur Ozdemir, 26, has become the first deputy wearing a Muslim headscarf to be sworn into the regional parliament.

Russia's Maneuvers in Caucasus Highlight Volatility of Region

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TBILISI, Georgia -- Military helicopters circled once again over Georgia's mountainous terrain. Amid the crackle of gunfire, soldiers ran across battlefields carrying comrades on stretchers. But this was no repeat of last summer's brief war with Russia. It was a training exercise -- and this time, NATO sent help.

Attack On Ingushetia President Latest In Troubling Trend

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The president of Russia's troubled North Caucasus region of Ingushetia is in critical condition after his convoy was hit by an explosion this morning near Nazran.

OSCE Ministers Discuss Security

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Foreign ministers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe are scheduled to examine a Russian proposal for a "new security architecture" for the continent.

Russia, NATO 'Agree' On Military Cooperation

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NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer says NATO and Russia have agreed to resume military cooperation.

Pope signs new globalization encyclical

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Rome, Italy, Jun 28, 2009 / 09:45 am (CNA).- The upcoming social encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI "Caritas in veritate" - Charity in truth - will bear the date of the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, June 29, but will likely become public on July 6 or 7, the Italian daily Corriere della Sera said on Saturday.

Ruslan Aushev 'Ready' To Lead Ingushetia

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As tensions rise in Ingushetia, the former president of that troubled Russian republic, Ruslan Aushev, says he is ready to temporarily reassume leadership while current President Yunus-Bek Yevkurov recovers from injuries sustained in an assassination attempt. Aushev, a highly decorated career military officer, served as Ingushetia’s president from 1992 to 2002.

Geneva talks continued

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On July 1, the sixths round of talks – international discussions on security and stability - started in Geneva with participation of Georgia, Russia, the US as well as Abkhaz and South Ossetian representatives.

Wexler: 'American-Russian Relations Are Not A Zero-Sum Game'

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U.S. Congressman Robert Wexler (Democrat, Florida) was in the Czech Republic this week to attend an international conference on the assets of Holocaust victims. During his time in the Czech capital, Prague, Wexler visited RFE/RL's headquarters, where he sat down for a broad-ranging interview with correspondent Gregory Feifer.

Russia must re-focus with post-imperial eyes

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President Barack Obama should have three central goals in mind when he meets Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin next week: first, to advance US-Russian co-operation in areas where our interests coincide; second, to emphasise the mutual benefits in handling disagreements between the two countries within internationally respected “rules of the game”; and third, to help shape a geopolitical context in which Russia becomes increasingly conscious of its own interest in eventually becoming a genuinely post-imperial partner of the Euro-Atlantic community.

Ahead Of Visit, Obama Calls On Russia To Break From The Past

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Ahead of his visit to Moscow on July 6, U.S. President Barack Obama says Russia must understand that it's time to end what he called "old Cold War approaches" to relations with the United States.

EXCERPTS: Obama's speech to Moscow students

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - The following are key excerpts from the speech by U.S. President Barack Obama to graduating students of the New Economic School in Moscow on Tuesday. The text was provided by the White House.

TRANSCRIPT OF PRESIDENT OBAMA'S INTERVIEW WITH NOVAYA GAZETA

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THE WHITE HOUSE - Office of the Press Secretary

JOINT STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BARACK OBAMA AND PRESIDENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION D. A. MEDVEDEV CONCERNING AFGHANISTAN

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THE WHITE HOUSE - Office of the Press Secretary

PRESS CONFERENCE BY PRESIDENT OBAMA AND PRESIDENT MEDVEDEV OF RUSSIA

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THE WHITE HOUSE - Office of the Press Secretary

Russia to Open Airspace to U.S. for Afghan War

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MOSCOW — The Russian government has agreed to let American troops and weapons bound for Afghanistan fly over Russian territory, officials on both sides said Friday. The arrangement will provide an important new corridor for the United States military as it escalates efforts to win the eight-year war.

Nato starts soul-searching process

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EUOBSERVER/BRUSSELS – Nato on Tuesday (7 July) launched a public consultation process aimed at clarifying the alliance's role in fighting the new range of threats that have emerged in recent years.

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OBAMA AND PRIME MINISTER PUTIN OF RUSSIA

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THE WHITE HOUSE - Office of the Press Secretary

Signing Ceremony for the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Nabucco Pipeline

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We congratulate the governments of Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Austria on the July 13 signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Nabucco pipeline project.

A Well-Placed Pipeline

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PRESIDENT OBAMA'S appeal to Russia last week that it move beyond a "19th-century" foreign policy appears to have had little impact on President Dmitry Medvedev. Yesterday found Mr. Medvedev in Tskhinvali, the capital of the Georgian province of South Ossetia, which Russia invaded last August and then unilaterally recognized as an independent state.

Cheney Is Linked to Concealment of C.I.A. Project

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The Central Intelligence Agency withheld information about a secret counterterrorism program from Congress for eight years on direct orders from former Vice President Dick Cheney, the agency’s director, Leon E. Panetta, has told the Senate and House intelligence committees, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said Saturday.

Iraq offers to supply half of Nabucco's gas

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Iraq has offered to supply enough gas to fill half the capacity of the proposed Nabucco pipeline, giving the project a boost even as heads of government met to sign a historic agreement approving the plan.

Stratfor Global Intelligence

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On June 23, 2009, Director of Central Intelligence Leon Panetta learned of a highly compartmentalized program to assassinate al Qaeda operatives that was launched by the CIA in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

An Open Letter to the Obama Administration from Central and Eastern Europe

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by Valdas Adamkus, Martin Butora, Emil Constantinescu, Pavol Demes, Lubos Dobrovsky, Matyas Eorsi, Istvan Gyarmati, Vaclav Havel, Rastislav Kacer, Sandra Kalniete, Karel Schwarzenberg, Michal Kovac, Ivan Krastev, Alexander Kwasniewski, Mart Laar, Kadri Liik, Janos Martonyi. Janusz Onyszkiewicz, Adam Rotfeld, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Alexandr Vondra, Lech Walesa.

Sweden Lists Balkans, Russia, Iran As Among Top Foreign Policy Challenges

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Speaking at the European Parliament in Brussels, Bildt said the ongoing global downturn is hitting fragile economies and states in much of the EU's own neighborhood.

WORLD REPORT

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A government’s respect for human rights must be measured not only by how it treats its own people but also by how it protects rights in its relations with other countries.

Denmark's Rasmussen Takes Over As NATO Chief At Difficult Moment

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On August 1, Former Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen takes over as secretary-general of the NATO alliance.

Russia, Kyrgyzstan Sign Base Deal At CSTO Summit

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The Russian and Kyrgyz presidents have tentatively agreed to establish a second Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan.

The U.S. Security Relationship with Russia and Its Impact on Transatlantic Security

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Chairman Skelton, Congressman McKeon, members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today about the Administration's achievements in Moscow as a result of the summit meeting of President Obama and President Medvedev July 6-8.

CIVILIANS IN THE AFTERMATH OF WAR

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The five-day war that began on the night of 7-8 August 2008 between Georgia and the Russian Federation resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths, thousands of injuries and the displacement of almost 192,000 people.

Kremlin bill on using army abroad

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Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has introduced a bill to parliament that would allow the country's armed forces to intervene beyond Russia's borders.

North Caucasus Resistance Sentences Chechen Leader To Death

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The Supreme Shariat Court of the Caucasus Emirate proclaimed in late 2007 by former Chechen Republic Ichkeria (ChRI) President and North Caucasus resistance commander Doku Umarov has issued a fatwa condemning to death Akhmed Zakayev, who heads the ChRI government in exile.

The National Intelligence Strategy

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The United States Intelligence Community must constantly strive for and exhibit three characteristics essential to our effectiveness. The IC must be integrated: a team making the whole greater than the sum of its parts.

Kremlin bill on using army abroad

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Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has introduced a bill to parliament that would allow the country's armed forces to intervene beyond Russia's borders.

Obama's Foreign Policy: The End of the Beginning

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As August draws to a close, so does the first phase of the Obama presidency. The first months of any U.S. presidency are spent filling key positions and learning the levers of foreign and national security policy.

The BMD Decision and the Global System

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The United States announced late Sept. 17 that it would abandon a plan for placing ballistic missile defense (BMD) installations in Poland and the Czech Republic. Instead of the planned system, which was intended to defend primarily against a potential crude intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) threat from Iran against the United States, the administration chose a restructured system that will begin by providing some protection to Europe using U.S. Navy ships based on either the North or Mediterranean seas.

Obama's Move: Iran and Afghanistan

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During the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign, now-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said that like all U.S. presidents, Barack Obama would face a foreign policy test early in his presidency if elected. That test is now here.

Russia Rejects Trade-Off With Turkey On Recognition Of Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Northern Cyprus

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In the course of his working visit to Sukhumi on October 2, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov rejected media speculation that Russia may reach an agreement on formally recognizing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in return for Ankara's recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states.

Press Freedom Index 2009

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For the first time since 2002, the press freedom index’s top 20 is not quite so European. Only 15 of the 20 leading countries are from the Old Continent, compared with 18 in 2008.

Germany takes heat for EU decision on Uzbek arms embargo

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - EU ministers have lifted an arms embargo on Uzbekistan in a decision that has little to do with human rights and a lot to do with German military co-operation with the Central Asian dictatorship, analysts believe.

Pipelines alone won't reduce EU dependancy on Russia, says US

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EUOBSERVER / BUCHAREST – Washington continues to support the EU-backed Nabucco gas pipeline, but this project is "only a piece of the puzzle" when it comes to reducing Europe's reliance on Russian gas, US special envoy for Eurasian energy Richard Morningstar has said.

Introduction into 2010 presidential elections in Ukraine

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In the recent weeks, Brussels housed several events dedicated to the forthcoming elections in Ukraine set for January 17, 2010. The interest in them is certain to grow with their approach. And this is good. The more attention is paid to Ukraine at this difficult point of its history, the stronger the hope is that the country will win this race.

New pro-Russia campaign comes to EU capital

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - Russian news agency Ria Novosti is rolling out a new public relations campaign in the political capital of the European Union which, according to sources in the PR industry, aims to justify Russia's great power ambitions and improve the image of Joseph Stalin.

EU states near agreement on diplomatic service

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The EU's new foreign minister will have sweeping powers to conduct foreign policy, propose his own budget and name his own staff independently of other EU institutions, according to the latest EU presidency blueprint.

EU prize highlights Russia murders of rights workers

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - Moscow-based NGO Memorial has walked away with the EU's 2009 Sakharov prize for freedom of thought after a bloody year for human rights activists in Russia.

EU group of three to attack Kosovo statehood at UN court

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - Three EU states will in a UN court case in December argue that Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence was illegal. But EU officials say the judges' decision will not impact Kosovo's "irreversible" new status.

RFE/RL Interview: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden

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In an exclusive interview, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden spoke with RFE/RL correspondents Brian Whitmore and Abubakar Siddique about the U.S. administration's policy on Russia, the Caucasus, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran.

Russian President Repeats Call For Massive Modernization

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Addressing Russian political leaders in the Kremlin's ornately gilded grand palace today, President Dmitry Medvedev repeated a call for a Soviet-style modernization program that would transform the country into a great power. He said Russia's prestige and well-being "can't be based on past achievements forever."

Corruption threatens global economic recovery, greatly challenges countries in conflict

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As the world economy begins to register a tentative recovery and some nations continue to wrestle with ongoing conflict and insecurity, it is clear that no region of the world is immune to the perils of corruption, according to Transparency International’s 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), a measure of domestic, public sector corruption released today.

EU chooses unknowns for new top jobs

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - EU leaders have chosen Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy to be the first president of the European Council, while UK trade commissioner Catherine Ashton will become the bloc's foreign policy chief.

Brzezniski: East Europeans should stop behaving like children

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Washington, Nov 17 (CTK) - East Europeans should stop behave like small children, start to deal with their own problems by themselves and not to go to the United States complaining about Russian aggressiveness, for instance, Zbigniew Brzezinski said in in interview for the public Czech Television (CT) Tuesday.

Drunk Russian Police Kill Abkhaz Citizen In Moscow

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MOSCOW (Reuters) -- Three drunken Russian policemen have been detained for beating to death a man from Georgia's rebel Abkhazia region in Moscow, police said today, further overshadowing a force accused of corruption and inefficiency.

Kremlin Orders Probe Of Hermitage Lawyer's Death

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ULYANOVSK, Russia (Reuters) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has ordered prosecutors to investigate the sudden death in custody of a key witness in a tax fraud battle, the Kremlin said today.

Iran Official Warns Russia Of Legal Action Over S-300

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TEHRAN (Reuters) -- Iran can take legal action if Russia refuses to fulfill its commitments to deliver an advanced missile-defense system to the Islamic republic, a senior military official was quoted as saying today.

EUROPEAN SECURITY TREATY

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Guided by the principles set forth in the Charter of the United Nations, Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations (1970), Helsinki Final Act of the Conference for Security and Cooperation in Europe (1975), as well as provisions of the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes (1982) and Charter for European Security

EU's Eastern Partnership Stuck In Low Gear

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BRUSSELS -- The EU's Eastern Partnership was launched with great fanfare in Prague in May. But just past the eight-month mark, it is becoming clear that neither the EU nor the six partnership members have high hopes for the grouping.

Russia, U.S. Face Off In Court Over Kosovo's Independence

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PRAGUE/THE HAGUE -- The United States has urged a UN court not to raise doubts about Kosovo's statehood, arguing that Pristina's declaration of independence has brought stability to the Balkans and has offered people across the region a European future.

Final Statement

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Meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Foreign Ministers held at NATO Headquarters, Brussels

In Annual Call-In Show, Putin Leaves Open A Return To Presidency

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He called for tough measures against terrorists. He accused the United States of holding up Russia's bid to join the World Trade Organization. He claimed that his country had weathered the worst of the economic crisis.

Press release

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ATHENS, 2 December 2009 - Foreign ministers from the 56 OSCE participating States charted the way ahead for the OSCE-anchored debate on the future of European security known as the Corfu Process in a decision and a Ministerial Declaration adopted today at the Ministerial Council in Athens.

Sweden clips wings of EU foreign ministers

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS – Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt on Thursday (10 December) dismissed criticism from some of his EU counterparts for implementing a Lisbon Treaty novelty that sees foreign ministers excluded from EU summits.

Obama Receives Nobel Peace Prize, Says 'Use Of Force' Sometimes Justified

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(RFE/RL) -- U.S. President Barack Obama today accepted the Nobel Peace Prize while, at the same time, defending his decision to send more U.S. troops to Afghanistan for the fight against Al-Qaeda and Taliban militants.

Romanian president close to re-election

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - Incumbent president Traian Basescu seems to have narrowly defeated centre-left leader Mircea Geoana in the Sunday (6 December) elections, preliminary results show.

NATO Secretary General holds talks with Russian leaders

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The Secretary General of NATO, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, arrived in Moscow in the midst of some real winter weather in the Russian capital. However, the warm welcome extended by his Russian hosts fully compensated for the cold temperature.

Outgoing EU Neighborhood Chief Says Change Will Take Generations

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Benita Ferrero-Waldner served five years as the EU's external relations commissioner before making way on December 1 for the bloc's new high representative for foreign policy, Catherine Ashton.

US Congress uneasy over French warship sale to Russia

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WASHINGTON — France's plans to sell a powerful warship to Russia, which has unsettled Georgia and other neighbors, has drawn fire in the US Congress where some warned against NATO arms sales to Moscow.

Russia buys a tiny ally: Nauru

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A reported $50 million in economic aid to the Pacific island nation wins the Kremlin diplomatic recognition of two breakaway republics, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Germany issues gas pipeline permit as Europe freezes

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - German authorities have given permission for Russia to build a major new gas pipeline to the country, as the EU waits to see if the winter will bring another Russia-Ukraine gas crisis.

A False START?

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Outwardly, politicians on both sides seem to be trying to keep up the momentum for an agreement, even though the December 5 lapsing of the 1991 START agreement has come and gone and there seems no chance that anything will be nailed down by the revised deadline of the end of the year.

One More Litmus Test

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If there is anyone out there who thinks that President Dmitry Medvedev is serious about his stated intention of rooting out “legal nihilism” and strengthening the rule of law in Russia, here is one more chance to see how he acts instead of merely listening to how he speaks.

Report: Democratic Decline Continues Across Former Soviet States

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The U.S.-based human rights watchdog Freedom House says 2009 saw more setbacks than improvements, with 40 countries and territories covered in its latest survey experiencing declines in democratic freedoms, including most of the post-Soviet area.

As NATO Redrafts Priorities, Albright Says Alliance Must Adapt To New Realities

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Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright says now is the time for NATO to "renew its vows" to provide security to its members in an increasingly dangerous world.

Former OSCE Chair Says Time Ripe For 'Serious Look' At Reform

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The 56-member Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is facing hard times as observers increasingly question its relevance and effectiveness.

RFE/RL Interview: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden

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Kremlin cheers as Ukraine shuns Yushchenko

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Russia on Monday cheered the exit of Viktor Yushchenko, who lost Sunday’s presidential election in Ukraine in the first round of voting. The western-oriented president had antagonised Moscow during his five-year rule.

Ukraine in the EU by 2015? No Way

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Ukraine acceding to the European Union in 2015? In just five years, Ukraine really making the membership application, opening negotiations in a couple of dozen difficult negotiation chapters and closing them? Just 10% smaller than all of France and much bigger than the metropolitan France, Ukraine in the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy?

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

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Since his 2004 election as president was declared fraudulent by the Supreme Court, Yanukovich's popularity has grown steadily. He is now the clear front-runner in Sunday's presidential vote.

Boyko Borisov: “There are no sacred cows”

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Energy is central to Bulgarian politics and the country’s prime minister is performing a difficult balancing act between east and west.

Nazarbayev: “economy first, then politics”

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Nursultan Nazarbayev has ruled Kazakhstan as the oil-rich central Asian nation’s president since its independence in 1991. The world’s largest land-locked state is taking a heightened interest in the turbulent region’s problems since it has taken up the chairmanship of the intergovernmental Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

U.S. Sending 4,000 More Troops To Haiti

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The United States has announced it is sending another 4,000 sailors and Marines to Haiti to help the earthquake relief effort there -- diverting the troops from planned deployments in the Middle East and Europe.

Human Rights Watch. WORLD REPORT 2010

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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.

Heritage Foundation. 2010 Index of Economic Freedom

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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.

Russian, U.S. Officials Resume Nuclear Arms Talks

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

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

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(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.

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

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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.

Putin Crashes Medvedev's Party

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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?"

Medvedev Creates New North Caucasus Federal District

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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.

Yanukovych Claims Victory In Ukrainian Presidential Election

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KYIV -- In what appears to be a stunning reversal of Ukraine's Orange Revolution, pro-Moscow opposition leader Viktor Yanukovych looks set to narrowly win yesterday's runoff presidential election.

NATO Chief 'Surprised' By Russia's Listing Alliance As Threat

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MUNICH -- NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen today expressed surprise that Russia still considers the military alliance a major security threat.

Iran Nuke Deal, Rise Of China Are Hot Topics At Munich Conference

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When Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki made a surprise appearance at the annual gathering of international luminaries on February 5, organizers scrambled to reorganize the schedule to give him a forum, adding an impromptu late-night panel that stretched past midnight.

T he MILITARY BALANCE 2010

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The IISS agrees with the growing consensus that future state on state conflict may be characterised by the use of so-called asymmetric techniques. Chief among these may be the use of cyber-warfare to disable a country’s infrastructure, meddle with the integrity of another country’s internal military data, try to confuse its financial transactions or to accomplish any number of other possibly crippling aims.

EU neighbour Ukraine in post-election limbo

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - Ukraine Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko continues to keep her silence two days after her apparent defeat in presidential elections, as the clock ticks to another potential gas crisis in Europe.

EU votes in new commission after long delay

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The European Parliament has given the green light to the new European Commission, ending an eight month hiatus in the governance of the union at the height of the economic crisis.

Russia in stand-by mode over US missile plans in Romania

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - Moscow is "concerned" and expects "proper explanations" on US plans to deploy anti-ballistic missile defence systems in Romania, but it is still interested in contributing to a "common assessment" of threats with Europe and the US, Russia's envoy to Brussels told this website.

World Press Freedom Review

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communication, if free, is by definition a malleable force, open to manipulation. But it is indispensable. And we must be on our guard to protect it.

Georgian leader warns Europe against Russia warship deal

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Georgia on Thursday (19 February) warned Europe against a proposed French sale of warships to Russia, as it would allow Moscow to invade any former Soviet republic "within hours," echoing concerns raised by Baltic leaders that the deal is in breach of an EU code on arms trade.

Tymoshenko's EU allies keen for end to election dispute

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - Ukraine Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko's allies in the EU's centre-right political establishment have hinted that she should give up her presidential campaign if she loses a key court challenge.

Belarus involvement in EU partnership scheme under threat

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The EU's foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, has condemned the recent crackdown on ethnic Polish activists by the Belarus government.

New Ukrainian President Yanukovych Making First Foreign Trip To EU

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Viktor Yanukovych is today making his first foreign trip since his election as Ukraine's president -- to meet with top European Union leaders in Brussels, Belgium.

What's New In Russia's New Military Doctrine?

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Earlier this month, Russian President Dmitri Medvedev signed the new "Military Doctrine Of The Russian Federation Until 2020" to replace the doctrine signed by Vladimir Putin in 2000. It's supposed to be a guiding document for the development of the armed forces.

Olympic Flag Handed Over To Sochi For 2014

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VANCOUVER -- The Vancouver Olympics have officially come to an end, with responsibility for the next Winter Games being handed over to the Russian Black Sea city of Sochi, which will host the 2014 edition.

Europe's main election watchdog says Tajikistan's parliamentary and local elections on February 28 failed to meet basic democratic standards.

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"I'm happy that election day took place in a generally good atmosphere, but I'm even more disappointed that these elections failed on many basic democratic standards," said Pia Christmas-Moller, vice-president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

UN SC meeting discussing the Georgian-Russian tension

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On July 22, a special meeting of the UN Security Council was convened upon Georgia’s request that followed Russia’s admission that its military aircraft had entered the Georgian airspace over South Ossetia on July 8. Initially, Russia denied its participation in this incident, however later it recognized its aircraft. As Russian officials stated the aircraft aimed at preventing possible Georgian invasion into South Ossetia, and cooling some “hot minds” in Georgian political establishment.

Secretary-General urges all sides to preserve Georgian-Abkhaz ceasefire

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28 July 2008 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on the Georgian and Abkhaz sides to preserve the integrity of their ceasefire regime, noting that the last four months have witnessed a resurgence of tensions between the two sides.

New Germqn Initiative for the Peaceful Conflict Settlement in Georgia

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On July 18 the German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Moscow to hold talks with Russian officials and discuss the German so-called ‘Steinmeier Plan” of Georgian –Abkhaz conflict resolution.

Georgian Ossetian talks failed in Brussels

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On July 22 the EU-proposed Georgian-South Ossetian talks were planned to be held in Brussels. De facto South Ossetian authorities have refused to participate in talks. As de facto South Ossetian prime minister Chociev said, there were two reasons: first, the North Ossetian side was not invited for participation in the talks and, second, the Georgian side should be represented by the Minister of Reintegration the title of which is unacceptable for the South Ossetian side.

US Official held talks with Georgian and Abkhaz sides on resuming dialogue

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On July 25, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Mathew Bryza arrived in Sukhumi to discuss the German Peace Plan with de facto Abkhaz leadership. Bryza along with US Ambassador to Georgia John Tefft and German Ambassador Patricia Flor held talks with de facto officials to engage the Abkhaz side in Georgian-Abkhaz dialogue.

Extraordinary European Council, Brussels, 1 September 2008

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On September 1, European Council meeting aimed at considering and assessing Russia's military actions against Georgia, was held in Brussels. EU leaders unanimously condemned Russia’s aggression against Georgia and urged it to fulfill the six point agreement supposed by French President and current EU head Nikola Sarkozy.

Saakashvili Speaks of “Second Rose Revolution”

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Saakashvili urged the world to adhere to the following principles in the Georgia crisis:

1. Refuse to remain silent;
2. A non-recognition policy;
3. Full commitment to ceasefire deal;
4. Meaningful conflict resolution process;

In his address to the UN General Assembly, President Saakashvili said Georgia was launching, what he called, a "second rose revolution," in response to Russian aggression. He vowed that Georgia would "soon be stronger and more democratic than ever before."

Once Diplomat's Diplomat, Lavrov Now Kremlin's Advance Guard

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Fireworks are expected between Russia and the West as the UN General Assembly's annual high-level debate continues. Many eyes will be on Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who in recent months has traded in his role as a quiet, low-key diplomat and adopted a more aggressive, uncompromising stance.

First EU Monitors Enter South Ossetia Buffer Zone

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NABAKHTEVI, Georgia (Reuters) -- The first group of European Union cease-fire monitors has entered the buffer zone around Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia, a Reuters reporter traveling with the patrol has reported.

On September 15, EU Foreign Ministers got a decision to send 200-strong observer mission to Georgia by October 1.

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On September 15, EU Foreign Ministers got a decision to send 200-strong observer mission to Georgia by October 1. According to the 8 September agreement between RussiaThe Observers will be deployed in buffer zones (security zones) around the territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and will monitor the process of withdrawal of Russian troops from Georgian territories by October 10.

On September 24, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held meeting within UN General Assembly ministerial week.

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On September 24, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held meeting within UN General Assembly ministerial week. It was the first meeting between Rice and Lavrov after Georgian-Russian military conflict.

New UN Envoy Visits Sokhumi

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Johan Verbeke, the UN secretary-general’s new special representative to Georgia, held talks with Abkhaz leader Sergey Bagapsh and Foreign Minister Sergey Shamba in Sokhumi on October 5.

EU Confirms Russian Troop Withdrawal

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Javier Solana, the EU foreign policy chief, said on October 10 that Russian forces had pulled out from the areas adjacent to South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

UN Mission Extended Pending Outcome of Geneva Talks

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The UN Security Council extended the mandate of the UN observer mission in the Abkhaz conflict zone for another four months, instead of the usual six months.

USD 4.55 bln Aid Package Priorities

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38 countries and 15 international organizations pledged to provide USD 4.55 billion to Georgia at the Brussels donors’ conference on October 22. USD 2 billion is a grant and the rest a low-interest loan. Without counting funding going to the financial sector, pledges amounted to some USD 3.7 billion to meet the urgent post-conflict and priority investment needs of Georgia over the coming three years - 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Opposition Calls for Democratization in Joint Appeal to Donors

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A group of Georgian politicians called on international donors, gathered in Brussels on October 22, to link post-war reconstruction funds for Georgia to democratisation in the country.

New Army Chief of Staff Appointed

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President Saakashvili has appointed vice-colonel Vladimer Chachibaia as new chief of staff of the armed forces, replacing Zaza Gogava on November 4.Gogava has been appointed as chief of Border Police, replacing Badri Bitsadze, who has announced resignation last week.

Two Parties to Fill Seats in Adjara Parliament

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The ruling National Movement Party won most of the seats in the Adjara Autonomous Republic’s legislative body after wining over 78.8% of votes in the November 3 local elections, the Adjara’s central election commission said.

Ex-Envoy’s Hearing at War Commission Ends in Brawl

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A testimony by Erosi Kitsmarishvili, Georgia’s former ambassador to Russia and President Saakashvili’s former insider, before the parliamentary commission studying the August war, was thwarted after a verbal brawl between Kitsmarishvili and commission member, MP Givi Targamadze.

International Reaction on Presidential Convoy Shots

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NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, and EU foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, made reserved comments about a shooting incident that took place when a motorcade, carrying the Georgian and Polish Presidents, approached a South Ossetian administrative border on November 23.

Final communiqué

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Meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Foreign Ministers held at NATO Headquarters, Brussels

Militias In Breakaway Georgia Region "Running Wild"

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Human Rights Watch (HRW) said it had documented attacks and harassment by militias against ethnic Georgians in Akhalgori and surrounding villages more than three months after Russia drove Georgian forces from South Ossetia in a five-day war.

Chairman’s statement

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The NATO-Georgia Commission (NGC) at the level of Foreign Ministers met in Brussels today, for the first time, to discuss the security situation in the Euro-Atlantic region, the ongoing process of reform in Georgia and NATO’s assistance to those reforms, and the further development of the NATO-Georgia partnership.

Georgia: The Risks of Winter

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The situation in and around Georgia’s conflict areas remains unstable. Violent incidents are continuing. Shots were fired near a convoy carrying the Georgian and Polish presidents on 23 November. European Union (EU) monitors are being denied access to South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Unambitious multi-party negotiations focusing on security and internally displaced person (IDP) return have gotten off to a slow start in Geneva. For the moment, however, domestic politics are the capital’s main preoccupation.

War Commission Releases Report

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A parliamentary commission, which studied the August war, released a voluminous report on December 18, backing the government’s official version of events that led up to the hostilities.

United States-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership

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United States-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership

Mission OSCE in Georgia

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On January 15, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis in her first address to the Organization`s 56 participating States said that the OSCE was ready to address Europe`s changing geopolitical challenges.

Up In Flames Humanitarian Law Violations and Civilian Victims in the Conflict over South Ossetia

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The armed conflict over South Ossetia lasted one week in August 2008 and will have consequences for lifetimes and beyond. The conflict and its aftermath have seen lives,livelihoods, homes, and communities devastated in South Ossetia and bordering districts of Georgia. A significant casualty of the conflict was all sides’ respect for international humanitarian law.

Six months after the war, Georgia looks very different

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People are questioning the official version of the South Ossetian conflict, and asking if their president can be trusted.

PACE Resolution

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On January 28, the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe discussed and amended its Resolution 1633 (2008) on the “consequences of the war between Georgia and Russia” and passed a new Resolution.

Swords and Shields: Russia's Abkhaz base plan

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Ochamchire is some 60 kilometers southeast of the Abkhaz capital of Sukhumi, near the cease-fire line with Georgia. If permanently stationed there, Russian ships essentially would control the Georgian territorial waters all the way to the Turkish border.

Georgia Fading On EU, NATO Radar Screens

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The EU and NATO have concluded they have nothing to gain from continuing to antagonize Russia. Both organizations have taken steps to resume dialogue with Moscow, which was broken off over its conduct in Georgia -- without having secured any concessions from Russia.

UN Security Council extends the mandate of UNOMIG

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The Resolution 1866 (2009) which was unanimously adopted, calls for the provisions set out in 1994 Moscow Agreement on a Cease-Fire and Separation of Forces to be respected as well as consultations and agreement on a revised security regime.

Russia's Coming War with Georgia

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Six months after the French-brokered agreement ended the Russo-Georgia war on August 12, 2008 the ceasefire continues to be fragile with constant incidents that both sides describe as "provocations."

South Ossetians direct ire at Europe (News Feature)

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Tskhinvali, South Ossetia - The memory of war in this tiny patch of farm country sunk in the shadow of the Caucasus mountains is long and violent. But the raw anger among South Ossetians huddled amid the freezing, roofless ruins of the recent war in separatist province is sharpened against a new antagonist.

NATO-Georgia Commission meeting

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On Feb. 20, 2009 the NATO-Georgia Commission convened within the framework of NATO defense ministers’ informal meeting in Krakow.

Georgia: Russia Is Stoking Tensions

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KVEMO-NIKOZI, Georgia -- The tank rumbled across the border from South Ossetia in the middle of the afternoon, followed by about 40 Russian soldiers on foot, witnesses said.

2008 Human Rights Report: Georgia

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On February 25, 2009 the US Department of State released annual human rights report 2008 for Georgia.

US official visits Georgia

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On March 13, 2009 the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Mathew Bryza visited Georgia. During his visit he held meetings with Georgian President, Prime Minister and opposition leaders.

Georgia – background information & analysis on international websites

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Georgia – background information & analysis on international websites

Political situation in Georgia

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This review is based mainly on the news information of leading media in:

World Bank Moves Georgia Up to 15^th for Doing Business

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This week in its annual report, Doing Business 2009, the World Bank has ranked Georgia as the 15^th most business-friendly nation.

Group of Georgian Experts about Preliminary Transformation of the Government – Reasons, Dangers, Perspectives

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Long-term, wide-ranging protest actions launched on 9 April, 2009 in Tbilisi, with main demand of preliminary presidential elections, once more distinctly shows the existing abyss between society and the government.

Crisis in Georgia,2008

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The events of August 2008 in Georgia created a new reality for the country. Motivated by these new challenges and a desire to better understand the situation — past, present and forthcoming — a group of independent experts engaged in the fields of policy analysis; economic, social, legal, security and military research, conflict resolution and other important issues has come together to collectively address and advance these topics. Founded on 15 October 2008, the Club’s activity is based upon professionalism, equality, transparency and pluralism.

Tbilisi Residents Polled to Evaluate Public Broadcasting – I TV Channel

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After three weeks of the protests started on 9th of April in the capital of Georgia, on twenty third day of the protest rally Georgian NGO initiative "Civil Manifesto" conducted phone polling on the current situation.

Tbilisi Residents Polled on Current Situation in Georgia

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After two weeks of the protests started on 9^th of April in the capital of Georgia, on fifteenth day of the protest rally Georgian NGO initiative "Civil Manifesto" conducted phone polling on the current situation.

Seeing Red: Georgia blames Russia for 'mutiny'

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Russia, furious over NATO war games set to begin Wednesday in Georgia, says recent turmoil is evidence of Saakashvili's instability. Armenia withdraws from war games.

Civil Society Elected the Trust Group

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On 6^th of May 2009 at the Tbilisi Marriott Hotel the Civil Society meeting was held to discuss current political situation and to elect a group - Trust Group from the representatives of Civil Society organisations, independent experts, coalitions and unities. The meeting was organized by Civil Manifesto.

NATO Parliamentary Assembly on Goergia

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The Political Committee, and the Sub-Committee on NATO Partnerships in particular, has closely followed the developments in the South Caucasus and in Georgia. The short RussianGeorgian war in early August of 2008 only highlighted the region’s strategic importance for Euro-Atlantic security and for NATO.

The Report of the UN Secretary General on Abkhazia, Georgia

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Report of the Secretary-General pursuant to Security Council resolutions 1808 (2008), 1839 (2008)and 1866 (2009)

Report by the US Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor on Georgia, 2008

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The constitution of the Georgian republic provides for an executive branch that reports to the president, a unicameral parliament, and an independent judiciary. Following a series of protests throughout the country in late 2007 and excessive use of force during the dispersal of protesters on November 7, 2007, the government instituted a state of emergency, which suspended all broadcast activities except those of public television. The state of emergency was lifted on November 16, 2007.

Church Leader: Give Up Categorical Thinking

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An influential head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Ilia II intervened in political standoff by hinting that the opposition should put aside demanding the President’s resignation.

No Step Back – Opposition Leaders Say

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Some of the opposition leaders have vowed not to step back from their drive to force President Saakashvili to resign and called for more “active measures” including for blocking a railway.

Georgia Signals Readiness To Discuss Opening Border Crossing With Russia

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The Swiss Embassy in Tbilisi submitted to the Georgian Foreign Ministry on May 24 a proposal by the Russian Foreign Ministry to reopen the Verkhny/Zemo Lars border crossing between Georgia and the Russian Federation.

Tens of Thousands Rally

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Tens of thousands of protesters gathered on May 26 – the Georgia’s Independence Day and 48^th day of street protests demanding President Saakashvili’s resignation.

NY Times interviews de facto President of Abkhazia Sergei Bagapsh

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MOSCOW — Sergei Bagapsh wants to make it perfectly clear: Abkhazia is not now, and will not become, part of the Russian Federation.

Georgia Says UN “Submitted to Russia’s Blackmail”

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Georgia’s UN envoy, Alexander Lomaia, accused Russia of blackmailing UN Secretariat and criticized the latter for submitting that pressure.

Abkhaz Vice-President Resigns

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Raul Khajimba, the vice-president of breakaway Abkhazia, said he had filed for resignation over disagreements with Abkhaz leader, Sergey Bagapsh, Russian news agencies reported on May 28.

Georgia's Alasania Seeks A Middle Ground For Opposition

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TBILISI -- Irakli Alasania, Georgia's former UN ambassador and head of the Alliance for Georgia opposition umbrella group, has emerged as the leading moderate voice in the country's fractious antigovernment ranks.

EU Envoy Meets Opposition Leaders

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Peter Semneby, EU’s special representatives for South Caucasus, met with three opposition leaders on June 4 – Irakli Alasania, leader of Alliance for Georgia; Davit Usupashvili, leader of Republican Party, part of the Alliance for Georgia and Salome Zourabichvili, leader of Georgia’s Way.

Tbilisi Hopes ‘Objective’ Report from EU’s War Inquiry Mission

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The FINANCIAL -- According to Civil Georgia, although having “questions marks” about some members of the EU-funded mission probing into the August war, Tbilisi hopes the conclusions by the group will be “objective,” Davit Bakradze, the Georgian parliamentary chairman, said on June 4.

Opposition Parties Sign ‘Charter of Commitments’

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A group of non-parliamentary opposition, mainly those behind the ongoing protest rallies, signed on June 3 a Charter of Commitments pledging to adhere to democratic principles when they come into power.

Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

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On June 6, 2009, in an interview given to the Russia's radio station "Ekho Moskvi", the General Major of the Russian Army V. Borisov - precisely the person who spearheaded the Russian occupant troops that entered Georgia in the Tskhinvali Region.

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the EU on the "Parliamentary elections" in South Ossetia, Georgia

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The EU is aware that „parliamentary elections“ took place in the South Ossetian region of Georgia on 31 May 2009. The EU does not accept the legality of the “elections”, nor its results.

Gachechiladze on Talks with Saakashvili

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Levan Gachechiladze, an opposition politician, said President Saakashvili told him that it was possible "to review" cases of number of opposition activists who have been arrested on various charges since the launch of protest rallies.

Senior U.S. Diplomat Visits Georgia

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Philip H. Gordon, a new U.S. assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, who visits Georgia as part of his trip to South Caucasus states, will meet President Saakashvili later on June 10, according to the U.S. embassy in Tbilisi.

Don't Let the Rose Revolution Wilt

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TBILISI: If a global wave of democracy does ultimately transform the politics of the 21st century, future historians may well trace its roots not to the rhetoric or actions of the Bush administration, but to developments in a tiny republic nestled in the Caucasus.

Georgia Joined the Declaration on Eradication of Homophobia and on the Protection of Sexual Minorities

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Georgia has joined the declaration of the European Union on the Protection of Sexual Minorities. The project was initiated by the Czech Republic and it was signed by 27 states. Georgia, the Ukraine and Armenia have joined the declaration as well and they took responsibility to act on every case of homophobic discrimination against sexual minorities.

Phil Gordon Visits Georgia

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On June 10, a newly appointed Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Philip Gordon (scholar from Brookings Institute, USA), who replaced Daniel Fried, visited Georgia within his trip to the South Caucasus states.

Georgia's Abkhazia less secure without monitors: U.N.

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TBILISI (Reuters) – Failure to extend the United Nation's monitoring presence in Georgia's breakaway Abkhazia region would undermine stability and leave ethnic Georgians there unprotected, the mission head said on Friday.

Russia Vetoes Western Plan For UN In Georgia

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Russia has blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution that was aimed at extending the UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG).

Zourabichvili’s Bid for Deputy Interior Minister’s Post Seems to Fail

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Senior lawmakers from the ruling party said on June 16, that an opposition politician Salome Zourabichvili could not simultaneously hold the post of deputy interior minister and participate in protest rallies.

EUMM Monitors receive medals in Gori, Khashuri, Tbilisi and Zugdidi Field Offices

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Following the first four months of service in the European Union Monitoring Mission, monitors who arrived in Georgia after December, were awarded medals in recognition of their work in the Mission.

Opposition Alliance Reports on Arrest of its Activists

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An opposition Alliance for Georgia said on June 17, that ten of its activists had been arrested in last few days in various parts of Georgia mainly with charges related to illegal possession of firearms and one with drug-related crime.

Philip H. Gordon, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs made a report

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On June 16, 2009 Philip H. Gordon, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs made a report

Abkhazia And The Perils Of 'Independence'

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SUKHUMI -- A row of Russian and Abkhaz flags flutter in the Black Sea breeze in front of the stately government headquarters in the Abkhaz capital.

EUMM Says Blast ‘Deliberate Attack’ on its Monitors

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The June 21 blast at the Abkhaz administrative border, which killed one person, was “a deliberate attack” on EU Monitoring Mission’s (EUMM) patrol, Hansjörg Haber, head of the mission, said on Monday.

Abkhazia Seeks Continued Cooperation With UN

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Following Russia's June 15 veto of a UN Security Council draft resolution that would have extended temporarily the mandate of the UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG), Abkhaz President Sergei Bagapsh told a June 16 meeting of the republic's Security Council that Abkhazia will try to establish "alternative contacts" with the UN.

Former PM Nominated as Georgia’s NATO Envoy

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Grigol Mgaloblishvili, who held the Prime Minister’s post for only three months, has been nominated as Georgia’s ambassador to NATO.

New U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Named

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President Obama nominated John R. Bass for ambassadorial post in Georgia to replace John Tefft, who has served in Georgia since 2005.

International Crisis Group Briefing: Georgia-Russia - Still Insecure and Dangferous

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Ten months after the “August war” between Georgia and Russia, violent incidents and the lack of an effec-tive security regime in and around the conflict zones of South Ossetia and Abkhazia create a dangerous atmos-phere in which extensive fighting could again erupt.

Georgia to Send Battalion to Afghanistan in 2010

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Georgia will send a battalion-size force to contribute NATO-led operations in Afghanistan in 2010, the Georgian Defense Ministry said on June 23.

Georgia, U.S. Launch Strategic Partnership Council

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The United States and Georgia launched on June 22 a joint council to work on implementation of provisions laid out in Charter on Strategic Partnership signed between the two countries on January 9, 2009.

Battle for Georgian billions comes to EU capital

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - US public relations firm APCO has begun lobbying EU institutions over the ownership of a Georgian TV station, in a case linking curious events in London, Tbilisi and Minsk.

South Ossetian Authorities Target Opposition Financier

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In the month that has elapsed since the flawed parliamentary elections that yielded a new legislature subservient to President Eduard Kokoity, the South Ossetian authorities have taken further steps aimed at bolstering his position.

Freedom House’s Annual Survey Nations in Transit (NIT) tracks democratic developments and setbacks of 29 countries in the former Communist states of Europe and Eurasia

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Freedom House’s Annual Survey Nations in Transit (NIT) tracks democratic developments and setbacks of 29 countries in the former Communist states of Europe and Eurasia.

Along the Russian-Georgian border, war games or prelude to war?

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MOSCOW – Both Russia and Georgia claim to fear a fresh attack from the other. That’s why, each insists, they’re staging war games and building up military forces to levels unseen since last August’s brief but brutal war over the breakaway Georgian territory of South Ossetia.

Frank’ Discussions on Georgia in Obama-Medvedev Talks

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President Obama said he had “a frank discussion” on Georgia during the meeting with his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev.

Obama Says State Sovereignty Must be Respected

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In a keynote speech on the second day of his visit to Moscow, U.S. President Barack Obama, among other issues, also spoke about the state sovereignty as a “cornerstone of international order” and mentioned Georgia and Ukraine in this context.

The European Court of Human Rights

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The European Court of Human Rights has declared admissible the application lodged in the case of Georgia v. Russia (I) (application no. 13255/07). The Court’s admissibility decision in no way prejudges the merits of the Georgian Government’s complaints. The Court will deliver its judgment at a later date.

EU to delay Georgia war report

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The result of an EU-sponsored enquiry into the origins of the 2008 Georgia war is set to be delayed by two months, amid rising fears of fresh hostilities in the region.

On Visit to Breakaway Enclave, Russian President Promises Help in Rebuilding

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MOSCOW — The Russian president, Dmitri A. Medvedev, made a surprise visit to breakaway South Ossetia on Monday, inspecting a new Russian military base there and promising citizens that Russia would rebuild neighborhoods destroyed during last year’s brief war between Russia and Georgia.

The US State Department`s spokesman Ian Kelly has voiced the position

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The US State Department`s spokesman Ian Kelly has voiced the position of the United States administration regarding the visit of the Russian president to Georgia`s breakaway South Ossetia. Below is the excerpt form the July 14^th daily press briefing regarding this issue.

Vice President Biden to travel to Georgia and Ukraine

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THE WHITE HOUSE - Office of the Vice President

EU 'Troika' Begins Tour Of South Caucasus

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BRUSSELS -- A high-level EU delegation has arrived in the South Caucasus to tour Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia in the coming days.

The Pragmatist: Georgia's Irakli Alasania Emerges As Political Alternative

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And that's just one way he contrasts with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who absentmindedly began chewing his red silk necktie on television in an apparent fit of nerves during last summer's war with Russia.

Georgia's President Vows Changes

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TBILISI, Georgia -- Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili is expected to unveil Monday moves to share more power and make elections more democratic in an attempt to mollify his critics and begin a comeback.

Georgia Says Saakashvili’s NATO Remarks in WSJ Distorted

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Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister, Giga Bokeria, said President Saakashvili’s remarks about NATO and Russia were reported by The Wall Street Journal in a way, which totally distorted the substance of what had been said by the President.

US vows to stand by Georgia

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Joe Biden, the US vice-president, received a rapturous welcome in Georgia yesterday where he pledged continuing support for Washington's troubled ally in the south Caucasus.

Georgia In Talks On U.S. Conflict Monitors

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TBILISI (Reuters) -- Georgia has said it is holding "preliminary talks" on U.S. involvement in a European Union mission that is monitoring the boundaries with Georgia's two pro-Russian rebel regions.

Ukraine Arrests Man Suspected Of Killing Gongadze

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(RFE/RL) -- A man suspected of killing independent Ukrainian journalist Heorhiy Gongadze in 2000 has been detained in Ukraine.

Georgians Want a Pluralistic Democracy

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Most people will be familiar with the threat Georgia faces from its Russian neighbor. But Georgian society also faces massive internal challenges to its democracy and economy. We need to get past our confrontational politics to create a pluralistic democracy and bring prosperity based on open markets to all Georgians.

Georgia's Counterweight to Power

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TBILISI, Georgia -- They arrive at the graceful, tree-shaded villa clutching handwritten letters and sheaves of documents. Mothers tell of sons wrongly arrested; homeowners complain of houses forcibly requisitioned; people come to report what they feel is unjust treatment by their government.

Council on Foreign Relations

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Steven Pifer, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and expert on former Soviet republics, says Vice President Joseph Biden's recent trip to Ukraine and Georgia was meant to balance President Barack Obama's Moscow summit earlier in the month.

EU Monitoring Mission mandate extended for another twelve months

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European Union Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brussels on Monday 27th July 2009, have agreed to extend the mandate of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) for another twelve months until the 14th September 2010.

Georgia: one year on

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Almost one year on from the Russia-Georgia conflict, there remains a lot to do to repair the damage. Thousands of displaced people are still unable to return to their homes. Russian troops still occupy positions in breach of the ceasefire agreements signed last summer.

What Biden Should Have Said

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Author: Tedo Japaridze

Ever since Vice President Joe Biden’s interview appeared late last month in the Wall Street Journal, officials and analysts have been discussing, at exhausting but not necessarily exhaustive length, what he should have said about Russia.

EU statement in the OSCE on Georgia

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The European Union notes that during the recent month, one year after the August 2008 conflict in Georgia, the situation has remained generally stable, without major incidents.

Armenian President Proposes Measures To Alleviate Plight Of Minority In Georgia

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Addressing a gathering of senior Armenian diplomats on September 1, President Serzh Sarkisian outlined measures he considers necessary to help the large Armenian community in southern Georgia integrate more successfully into Georgian society without losing their Armenian identity.

New Georgian Defense Minister Implicated In Prison Riots

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Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has incurred harsh criticism by naming as his new defense minister Bacho Akhalaya, who during his tenure as head of the Justice Ministry department responsible for overseeing prisons was accused of triggering two separate prison disturbances by arbitrarily maltreating prisoners.

UNGA Resolution on Status of IDPs and Refugees from Abkhazia, S.Ossetia

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Recalling all its relevant resolutions on the protection of and assistance to internally displaced persons, including its resolutions 62/153 of 18 December 2007 and 62/249 of 15 May 2008,

Has South Ossetia's President Fallen Out Of Favor With Moscow?

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In the run-up to the celebration of the first anniversary of Russia's formal recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states, Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Nalbandov was quoted as denouncing as "the height of cynicism" a purported planned visit to Tskhinvali on August 26 by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov to participate in the anniversary celebration.

The way ahead for Abkhazians, Ossetians and Georgia

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It is sad to see such figures as Vaclav Havel and Vytautas Landsbergis (Letters, 22 September), whose courage in their states' struggles for independence from the Soviet Union is undeniable, so out of touch as to argue that the European democracies should continue the failed policies of the last two decades with regard to Georgia.

The saviour of Georgia?

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The Russians like what they see in Georgia at the moment. Irakli Alasania, the young Georgian whom many in the west would like to see replacing Mikheil Saakashvili as president, was in London this month, commenting bitterly on his country's diplomatic impotence.

Georgia War Report Set to Blame Both Moscow and Tbilisi

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An international report to be released Wednesday on last year's war between Russia and Georgia will place responsibility for the conflict on both countries, according to a person close to the Geneva-based fact-finding mission.

PACE Resolution 1683 (2009): The war between Georgia and Russia: one year after

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On September 29, the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe adopted a resolution calling on Russia to fulfill its obligations imposed by Pace’s Resolutions 1633 (October 2, 2008) and 1647 (January 28, 2009) until the end of this year.

Independent International Fact-finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia

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By its decision of 2 December 2008 the Council of the European Union established an Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia (IIFFMCG).

Georgia Rejects Russian Accusations Of Collaboration With Al-Qaeda In North Caucasus

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The Georgian Foreign Ministry and parliament speaker David Bakradze issued separate statements on October 14 rejecting as "absurd" Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) head Aleksandr Bortnikov's allegation the previous day that the Georgian intelligence service is collaborating with Al-Qaeda in arranging the transit of mercenaries and weapons via Georgia to the North Caucasus resistance in both Chechnya and Daghestan.

Experts Pan Georgian President's Economic Freedom Act

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On October 6, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili presented to parliament a draft Economic Freedom Act that, he explained, will impose constitutional constraints on the present and future governments' leeway to restrict economic freedom.

Independent Georgian TV Channel Under Pressure

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Mamuka Ghlonti, owner of the independent Georgian TV channel Maestro TV, told journalists in Tbilisi on October 7 that the Georgian authorities are exerting pressure on the country's major cable-television companies not to cooperate with him.

Georgian Orthodox Church Patriarch Criticizes Saakashvili For War

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TBILISI -- Georgian Orthodox Church leader Patriarch Iliya II has criticized President Mihkeil Saakashvili for his actions in South Ossetia in August 2008 that led to a military conflict with Russia, RFE/RL's Georgian Service reports.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense to Visit Tbilisi

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Alexander Vershbow, the U.S. assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, will arrive in Tbilisi later on October 19 to discuss security issues with the Georgian authorities in frames of the U.S.-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership.

RFE/RL To Broadcast To Abkhazia, South Ossetia

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PRAGUE -- Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) has announced plans to launch daily broadcasts to the breakaway Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia beginning in November.

Georgia war report was a mistake, EU minister says

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - Lithuanian foreign minister Vyguadas Usackas has said the EU made a mistake in setting up the enquiry into the Georgia war, amid Russian claims that the investigation has proved it right.

Commander's Testimony Fails To Substantiate Mukhrovani Coup Allegations

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Colonel Shmagi Telia, who is commander of Georgia's land forces, testified on November 3 in the ongoing trial of military officers accused of plotting to overthrow the Georgian leadership.

[Comment] Back in the USSR

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EUOBSERVER / COMMENT - If you watched the TV talk show "Make Your Own Mind Up" on Russia's 1st Channel last week, you might have been impressed by the work of the Russian propaganda machine. You might also have the feeling that Soviet times are back.

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on Georgia

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The European Union expresses its deep concern with respect to the recent detentions of Georgian citizens, especially the detention of four minors at the administrative boundary line to South Ossetia, Georgia, on 4 November and urges for a rapid release of all detained persons

Window on Eurasia: Putin Says Decision on ‘Reunification’ of Georgia ‘Already Decided’

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Vienna, November 17 – Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who has often described the collapse of the Soviet Union as “the greatest tragedy” of the 20th century, has now said that the “reunification” of Georgia has “already been decided,” a suggestion some of his listeners believe was a call for restoring Moscow’s control over Georgia and even the former USSR as a whole.

Readout of Vice President Biden’s Call to Georgian President Saakashvili

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Vice President Biden called Georgian President Saakashvili on November 18, 2009, to discuss democratic reform in Georgia and to reiterate the United States’ strong support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

EUMM TO MONITOR FORTHCOMING GEORGIAN ARMED FORCES MOVEMENTS

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EUMM has been informed by the Georgian authorities that during the period 19-25 November there will be significant movements of the Georgian Armed Forces due to a restructuring programme.

Foreign Ministers discuss Georgia’s progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration

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The NATO-Georgia Commission (NGC) met today to discuss the course of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration and process of reform. During the meeting, Allies reaffirmed their continued support for Georgia’s membership aspirations.

Chairman’s Statement

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Meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission at the level of Foreign Ministers held at NATO Headquarters, Brussels, on 3 December 2009

Education Minister Replaced

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Dimitri Shashkin, who until now served as minister for penitentiary and probation, was appointed as new Education Minister, replacing Nika Gvaramia.

U.S. Air Force Commander in Europe Visits Georgia

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Gen. Roger A. Brady, commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe, held talks with the Georgian leadership on December 7, to discuss Georgia’s participation in the Afghan operation, as well as ways to “deepen and broaden relationship” with Georgia.

Sokhumi Says 146,000 Abkhaz Passports Issued

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Authorities in breakaway Abkhazia said 146,121 residents of breakaway Abkhazia, which they say is 90% of the region’s population, were holders of the Abkhaz passports, Abkhaz news agency, Apsnipress, reported on December 7.

International Religious Freedom Report 2009

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The status of respect for religious freedom by the Government continued to improve during the reporting period, and government policy continued to contribute to religious freedom. As government attention shifted to national security challenges following the August 2008 conflict with Russia, implementation of new policies relating to religious freedom appeared to have slowed. Despite this, the Government was able to make progress on religious freedom, particularly in education.

EU-Georgia Human Rights Dialogue Planned

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EU and Georgia officials will meet next week in Brussels for a second session of EU-Georgia human rights dialogue.

Georgia Says will Welcome if Russia Removes Sanctions

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Georgia will “only welcome” if Rusisa removes trade and travel restrictions with Georgia, a spokesperson for the Georgian President said on December 10.

Georgian President Flouts Election Law

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Mikheil Saakashvili told NGO representatives in Batumi on January 11 that in the interest of holding free and fair elections in future, he sees no problem in ignoring the legal deadline by which elections should be held for the new Central Election Commission (TsSK) chairman.

Public Defender Delivers Human Rights Report

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New public defender Giorgi Tugushi delivered his first biannual human rights report to the Parliament on December 18 with the ruling majority reacting with mild criticism of the document in contrast to reports delivered by ex-ombudsman Sozar Subari.

Georgian Opposition Protests Removal Of World War II Memorial

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KUTAISI, Georgia -- Georgian opposition parties are protesting a government decision to take down a huge World War II memorial complex in the city of Kutaisi, RFE/RL's Georgian Service reports.

U.S. Lawmaker Urges Rearming Of Georgia

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A senior member of the U.S. Republican Party is urging the Obama administration and European allies to consider rearming Georgia.

Georgian Airways Seeks Resumption Of Moscow Flights

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TBILISI, December 22, 2009 (RFE/RL) -- Georgian Airways says it has asked Russian aviation officials to allow it to resume direct flights to Moscow as of January 5, RFE/RL's Georgian Service reports.

Has The 2013 Georgian Presidential Campaign Already Started?

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Mikheil Saakashvili's second term as Georgian president does not expire for another three years. But the preparations for municipal elections in late May 2010, including that for Tbilisi mayor, already increasingly resemble the first stage in what promises to be a no-holds-barred fight to succeed him.

Sentence Passed In Georgian 'Mutiny' Trial

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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.

Commander's Testimony Fails To Substantiate Mukhrovani Coup Allegations

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Colonel Shmagi Telia, who is commander of Georgia's land forces, testified on November 3 in the ongoing trial of military officers accused of plotting to overthrow the Georgian leadership.

Economic Freedom Score

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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.

Human Rights Watch. WORLD REPORT 2010 (Georgia)

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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.

Georgian Leader Saakashvili Offers Afghan Supply Route

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

Georgia Unveils 'Strategy On Occupied Territories'

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

UN’s Role In Georgia Has ‘Fundamentally Changed’

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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.

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

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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.

Ex-PM Nogaideli Signs Cooperation Treaty with Russia’s Ruling Party

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Georgian former PM Zurab Nogaideli’s Movement for Fair Georgia and Russia’s ruling party, United Russia, signed a cooperation agreement in Moscow on February 9.

Investigative Reporter Asks for Asylum in Switzerland

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Vakhtang Komakhidze, a long-time Georgian investigative journalist, said he had to leave the country and seek asylum in Switzerland because of “aggressive threats” coming from the authorities” against him and his family.

Abkhaz Leader: 'We Are An Independent Country And That Will Not Change'

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MOSCOW -- Ties between Abkhazia and Russia have blossomed at a frantic rate ever since Moscow recognized the Georgian breakaway republic's independence following the Russia-Georgia war in 2008.

Holbrooke Hails Georgian Troops, Says U.S. Studying Transit Offer

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(RFE/RL) -- A top U.S. official has praised Georgia for its contribution of nearly 1,000 troops to Afghanistan, adding that Washington is considering Tbilisi's offer to use the small South Caucasus nation as part of an armaments supply route.

Georgia-Russia Border Crossing Reopened

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Georgia has reopened a Caucasus mountain border crossing with Russia that has been closed for more than three years amid hostilities between the two countries.

New Disagreements Emerge Within Georgian Opposition

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With a maximum of three months still to go before the Tbilisi mayoral election, Georgian opposition parties' hopes to field a single candidate to challenge incumbent Mayor Gigi Ugulava are on the verge of collapse.

Saakashvili’s State of Nation Address

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President Saakashvili delivered annual state of the nation address in Parliament, followed by remarks of ruling party MPs and rebuttal speeches by parliamentary minority lawmakers.

Abkhazia Appoints New 'Foreign Minister'

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The breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia has appointed Maksim Gvinjia as its de facto foreign minister, RFE/RL's Echo of the Caucasus reports.

Gender Dimension in the Wine Sector in Georgia

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The following report presents the results of the study of Gender Dimension in the Wine Sector in Georgia. The study was conducted as a supplementary to the GTZ project: Promoting Private Sector Development in Georgia on the base of agreement with GTZ by the team of experts in the field of Gender Studies and Social Studies of the International Center of Conflict and Negotiation.

From Tolerance to Civil Integration supported by EED (Germany) was held in Sheraton Metekhi Palace on the 7TH of April, 2008.

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From Tolerance to Civil Integration supported by EED (Germany) was held in Sheraton Metekhi Palace on the 7TH of April, 2008. Presentations on the work carried out in the framework of the project “From Tolerance to Civil Integration” was made by ICCN staff members. Challenges facing religious and ethnic minorities were presented and discussed.

Conference “Challenges to Democracy in Georgia”

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Conference “Challenges to Democracy in Georgia” highlighting the findings of the program “Building Integrity in Georgia” and supported by the Dutch foundation “Cordaid” took place on the 28th of February, 2008 at the Sheraton Metekhi Palace.

Salvation Army

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In the framework of EED supported project From Tolerance to Civic Integration International Charitable Organization “Salvation Army” made presentation on organizations’ activities and plans in the hotel “Ambasadori” on the 29th of March, 2008. Among participants were Civil Council members, governmental and nongovernmental organizations and mass media representatives. Presentation and discussion on minority issues was held.

Assessment of Community Development Process in Georgia

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The research was conducted with support of the Norwegian Institute of International Relations and with financial assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway. The objective of the program is to strengthen the research directions at NGOs and promote new and interesting researches in social sciences.

ngo congress

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The First National Congress of Georgian NGOs took place on 25 June 2006 at Sheraton Metekhi Palace Hotel, Tbilisi. The Congress gathered more than 400 delegates of NGOs, CSOs and Media organisations from all around Georgia, including conflict zones. Joint Declaration was signed by the Congress participants. This event was organised by the Georgian NGO Coalition "Civil Society for Democratic Georgia" (later renamed to "Coalition for Democracy") and was coordinated by ICCN. Financial support was provided by Cordaid (the Netherlands). This powerful event was followed by next Congresses organised by the same Coalition.

The Congress publication.

The Civil Council for the Protection of Basic Rights and Freedoms

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The Civil Council for the Protection of Basic Rights and Freedoms was established in 2005 as a structured body that derived from the Movement Against Religious Intolerance in Georgia (MARIG) that was created in 2003, in response to the violent attacks on one of the religious minority groups. However, unlike MARIG, the Civil Council represents a structured body with its functions divided according to the committees working on issues such as legislation, education and public affairs. Though not an independent body, the Civil Council was established under the umbrella of ICCN and continues to function through the technical and organizational assistance of the latter.

The World Council of Churches

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The Georgian Orthodox Church self-withdrawal from the World Council of Churches took place 10 years ago. The meeting at ICCN aimed at studying the consequences of that development was attended by the representatives of the Patriarchate of Georgian Orthodox Church and the confessions together with the NGO representatives. The discussion started with the PowerPoint presentation of WCC history.

Community Investment Program - West (CIP-W)

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Community Investment Program - West (CIP-W) was funded by BP and implemented by CARE Georgia in partnership with ICCN, TAG and Curatio. ICCN was responsible on training component in this program. ICCN trainers group conducted trainings and problem solving meetings with pipeline communities in Akhaltsike and Tsalka regions. ICCN also prepared the team of mediators in both program target regions. Gender empowerment was also included in the training program. Even ICCN gender division worked with special women group in Akhaltsike region (Tsnisi womens group). Stakeholders of this program were: Local Governments, leaders of CSOs.

Social and Market linkage in Akhalkhalaki Region

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EC supported program "Social and Market linkage in Akhalkhalaki Region". This program is funded by European Commission and implemented by Mercy Corps in partnership with ICCN. ICCN is responsible for providing trainings in team building, leadership, tolerance and in conflict resolution for farmers cooperatives in the region. ICCN also provides research and needs assessment activities for the entire program. Stakeholders of the program are: Ministry of Agriculture, Local government, local Communities, Farmers Cooperatives, Farmers Associations

South Caucasus Regional Coalition for the support of International Criminal Court (ICC)

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World Federalist Movement supported Program "Creating South Caucasus Regional Coalition for the support of International Criminal Court (ICC)". Program has regional coverage. ICCN created the region-wide network of NGOs for the awareness raising about ICC. Stakeholders of the program are: Ministry of Justice of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Parliament of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Local NGOs, lawyers practitioners and reserachers.

Building Integrity in Georgia (BIG)

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The program that started back in 2003 and will last until 2006 aims at promoting tolerant attitude towards religious minorities, integrating the latters in the publics life of the Georgian mainstream society. This goal is achieved though the synergy of the existing divisions at ICCN. The programme involves all the components present at the organization.

From Tolerance to Civil Integration. Collaborative Action Towards Conciliation and Democratic

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Launched in 2005, the programme aims at fostering democratic reforms and to overcome the problems that prevent Georgia from successfully completing the transition from the post-Soviet stage to a democratic and law-based state respecting liberal values, protecting human rights and fulfilling state obligations and commitments toward local and international communities.

Tsnisi Group of Women – Case study

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The presented case study is the part of CARE Georgia community investment program in partnership with ICCN, which was implemented in the frame of "Community Investment Program" (CIP -West) with the financial support of BP company.

The Role of Civil Society in the Prevention of Armed Conflict

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In early 1990s the South Caucasus states Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia gained their independence and sovereignty. Since then these states have chosen the path of democratic governance (adoption of Constitution, division of powers, etc.), civil society (development of the NGO sector and independent mass media) and liberal economy (free market). However, currently Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia are in an acute period of political, economic, social and cultural readjustment.

Regional Process in the Caucasus

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After the Soesterberg (the Netherlands) meeting 2003 launching the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict, the Regional Process in the Caucasus has been launched. The International Center on Conflict and Negotiation (ICCN) coordinates the regional process in the South Caucasus, while Non-Violence International – Newly Independent States coordinates the North Caucasus. The strategy and activities of the Regional Process in the Caucasus presented by the Caucasus Regional Initiator was adopted and implemented by the regional actors involved.

GPPAC

On July 10, 2008 ICCN was visited by Head of European Union Delegation in Georgia

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Flexibility and Proactiveness as Major Supporting Component in the ICCN Program

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Goals of the program Akhalkalaki Social and Marketing Linkages enable to be flexible and to react promptly on the direct needs of our target groups. Within the frameworks of the component of empowering and capacity building our organization – International Center on Conflict and Negotiation (ICCN) revised the intervention strategy and established new vision for priorities in September-October of last year. Our target audience was redefined together with the strategy to work with them. Our organization strengthens the program’s component of social linkages, which is a significant guarantee of success and development of marketing direction. Our main priorities are to work directly with the community, target groups, farmers’ cooperatives and associations, agricultural service centers and local governance bodies

Analysis of the Focus Group Results on Problems of Women Participation in Farmers Cooperatives

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At the joint meeting of Mercy Corps and partners it was pointed out that despite certain number of participating women in the newly established cooperatives, they (women) have some kind of a passive role in regards to decision making and discussing the activities. It was noted that there was significant difference in the specifics of cooperative activities between Georgian and Armenian communities in regards to gender component, though such passivity was found out to be the characteristic feature for both communities.

The project supported by EED envisages developing the capacity in civil society of Georgia

iccn@iccn.ge

The project supported by EED envisages developing the capacity in civil society of Georgia to cope with the challenges to democracy building and conflict peaceful resolution. To this end, the project aims at developing institutional strategy for ICCN and process of organizational development to enable the next stage: networking and new partnerships.

Internally Displaced People (IDPs)

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The Law on Internally Displaced People, adopted in 1995, is still effective in Georgia. However, no amendments or addenda have been introduced to it since its adoption. Under the law in question, IDPs are broken down into two categories by place of residence: those residing in collective centers and the private sector. The monthly assistance allocated to them makes up 11 and 14 GEL, correspondingly. The IDPs are not, naturally, happy with the amount they receive. In addition, they enjoy certain privileges (payment for electricity, use of transport, health service, etc).

Ethnic Minorities

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Historically Georgia is a multinational country. The Armenians, Jews, Azeri, Ossetians Greeks, Kurds and other ethnic groups have been living on its territory for ages. In XIX century, after joining the Russian Empire, Russians, Ukrainians, Germans and Poles also settled down in Georgia.

Muslim Meskhs

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From XVIII century, in South Georgia, which was part of the Ottoman Empire that time, the policy of the Islamization of local population was implemented through physical violence and economic pressure. The policy turned out to be effective and a large number of Meskhs adopted Islam.

Religious minorities

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On the initiative of late Giorgi Chanturia, the leader of the National-Democratic Party, quite influential in that period, an addendum was made to Article 9 of the Georgian Constitution (adopted in 1995) guaranteeing the freedom of faith and stipulating independence of the church from the State. The addendum read as follows: “The State recognizes an exceptional role of the Georgian Orthodox Church in the history of Georgia.” This phrase, that did not seem to bear any special significance, turned out to have quite serious consequences.

Minorities in Georgia: Situational Analysis

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The present survey, conducted within the framework of the EED supported project “From Tolerance to Civic Integration”, was preceded by research that identified vulnerable minorities in Georgia, isolated from the country’s social life to different extent. The purpose of the given survey was in-depth analysis of the actual situation of these social groups using empirical data.

ჩვენ - ქართველები, We - georgians, Мы - грузины, Wir - georgier

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I. “We”, “They”, Culture and Conflict
II. Time at the Cinema and Time at the Life

Civil Society and the Rose Revolution in Georgia

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Research group of the project “The Role of Civil Society in Rose Revolution in Georgia” included representatives of the International Centre on Conflict and Negotiation (ICCN): Dr. George Khutsishvili (head of the group), Dr. George Nizharadze, Rusudan Mshvidobadze, Dr Tina Gogheliani (researchers), as well as Davit Kiphiani (consultant), and Zurab Mkheidze (invited researcher). Prof. Zaza Piralishvili (I. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University) provided valuable contribution to the research and has co-written a chapter of the book, as well as Heiko Nowak (University of Tubingen, Germany).Valuable advice on development of methodology and the composition of the research work was done by the project international consultant Dr. Françoise Companjen (Free University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands) who has co-written chapters and participated in the editing work. Each part of the book has its own author, though all the contributors share general responsibility for the final product.

Development programs and their strategies Working meeting

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Russian and Georgian Experts Meet in Istanbul

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November 25 and 26, 2008 a roundtable meeting took place in Istanbul between the groups of Georgian and Russian high-level experts.

Meeting at ICCN with Leaders of Universal Peace Federation

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ICCN – Berghof Collaboration for Peacebuilding in the Caucasus

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Confrontation in the Caucasus: Roots, Dimensions and Implications

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The 16^th International Conference on Central Asia and the Caucasus organized by IPIS in Tehran, Iran

Meeting in Pristina

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On January 19-23, 2009 Georgian-Abkhaz-South Ossetian meeting was held in Pristina (Kosovo).

A meeting took place at the Patriarchy of Georgian

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December 30, 2008 A meeting took place at the Patriarchy of Georgian Orthodox Church between His Holiness Patriarch Ilia II and Dr. George Khutsishvili Director of ICCN.

Training Peace-Building and Conflict Transformation

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The goal of the training conducted by ICCN trainers/facilitators for young people from two regions - the South Caucasus and Balkan, mostly IDPs, people affected by past conflicts, was awareness raising on the process of conflict transformation and peace-building, revealing the essence of conflicts and their roots and getting knowledge and skills to prevent, resolve, manage or transform them.

Statement of the Initiative Group of NGOs “Civil Manifesto”

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Political situation in Georgia

iccn@iccn.ge

This review is based mainly on the news information of leading media in:

Georgia – background information & analysis on international websites

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Georgia – background information & analysis on international websites

Tbilisi Residents Polled on Current Situation in Georgia

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Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 –1968) was an American clergyman, activist and prominent leader in the African-American civil rights movement.

Abraham Johannes Muste

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Abraham Johannes Muste, peacemaker, was born on January 8, 1885, and died on this day in 1967. He was a vibrant example of Christian nonviolence in the twentieth century.

Mother Teresa

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Mother Teresa (1910 –1997), was an Albanian Roman Catholic nun with Indian citizenship who founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata (Calcutta), India in 1950.

This page is currently under construction

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This page is currently under construction

UN SC meeting discussing the Georgian-Russian tension

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Secretary-General urges all sides to preserve Georgian-Abkhaz ceasefire

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New Germqn Initiative for the Peaceful Conflict Settlement in Georgia

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Georgian Ossetian talks failed in Brussels

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US Official held talks with Georgian and Abkhaz sides on resuming dialogue

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Extraordinary European Council, Brussels, 1 September 2008

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Saakashvili Speaks of “Second Rose Revolution”

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Once Diplomat's Diplomat, Lavrov Now Kremlin's Advance Guard

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First EU Monitors Enter South Ossetia Buffer Zone

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On September 15, EU Foreign Ministers got a decision to send 200-strong observer mission to Georgia by October 1.

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On September 24, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held meeting within UN General Assembly ministerial week.

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New UN Envoy Visits Sokhumi

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Johan Verbeke, the UN secretary-general’s new special representative to Georgia, held talks with Abkhaz leader Sergey Bagapsh and Foreign Minister Sergey Shamba in Sokhumi on October 5.

EU Confirms Russian Troop Withdrawal

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Javier Solana, the EU foreign policy chief, said on October 10 that Russian forces had pulled out from the areas adjacent to South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

UN Mission Extended Pending Outcome of Geneva Talks

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The UN Security Council extended the mandate of the UN observer mission in the Abkhaz conflict zone for another four months, instead of the usual six months.

USD 4.55 bln Aid Package Priorities

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Opposition Calls for Democratization in Joint Appeal to Donors

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A group of Georgian politicians called on international donors, gathered in Brussels on October 22, to link post-war reconstruction funds for Georgia to democratisation in the country.

New Army Chief of Staff Appointed

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Two Parties to Fill Seats in Adjara Parliament

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Ex-Envoy’s Hearing at War Commission Ends in Brawl

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International Reaction on Presidential Convoy Shots

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Final communiqué

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Meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Foreign Ministers held at NATO Headquarters, Brussels

Militias In Breakaway Georgia Region "Running Wild"

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Chairman’s statement

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Georgia: The Risks of Winter

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War Commission Releases Report

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A parliamentary commission, which studied the August war, released a voluminous report on December 18, backing the government’s official version of events that led up to the hostilities.

United States-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership

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United States-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership

Mission OSCE in Georgia

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Up In Flames Humanitarian Law Violations and Civilian Victims in the Conflict over South Ossetia

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Six months after the war, Georgia looks very different

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People are questioning the official version of the South Ossetian conflict, and asking if their president can be trusted.

PACE Resolution

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Swords and Shields: Russia's Abkhaz base plan

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Georgia Fading On EU, NATO Radar Screens

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UN Security Council extends the mandate of UNOMIG

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Russia's Coming War with Georgia

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Six months after the French-brokered agreement ended the Russo-Georgia war on August 12, 2008 the ceasefire continues to be fragile with constant incidents that both sides describe as "provocations."

South Ossetians direct ire at Europe (News Feature)

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NATO-Georgia Commission meeting

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On Feb. 20, 2009 the NATO-Georgia Commission convened within the framework of NATO defense ministers’ informal meeting in Krakow.

Georgia: Russia Is Stoking Tensions

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KVEMO-NIKOZI, Georgia -- The tank rumbled across the border from South Ossetia in the middle of the afternoon, followed by about 40 Russian soldiers on foot, witnesses said.

2008 Human Rights Report: Georgia

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On February 25, 2009 the US Department of State released annual human rights report 2008 for Georgia.

US official visits Georgia

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On March 13, 2009 the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Mathew Bryza visited Georgia. During his visit he held meetings with Georgian President, Prime Minister and opposition leaders.

Georgia – background information & analysis on international websites

iccn@iccn.ge

Georgia – background information & analysis on international websites

Political situation in Georgia

iccn@iccn.ge

This review is based mainly on the news information of leading media in:

World Bank Moves Georgia Up to 15^th for Doing Business

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This week in its annual report, Doing Business 2009, the World Bank has ranked Georgia as the 15^th most business-friendly nation.

Group of Georgian Experts about Preliminary Transformation of the Government – Reasons, Dangers, Perspectives

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Crisis in Georgia,2008

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Tbilisi Residents Polled to Evaluate Public Broadcasting – I TV Channel

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Tbilisi Residents Polled on Current Situation in Georgia

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Seeing Red: Georgia blames Russia for 'mutiny'

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Russia, furious over NATO war games set to begin Wednesday in Georgia, says recent turmoil is evidence of Saakashvili's instability. Armenia withdraws from war games.

Civil Society Elected the Trust Group

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NATO Parliamentary Assembly on Goergia

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The Report of the UN Secretary General on Abkhazia, Georgia

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Report of the Secretary-General pursuant to Security Council resolutions 1808 (2008), 1839 (2008)and 1866 (2009)

Report by the US Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor on Georgia, 2008

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Church Leader: Give Up Categorical Thinking

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An influential head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Ilia II intervened in political standoff by hinting that the opposition should put aside demanding the President’s resignation.

No Step Back – Opposition Leaders Say

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Some of the opposition leaders have vowed not to step back from their drive to force President Saakashvili to resign and called for more “active measures” including for blocking a railway.

Georgia Signals Readiness To Discuss Opening Border Crossing With Russia

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Tens of Thousands Rally

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Tens of thousands of protesters gathered on May 26 – the Georgia’s Independence Day and 48^th day of street protests demanding President Saakashvili’s resignation.

NY Times interviews de facto President of Abkhazia Sergei Bagapsh

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MOSCOW — Sergei Bagapsh wants to make it perfectly clear: Abkhazia is not now, and will not become, part of the Russian Federation.

Georgia Says UN “Submitted to Russia’s Blackmail”

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Georgia’s UN envoy, Alexander Lomaia, accused Russia of blackmailing UN Secretariat and criticized the latter for submitting that pressure.

Abkhaz Vice-President Resigns

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Raul Khajimba, the vice-president of breakaway Abkhazia, said he had filed for resignation over disagreements with Abkhaz leader, Sergey Bagapsh, Russian news agencies reported on May 28.

Georgia's Alasania Seeks A Middle Ground For Opposition

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EU Envoy Meets Opposition Leaders

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Tbilisi Hopes ‘Objective’ Report from EU’s War Inquiry Mission

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Opposition Parties Sign ‘Charter of Commitments’

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Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

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Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the EU on the "Parliamentary elections" in South Ossetia, Georgia

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The EU is aware that „parliamentary elections“ took place in the South Ossetian region of Georgia on 31 May 2009. The EU does not accept the legality of the “elections”, nor its results.

Gachechiladze on Talks with Saakashvili

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Senior U.S. Diplomat Visits Georgia

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Don't Let the Rose Revolution Wilt

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Georgia Joined the Declaration on Eradication of Homophobia and on the Protection of Sexual Minorities

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Phil Gordon Visits Georgia

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Georgia's Abkhazia less secure without monitors: U.N.

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Russia Vetoes Western Plan For UN In Georgia

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Russia has blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution that was aimed at extending the UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG).

Zourabichvili’s Bid for Deputy Interior Minister’s Post Seems to Fail

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EUMM Monitors receive medals in Gori, Khashuri, Tbilisi and Zugdidi Field Offices

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Following the first four months of service in the European Union Monitoring Mission, monitors who arrived in Georgia after December, were awarded medals in recognition of their work in the Mission.

Opposition Alliance Reports on Arrest of its Activists

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Philip H. Gordon, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs made a report

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On June 16, 2009 Philip H. Gordon, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs made a report

Abkhazia And The Perils Of 'Independence'

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SUKHUMI -- A row of Russian and Abkhaz flags flutter in the Black Sea breeze in front of the stately government headquarters in the Abkhaz capital.

EUMM Says Blast ‘Deliberate Attack’ on its Monitors

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Abkhazia Seeks Continued Cooperation With UN

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Former PM Nominated as Georgia’s NATO Envoy

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Grigol Mgaloblishvili, who held the Prime Minister’s post for only three months, has been nominated as Georgia’s ambassador to NATO.

New U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Named

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President Obama nominated John R. Bass for ambassadorial post in Georgia to replace John Tefft, who has served in Georgia since 2005.

International Crisis Group Briefing: Georgia-Russia - Still Insecure and Dangferous

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Georgia to Send Battalion to Afghanistan in 2010

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Georgia will send a battalion-size force to contribute NATO-led operations in Afghanistan in 2010, the Georgian Defense Ministry said on June 23.

Georgia, U.S. Launch Strategic Partnership Council

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Battle for Georgian billions comes to EU capital

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - US public relations firm APCO has begun lobbying EU institutions over the ownership of a Georgian TV station, in a case linking curious events in London, Tbilisi and Minsk.

South Ossetian Authorities Target Opposition Financier

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Freedom House’s Annual Survey Nations in Transit (NIT) tracks democratic developments and setbacks of 29 countries in the former Communist states of Europe and Eurasia

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Freedom House’s Annual Survey Nations in Transit (NIT) tracks democratic developments and setbacks of 29 countries in the former Communist states of Europe and Eurasia.

Along the Russian-Georgian border, war games or prelude to war?

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Frank’ Discussions on Georgia in Obama-Medvedev Talks

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President Obama said he had “a frank discussion” on Georgia during the meeting with his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev.

Obama Says State Sovereignty Must be Respected

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The European Court of Human Rights

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EU to delay Georgia war report

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EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The result of an EU-sponsored enquiry into the origins of the 2008 Georgia war is set to be delayed by two months, amid rising fears of fresh hostilities in the region.

On Visit to Breakaway Enclave, Russian President Promises Help in Rebuilding

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The US State Department`s spokesman Ian Kelly has voiced the position

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Vice President Biden to travel to Georgia and Ukraine

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THE WHITE HOUSE - Office of the Vice President

EU 'Troika' Begins Tour Of South Caucasus

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BRUSSELS -- A high-level EU delegation has arrived in the South Caucasus to tour Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia in the coming days.

The Pragmatist: Georgia's Irakli Alasania Emerges As Political Alternative

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Georgia's President Vows Changes

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Georgia Says Saakashvili’s NATO Remarks in WSJ Distorted

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US vows to stand by Georgia

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Joe Biden, the US vice-president, received a rapturous welcome in Georgia yesterday where he pledged continuing support for Washington's troubled ally in the south Caucasus.

Georgia In Talks On U.S. Conflict Monitors

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TBILISI (Reuters) -- Georgia has said it is holding "preliminary talks" on U.S. involvement in a European Union mission that is monitoring the boundaries with Georgia's two pro-Russian rebel regions.

Ukraine Arrests Man Suspected Of Killing Gongadze

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(RFE/RL) -- A man suspected of killing independent Ukrainian journalist Heorhiy Gongadze in 2000 has been detained in Ukraine.

Georgians Want a Pluralistic Democracy

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Georgia's Counterweight to Power

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Council on Foreign Relations

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EU Monitoring Mission mandate extended for another twelve months

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Georgia: one year on

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What Biden Should Have Said

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EU statement in the OSCE on Georgia

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The European Union notes that during the recent month, one year after the August 2008 conflict in Georgia, the situation has remained generally stable, without major incidents.

Armenian President Proposes Measures To Alleviate Plight Of Minority In Georgia

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New Georgian Defense Minister Implicated In Prison Riots

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UNGA Resolution on Status of IDPs and Refugees from Abkhazia, S.Ossetia

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Recalling all its relevant resolutions on the protection of and assistance to internally displaced persons, including its resolutions 62/153 of 18 December 2007 and 62/249 of 15 May 2008,

Has South Ossetia's President Fallen Out Of Favor With Moscow?

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The way ahead for Abkhazians, Ossetians and Georgia

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The saviour of Georgia?

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Georgia War Report Set to Blame Both Moscow and Tbilisi

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PACE Resolution 1683 (2009): The war between Georgia and Russia: one year after

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Independent International Fact-finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia

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By its decision of 2 December 2008 the Council of the European Union established an Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia (IIFFMCG).

Georgia Rejects Russian Accusations Of Collaboration With Al-Qaeda In North Caucasus

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Experts Pan Georgian President's Economic Freedom Act

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Independent Georgian TV Channel Under Pressure

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Georgian Orthodox Church Patriarch Criticizes Saakashvili For War

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U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense to Visit Tbilisi

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RFE/RL To Broadcast To Abkhazia, South Ossetia

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PRAGUE -- Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) has announced plans to launch daily broadcasts to the breakaway Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia beginning in November.

Georgia war report was a mistake, EU minister says

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Commander's Testimony Fails To Substantiate Mukhrovani Coup Allegations

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Colonel Shmagi Telia, who is commander of Georgia's land forces, testified on November 3 in the ongoing trial of military officers accused of plotting to overthrow the Georgian leadership.

[Comment] Back in the USSR

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Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on Georgia

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Window on Eurasia: Putin Says Decision on ‘Reunification’ of Georgia ‘Already Decided’

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Readout of Vice President Biden’s Call to Georgian President Saakashvili

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EUMM TO MONITOR FORTHCOMING GEORGIAN ARMED FORCES MOVEMENTS

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EUMM has been informed by the Georgian authorities that during the period 19-25 November there will be significant movements of the Georgian Armed Forces due to a restructuring programme.

Foreign Ministers discuss Georgia’s progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration

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Chairman’s Statement

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Meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission at the level of Foreign Ministers held at NATO Headquarters, Brussels, on 3 December 2009

Education Minister Replaced

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Dimitri Shashkin, who until now served as minister for penitentiary and probation, was appointed as new Education Minister, replacing Nika Gvaramia.

U.S. Air Force Commander in Europe Visits Georgia

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Sokhumi Says 146,000 Abkhaz Passports Issued

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International Religious Freedom Report 2009

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EU-Georgia Human Rights Dialogue Planned

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EU and Georgia officials will meet next week in Brussels for a second session of EU-Georgia human rights dialogue.

Georgia Says will Welcome if Russia Removes Sanctions

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Georgia will “only welcome” if Rusisa removes trade and travel restrictions with Georgia, a spokesperson for the Georgian President said on December 10.

Georgian President Flouts Election Law

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Public Defender Delivers Human Rights Report

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Georgian Opposition Protests Removal Of World War II Memorial

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KUTAISI, Georgia -- Georgian opposition parties are protesting a government decision to take down a huge World War II memorial complex in the city of Kutaisi, RFE/RL's Georgian Service reports.

U.S. Lawmaker Urges Rearming Of Georgia

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A senior member of the U.S. Republican Party is urging the Obama administration and European allies to consider rearming Georgia.

Georgian Airways Seeks Resumption Of Moscow Flights

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TBILISI, December 22, 2009 (RFE/RL) -- Georgian Airways says it has asked Russian aviation officials to allow it to resume direct flights to Moscow as of January 5, RFE/RL's Georgian Service reports.

Has The 2013 Georgian Presidential Campaign Already Started?

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Sentence Passed In Georgian 'Mutiny' Trial

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Commander's Testimony Fails To Substantiate Mukhrovani Coup Allegations

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Colonel Shmagi Telia, who is commander of Georgia's land forces, testified on November 3 in the ongoing trial of military officers accused of plotting to overthrow the Georgian leadership.

Economic Freedom Score

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Human Rights Watch. WORLD REPORT 2010 (Georgia)

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Georgian Leader Saakashvili Offers Afghan Supply Route

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

Georgia Unveils 'Strategy On Occupied Territories'

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

UN’s Role In Georgia Has ‘Fundamentally Changed’

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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.

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

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Ex-PM Nogaideli Signs Cooperation Treaty with Russia’s Ruling Party

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Georgian former PM Zurab Nogaideli’s Movement for Fair Georgia and Russia’s ruling party, United Russia, signed a cooperation agreement in Moscow on February 9.

Investigative Reporter Asks for Asylum in Switzerland

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Abkhaz Leader: 'We Are An Independent Country And That Will Not Change'

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MOSCOW -- Ties between Abkhazia and Russia have blossomed at a frantic rate ever since Moscow recognized the Georgian breakaway republic's independence following the Russia-Georgia war in 2008.

Holbrooke Hails Georgian Troops, Says U.S. Studying Transit Offer

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Georgia-Russia Border Crossing Reopened

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Georgia has reopened a Caucasus mountain border crossing with Russia that has been closed for more than three years amid hostilities between the two countries.

New Disagreements Emerge Within Georgian Opposition

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Saakashvili’s State of Nation Address

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President Saakashvili delivered annual state of the nation address in Parliament, followed by remarks of ruling party MPs and rebuttal speeches by parliamentary minority lawmakers.

Abkhazia Appoints New 'Foreign Minister'

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The breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia has appointed Maksim Gvinjia as its de facto foreign minister, RFE/RL's Echo of the Caucasus reports.

ახალი სტატიები iccn.ge

On July 10, 2008 ICCN was visited by Head of European Union Delegation in Georgia

Development programs and their strategies Working meeting

Russian and Georgian Experts Meet in Istanbul

Meeting at ICCN with Leaders of Universal Peace Federation

ICCN – Berghof Collaboration for Peacebuilding in the Caucasus

Appeal of the Civil Society Organisations of Georgia

Confrontation in the Caucasus: Roots, Dimensions and Implications

Address of the Georgian Civil Society Organizations Representing Coalition – For Democracy to the Elected 44th President of the United States Mr. Barack Obama

Meeting in Pristina

A meeting took place at the Patriarchy of Georgian

Statement of the Initiative Group of NGOs “Civil Manifesto”

Announcement of Civil Initiative for Constitutional Reform

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

Roundtable Solidarity

Berlin conference

An Open Letter to Mr. Joseph Biden, Vice President of the United States of America

GPPAC Promotes Lasting Peace in Mindanao

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

Training/seminar in Peace Journalism for the South Caucasus journalists

A Peace Promotion Trip

Workshop on the role of media in conflict resolution

Peace Starts with Smile

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

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

The Black Sea Peacebuilding Platform Develops in Georgia

US, Czech Republic Sign Missile Defence Shield Deal

Iran and the nuclear issue

Russia issues warning over US radar in Europe

EU pledges €500 million to rebuild Kosovo

Pro-EU government approved in Serbia

Parliament debating Kosovo resolution

Energy policy and EU integration

EU and Russia try to inject energy into mutual ties

Merkel's Ukraine Visit Signals Crucial Shift

Military strike not an option on Iran, EU ministers say

Serbian ambassadors to return to EU capitals

Obama rallies Europe for war on terror

Chechen Leader Takes On Three Powerful Adversaries, With Minimum Success

Ingushetian Minister Survives Suicide Bomb Attack

Red Flags Hint At Brewing Civil War In Ingushetia

Moldovan Talks With Separatists Canceled

Czech Spying Accusations Against Russia Spark Political Storm

Romania opens door to Gazprom pipeline

Feeling Expansive, Moscow Looks To U.S. 'Backyard': Latin America

EU to start Moldova talks despite election fears

Kosovo eyes EU membership in 2015

Russia Hopes To Deploy New Nuclear Missile Next Year

Energy and trade gripes dominate EU-Russia relations

Barack Obama Elected Next President Of The United States

Medvedev: ‘Barbaric Attack’ on S.Ossetia was a Test for Russia

Medvedev In Venezuela To Build Ties With U.S. Critic Chavez

Brussels to recognise 'European aspirations' of post-Soviet states

Russian Senators Approve Extending Presidency

EU, NATO voice concern over Georgia shooting incident

2025: the end of US dominance

Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World

UN Says Kosovo, Serbia Agree To Cooperate With EU Mission

The Top 10 Stories You Missed in 2008

Helsinki, Finland, 4 December 2008 - Secretary-General's message to the 16th OSCE Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe [delivered by Johan Verbeke, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Georgia]

The 10 Worst Predictions for 2008

The chance for a new world order

On January 20, 2009, the inauguration ceremony of the 44th President of the US will take place in the US Capitol.

On Feb. 1, Metropolitan Kirill will be installed as the 16th Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.

Biden says up to Georgia whether to join NATO

U.S. unveils changes to foreign policy

Geneva talks: “Proposals for Joint Mechanisms for Averting and Reacting to Incidents”

Text of a Joint Statement by President Obama and President Medvedev

THE RIGHT DIRECTION FOR U.S. POLICY TOWARD RUSSIA

EU sets low expectations for Russia summit

Fifth Round of Talks End in Geneva

Interview with the US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

North Korea Warns Of Military Strike Against South

North Korea Fires More Rockets; Says U.S. Hostile

IGROUNDBREAKING U.S.-RUSSIA JOINT THREAT ASSESSMENT ON IRAN

Obama's First Hundred Days and U.S. Presidential Realities

Amnesty International Report 2009

The Geography of Recession

2009 Global Corruption Barometer

Eastern Partnership:getting down to work

On Feb. 1, Metropolitan Kirill will be installed as the 16^th Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.