NEWS: Georgia News Digest 12-27-07

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Attached PDF file easily navigable with Bookmarks pane
Archives and associated files at groups-beta.google.com/group/genews/files

1. report: Monitoring the use of administrative resources during the election campaign
2. Initial results of pre-election media monitoring
3. Media Council published TV monitoring results
4. About 800 international observers registered for monitoring presidential elections in Georgia
5. US, German ambassadors to Georgia urge to abide by laws
6. OSCE observer says election in Georgia will be democratic
7. Georgian presidential election will be democratically held in South Ossetia
8. NATO reservists to observe Georgian election in Abkhazia’s Kodori Gorge
9. In Gori, voter lists still cause for controversy
10. “New Generation - New Initiative” will conduct parallel vote tabulation for the 2008 presidential elections
11. Georgian opposition broadcaster shuts down as political scandals heat up
12. Imedi suspends broadcast amid campaign mud-slinging
13. video: Georgian opposition TV shut again: 'We fear for our lives'
14. Burjanadze - Imedi TV staff’s decision on suspension of broadcasting was no surprise
15. Authorities dismiss claims of pressure on Imedi TV
16. PM – Imedi TV founder is to decide when and how to resume broadcasts
17. Patarkatsishvili - Imedi TV will resume broadcasts the day following the presidential elections
18. Patarkatsishvili's aides say TV closed due to government pressure
19. Inga Grigolia: I do not care about Imedi, I`ve my business
20. Imedi TV shut down sensible, safe
21. Opposition candidates comment on Imedi TV situation
22. Government positively evaluates decision of journalists to quit “Imedi” TV
23. Patarkatsishvili withdraws from Georgia’s presidential race
24. Patarkatsishvili withdraws from presidential race
25. Patarkatsishvili meets with Georgian police official in London
26. Patarkatsishvili says he has evidence of a London assassination plot against him
27. Patarkatsishvili vows to continue political struggle
28. Patarkatsishvili says he offered police money not to use force against protesters
29. PM says Patarkatsishvili can remain a candidate
30. Giorgi Zhvania is in London for holding consultations with Patarkatsishvili
31. General Prosecutor’s office to appeal to parliament for withdrawing immunity of MP
32. Marina Gabunia accused of coup plotting sentenced to two months of preliminary detention
33. Bezhuashvili excludes possibility of bribing army by Patarkatsishvili
34. Campaign manager meets Patarkatsishvili
35. Youths held a protest
36. Gachechiladze slams Saakashvili, Patarkatsishvili’s ‘dirty games’
37. Gachechiladze says former president plans to steal 40 per cent of votes
38. Gachechiladze lashes out at Rustavi 2, Mze TVs
39. Nine-party coalition comments on recent developments
40. John F. Tefft met members of united opposition
41. Gamkrelidze: He has faith and strength, but does he have the votes?
42. Labors address international community
43. Natelashvili urges Europe to stop Saakashvili
44. Natelashvili calls EU on holding consultations with Saakashvili
45. CEC denies Sarishvili budget funding, free airtime
46. France to consider granting Okruashvili political asylum – lawyer
47. Issue related to giving political asylum to Okruashvili to be decided by France till January 03
48. France to make asylum decision on Okruashvili
49. It’s a long way from Georgia to Fayetteville
50. The fight for public discourse
51. Court jails former judge suspected of conspiracy for two months
52. Nino Burjanadze named best Georgian politician in 2007
53. Konstantin Kublashvili: Corruption does not exist in the Georgian court system any more!
54. Georgian, Iranian Foreign Ministers discuss relations
55. Regular draft amendments to the state budget of Georgia for 2007 submitted in parliament
56. Bendukidze: The country experienced usd 0.5 billion losses due to current political situation
57. Block Georgia to invest $50m in new hospital construction
58. GYLA publishes results of monitoring in the penitentiary
59. video: Kosovo independence to spark chain reaction in Caucasus?
60. video: Shakira in Tbilisi

full digest: Georgia News Digest - Ansicht in Groups BetaNeu!

Jonathan Kulick, Ph.D., Director of Studies, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, 3a Chitadze, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia (Republic), jonathan.kulick@gfsis.org, office: +995 32 47 35 55, mobile: +995 95 33 33 40, USA voicemail: 310.928.6814

MUSIC: Hooshere's visions

Born and raised in New York City, Hooshere is a first generation Armenian-American whose connection to her heritage, coupled with her passion for music, has molded her into one of the very unique newcomers to the world music scene.

Hooshere has been receiving high accolades for her release of her debut album, Provenance. Greg Burk, of the LA Weekly, said "Hooshere is a singer who mixes her deeply melancholy balladry with a modern feel for subtle electronics and wide-open spaces." Mike Clancy, Editor for amNewYork (a NY Newsday publication) said that Provenance is like the soundtrack to a film yet to be made.

Since the release of her debut, Hooshere has already earned several nods from the music industry: one of her original tracks entitled Willow won 1st prize in the 13th annual Billboard Song Contest in the world music cateogy; and second prize in the annual indieTunes song contest, in the Latin/World category. Willow was also featured in a pre-theater audio segment at Regal Cinemas across the county and generated an overwhelming response. Another original track, entitled Somebody Else, was featured in a nationally televised PBS documentary, "The Armenian Genocide" which aired on April 17th, 2006.

Provenance is produced by Hooshere, with co-production by AB+, a talented producer and seasoned French horn player, having performed with such greats as Miles Davis, Lenny Kravitz, Sonny Rollins, and Gil Evans. The album also features well-known guitarist Matt Beck, who is now touring with Rob Thomas (of Matchbox Twenty). Playing bass on the album is Konrad Adderley, who has played with Aretha Franklin and Sonny Rollins, among others, and is currently playing in the band for the Broadway musical "Wicked." The traditional Armenian instrumentation on the album could not have come from a more authentic source, as it was recorded by talented Armenian musicians in Armenia's capital city of Yerevan. Some of the most notable local musicians were enlisted for the album, including Hratjcha Muradian (kamancha), Norair Kartashyan (blul, duduk) and Alik Peloshyan (dhol). "Recording the album was an incredible journey for me; it started out as an experimental few sessions with AB+, and I quickly realized that I had found a co-collaborator who understood my vision", Hooshere comments.

During the process, she was inspired to write several original tracks, each of which was an evolution all its own. Recording in Armenia was uniquely rewarding, especially while witnessing the Armenian musicians connect with, and interpret her music in such extraordinary ways. Hooshere goes on to say, "The experience of bridging the new and old through the remarkable instruments of my heritage was fulfilling and inspiring. I feel that I have captured some of the most essential elements of the album through the process. The gifted musicians with whom she collaborated, both in New York and in Armenia, each contributed their own unique elements to her music."

Together they achieved Hooshere's vision of creating an inventive, balanced fusion of contemporary and traditional sounds, to propel the music of her ancestry into the present day, for a global audience.

Internet:

www.myspace.com/hooshere

www.hooshere.com

NEWS: Georgia News Digest 12-26-07

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Attached PDF file easily navigable with Bookmarks pane
Archives and associated files at groups-beta.google.com/group/genews/files

1. Georgian newspaper’s informal poll suggests three-way tie for first
2. Gachechiladze - 22 per cent, Saakashvili - 16 per cent. Ramaz Saqvarelidze: 'Second round will be held without fail
3. IFES and USAID invite presidential candidates to debate
4. Dieter Boden – Governmental candidate’s share in the pre-election TV campaign is tremendous
5. Advertisements and pre-election messages of presidential candidates
6. Two candidates must withdraw from presidential race
7. Nothing can stop Georgia from holding free election
8. Georgians betrayed again
9. Eduard Shevardnadze: Hard to say whether Saakashvili will be elected president or not
10. Bezhuashvili insists authorities in control of country
11. International observers to monitor presidential election in Upper Abkhazia
12. Four representatives of Azerbaijani CEC to observe elections in Georgia
13. announcement: Media Centre
14. Gurgenidze does not exclude that “Newscorp” will not be interested in “Imedi” TV
15. 6 journalists leave Imedi TV Company
16. Imedi TV management plans statement
17. Imedi News staff undecided
18. One more journalist left Imedi TV
19. video: Georgian tycoon denies election coup plot
20. Kodua-Gelbakhiani and Patarkatsishvili tapes
21. Authorities release another "secret" recording of tycoon
22. Gelbakhiani says secret recordings "provocation against him"
23. Comments on recordings of presidential candidate
24. Gurgenidze praises law-enforcers for publishing covert recordings
25. U.S. envoy on ‘coup plot’ tapes
26. Alleged ‘coup plotter’ remanded
27. Patarkatsishvili forced onto defensive
28. Gurgenidze: No appeal to withdraw Patarkatsishvili from presidential race
29. Goga Zhvania: Patarkatsishvili’s headquarters work in general regime
30. Patarkatsishvili meets with Georgian police official in London
31. Patarkatsishvili supporters appoint new chief campaigner
32. Gamkrelidze speaks of Patarkatsishvili’s mistake
33. Authorities slams opposition of cooperating with Patarkatsishvili
34. "Equality Institute” accuse Saakashvili and Patarkatsishvili of bribing voters
35. Saakashvili promised voters in Racha to restore Ambrolauri airport
36. Saakashvili met with voters in Khobi region
37. Yushchenko, Saakashvili met in same coats
38. Yuschenko arrives in Tbilisi to support Saakashvili
39. Yushchenko endorses former Georgian leader's reelection
40. Gachechiladze meets voters in Samegrelo Region
41. MP Bezhan Gunava speaks about pressure on him
42. Mother of Buta Robakidze supports Gachechiladze
43. United opposition is planning a meeting in Tbilisi
44. Davitashvili says government wary of opposition popularity
45. “New Rights” distrusts exit polls initiated by 4 Georgian TV companies
46. New Rights snub planned exit polls
47. Gamkrelidze to visit Imereti Region
48. Gamkrelidze's supporters hold demonstration
49. Maisashvili went to #53 school
50. Elizbar Javelidze and Merab Jibladze support Shalva Natelashvili
51. Former presidential hopeful says his candidacy helped ethnic Azeris
52. Georgian winemakers want to restart negotiations with Russian sanitation agency
53. UN assessment of Georgian-Abkhaz settlement will not amend peacekeeping format – diplomat
54. Kosovo solution to create precedent for Abkhazia independence
55. video: Georgia frees Russian ex-peacekeepers
56. South Ossetia, North Ossetia may be rejoined in 2008
57. State budget 2008 to allocate gel 9 million to patriarchate of Georgia
58. Ilia II consecrated Annunciation Church inside Parliament of Georgia
59. Special aviation unit carried out rescue operation in Khevsureti, Khakhabo and Ardoti
60. Merabishvili to submit two projects for discussion on cabinet meeting
61. More money coming in from abroad
62. Ferroalloys, cars and oil - lead export from Georgia

full digest: Georgia News Digest - Ansicht in Groups BetaNeu!

Jonathan Kulick, Ph.D., Director of Studies, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, 3a Chitadze, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia (Republic), jonathan.kulick@gfsis.org, office: +995 32 47 35 55, mobile: +995 95 33 33 40, USA voicemail: 310.928.6814

AUSSTELLUNG: Malerei von Kristine Kakabadze

Die Eröffnung war am 24. Dezember 2007, 17:00 Uhr.
Ort: Tbilisi, Melikishvili Av. 8, ProCredit Bank.

Die Ausstellung wurde im Rahmen des Projektes ''ArtPro'' organisiert, das ist ein Projekt, unterstützt von der ProCredit Bank Tbilisi. Das Projekt existiert schon seit einem Jahr: In verschiedenen Ausstellungen erhalten Künstler die Gelegenheit Malerei & Grafik in den Filialen der ProCredit Bank in Tbilisi auszustellen.

Der Author des Projektes ist der Maler Gia Gugushvili.
Jede Ausstellung dauert bis zu 3 Wochen.

Another Space, 2006, (zeti-ti), Oil-On-Canvas

Breakwater, 2007, Oil-On-Canvas, 100-65cm

Unnatural Plant, 2007, Oil-On-Canvas

Architectural Motives, 2007, Oil-On-Canvas

NEWS: Georgia News Digest 12-25-07

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Attached PDF file easily navigable with Bookmarks pane
Archives and associated files at groups-beta.google.com/group/genews/files

1. Leftist messages clash as election date nears
2. Dieter Boden – Governmental candidate’s share in the pre-election TV campaign is tremendous
3. Nongovernmental organizations plan to launch media center during the pre-election period
4. CEC says photographing the voting process with mobile telephones without accreditation will be forbidden
5. Advertisements and pre-election messages of presidential candidates
6. KU professor working with Georgians on elections
7. Patriarch calls nation for peace ahead of election
8. While checking the election registers, the Republicans found ran into a registered voter who had died a year earlier
9. On the cutting edge of elections
10. Exit polls for early presidential election to be conducted against four tv companies’ order
11. IFES and USAID invite presidential candidates to debate
12. Newspaper Whole Week ceases opinion poll surveys to verify presidential candidates’ rating
13. Samegrelo is not a Rose Revolution domain
14. Davitashvili assists Teo Tlashadze in election campaign
15. Davitashvili says government wary of opposition popularity
16. Davitashvili warnings government about telephone threaten
17. Address of Georgian students living in America to presidential candidate Levan Gachechiladze
18. The Human Rights Centre demands an investigation into the November 7 events
19. Country at the crossroads
20. Vladimer Papava: ‘The genie is out of the bottle already’
21. General Prosecutor's Office publishes secret recordings
22. Patarkatsishvili HQ denies conspiracy charges
23. Patarkatsishvili chief campaigner declared plotter
24. Former judge detained on suspicion of plotting coup
25. More shocking news on coup plot expected
26. Patarkatsishvili dismisses video recordings as "provocation"
27. United opposition denies links with alleged anti-government plot
28. video: Coup claim rocks Georgia's election campaign
29. Georgian Government claims opposition campaign manager plotted coup
30. Burjanadze responds to published secret recordings
31. Burjanadze: Government to give adequate response to political force acting against state
32. Salome Zurabishvili doubts about secret video-recording made by the Georgian Prosecutor General’s Office
33. Socor is at it once again
34. Late PM’s brother to lead Patarkatsishvili’s campaign
35. Patarkatsishvili promises $1 bln aid to Georgians if victorious
36. Georgian oligarch claims he is assassination target
37. Failure to communicate dogs Saakashvili's first term
38. “Society of Merab Kostava” supports Mikheil Saakashvili
39. No separatist sentiments in Javakheti – Saakashvili
40. Saakashvili visits Armenian-populated town of Akhalkalaki
41. Misha’s PR-ism in times of elections
42. Evidence for coercion
43. Efforts underway for candidates’ tv debates
44. Who owns the TV stations?
45. First forum of Georgian journalists incorporated over five hundred delegates
46. TV anchor denies going into politics
47. Giorgi Targamadze - I am going to continue working for Imedi TV if my employers allow me to further
48. Michnik’s watchdog group members discussed last week’s monitoring
49. Radio station “Hereti” sues Georgian National Communications Commission
50. GNCC to approve code of conduct for broadcasters
51. Media forum under way
52. Ia Antadze recognized as Journalist of the Year 2007
53. Victor Yushchenko hold meeting with Nino Burjanadze
54. Ukraine supports Georgia’s democratic processes - Yushchenko
55. Turkey, Russia, Ukraine - Georgia’s largest trade partners
56. report: Kosovo and the principles of just secession
57. video: Georgia returns seized ex-peacekeepers
58. Rebels offer Georgia help to combat pro-Moscow Chechens
59. Moscow to always recognize Georgia territorial integrity: diplomat
60. Sukhumi gets no sovereignty recognition guarantees from Russia –FM
61. The real face of Russian peacekeepers
62. video: Eduard Kokoity interview
63. National Archive opened Tskhinvali and Java offices in Eredvi
64. Radiation promoting disease in the Samckhe-Javakheti Region
65. A new prison under construction in Ninotsminda Region
66. A prison on the lakeshore
67. Georgian Prime Minister met political scientists and economists at GFSIS
68. Nino Burjanadze meets diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia
69. Acting president Burjanadze meets emergency medical care doctors
70. Nino Burjanadze attends action - “My First Vote”
71. Cost of New Year supra suggests soaring inflation
72. 15 plus several – competition gets stiffer for Georgia’s insurers
73. In 2007, Telasi invested in Tbilisi Electric Network over GEL 37 million
74. Arti Group speak of intended arson of company’s warehouse
75. GOGC to manage rehabilitation works on gas pipeline
76. Georgian trade deficit widened in first 11 months of year
77. Armenia may benefit from construction of Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi railway
78. video: Back from the dead - 'murder victim' leaves police with red faces
79. Merabishvili to submit two projects for discussion on cabinet meeting tomorrow
80. Global democracy manipulators: Polyarchy and the UN Democracy Fund [excerpts]
81. 32 pupils of 16 schools to be handed scholarship of amount gel 100 in Tskhinvali Region
82. Father left his son homeless
83. Incurred proprietor is going to commit suicide in front of Parliament
84. Suicide in Kutaisi jail
85. Who will reimburse unreasonably spent 100 000 lari?
86. On the demand of the Public Defender an investigator is punished
87. IDPs will spent cold winter together
88. Politicians have lost interest to court trials - Konstantine Kublashvili

full digest: Georgia News Digest - Ansicht in Groups BetaNeu!

Jonathan Kulick, Ph.D., Director of Studies, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, 3a Chitadze, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia (Republic), jonathan.kulick@gfsis.org, office: +995 32 47 35 55, mobile: +995 95 33 33 40, USA voicemail: 310.928.6814

CELEBRATION: MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

Catholics in Tbilisi made the christmas celebration

Uploaded on December 24, 2007 by Dato Rostomashvili

DIGITAL-ART: Angels by Tamara McGregor

About Tamara

A conscious aim to devote my life to art has been with me since my childhood. In those early years it seemed to me that it was sufficient to graduate from Art Academy. Now I see that it will take my whole life to realize that aim. Strictly speaking, “aim” is an inexact term. An aim is always a fixed point, while in creative work it is a space within which one has to be constantly on the move.
I began my studies in the Department of Monumental painting, in the studio of a well-known sculptor. But I chanced to watch a street performance of a puppet theatre in the street which brought about a complete change in my artistic destiny. Before my eyes a sheet of cotton fabric cut a part of the sidewalk, and above the edge there appeared some puppets and part of a busy city street. Together with some spectators who chanced to be there, a part of space was transposed into s sphere which existed under a quite different set of laws. That short street performance confirmed my wish to go in for scenography.

Theoreticians in Science prove that a plurality of worlds exists in every point of visible space, worlds that are parallel and interpenetrating. I am convinced that the reality of plurality of worlds is becoming evident. Within the limited space of the theatre stage where the force of dramaturgical action is capable of arbitrarily altering both the form and dimensions of space; to divide it into discrete parts, altering time, its direction, of stretching it compressing it and even stopping time. It is just these possibilities of the stage that I attempted to realize in my theatrical works.
I also wrote a film script. My life’s experience was not rich, but it was my own. That’s what my script was about. I submitted it to the Hartley Merrill Prize competition arranged by the Foundation of American Film Artists. I was awarded the “Debut” prize.

The theatrical performances I participated in were:
The Master and Margarita (Bulgacov)
Bloodshed at a wedding (F.G.Lorca)
The Tower of Black Wood (Fowels)
The Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare)
King Lear (Shakespeare)
Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare)
The wedding of Figaro (Bomarshe)
Akutagawa (Ryunosuke Akutagawa)
Little Zaches (Hoffmann)
Faustus (selected)
The Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Yukio Mishima)

Exhibitions of my paintings, ceramics and other art took place in:
Spain, Holland, Russia, Georgia, Germany

My art can be found in private collections in:
USA, England, Scotland, Spain, Georgia, Russia, Poland, Chekoslovakia, Holland, Brazil, Germany, Australia, Portugal, France

I have discovered the joys of a new form of Digital Art, and this is what I concentrate on at the moment. The purpose is for the images to be printed on large canvases of approximately 1.5 by 2 meters, depending on the original format.

These works can be completely customized and personalized, so I take commisions. Each work is guaranteed to be unique and unrepeated. If you are interested in my art, or in collaborating with me in some form, please don't hesitate to fill out the contact us page, or e-mail directly to:
tamaramcgregorart@gmail.com
or
info@tamaramcgregorart.com

Websites:
www.tamaramcgregorart.com
www.myspace.com/tamaramcgregor

NEWS: Georgia News Digest 12-24-07

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Attached PDF file easily navigable with Bookmarks pane
Archives and associated files at groups-beta.google.com/group/genews/files

1. conference: Arnold. A Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies
2. Saakashvili still leads media organizations’ opinion polls
3. New Rights release election poll results
4. Opposition expects second round of polls
5. Imedi TV plans exit polls
6. Imedi poll on constitutional reform
7. According to survey of Ukrainian sociologists, Gachechiladze leads among presidential candidates
8. New protests - new standings
9. New poll suggests most Tbilisi residents support opposition candidates
10. Can Georgians expect a halt to creeping authoritarianism?
11. Minister slams timing of HRW report
12. report: OSCE interim report on election campaign
13. Watchdog debates on tv reporting
14. Hereti appeals against National Communications Regulation Committee
15. Some allege candidates are flaunting the rules in the fight for votes
16. The opposition has discovered specific inaccuracies on voter lists. The Central Electoral Commission is in no hurry to correct the errors
17. CEC bans photographing voting with mobile phones
18. CEC to open precincts in Kosovo, Iraq
19. Minister calls on candidates, voters for responsibility ahead of polls
20. Court rejects to ban Saakashvili, Patarkatsishvili from race
21. video: Call for tolerance in countdown to Georgian presidential election
22. Ballot papers printed
23. Ramaz Mitaishvili addressed Georgians in USA on the election opinion survey meeting
24. Georgian youth gears up for presidential elections
25. How to avoid political persecution after the election
26. The presidential candidates’ biggest achievements
27. With or without Russia? The Foreign policy priorities of the presidential candidates
28. Which candidate is winning in the war of words?
29. Which presidential candidate is supported by Irakli Okruashvili?
30. If I were president: student debates encourage critical thinking and leadership skills
31. Europe will exercise different approaches to Russian, Georgian elections – Kosachyov
32. Cal State University San Bernardino professor to serve as election observer in former Soviet Georgia
33. Worried about security, many Georgians support NATO integration
34. Georgia’s NATO perspectives uncertain as Bucharest summit draws nearer
35. EBRD says georgia's political turmoil won't scare off investors
36. Let’s say I am a bad politician - Vladimer Papava is leaving politics
37. Gogita Tsutskiridze: If we manage to reach public consensus we may find a way out of the crisis
38. Where are our 'cute' political generals?
39. A cheap credit or a cheap trick?
40. State budget misused?
41. Salford very confident in its case against Georgian Government's seizure of Standard Bank
42. Georgian prosecution accuses head of Patarkatsishvili’s election campaign headquarters in plot
43. Patarkatsishvili’s ally MP suspected of coup plot
44. Patarkatsishvili denies plotting coup
45. Patarkatsishvili no longer a suspect, Deputy Chief Prosecutor
46. Georgians put the squeeze on local tycoon: Business pressure mounts on a businessman and opposition leader accused of fomenting a coup
47. Opposition alienates from any attempted coup
48. Security Council discusses possible threats of state coup
49. Prosecutors: Opposition figure planning coup
50. Burjanadze’s televised statement on coup plot allegations
51. Zurabishvili doubts allegations against Valeri Gelbakhiani
52. Gelbakhiani’s meeting with Erekle Kodua aimed at his neutralization
53. Gelbakhiani suspected of attempting to overthrow authority with force
54. Sued MP gives explanations
55. According to evaluation of Natelashvili Gelbakhiani is politically oppressed
56. Natelashvili downplays allegations against Gelbakhiani
57. Video materials against Gelbakhiani not enough evidence for Katsitadze
58. Patarkatsishvili names video materials on Gelbakhiani’s meeting with Kodua provocation
59. Patarkatsishvili’s headquarters commented on video materials published by Prosecutor’s Office
60. Representatives of Patarkatsishvili’s headquarters do not exclude detention of Gelbakhiani
61. Evidence fabricated to arrest Patarkatsishvili
62. TV names man on Patarkatsishvili ‘murder plot tape’
63. Prosecutor says case against Patarkatsishvili suspended
64. Patarkatsishvili's staff says govt prepared his arrest
65. Authorities accused of devising treacherous scheme against Patarkatsishvili
66. Tycoon tells of plot to kill him in London
67. Patarkatsishvili faces campaign obstacles
68. Ruling party dismisses Patarkatsishvili ‘media hype’
69. The billionaire and the government, estranged
70. Patarkatsishvili launches tv ads
71. Tbilisi Mayor: Georgia should get rid of Patarkatsishvili’s plague
72. Patarkatsishvili promises $1 bln aid to Georgians if victorious
73. $1Bln offer in Georgia's campaign
74. Patarkatsishvili uses Western help to attain free election campaign
75. Patarkatsishvili to transfer his own money into state budget if elected
76. Theses of Badri Patarkatsishvili's presidential platform. 'Whatever they promise you, my contribution will nevertheless be twice as large
77. Dynamo Tbilisi denies being politically pressured because of belonging to Patarkatsishvili
78. Zhvania and Badri: Late Prime Minister’s brother throws his name behind Georgia’s richest candidate
79. Zhvania's brother explains why he sides with opposition
80. Sarishvili: NDI interested in surprising rise of number of voters
81. Sarishvili demands free airtime
82. Sarishvili aspiring to Georgia presidency for neutrality policy
83. Both Russia's, Georgia's mistakes to blame for bad relations –Sarishvili
84. Irina Sarishvili is meeting voters in secret. 'We are considered to be most disfavoured in political spectrum
85. Saakashvili met voters in Samtskhe-Javakheti region
86. Incumbent Mikheil Saakashvili met with voters in Tskaltubo and Samtredia
87. Saakashvili's gambit
88. ‘I will not attack opponents’ – Saakashvili
89. Saakashvili confirms plans to reshuffle team
90. Burjanadze hints at reshuffle of ‘political team’
91. Opponents accuse Saakashvili’s pre-election campaign of bribing voters
92. The devil you know: Russia prefers to deal with Saakashvili
93. Disabled veterans demonstrate outside Saakashvili office
94. Opposition accuses Saakashvili of illegal use of state funds
95. Ukrainian president sends birthday greetings to Georgian leader
96. Saakashvili denies US Democrats negative assessment on his activity
97. Saakashvili says he will address poverty, regain breakaway regions
98. Saakashvili election hq denies conspiracy against rival
99. Gurgenidze to visit Kakheti Region
100. Opposition marks Saakashvili's birthday with protests
101. Zurabishvili:”The authority will try everything to discredit opposition”
102. Movement “21st Century” and Georgian Academy support Natelashvili
103. Act of terror against Natelashvili reported
104. Gachechiladze seeks support of ethnic Azeri population
105. Leaders of United National Council met voters in Imereti region
106. Maisashvili met Dieter Boden
107. Gamkrelidze’s political ads bring up religion, property and human rights
108. Lavrov criticizes Georgian administration
109. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with head of OSCE Mission to Georgia
110. Bagapsh, Kokoity discuss possible consequences of Kosovo independence
111. The real values in Kosovo
112. Former Georgian ambassador calls for direct dialogue between Tbilisi, Moscow
113. Constructive dialogue with RF helps resume Georgian wine export-PM
114. Creative intelligentsia urge Russia, Georgia to launch dialogue
115. Approaching Kosovo deadline ratchets tension in Abkhazia
116. Moscow does not want unilateral declaration of Abkhazia's, S. Ossetia's independence
117. Moscow asks Tbilisi, 'sponsors' to prevent use of force
118. PACE, Russia call for political settlement of frozen conflicts
119. Moscow does not want unilateral declaration of Abkhazia's, S. Ossetia's independence
120. American Senator called upon Russia to disown statement on Abkhazia and South Ossetia
121. Abkhazia waiting for decision on Kosovo to resolve Kodori problem
122. Georgia will spare no effort to convince EU of impossibility of Abkhazia’s independence
123. The Chechen bomb. Have the Russians deployed Zapad and Vostok on Georgian territory?
124. Rebels offer Georgia help to combat pro-Moscow Chechens
125. Russian, Chechen peacekeepers clash in Abkhazia
126. No Chechen subunits among Russian peacekeepers in Georgia
127. No Chechen units within peacekeeping forces in Abkhazia, S. Ossetia - Russian Ground Forces deputy commander
128. Russian peacekeepers complete rotation in Georgian-Abkhaz conflict zone
129. Three Russian peacekeepers detained in Georgia
130. video: Arrested former peacekeepers 'were drunk'
131. Discharged Russian peacekeepers detained near Poti
132. Russians detained in Georgia are not peacekeepers – commander
133. Russia denies Georgian reports of clash between peacekeepers in Abkhazia
134. Abkhaz war veterans to set up Union of Veteran Volunteers
135. Abkhaz worried by language law: Concerns that a new law to promote the Abkhaz language may be counterproductive
136. Kokoity on Kosovo's independence
137. Kokoyty vows to seek international recognition
138. New Year’s presents for children living in the conflict zone
139. Autumn session of Georgian Parliament closed officially
140. Average level of prices decreased by 0,07%
141. Millennium Challenge Program finances three value-chains
142. UNDP, government discuss potential EU-Georgia free trade agreement
143. External debt to GDP ratio is reduced
144. Foreign direct investment in Georgia jumps 60% in Jan-Sept
145. Rakia sets aside $500m for bids
146. Nearly a million tourists visited Georgia in 2007, government says
147. Trial by jury: more democracy or a face-lift for the Georgian judiciary?
148. The greener the better
149. Strasburg Human Rights Court to consider appeal of Vazagashvili family
150. Second stage of Land Forces Junior Officers Training Course Charley completed
151. Yerevan: Baku–Akhalkalaki–Kars railway project politically motivated
152. Georgia opens bridge to Azerbaijan in Georgian Samtatskaro village
153. Sheikulislam Allahshukur Pashazade to pay 2-day visit to Georgia tomorrow
154. Ombudsman congratulates Muslim population of Georgia on Kurban Bairam holiday
155. According to these data there are 5.8 million men in Georgia
156. 30 years as Georgia’s spiritual leader
157. Pop star's concert has Tbilisi all shook up
158. Shanghai company to build Hyatt Park Tbilisi
159. Designers switch to retail market
160. Modelling business in Georgia
161. Health insurance the lead insuring package
162. Newspaper reports big rises in foreign trade
163. Fire destroyed homes in Avlarbari district
164. Rehabilitated Sighnaghi under threat of landslide
165. Decency died in the glen
166. Farmer's never-ending story
167. New year’s celebrations away from home

full digest: Georgia News Digest - Ansicht in Groups BetaNeu!

Jonathan Kulick, Ph.D., Director of Studies, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, 3a Chitadze, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia (Republic), jonathan.kulick@gfsis.org, office: +995 32 47 35 55, mobile: +995 95 33 33 40, USA voicemail: 310.928.6814

EXHIBITION: Paintings by Kristine Kakabadze

Today there was the opening the exhibition from Kristine Kakabadze

Place: ProCredit Bank -Filiale, Melikishvili Av. 8.
(near Philharmony)
Opening: 17.00 pm.

ART: Painting by Karlo Kacharava

Uploaded on November 17, 2007 by artpension

JOB: Unterstützung der Kaukasusinitiative

Ausschreibung
Als Förderbank unterstützen wir den Wandel und treiben zukunftsweisende Ideen voran. In Deutschland, in Europa und in der Welt. Dies ist unser Auftrag. Was immer wir tun, tun wir so
professionell und effizient wie möglich. Das heißt, wir sind immer zugleich zweierlei - nachhaltiger Förderer und effiziente Banker. Im Auftrag des Bundesministeriums für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) fördert die KfW Entwicklungsbank wirtschaftliche und soziale Entwicklung: "Was bewirken wir für die Menschen?" ist dabei die Messlatte und zentrale Fragestellung in einem.

1 Consultant (m/w)
"Consultant zur Unterstützung der Kaukasusinitiative" im Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) am Standort Bonn, 2 Jahre

Die KfW-Entwicklungsbank betreut im Auftrag der Bundesregierung die Finanzielle Zusammenarbeit im südlichen Kaukasus. Einer Region, die nach wie vor geprägt ist von politischer, ökonomischer und gesellschaftlicher Instabilität. Hier gilt unser Anspruch, durch
gezielte Förderung zum Aufbau geordneter Strukturen beizutragen. Ihre Aufgabe als Consultant besteht darin, ab 2. Quartal 2008 auf zwei Jahre befristet das Regionalreferat im Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) in Bonn zu
unterstützen. Und zwar bei der Weiterentwicklung und Umsetzung der Kaukasusinitiative, die 2001 vom Bundesentwicklungsministerium ins Leben gerufen wurde. Die Initiative verfolgt das Ziel, durch die Förderung einer verstärkten regionalen Kooperation von Armenien, Aserbaidschan und Georgien einen Beitrag zum Konfliktabbau und zur Krisenprävention zu leisten. Dafür setzen Sie sich im Regionalreferat im BMZ und in enger Zusammenarbeit mit der KfW Entwicklungsbank auf unterschiedlichen Ebenen ein.
Erstens, indem Sie die politischen und ökonomischen Entwicklungen der Region beobachten und analysieren und - im Hinblick auf den länderübergreifenden Charakter der Initiative - das FZ-Instrumentarium sowie Programmstrategien optimieren.
Zweitens, indem Sie überregionale Veranstaltungen koordinieren, den Dialog mit entsprechenden Entscheidungsträgern bzw. Experten vorantreiben und den Kontakt zu wissenschaftlichen Einrichtungen pflegen.
Und drittens, indem Sie die entsprechende Öffentlichkeitsarbeit in Deutschland und der Region befördern, wofür Sie Analysen und Kommentare erstellen. Ihre Mitarbeit bei administrativen und volkswirtschaftlichen Aufgaben des BMZ-Regionalreferats rundet Ihre
Tätigkeit ab.

Voraussetzung für diese fordernde Aufgabe ist ein abgeschlossenes wirtschafts-, sozial- oder politikwissenschaftliches Studium. Zudem sind Kenntnisse der Finanziellen Zusammenarbeit, insbesondere mit Entwicklungsländern bzw. der Lage in der Kaukasusregion von wesentlicher Bedeutung. Wenn Sie bereits Erfahrung in vergleichbaren Berufsfeldern sammeln konnten, wäre das von Vorteil.

Verhandlungssicheres Englisch ist unabdingbar, Russisch-Kenntnisse wären wünschenswert. Entscheidend ist aber vor allem Ihre Persönlichkeit. Nicht zuletzt dann, wenn Sie für uns auf längere Auslandsreisen gehen. So verfügen Sie einerseits über ausgeprägtes Gespür in der Zusammenarbeit mit Partnern unterschiedlichster Mentalität. Und andererseits über die Souveränität, in einem unbeständigen Umfeld selbstständig und eigenverantwortlich zu
agieren. Was Sie für uns zu einem Gewinner macht, den wir gerne kennen lernen möchten.

Bewerbungsende: 22.01.2008 pdf >>>
KfW Bankengruppe
Abt. L3a
Reinhold Strauß / Heiko Jannermann
Palmengartenstraße 5-9
60325 Frankfurt
reinhold.strauß@kfw.de; heiko.jannermann_extern@kfw.de
Telefon 069 7431-3296

Leistung, Marktwirtschaft, Nachhaltigkeit, Verantwortung, Humanität, Toleranz, Kreativität. Unsere Werte sind die Basis, auf der wir stehen. Sie sind Kriterien für den Sinn und die Vision unseres Tuns.
www.kfw.de

Heiko Jannermann
Caucasus Consultant
KfW Bankengruppe
Bereich LIII a 1
Palmengartenstraße 5-9
60325 Frankfurt
Tel. +49 69 7431-3296
Fax +49 69 7431-3490
heiko.jannermann_extern@kfw.de
www.kfw-entwicklungsbank.de

REISE: airberlin verbindet endlich Tbilisi mit verschiedenen deutschen Städten

Air Berlin fliegt von Rom, Wien, Moskau, Hannover, Nürnberg, Stuttgart, Sylt, Saarbrücken, Hamburg und Berlin - Tegel jetzt auch Tbilisi, die Hauptstadt Georgiens an. Ab 13. Dezember verbindet Air Berlin damit wöchentlich donnerstags Deutschland mit Georgien. Auch eine Gelegenheit mit dem dem deutschen Reiseunternehmen "Kaukasus Reisen" in Verbindung zu treten.

ART: The Art Club Caucasus Goes Online

Where do we go we don't know

Hans wants to create a loose network of artists, collectors, publishers, gallery owners. All the possible members I want to invite, around 40 so far, are very good professionals but not rarely alienated, with a lack of discussion and a lack of their friends. I want to have a Manifesto too, but that should commonly discussed on our first Art Club Caucasus Reunion somewhere End of August, Beginning of September 2008 in the Caucasus. We will journey together, party, create art and have fun ! The Caucasus is one of the best places on earth to make the best art.

I am aware, that maybe not every member can join us on our annual meetings, but I will try hard to get a good bunch of artists together !

We wish you a lucky and funny Christmas !

Best regards, Hans Heiner Buhr & Ralph Hälbig

Links:
http://artclubcaucasus.blogspot.com/ & http://www.artclubcaucasus.net/

LECTURE: Alex Bainbridge posted some great articles "for the Christmas Time"

Alex Bainbridge is an interesting man. The last time he lived in the Caucasus. Now he is in London for a few months (He left Georgia in September, told Hans Heiner Buhr). I was to late to meet him in Tbilisi. I know him only from his great blog, where he had a lot of material to publish:

www.transcaucasian.blogspot.com

Some days ago he sent me a email with two recent posts:

1. an itinerary for getting to georgia from europe by rail
Brussel-Koln-Wien-Budapest-Bucuresti-Sofia-Istanbul-Trabzon(bus)-Batumi(bus)-Tbilisi(train) takes a week!
http://transcaucasian.blogspot.com/2007/12/from-europe-to-georgia-without-flying.html

2. and two very old (c.1909) recordings of Georgian songs
http://transcaucasian.blogspot.com/2007/12/two-songs-by-sandro-kavsadze.html
- "O Mountain, let me pass freely!", "mtao gadmishvi" in Georgian.
- "urmuli" - A song a Kakhetian cart-driver might have sung on his way home.

He expect to return to Georgia in a month's time.

Keep up the good work! Best Regards from snowless Germany, Ralph Hälbig

I hope we will meet us in the NEW YEAR 2008 !!!

CONCERT: Shakira concert on Rike square Tbilisi, Georgia (Europe)

Shakira concert on Rike square Tbilisi, Georgia (Europe)

It has been announced that Shakira will do a live concert on December 23, 2007 in the European nation of Georgia in Tbilisi, on Rike square

More: Shakira pop concert a landmark for tiny Georgia

JUSTIZ: Rechtsberater im Südkaukasus

osthessen-news.de: Wolfgang Reimers bemüht sich seit Jahren demokratischen Strukturen in der Rechtsbesprechung in den Ländern Georgien, Armenien und Aserbaidschan mit aufzubauen. Der Hesse ist als Rechtsberater im Südkaukasus tätig. Mehr >>>

MUSEUM: Matenadaran Museum

The Matenadaran is one of the oldest and richest book-depositories in the world. Its collection of about 17000 manuscripts includes almost all the areas of ancient and medieval armenian culture and sciences - history, geography, grammar, philosophy, law, medicine, mathematics-cosmography, theory of calendar, alchemy-chemistry, translations, literature, chronology, art history, miniature, music and theatre, as well as manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, Greek, Syrian, Latin, Ethiopian, Indian, Japanese and others. In this center of cultural heritage many originals, lost in their mother languages and known only of their Armenian translations, have been saved from loss.

The history of the Matenadaran dates back to the creation of the Armenian alphabet in 405. This center of manuscripts has a history of centuries and the history continues now as well.

Visit the Virtual Matenadaran, and find out yourself: www.matenadaran.org

or www.matenadaran.am

Photo & Textes on December 20, 2007 by nersess

NEWS: Georgia News Digest 12-21-07

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Attached PDF file easily navigable with Bookmarks pane
Archives and associated files at groups-beta.google.com/group/genews/files

1. report: Georgia: Sliding towards authoritarianism?
2. report: Crossing the line: Georgia’s violent dispersal of protestors and raid on Imedi Television
3. report: Presidential elections 2008 pre-election tv monitoring (First Report from 10-15 December)
4. ACT publishes indexes of political ratings and electorate's pre-election feelings
5. Phone poll gives former president commanding lead
6. CEC approves wording of election questions
7. Recommendations on the work of the Central Election Commission from Georgian NGOs
8. Pre-election polls: What would be needed
9. Lack of independent polling hurts elections
10. Cameras/VCR to be settled at electoral districts
11. CEC refused to publish primary data of election funds
12. Georgians in U.S. want to take part in 5 January polls
13. Pre-election turmoil in Samegrelo and totally falsified election registers
14. Debate over referendum wording about more than just the language
15. Plebiscite question agreed
16. Justice Minister responds to accusations linked to voter rolls
17. Ingilos boycott upcoming presidential elections
18. American expert, Lincoln Mitchell: “You’ll have an election, you’ll have a winner and then you’ll have protests”
19. Georgia is the pilot project of United States
20. Government group to meet opposition
21. Authority is blamed for persecuting the opponents
22. NGOs to file suit against two presidential candidates
23. NGO demands prosecution of interior minister, former president
24. Germany will decide soon on whether to grant political asylum to Irakli Okruashvili
25. MPs comment on Berdzenishvili's statement
26. video: Human Rights Watch: Georgian police went too far
27. Burjanadze negatively evaluates events held near Batumi University on November 08
28. TV debates held at Kakheti tv companies
29. CEC issued initial media monitoring results
30. Dieter Boden positively evaluated pre-election media monitoring
31. Video bridge Moscow-Tbilisi-New York – Georgia ahead of presidential elections – to be held
32. Newspaper Guria News kick-starts movement under slogan “we choose democracy!”
33. Successful mission for Adam Michnik
34. Who owns Rustavi 2 and Mze?
35. Burjanadze justifies Imedi closure, but not the means
36. Georgia station starts over
37. Government supports Georgian Patriarch’s initiative
38. Patarkatsishvili warned about possible disqualification from campaign
39. According to headquarters of Patarkatsishvili, voters’ lists are increased by 1/3
40. Patarkatsishvili refrains from arriving in Georgia
41. No plans for Patarkatsishvili's immediate return
42. Patarkatsishvili: ‘Saakashvili's regime dangerous, merciless’
43. Defect from Saakashvili - Patarkatsishvili tells Burjanadze
44. GYLA demands to withdraw candidacy of Saakashvili and Patarkatsishvili
45. People rushing to back Patarkatsishvili's presidential bid
46. Patarkatsishvili expected in Tbilisi ahead of 5 January vote
47. Report on Patarkatsishvili return to Georgia on Dec 20 denied
48. Badri Patarkatsishvili: From Russian businessman to Georgian presidential claimant
49. The Metekhi obligation: Shalva Natelashvili’s presidential program
50. Natelashvili meets voters in Kvemo Kartli Region
51. Natelashvili presents his program on demographic issues
52. Natelashvili wants campaign money declared
53. Maisashvili wraps up visit to Adjara
54. Maisashvili summed up results of two-day election campaign in Adjara
55. Maisashvili: Azerbaijanis will feel themselves as free and independent citizens in the country they live in
56. Maisashvili holds meetings with voter in Kutaisi
57. Maisashvili calls for "disobedience" if election rigged
58. New Rights snub inter-agency group on elections
59. Gamkrelidze to meet voters in Kakheti Region
60. Gamkrelidze’s ads attack Saakashvili’s policies
61. Opposition accuses former president of bribing voters
62. Opposition to trust international organizations' opinion of election
63. Profile of David Gamkrelidze
64. Gamqrelidze: I am not planning to be Georgian president for five years
65. Sarishvili meets with foreign ambassador
66. Sarishvili familiarized Kovalenko with her views on relations with Russia
67. Gachechiladze promises not to dismiss in vain state officials when he becomes president
68. Gachechiladze meets voters in Gori
69. Georgian students abroad, support Levan Gachechiladze
70. Gachechiladze sells GWS shares
71. Gachechiladze names reasons for selling shares
72. Opposition reports campaign HQ in western town vandalized
73. The opposition has discovered specific inaccuracies on voter lists
74. Saakashvili’s election headquarters welcome startup of media council activities
75. Saakashvili tightens his autocratic rule
76. Saakashvili to meet voters In Kobuleti
77. Youths supporting Mikheil Saakashvili are uniting
78. Human Rights Center insists on bringing up the case against Saakashvili
79. Saakashvili met voters in Kobuleti
80. Doctors joined youth headquarters supporting Saakashvili
81. More being spent on Saakashvili campaign than declared – rival
82. 2008 budget surplus of gel 275,000 planned
83. Revised 2008 draft budget unveiled
84. Defense spending cut by gel 400 mln
85. Budget of healthcare to increase to gel 1,260 billion in 2008
86. Money-and-credit and currency policy of 2008 will be directed to stabilization of prices
87. State program cheap credit prepared
88. Parliament of Georgia accepted the draft trends under money-and-credit and exchange policy in 2008
89. Inflation index in Georgia exceeds that in the main trade partners
90. The Government of Georgia to establish future's fund
91. Assets of Georgian banks to reach $14-15 billion in 2012 - Lado Gurgenidze
92. Government intends to reorganize stock market
93. No room for tsinandali on the Chinese wine market?
94. Poti population protest processing of aluminum oxide in Poti port
95. Poti free economic zone to be a ‘laboratory’ for Georgian development
96. A decade of challenges for Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova
97. Georgia to decide on CIS membership depending on its ability to resolve problems - diplomat
98. Eduard Shevardnadze: Gorbachev and Yeltsin confrontation led to the collapse of the Soviet Union
99. Yerevan to coordinate some issues with Georgian Administration
100. Armenia demanded to consider territorial conflicts in Georgia at PACE
101. Bezhuashvili congratulates Ukrainian colleague on appointment
102. Georgia against proposal to invite separatist leaders to Council of Europe
103. Burjanadze says Russia may stage acts of provocation
104. Russian peacekeepers deny dispatch of Chechen unit to Georgia's conflict zone
105. The Chechen bomb. Have the Russians deployed Zapad and Vostok on Georgian territory?
106. Chechen spetsnaz has entered Abkhazia and South Ossetia
107. Chechen servicemen thrown to conflict zones
108. video: “Georgia has lost Abkhazia forever”: Abkhazian Deputy Foreign Minister
109. Russia determined to recognize Abkhazia
110. A restart to the Abkhaz conflict would be disastrous for both sides, experts warn
111. Two people died in car accident in Zemo Abkhazia
112. Resident of Abkhazia says Georgians deprived of rights in breakaway region
113. Minister says Georgia to respond to any acts of provocation in Abkhazia
114. House fired at by Georgians in Gali district - Abkhaz officials
115. Refugees from Abkhazia to receive humanitarian aid from Georgian royal family
116. Separatists detain 30 Georgians
117. Separatist PM threatens
118. video: Artillery fights snow blocks in Caucasus
119. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, OSCE envoy discuss S. Ossetia
120. Opening of new gas distribution network postponed
121. Burjanadze promised “033” staff renewal of technique and increase of salary
122. Burjanadze meets Agrarian University professors and students
123. Nino Burjanadze meets ethnic minorities in Georgia
124. Government to reinforce property rights
125. Government supports Georgian Patriarch’s initiative
126. OSCE Mission presents publications to support judicial reform and legislative process in Georgia
127. Ukrainian company opened plant in Georgia
128. Georgian beyond reason: Georgian people’s unrecognized contributions to the world
129. Family of victim of accident in Turkey blame bus driver
130. Flood threatens the Chomi population
131. Chechen refugees are not allowed to go abroad
132. A gift of canned food: UN distributes pork to Chechen refugees
133. Prison instead of love
134. Judges should obey “guidelines”
135. Batumi dwellers are disappointed with employment program
136. Park Hyatt Tbilisi and Shakira in Tbilisi
137. Nina Ananiashvili revives Georgian Ballet
138. Official demands gel 10,000 from young editor for moral damage
139. I was chained by the neck to a wall in a tiny underground cell. I prayed and thought about my family in Wales

full digest: Georgia News Digest - Ansicht in Groups BetaNeu!

Jonathan Kulick, Ph.D., Director of Studies, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, 3a Chitadze, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia (Republic), jonathan.kulick@gfsis.org, office: +995 32 47 35 55, mobile: +995 95 33 33 40, USA voicemail: 310.928.6814

SOON: Art Club Caucasus international

more details soon ...

Uploaded on December 21, 2007 by Hans Heiner Buhr

Pop Art by Hans Heiner Buhr (Set)

REPORT: Georgia: Sliding towards Authoritarianism?

INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP - NEW REPORT
Georgia: Sliding towards Authoritarianism?

Tbilisi/Brussels, 19 December 2007: The West must press Georgia to adopt genuine reforms and democratic openness, to stop creeping authoritarianism.

Georgia: Sliding towards Authoritarianism?,* the latest report from the International Crisis Group, examines the increasing intolerance of dissent, which became evident when a state of emergency was declared in the small republic in November. It calls on Tbilisi to engage in a dialogue with political opponents and make its reform process transparent and accountable. The presidential election, which has been moved forward to 5 January 2008, will be only a first test of whether the worrying trend can be reversed.
President Mikhail Saakashvili inherited a failing state when he came to power with the 2003 Rose Revolution and soon came under increasing pressure from Russia. He committed his government to democracy, liberal reform and pursuit of membership in the European Union (EU) and NATO and has had significant success in rebuilding institutions and reforming the economy. However, checks and balances have been stripped back, justice arbitrarily applied, human rights abused and freedom of expression curtailed. The public was protesting precisely those failings, as well as perceived widespread corruption, in late October and early November 2007, when the government responded with violence.
“The government’s repressive and disproportionate response to peaceful demonstrations shocked Western capitals because they had seen Georgia as a beacon of democracy”, says Magdalena Frichova, Crisis Group’s Caucasus Project Director. “But it shouldn’t have. Sadly the Saakashvili administration has become increasingly authoritarian over the years”.
Western friends of Georgia, notably the U.S., the EU and NATO, need to re-evaluate their interpretation of what is happening and press Saakashvili and his administration to correct their course. Neither the frozen peace processes with the conflict regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia nor the serious bilateral strains with Moscow, which firmly maintains its influence in these breakaway territories, justifies the trend toward authoritarianism.
The U.S. in particular should make clear it supports democratic principles, not a particular leader. It is not enough to say that if the January elections are free and fair, Georgia will be back on track. Deeper problems relating to the rule of law, corruption, lack of media freedoms, weak checks and balances and growing economic disparities can no longer be overlooked. Genuine reforms and democratic openness are mutually reinforcing necessities.
“After the January elections it should not be business as usual”, says Sabine Freizer, Crisis Group’s Europe Program Director. “Georgia’s friends in the West should insist that the newly elected leadership recommit to democracy and the rule of law, reversing the government’s slide towards authoritarianism”.

Contacts:
Andrew Stroehlein (Brussels) 32 (0) 2 541 1635
Giulia Previti (Washington) 1 202 785 1601

To contact Crisis Group media please click here
Read the full Crisis Group report on our website: http://www.crisisgroup.org/

The International Crisis Group (Crisis Group) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation covering some 60 crisis-affected countries and territories across four continents, working through field-based analysis and high-level advocacy to prevent and resolve deadly conflict.

NEWS: 20 Dec 07 | Caucasus Reporting Service 424

Armenia: State Tightens Media Controls
Harassment of provincial television station coincides with start of election campaign. By Ofelia Kocharian and Taguhi Tovmasian in Yerevan (CRS No. 424 20-Dec-07)
Georgians Put the Squeeze on Local Tycoon
Pressure mounts on a businessman and opposition leader accused of fomenting a coup. By Lela Iremashvili in Tbilisi (CRS No. 424 20-Dec-07)
Abkhaz Worried by Language Law
Concerns that a new law to promote the Abkhaz language may be counterproductive. By Anahid Gogorian in Sukhum (CRS No. 424 20-Dec-07)

SILVESTER: Katie Melua: Aufzeichnung eines Konzerts in der Philipshalle Düsseldorf

3sat Montag, 31.12.2007 Show/Musik 11:45 - 12:30 Uhr

Das Musikjahr 2003 endet mit einer Sensation: Das Debütalbum 'Call Off the Search' der erst 19-jährigen Katie Melua verkauft sich innerhalb von nur vier Monaten über eine Millionen Mal. Geboren am 16. September 1984 in der damaligen Sowjetrepublik Georgien, zieht die Familie in die Metropole Moskau. Nach wenigen Jahren in Moskau zieht die Familie weiter in die Hafenstadt Batumi am Schwarzen Meer und übersiedelt 1993 nach Belfast, wo ihr Vater als Herzchirurg arbeitet. 1997 ziehen die Meluas nach London und Katie besucht die Brit Performing Arts & Technology School. Mit 15 nimmt sie an einem Nachwuchswettbewerb teil, singt Mariah Careys Version von 'Without You' - und gewinnt. Mit dem Preisgeld finanziert sie die Renovierung der elterlichen Wohnung. Mit 17 Jahren nimmt Katie erste eigene Songs zwischen Jazz, Blues und Folk auf. Ihr Vorbild ist die verstorbene Sängerin Eva Cassidy. Der Produzent Mike Batt bietet Katie einen Vertrag über fünf Alben bei seinem Label Dramatico an und sagt später in einem Interview: 'Mit Katie habe ich eine fantastische Entdeckung gemacht. Ich hatte einige Vorsingen für Sänger abgehalten, um jemanden zu finden, der Jazz und Blues auf eine interessante Weise singen konnte. Ich habe aber nicht damit gerechnet, jemanden zu finden, der so einzigartig ist und offensichtlich auf dem Weg ist, etwas ganz Großes zu werden.' Katies erste Platte ist zunächst in Großbritannien erfolgreich. Im April 2004 erscheint die Platte in Deutschland und hält sich ab da bis September 2005 ganze 75 Wochen in den Hitparaden und erhält eine Platin-Auszeichnung. Kurz darauf folgt ihr zweites Album 'Piece by Piece', mit dem sie in ihrer Heimat sofort auf Platz 1 stürmt. Es folgen zahlreiche Preise wie der Echo und Brit Awards, eine Tour durch Amerika und eine holländische Tulpe, die ihren Namen erhält. Ihr drittes Werk 'Pictures' erscheint im Oktober 2007.

3sat präsentiert die Sängerin in einem stimmungsvollen Konzert im Rahmen ihrer Tour 2006 in Düsseldorf.

MySpace-URL: www.myspace.com/katiemelua

Band-Website katiemelua.com

Anstehende Shows
02. Apr. 2008 19:00 Geneva Arena (doors open at 7pm) Geneva, Switzerland
11. Apr. 2008 19:00 Hallenstadion (Hallenstadium) (doors open at 7pm) Zürich, Switzerland
13. Apr. 2008 19:00 Ahoy (doors open at 7pm) Rotterdam
14. Apr. 2008 18:30 Forest National (doors open at 6.30pm) Brussels
04. Mai 2008 19:00 Royal Albert Hall London, London and South East

PHOTOGRAPHY: Photos by Ako Kharistvalashvili

Today I have descovered this awesome photos by Ako Kharistvalashvili. I would like to know some more about this person. Maybe anywhere can tell me somethings about this photographer and his work. Made a comment!

more photos: Photos by Ako Kharistvalashvili (Set)

Source: www.myspace.com/ako0586

NEWS: Georgia News Digest 12-19-07

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Attached PDF file easily navigable with Bookmarks pane
Archives and associated files at groups-beta.google.com/group/genews/files

1. website: Georgia: Vote 2008
2. survey results: Presidential election and plebiscites
3. Sarishvili informed Boden about pretensions related to elections
4. TV warns of crisis if opposition candidate wins
5. Opposition voices new allegations against Saakashvili
6. Former security minister predicts end of Georgian authorities
7. Opposition trusts international election observers, MP
8. "Human Rights Center" to present account on events of November 07
9. Ombudsman: Use of rubber bullets illegal
10. Washington is watching
11. Burjanadze plays down failure to invite Russian observers
12. People in west Georgia forced to attend former president's rally – opposition
13. For a better future
14. NDI’ s recommendations to Georgian media ahead of elections
15. Adam Michnik’s group started its activities
16. TV debates to be held on Lagodekhi-based tv company LTV
17. Georgian presidential campaign broadcasts kick off
18. Newspaper protests over ‘anonymous tv owners’
19. TVs submit ownership papers
20. Media Council – Mze TV apportioned major airtime to presidential candidate Mikheil Saakashvili
21. GNCC no to sanction Rustavi 2, Mze and Imedi TV
22. Media coverage of election campaign balanced – watchdog
23. CEC issues tv monitoring results
24. Khidasheli demands respond to violations in electoral lists
25. Decision on issues related to plebiscite to be received on Tuesday
26. Government task force finds no fraud in voter rolls
27. Accusations of government intimidation against businesses as opposition struggle to find campaign funding
28. Will the snap presidential election in Georgia give a chance to the opposition?
29. Court orders CEC to open polling stations in Iraq, Kosovo
30. Tbilisi City Court complied with Saakashvili’s appeal
31. Court rules soldiers in Iraq, Kosovo can vote
32. CEC allows polling stations in Iraq, Kosovo
33. Salome Zurabishvili calls on Georgian citizens abroad to participate in presidential elections
34. Election headquarters of Saakashvili welcome court decision
35. Saakashvili to get involved in tv debates consequent to debates held among other presidential candidates
36. Saakashvili vows poverty/unemployment reduction if victorious
37. Video clip "Misha is cool!" Being filmed to support Mikheil Saakashvili
38. Saakashvili met voters in Samegrelo region
39. A Georgia without poverty, perhaps, but also plans without details
40. NGOs create "moral front" against former Georgian president
41. Saakashvili lays out priorities
42. Saakashvili ‘bets’ on Batumi in contest with Sochi
43. People are gathered near headquarters of Patarkatsishvili
44. Patarkatsishvili presents principle thesis of acting program
45. For tycoon's campaign, money does the talking
46. Patarkatsishvili headquarters accuse Georgian ruling party of racism
47. Patarkatsishvili pledges gel 1.5 bln of own money in assistance
48. Badri Patarkatsishvili’s program: Buying the election to buy Georgia
49. A chicken in every pot? Guria residents don’t think so
50. Majority of Parliament accused Patarkatsishvili on subornation of voters
51. Majority MPs negative on Georgian tycoon's election promises
52. People in line at presidential candidate's headquarters, expecting monetary aid
53. Natelashvili says Patarkatsishvili copied his election program
54. Natelashvili does not trust international observers
55. Shalva Natelashvili promises to give high salaries to teachers
56. Maisashvili challenges presidential candidates to TV debates
57. Gia Maisashvili challenges his competitors to televised debates
58. Gachechiladze meets ethnic minority groups
59. Levan Gachechiladze met population in Khashuri
60. Davit Gamkrelidze met voters in Bolnisi
61. Saakashvili lays out priorities
62. Attempt made to assault journalist Kosta Koshte in Tskhinvali
63. European Union is interested in increasing of its presence in South Caucasus
64. Separatist official denies Georgian reports of deadly blast in Abkhazia
65. Separatist official unhappy with number of Abkhaz passports
66. More Russian peacekeepers arrive in Abkhazia for rotation
67. Train carrying 500 Russian peacekeepers arrives in Abkhazia
68. Tbilisi names accusations of de facto regime of explosion in Tskhinvali absurd
69. Ministry denies involvement in car blast in separatist South Ossetia
70. One dies in Tskhinvali blast
71. The Prime Minister and the Minister of Refugees and Resettlement visited South Ossetia
72. Lomaia says interclan rivalry behind blast in breakaway region
73. South Ossetian separatists say Georgia threat to neighbouring countries
74. report: Civil Society on priorities of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan for Georgia for 2007–2009
75. EU allocates 24-mln euro to Georgia as part of ENPI
76. Georgia ready for a Free Trade Agreement with the EU – says UNDP feasibility study
77. Georgi Baramidze signed new document on cooperation with European Union
78. Georgia to be discussed at session of CoE's Monitoring Committee
79. PACE monitoring committee to discuss Georgia
80. Eorsi to inform CoE committee about situation in Georgia
81. Georgia discredits BSEC
82. U.S. ambassador: I won't pretend there aren't any disappointments [excerpt]
83. National Security Council approves document drawing it closer to NATO
84. Russian opposition to Kosovo independence ‘perplexing’ [excerpt]
85. The Rose of Georgia is still vulnerable to Russia
86. Funding of social programs to increase by gel 400 mln - PM
87. Of governments, Interpol and wine: New prime minister
88. Lado Gurgenidze approves of a citrus processing enterprise
89. What will the government’s proposed social programs cost?
90. Working meeting on property legalization held with participation of Prime Minister
91. "Dignified Start" - A new dual initiative of the private sector and the government
92. The Patriarch’s new initiative
93. Patriarch urges for restoration of Georgian churches in Turkey
94. Dismissed personnel to receive assistance in business startup
95. Standard Bank struggling to avoid bankruptcy
96. Advertising market expands by USD 4m
97. Defending yourself before everyone else: When two wrongs don’t make a right
98. Georgian border sector a "threat"
99. Rakeen published Georgian projects
100. ‘My dog ate my paper’
101. GYLA demands fining of Tbilisi city administration and Ministry of Refugees and Resettlement
102. Bezhuashvili informed First Deputy Chairperson of Estonian Parliament about situation in Georgia
103. Azerbaijan and Georgia launch negotiations on supply of SOCAR gas in 2008
104. Belarus lifts ban on import of Georgian tangerines
105. The Government of Georgia and the World Bank sign an agreement for the second East-West highway improvment project

full digest: Georgia News Digest - Ansicht in Groups BetaNeu!

Jonathan Kulick, Ph.D., Director of Studies, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, 3a Chitadze, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia (Republic), jonathan.kulick@gfsis.org, office: +995 32 47 35 55, mobile: +995 95 33 33 40, USA voicemail: 310.928.6814

ELECTION: Political Ratings in Georgia: 13.000 Interviews

BCG - Business Conculting Group Research made 13.000 intervievs to the election campaigne and to the candidates for presidents in Georgia from 01 until 12 December

More: BCG Presidential Poll (2007).ppt

NEW BLOG: Vladimer Shioshvilis Blog Georgia Ink

I know Vladimir. He made interesting photos from Georgia. But now I descovered interesting drawings and comics about the situation in Georgia. Awesome! Click the link ans you will see more ...


Link: http://blog.shioshvili.com

NEWS: Georgia News Digest 12-17-07

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Attached PDF file easily navigable with Bookmarks pane
Archives and associated files at groups-beta.google.com/group/genews/files

1. Three weeks before elections Saakashvili leads in rating of candidates for post of president- Poll
2. Burjanadze pledges "democratic" election
3. Burjanadze and Boden discussed issues related to elections
4. Acting president meets NGOs
5. Appeal on participation of Georgian soldiers in Iraq and Kosovo in presidential elections submitted to court
6. ‘Ballot rigging amounts to political suicide’ - Burjanadze
7. MP demands probe into "illegal" acts during rally dispersal
8. Opposition candidates launch free TV ads
9. Ilia II: these elections have to be transparent
10. US Senate resolution on Georgia
11. Ukraine calls on all Georgian political forces to come together
12. Inter-agency group pledges to react on electoral violations
13. Plebiscite question wording undecided
14. Salome Zourabichvili thinks Georgian emigrants’ votes will be forged
15. The last president of Georgia?
16. Gachechiladze meets voters in Adjara
17. Opposition leader on Patarkatsishvili, post-elections
18. Patarkatsishvili return to Georgia postponed indefinitely – agency
19. Patarkatsishvili accuses government of exceeding authority
20. Patarkatsishvili insists on security guarantees
21. Patarkatsishvili complains to authorities about pressure on supporters – agency
22. Gelbakhiani accuses government of forging voter’s lists
23. Gelbakhiani slams authorities of persecution
24. Kublashvili: accusation of freezing Patarkatsishvili’s accounts is misinformation
25. Gia Tortladze to chair “Movement For United Georgia”
26. Okruashvili's party inaugurated
27. “Labourists” accuse CEC of forging voter’s lists
28. Natelashvili pledges to rise salaries to teachers
29. Saakashvili met voters in Imereti region
30. Saakashvili visits Terjola, Zestaponi
31. Saakashvili met with Gori and Dusheti residents
32. Bokeria describes election campaign as "extremely aggressive"
33. United National Movement thanks Saakashvili’s supporters
34. NGO Chveni Taoba joins Saakashvili's supporters
35. Sportsmen, singers declare support to Saakashvili
36. Saakashvili platform "future-oriented" – spokesman
37. Maisashvili prepared for debates with rivals
38. Maisashvili challenges rivals to open debates
39. Terry Davis criticizes Levan Berdzenishvili for racial statements
40. MP denies ‘anti-semitism slur’
41. Unanswered questions persist about Imedi television in Georgia
42. TV watchdog launched
43. Kosovo: Russian ambitions and American mistakes
44. Saakashvili Putinizing Georgia
45. Russia's moratorium came into force. What threats does this pose to West and Georgia?
46. Medvedev is more acceptable to West. 'In long run, we should expect Georgian-Russian relations to improve'
47. Washington fears Putin's power will fuel disputes
48. De facto authorities prohibit opening of constituencies in Gali region
49. Georgia says separatists plan provocation to prevent people voting in polls
50. Georgia urges world bodies to stop separatists' "illegal actions" ahead of polls
51. March launched from Gali to Tbilisi
52. Official concerned over situation in Abkhaz district ahead of polls
53. editorial cartoon see more cartoons at http://blog.shioshvili.com
54. Bakradze protests against illegal actions of de facto authorities
55. Russia continues rotation of peacekeepers in Abkhazia
56. Georgia wants Russian peacekeepers said to beat up journalist be punished
57. Peacekeepers, journalists scuffle in Abkhaz conflict zone
58. Peacekeepers beat Georgian journalists
59. Bakradze: Russian peacekeepers suspected of beating Georgian journalists must be punished
60. Burdzhanadze warns Russia against recognition of Abkhazia, S-Ossetia
61. Burjanadze says possible Russian recognition of separatists equals to war
62. De facto government moved military units towards Upper Abkhazia
63. No UN confirmation for Tbilisi’s claims of Abkhaz violations
64. Separatists' minister: Abkhazia is not Georgia
65. Reported deployment of Abkhaz troops in Kodori is a provocation – Sukhumi
66. Separatists begin movement of armored vehicles
67. OSCE envoy ends visit to South Ossetia
68. Social conditions in South Ossetia remain harsh
69. Drivers snow-trapped in the Caucasus rescued
70. PM visits Adjara
71. Gurgenidze saw citrus processing enterprise in Adjara
72. Prime Minister visited Poti port
73. Gurgenidze: Maintaining one-digit inflation rate is achievable in 2008
74. The Government keeps concealing the real scale of inflation in the country – Papava
75. The Government announced start of the program for support to mothers from vulnerable families
76. UN carried out the assessment of the impact of potential free trade agreement
77. Parliament discusses 2008 draft budget
78. Revised draft 2008 budget in ‘next few weeks’
79. New method on elaboration of professional training programs to be introduced in Georgia
80. Politics hits Georgia private banking sector
81. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway: The first step in a long process
82. Illegals from Syria – are there lessons to be learnt for Cyprus? [excerpt]

full digest: Georgia News Digest - Ansicht in Groups BetaNeu!

Jonathan Kulick, Ph.D., Director of Studies, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, 3a Chitadze, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia (Republic), jonathan.kulick@gfsis.org, office: +995 32 47 35 55, mobile: +995 95 33 33 40, USA voicemail: 310.928.6814

MUSIC: Two Young Armenians In Moskau - On Of The Best Club Music Formation In The Kreml City

I hope we can invite this band to Germany soon! Great and impressive sounds. Typical Armenian influences are Ancient Armenian Chants which going together with typical western club sounds but the voice from Gaya Arutyunyan you can't find her vocals any corner ... More about DETI PICASSO ...

Deti Picasso (photo by Andras Fekete)

The Moscow based Deti Picasso plays an unusual sort of music in Russia - head-spinning and sharp, with strong ethnic roots, psychodelica and hypnotizing energy. Very expressive female vocals from are backed with transparent guitar music, soft cello sound and alternated with rough psychedelic tunes. Ancient Armenian chants and songs recorded with academic string quartet blend with new forms of guitar sound. The music is very fresh, original, extraordinary and captivatingly sincere.

Deti Picasso's first studio album "Mesyac ulibok" (Month of smiles, released in 2002) - full of fresh and new emotions, was a real breaktrough in Russian club music. The band started to play on the biggest music festivals in Russia and was invited to play one stage wiith Depeche Mode and Massive Attack. April 2003 Deti Picasso played at "Yubileiniy" stadium in St-Petersburg on FUZZ magazine Ceremony and was named the "Best New Band 2002".

In 2004 Deti Picasso made their public appearance with Armenian folk dance songs combined with heavy guitar themes and absolutely fresh and modern rock music. Their second album Ethic Experiments became one of the best examples for the rising of the contemporary Eastern Europen rock music. From that time the band's art brings together 2 streams: Moscow club and Armenian folk cultures. The music is very fresh, original, extraordinary and captivatingly sincere. No wonder that Deti Picasso won a warm acclaim of the audience and became one of the most respected bands in the Moscow club scene.

The bands second album had a real success in Armenia and especially in Hungary after participating in the Sziget festival in 2004 and 2006. As a result of their Hungarian tour, they started to work with the Hungarian free-jazz legend Istvan Grencso and modern acid-rock quartet Masfel. Deti Picasso made with both of them records.

Their newest album Glubina (Depth, released in april 2006), recorded with academic string quartet is a sure and direct step towards new ways of musical expressions.

myspace-site: www.myspace.com/detipicasso

Band-Website detipicasso.ru

Bandmitglieder
Gaya Arutyunyan - vocals
Karen Arutyunyan - guitars
Vadim Kuznetsov - cello
Alexey Filippik - bass
Bogdan Bobrov - drums

DETI PICASSO- Ethnic Experiments (Deep Music)

Review by Raffi Meneshian, founder of Pomegranate Music and Executive Director of Yeraz Art

The band Deti Picasso is from Russia. Two of the members are Armenian in lead singer Gaya Harutyunyan and brother/guitar player Garen Harutyunyan. The 2004 CD "Ethnic Experiments" is sandwiched in between two other releases, 2002's "Mesjac Ulybok" (CD Land Records), and their new 2006 release "Glubina" (Deep Movement). They are not considered "Armenian artists" in the sense that they cater to the Moscow rock/punk/experimental music scene and sing mainly in Russian. That's their bread and butter. Like many ethnic Armenians in Europe and North America, they presumably decided to dabble into their roots and as the CD title states, create "Ethnic Experiments". They have a cult following in Armenia and have given several very successful club concerts there, despite the general indifference toward rock music in the Homeland.

Whether I simply casually listen, review, or produce artistic risk-takers, there is a high degree of respect that is accorded to them right off the bat from me. I first heard an MP3 song (Im Gala) that was somehow sent to me via email in 2004 via Christina Sarkissian (the person who gave me a copy of Bambir- Quake while in the US) via Gor Mkhitarian. I had never heard Armenian music performed like this before. Yet, I was confused on whether I actually liked the music and needed more of a sample set. So, finally, after 2 years of looking around, I finally bought an authentic CD of "Ethnic Experiments" at the Avant Garde Folk Club on Pushkin this summer and have had time to ponder and absorb the music.

Presented as a loose concept album with the first track being dedicated to listening to a person waking up in the morning (or evening) and making a pot of coffee all while hearing the effect of a needle dropping on a record with LP scratches all while flutes, clarinets, and shvi's are being introduced. In general, musicians have to be careful when presenting a concept album as sometimes the side effects can detract from the main meal of music. See Prince's "The Sign Album" or Pete Townhend's "Pyschoderilect" as examples. Thankfully, Deti Picasso keeps the sideshow to a minimum while making its point. All of the brief interludes (track 7, secret hidden track at the end of the album) point toward a spiritual bond with their "ancient Armenian folk songs". I'll let you listen and decide to see if you think it's effective. I think it is, yet, maybe not as profound as the band intended it to be.

After the opening introductions, the band gets right down to business with one of the standout tracks on the album, Ai Nina (track 3) which features the nervous, edgy, and strangely beautiful voice of Gaya setting the stage for a somewhat epic version of the popular folk song. I can assure you it has never been played like this before, as toward the end of the song the band uses bone-crunching guitar licks and uninhibited vocal layers to finish off the the 5 minute crecendo. With quick breaks in the middle of the song fueled by the sounds of a cello, Deti Picasso create finesse in the eye of a storm. The ninth track, Ai Lele Yar is another bright spot proving the can handle a slow tempo while interpreting another folk song in a majestic and beautiful fashion. I had never imagined this song would ever be approached in this way. It's one of the reasons "Ethnic Experiments" is so appealing and effective.

Usually, producers like to front load an album with the best songs, leaving the filler toward the end before a strong finale. In this case, the best song on the album comes surprisingly third from the end with Merik. Again, based on a folk song, all main elements that Deti Picasso try to exhibit in the course of the album converge to form a masterwork of a song. It's all there, the angst, the finesse, the sound samples, the crecendo, the clarinet, and best of all, the passion. It is at this point in the album listening process, you begin to understand very clearly that this is a special band, and a special album.

Gaya's voice is not operatic, smooth, or even attractive. It is jagged, nervous, and urgent. She reminds me of Kristi Stassinapoulou or Savina Yannatou, both from Greece. A case can be made that she reminds of a raw Allanis Morrisette. In all cases, at first glance the voices aren't appealing. Yet, how they use it is very important. And, ultimately very effective. As for the rest of the band, they succeed in giving Gaya the neccessary color and punkish attitude needed for this all to work.

"Ethnic Experiments" is the type of album release in the Armenian language that happens once every few years. It startles you, and makes you think by going deeper into the approach than what is usually presented in a simple folk song. While anonymous artists come and go in Yerevan and in the Diaspora using folk music as a cheap vehicle to make money or springboard a career because they have no originality of their own, credit Deti Picasso for digging deep, and producing a delightfully flawed masterpiece of an album.

Now, this is real music.

History: Silent Film "Salt For Svaneti"

or “Jim Shvante” (“Marili Svanets” (Salt for Svaneti)) (1930) by using the methods of feature and documentary films ... by M. Kalatozishvili

Last evening our friend - the DJ Bert Wattler - surprised us in his private rooms with his own sounds to the famous silent films from Georgia: "Salt of Svanti".

The very impressing blog geosynchronicity.blogspot.com showing three parts of this film there >>>

salt of svanetia (Set)

More you can read on this website about the georgian history of cinema >>>

Source: www.kinogeorgia.com

NEWS: 13 Dec 07 | Caucasus Reporting Service 425

Georgia Border Closure Hurts Armenians
Dozens of Armenians jailed or fined for unwittingly breaching Georgian border regulations. By Naira Bulgadaryan in Vanadzor and Fati Mamiashvili in Tbilisi (CRS No. 423 13-Dec-07)
Dagestani Students Volunteer for Islamist Groups
Alarm bells ring as young men slip away to join militant Islamists. By Revaz Alikhanov in Makhachkala (CRS No. 423 13-Dec-07)
Azeri War-Wounded Fight Bureaucracy
Disabled veterans complain that they do not receive the benefits they are entitled to. By Vugar Baba in Baku (CRS No. 423 13-Dec-07)
Armenian War Wounded Wait for Better Times
Invalids of war have to get by on limited resources in Karabakh. By Ashot Beglarian in Stepanakert (CRS No. 423 13-Dec-07)

ART: New Paintings by Maka Batiashvili

Oil on Canvas, 40x50cm, 2007

Oil on Canvas, 50x65cm, 2007

Oil on Canvas, 65x50cm, 2007

Oil on Canvas, 75x65cm, 2007

Oil on Canvas, 70x50cm, 2007

more: Paintings & Drawings of Maka Batiashvili (Set)

NEWS: Georgia News Digest 12-14-07

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Attached PDF file easily navigable with Bookmarks pane
Archives and associated files at groups-beta.google.com/group/genews/files

1. report: Learning from Georgia’s crisis : Implications and recommendations
2. The Rose Revolution, by the numbers
3. Beacon of democracy or khachapuri republic?
4. Ghosts in the room
5. Burjanadze reckons that government is effective within transitive period
6. November unrest cost economy usd 500 mln – PM
7. FAQ: Upcoming presidential elections on January 5, 2008
8. Holding elections: any which way but fair
9. Opposition prepares for post-election protests – Burjanadze
10. Government hinders opposition candidate's campaign – spokesman
11. We found ourselves in the utopian socialism
12. Tensions in Abkhazia rise as Tbilisi prepares for presidential elections
13. Sokhumi protests election campaign in Gali
14. Abkhazia denies reports that Saakashvili supporters held rally in Gali district
15. Georgian side expresses concern over punitive measures conducted by de-facto government
16. Burjanadze warns against provocative acts in Gali district
17. Official says separatists ban Georgians from taking part in vote
18. How much the presidential candidates are charged for political ads
19. Governmental group on fair and free elections held first meeting
20. Court to discus issue related to participation of Georgian soldiers serving in Iraq in voting
21. Opposition making a hideous mistake in opposing soldiers’ voting rights
22. CEC denies Georgian soldiers abroad right to vote, stirs controversy
23. Who will give votes back to soldiers?
24. Georgian diaspora in the US supports Mikheil Saakashvili in the election
25. NGO Chveni Taoba joins Saakashvili's supporters
26. A counterblast to Saakashvili
27. Georgia without poverty: an election pledge
28. Tackling unemployment under the aegis of the presidential hopeful
29. Members of youth headquarters of Saakashvili met students
30. Irakli Batiashvili to be released next day after inauguration of president
31. Okruashvili off political radar
32. ‘Germany will provide political asylum to Okruashvili’ ex-official’s attorney claims
33. Gachechiladze candidate issued newspaper
34. Gachechiladze promises to turn Georgia into "museum-state"
35. Gamqrelidze to abolish Ajaria autonomy if elected
36. Gamkrelidze to hold election campaign in Kutaisi
37. Gamkrelidze promises benefits for veterans
38. Natelashvili met NDI President
39. Natelashvili meets with EU special envoy
40. No additional immunity for candidate Patarkatsishvili
41. Imedi television reopens amid Georgia’s presidential election campaign
42. Official welcomes pro-opposition TV’s resumption
43. Burjanadze comments on Imedi
44. Burdzhanadze hails government decision to put opposition TV back on air
45. CE representative hails Imedi's return on air
46. EU, USA hail freedom of speech in Georgia in connection with Imedi
47. Semneby: Closure of Imedi in pre-election period born many questions
48. TV watchdog set up
49. Adam Michnik to hold first working meeting on setting up media monitoring group
50. Public Defender demands to examine action perpetrated against Trialeti TV
51. Foreign ministers meet at NATO HQ
52. According to Lavrov recognition of Kosovo will cause chain reaction
53. Russia is relevant to everything, but what happened in November was not planned in Moscow
54. Readiness for all possible scenarios
55. Kosovo not a precedent for conflicts in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova – GUAM
56. Kosovo and the new Caucasian war
57. UNOMIG fails to confirm military build-up in Abkhazia
58. Russian peacekeepers renew demand for release of arrested servicemen
59. Nothing to be sold to Georgian businessmen in Sokhumi
60. Moscow to invest in seaside property abroad
61. Is this the future of magazines? With the business flying blind, maybe Monocle can be king [excerpt]
62. OSCE officials visit water supply projects in Georgia's conflict zone
63. Does the European Neighbourhood Policy have power of attraction?
64. Research on free trade between Georgia and EU conducted
65. Tbilisi - the city of the future
66. Growth boom continues in Georgian banking sector
67. Kazakh investments to boost tourism
68. Possibilities for gas storage facility in Georgia
69. Implementation of project "suitable beginning" to begin from December 21
70. Population in regions released from debt on gas and electricity debts
71. Burjanadze to attend cabinet meeting on Thursday
72. Joint Staff of Georgian armed Forces intensifies bilateral relations
73. Government to increase financing on families with adopted children
74. IOM to hold presentation of new project
75. Reintegration assistance to redundant personnel of force ministries launched
76. Georgia border closure hurts Armenians
77. Georgian imprisoned for killing a man who is still alive
78. Two wanted citizens of Georgia detained
79. Generous, sensible, skilled riders and fighters - nice to meet you, Georgians!

full digest: Georgia News Digest - Ansicht in Groups BetaNeu!

Jonathan Kulick, Ph.D., Director of Studies, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, 3a Chitadze, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia (Republic), jonathan.kulick@gfsis.org, office: +995 32 47 35 55, mobile: +995 95 33 33 40, USA voicemail: 310.928.6814

PAINTING: "Small Rider With A Whip" by Hans Heiner Buhr

30x40 cm, Oil, painted 2001, uploaded on December 16, 2007 by Hans Heiner Buhr

Paintings by Hans Heiner Buhr (Set)

NEWS: Georgia News Digest 12-13-07

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Attached PDF file easily navigable with Bookmarks pane
Archives and associated files at groups-beta.google.com/group/genews/files


1. Government to secure conditions for free and fair presidential elections on January 5, 2008
2. Nino Burjanadze establishes inter-agency task force on free and fair elections
3. Statements of presidential candidates and representatives questioning the legitimacy of January 5 elections 4. People expect fraudulent elections in Kaspi
5. Human Rights Center: Representatives of opposition are intimidated in Akhaltsikhe
6. Georgian Soldiers in Iraq, Kosovo Denied Vote
7. Saakashvili protests against decision to ban opening of constituencies in Iraq
8. Saakashvili weighs into 'soldiers voting rights' debate
9. Decision of CEC regarding constituencies in Iraq and Kosovo is admissible for opposition
10. Chairman of CEC met members of Council Of Ethnic Minorities at Ombudsman’s Office
11. United National Movement opposes to CEC
12. Tarkhnishvili accuses election administration of making thoughtless decision
13. Court rejects Margiani's complaint
14. Mzia Gadelia, leader of the Conservative Party in Senaki, accuses the government of persecution and blackmail
15. Gachechiladze plans large-scale amnesty in Georgia in case of becoming president
16. Gachechiladze met with people in Avlabari
17. Levan Gachechiladze met Dieter Boden
18. Shop windows of the leader from opposition party were smashed
19. "Labourists" opened election headquarters in Berlin, Munich, Athens and Salonika
20. Natelashvili met Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine
21. Labor Party calls upon immigrants to vote in 5/01 elections
22. Natelashvili pledges free gas, electricity for three years
23. What did Usupashvili discuss with Patarkatsishvili? Campaign started after they lost hope to get hold of Imedi
24. Gamkrelidze met voters in Rustavi
25. Saakashvili promises to settle Georgian-Ossetian conflict in several months
26. Sandra Roelofs gave an interview to a foreign TV channel
27. Saakashvili: Nation is my chief
28. Misha's posters emerge in Gali
29. 'Germany will provide political asylum to Okruashvili' ex-official's attorney claims
30. Germany to decide on extradition of Georgian opposition leader
31. PM promotes initiative of former president
32. Lado Gurgenidze held meeting with businessmen
33. Giorgi Targamadze – Authorities keep on exerting pressure upon Imedi TV staff
34. Imedi resumes broadcasting
35. Imedi TV returns, but will Patarkatsishvili?
36. video: Georgian banned TV station back - to tune in presidential campaign?
37. Ombudsman: Court Ruling against Imedi Illegal
38. GNCC first issued a 10-year broadcast license to radio Hereti and shortly afterwards imposed a fine
39. Private radio gets licence
40. National Guard commander removed ahead of election
41. Public Defender starts preliminary investigation into use of rubber bullets
42. Batumi Civil Court sends appeals late
43. A great fuss in the Gori District Court
44. Political revenge
45. Young Lawyers held a round table on the deprivation of private property
46. Amnesty of "dead articles"
47. Five library buildings in Tbilisi to be renovated soon
48. video: Georgia's unemployed silent about predicament
49. Expenses of the state budget of Georgia totaled gel 4 520 million during January-November 2007
50. Javakhk Armenian representatives meet with US, German diplomats
51. Armenian deputy foreign minister: Relations between Georgia and Armenia are quite normal
52. 30th session of PABSEC finished its work in Tbilisi
53. Brzezinski: Shield doesn't exist, Iranian missiles don't exist, Europeans don't want US protection [excerpt]
54. Georgia blames Russian spies for inciting political dissent
55. Replacing Russia’s president means little for Georgian-Russian relations
56. Georgia's territorial problem suits the West
57. Russia fosters nearby "frozen conflicts"
58. Secretary-General strongly urges both sides to Georgian-Abkhaz conflict to refrain from any acts of violence
59. Tbilisi demands inclusion of violations in Abkhazia in report Of UN Secretary General
60. Gurgenidze denies plans of provocation against breakaway Abkhazia

full digest: Georgia News Digest - Ansicht in Groups BetaNeu!

Jonathan Kulick, Ph.D., Director of Studies, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, 3a Chitadze, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia (Republic), jonathan.kulick@gfsis.org, office: +995 32 47 35 55, mobile: +995 95 33 33 40, USA voicemail: 310.928.6814

PHOTO-REPORTAGE: STUDIOARCI celebratimg Oscar Niemeyer’s 100 years birthday.

Arci and Cid are celebrating, famous Brazilian architect’s Oscar Niemeyer’s 100 years birthday.

Uploaded on December 15, 2007 by Dato Rostomashvili

NEWS: Georgia News Digest 12-12-07

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Attached PDF file easily navigable with Bookmarks pane
Archives and associated files at groups-beta.google.com/group/genews/files

1. Shevardnadze: Globe cannot afford Cold War III
2. Poof: The post-revolutionary disappearing act—and its dreadful consequences [excerpt]
3. video documentary: Georgia: Fragile State
4. book: Caucasus Paradigms: Anthropologies, Histories and the Making of a World Area
5. new editorial-cartoons blog
6. Seven remain in presidential race
7. CEC members clash over voter lists
8. National Council has 3 representatives in CEC
9. Opposition accuses authorities of "manipulating voter rolls"
10. Discouraging signs ahead of an election which must be free and fair
11. Independent Union of Pedagogues to monitor presidential elections
12. Burjanadze met with Kenneth Wallach
13. Elections must be free and transparent: FIDH calls for an immediate end to all harassment against opponents
14. Open letter to the embassies and international organizations accredited to Georgia
15. Tefft interested with the idea of presidency annulling
16. MP explains scope of immunity for presidential candidates
17. Pettition in support of Saakashvili, sent to Georgian nationals living abroad
18. Wife joins Saakashvili on campaign trail
19. Youth wing of Saakashvili’s campaign launched
20. Ruling party expects at least 60% for Saakashvili
21. Saakashvili acquainted Bolnisi electorates with his presidential program
22. Pay gas, electricity arrears – Saakashvili tells government
23. Bezhashvili evaluates accusations of opposition directed against Saakashvili as groundless
24. There should be a halt to the shutting down of libraries
25. Saakashvili's proxy critical of candidate's demand for security
26. Patarkatsishvili to arrive in Georgia to launch election campaign
27. Patarkatsishvili fears arrest on arrival in Georgia
28. Patarkatsishvili due in Tbilisi this week
29. Bezhashvili: CEC can only offer patarkatsishvili guarantees envisaged by law
30. Patarkatsishvili vows usd 1 bln of own money for social assistance
31. Levan Gachechiladze visit Kakheti within pre-election campaign
32. Gamkrelidze to meet with veterans and blinds
33. Gamkrelidze got acquainted veterans with his presidential program
34. Gamkrelidze promises to reimburse the Orthodox Church for past damages
35. Azerbaijanis residing in Georgia to support Labour Party
36. Natelashvili accuses Saakashvili of using government resources
37. Natelashvili met and acquainted ambassadors accredited in Georgia with his presidential program
38. Kovalenko deems that reasonable decisions might settle Georgian-Russian relations
39. Mzia Gadelia accuses government of persecution
40. Imedi TV set to resume broadcasts Wednesday
41. Imedi to resume broadcasting on 12 December
42. Imedi TV to resume broadcasts on December 12
43. Imedi TV to sue Government at European Court of Justice
44. Public defender requests Imedi TV assets sequestrator to be held disciplinarily responsible
45. Magda Anikashvili to become the anchor of "Ghia Eteri"
46. German side discusses issue on giving political asylum to Irakli Okruashvili
47. Okruashvili's extradition to be considered by German court
48. Giorgi Targamadze: "Putin is a teacher and ideologist of Saakashvili"
49. Government to unveil new draft 2008 budget
50. Budget Committee to discuses accompanying draft bills of draft budget 2008
51. Inflation at 1.4% in November
52. Struggle to escape negative trade balance
53. Partners in freedom: Free Trade Agreements herald improved prospects for Georgia
54. Foreign expert: Small fruit can emerge as an agricultural leader
55. Pension to mount to gel 75 from upcoming year
56. New Chief of National Guard appointed
57. Gurgenidze met with heads of commercial banks operating in Georgia
58. PM discusses ‘cheap credit bank’ with bankers
59. Bryza urges Russia not to recognize Georgia’s separatist regions
60. Moscow conference urges benefits for Russians in Georgian, Moldovan regions
61. Legal aspects of return of internally displaced persons and refugees to Abkhazia, Georgia
62. Abkhaz speaker calls for recognition of all republics
63. Abkhaz FM threatens to reject western mediation
64. Explosion of mine injured two people in village Eredvi
65. Georgia commemorates Azeri national leader Heydar Aliyev
66. Alternative models for linking power grids in the South Caucasus
67. Georgia hosts 30th Plenary Session of BSEC
68. Public attorneys helped to release three juveniles
69. NGO wants criminal code amendments ruled unconstitutional

full digest: Georgia News Digest - Ansicht in Groups BetaNeu!

Jonathan Kulick, Ph.D., Director of Studies, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, 3a Chitadze, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia (Republic), jonathan.kulick@gfsis.org, office: +995 32 47 35 55, mobile: +995 95 33 33 40, USA voicemail: 310.928.6814

PHOTOGRAPHY: The Mountains Of Azerbaijan

An old one to lighten the mood.
Found gathering proverbial dust on a neglected hard disk. Not quite as romantic a notion as the forgotten box of musty negatives in the corner of the attic.
Uploaded on December 15, 2007 by vexed&confused

Azerbaijan / Azerbaycan (Set)

RADIO: Georgian Music on Radio Blau (live Stream) , Ding Dong, 13.12., 22:00 (german time)

Bert the Juggler & Ralph Hälbig (Guest)

www.myspace.com/radioblau

Georgian Music on Radio Blau
Ding Dong, 13.12., 22:00 (german time)

www.radioblau.de

(Livestream) !!!!!! Good time for listening !!!

Live und direkt - an jedem Ort der WeltRadioBlau online hören:
128 kB/s mpeg: direkt / WinAmp / MediaPlayer / RealAudio
96 kB/s mpeg: direkt / WinAmp / MediaPlayer / RealAudio
48 kB/s aacp: direkt / WinAmp / MediaPlayer / RealAudio

Bitte beachten: außerhalb unserer Sendezeiten ist das Programm von ApolloRadio zu hören!

Der Stream ist in jedem Fall im angegebenen Format (mpeg bzw. aacp), die obigen Verknüpfungen enthalten lediglich Metadaten für die unterschiedlichen Wiedergabeprogramme. Welches davon funktioniert hängt in erster Linie von der lokalen Konfiguration ab. Im Zweifelsfall bitte die Adresse der Verknüpfung "direkt" im gewünschten Programm manuell öffnen.
Wir danken für die Unterstützung:

Primacom AG - http://www.primacom.de

ClickPlanet - http://www.clickplanet.de

täglich auf UKW99,2 MHz, sowie:94,4 MHz & 89,2 MHz (Karte)

97,9 MHz (primacom Kabel)

with LiveStream

Programm zum Ausdrucken

Telefon: 0341 - 3 01 00 06

E-Mail: radioblau@radioblau.de

ein Projekt des Radio-Verein Leipzig e.V.

Mit einem unschuldigen ding dong beginnt sie jedesmal, Bert Jugglers Reise in eine wundersame Welt der Wahrnehmung. Er mischt zeitgenössische elektronische Musik und Klassiker verschiedenster Epochen mit selbst gemachten Tönen und Geräuschen und serviert dazu Anekdoten, Kurzgeschichten und Hörspiele. Ein etwas anderes Hören stellt sich ein und ermöglicht es uns, die Wahrnehmung die Vielfalt und Schönheit von Musik neu zu erleben.

NEWS: Georgia News Digest 12-11-07

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Attached PDF file easily navigable with Bookmarks pane
Archives and associated files at groups-beta.google.com/group/genews/files

1. report: The EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus
2. conference report: The EU and conflict resolution in Georgia
3. report: Russian energy policy toward neighboring countries [excerpt]
4. journal: Georgian Law Review
5. poll: Saakashvili leads among presidential candidates
6. Kukava on the Resonansi/Mteli Kvira poll
7. Outraged by behaviour of Georgia's Embassy in the US
8. No rules when it comes to gaining votes
9. What not to do: Models for Georgia to follow, as set by other nations
10. Saakashvili says socially-oriented policy not a PR stunt
11. Why did Saakashvili's popularity rating grow?
12. Georgia shouts different slogans: Mikheil Saakashvili’s triumphal return to the presidency could be on hold
13. Saakashvili promised voters in Kakheti to improve social conditions
14. Reservists are forced to meet presidential candidate
15. Bakradze: Georgia without poverty by the end of the second presidential term of Saakashvili
16. Giga Bokeria: Candidates are competing on equal terms
17. Labourists filed appeal against Saakashvili to Tbilisi City Court
18. Labors to make plaintiff against Saakashvili
19. Davit Gamkrelidze met arrested Batiashvili
20. Gamkrelidze hopes for objectivity of Dieter Boden
21. Gamkrelidze to visit Batiashvili in Avchala Colony
22. Gachechiladze to present second part of presidential platform to public soon
23. Gachechiladze speaks to Georgian voters in Germany
24. Gachechiladze meets citizens of Isani district at Armenian theatre
25. Okruashvili requests political asylum in Germany
26. Opposition asks Germany not to extradite Okruashvili
27. Opposition politician vows to put senior MP behind bars
28. Opposition accuses ruling party's candidate of subornation
29. The identity of the caller who threatened Kakabadze is still unclear
30. Imedi TV to resume work 11 December
31. Imedi was reopened unconditionally
32. Inga Grigolia’s political talk-show to be aired through Rustavi 2
33. Now radio Hereti under threat
34. MPs are too lazy to attend plenary sessions
35. Ombudsman to meet pupils of public school in Kurta
36. Georgia fears knock-on effect of Kosovo recognition
37. Georgian politicians comment on Medvedev nomination
38. Burjanadze interested in normal relations with Russia
39. Situation in conflict zones discussed at National Security Council
40. Security Council discusses situation in Abkhazia
41. Make or break time for Georgia Russian troop withdrawals and their effect
42. Lavrov dismisses Saakashvili’s claims about Russian threat
43. Lavrov: Putin never threatened to impose Cyprus model on Georgia
44. Burjanadze hopes Russia will not take advantage of election period
45. Bezhuashvili criticizes Russia for separatists’ session scheduled in Moscow
46. GUAM introduces question on frozen conflicts in response to Russia’s statements
47. Abkhaz separatists mining border with Georgia - foreign minister
48. Smell of gunpowder in Abkhazia
49. Georgia concerned over alleged mining along Abkhaz border
50. According to unproved information, territories in Gali are mined
51. Machavariani: Russian operation on territory of Abkhazia lost peacekeeping essence
52. Russia denies deploying additional troops in Abkhazia
53. Burjanadze concerned over Russian military deployment in Abkhazia
54. Russia has not brought additional servicemen to Abkhazia
55. Abkhazia calls on international community to avouch independence of unrecognized republics
56. Abkhazian government solved problem of electricity supply to refugees residing in Hotel "Bakhtrioni"
57. Russian general observes construction of roads in Abkhazia
58. Bagapsh denies reports of emergency rule
59. South Ossetia has more right to independence than Kosovo - S. Ossetian Vice Speaker
60. Bezhuashvili: NATO confirms support to ongoing processes in Georgia once again
61. Georgia wishes to join NATO air control system
62. National Vote: Should Georgia Become a Member of NATO?
63. Next meeting of Parliamentary Assembly of Black Sea Economic Cooperation starts
64. Eka Tkeshelashvili: Legal aid system of Georgia develops with success
65. Monuments in Georgia and western Armenia become fewer and fewer
66. Revenues from gambling business in Georgia published
67. UAE signs "open skies" agreement with Georgia
68. Standard Bank general director’s address speech
69. New prison opens in Tbilisi

full digest: Georgia News Digest - Ansicht in Groups BetaNeu!

Jonathan Kulick, Ph.D., Director of Studies, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, 3a Chitadze, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia (Republic), jonathan.kulick@gfsis.org, office: +995 32 47 35 55, mobile: +995 95 33 33 40, USA voicemail: 310.928.6814

DVD: WIE LUFT ZUM ATMEN von Ruth Olshan

Eine musikalische Reise nach Georgien und berückende Hommage an ein Volk, dessen große Kultur durchströmt wird von Gesang.

An dieser Stelle möchte ich Sie auf den soeben auf DVD erschienenen Dokumentarfilm WIE LUFT ZUM ATMEN von Ruth Olshan aufmerksam machen.

WIE LUFT ZUM ATMEN ist eine Reise in ein kleines Land zwischen Asien und Europa, das zu unrecht zwischen den Grenzen der Kulturen vergessen wird: Georgien, das hier in seiner ganzen Schönheit, seinem Zauber und seiner Vielfältigkeit eingefangen ist.
Der Dokumentarfilm von Ruth Olshan entdeckt vor allem die beeindruckende Musik Georgiens, in der die kulturelle Identität seiner Bewohner tief verwurzelt ist.
In den fast verloren gegangenen und wieder entdeckten Gesängen und Tänzen, die die UNESCO auf die Liste des Weltkulturerbes gesetzt hat, meint man Stimmen und Lieder aus einer vergangenen Zeit zu hören.
Musik sei für sie so wichtig wie die Luft zum Atmen, erzählt eine Protagonistin im Film und man versteht sie sofort.
Ruth Olshans vielschichtiges Porträt eines Landes, seiner Menschen und ihrer Musik zeigt, was das Besondere an der georgischen Musik ist: die Lebendigkeit der Folklore im Alltag, die aufrecht erhaltene Tradition, die in den Texten gespeicherten Mythen, das soziale Erleben der Musik, die regionale Unterschiedlichkeit der Kultur, und die Musiker, die die Musik heute auch in Pop- und Jazzbereiche weiterführen.

Dabei gelingt es visuell anschaulich und akustisch faszinierend, diese einzigartige Kultur zu vermitteln, in denen die künstlerische Tätigkeit eine existentielle Bedeutung für den einzelnen Menschen hat.

Extras: Kinotrailer, zusätzliche Tänze, Vorschau
Jahr: 2005
FSK: o.A.
Land: Deutschland
Untertitel: deutsch, englisch
Sprache: georgische Originalfassung
Länge: 90 min
Sound: Dolbly Digital Stereo
Formate: 16:9
DVD € 19,90
Plakat € 6,90

„Wenn es mir als Kind nicht gut ging, wenn ich traurig war, sagte mir meine Mutter, ich solle georgische Musik hören. Sie heilt das Herz und die Seele. Wenn ich allerdings diese Musik meinen gleichaltrigen Freundinnen vorspielte, war ich allein mit meiner Verzückung. Damals wuchs in mir der Wunsch, diese Musik auch anderen Menschen irgendwie zugänglich zu machen." (Ruth Olshan>

PRESSE:
„Großartige Bilder, sympathische Protagonisten und schöne, unvertraute Musik!" (filmdienst)
„Ruth Olshan hat einen sehr feinen Musikfilm gemacht, der einen Ort 90 Minuten zum Klingen bringt" (zitty)
„Eine berückende Hommage an ein Volk, dessen große Kultur durchströmt wird von Gesang" (Rheinischer Merkur)
„Folklore kann ganz schön cool sein!" (Die Welt)
„Ein ‚Hit’ für musikbegeisterte Weltreisende im Kino!" (programmkino.de)

Weitere Informationen zum Film finden Sie in unserem Onlineshop http://www.delicatessen.org/shop.

Für Rückfragen steht Jan Nurja jederzeit gerne zur Verfügung.
--
http://www.salzgeber.de
Tel: 030 / 285 290 -41

ART: Nino Biniashvili / Portfolio

nino b.g.

Born in Georgia,Tbilisi1980
Studied: Art and Sculpture in Nikoladze Art School Tbilisi 1996-99
Communication Design departmentat Bezalel Academy for Art and Design Jerusalem 2001-05 Took apart of the student exchange program–Studies in HAW Hamburg Germany, illustration
Exhibitions: Won firstplace at the international drawing competition for the Bible Quiz
The paintings are currently and the Office of Education archives, Jerusalem 1998
Group exhibition in Hamburg, Waser und Liebe/Erotic Art Museum, Hamburg 2005

Etchings from the project "Wasser und Liebe"; was presented at the group exhibition in Erotic Art Museum Hamburg, 2005

Participated with Actus group in the Fumetto Comics Festival in Luzern, Switzerland 2006
Participated in the group exhibition DesertGenerationIsraeli and Palestinian Artists against
the Occupation and for a Just Peace/Jerusalem/TelAviv/Amsterdam2007
Participated at the exhibition Time for Change Barbur Gallery, Jerusalem2007
Projects:
*Illustrations for Eynaeem children’s magazine
*Book cover for Israeli poet David Vogel, Carmel Publishingr
*Art Direction for a theater show titled Pirosmani
*Leader illustrator for the Time to Know educational project

Nino B.G./Portfolio 2005/2007 >>>

Parts of her final project at Bezalel Academy of art and design (pages from the book) Me, Dror and another story. The project was presented at the Fummetto comix festival, Luzern, 2006

E-Mail: Nino12@gmail.com
Personal webpage, displaying some artworks: http://www.expoze.co.il/go/nino

2 illustrations from the artist book Japan King and Korean King Story of Jason Kaw (who is 11years old Korean boy, that was living in Israel, Jerusalem at 2003-04)


more drawings and illustrations:

29 Drawings from Nino Biniashvili >>>

Illustrations about Dor >>>

NEWS: International News About This Region

Kosovo threatens to be flashpoint again 10 Dec 2007 10:36, The Star...
Kupchan, Russia could also bring the volatile Caucasus region into the equation, by threatening to ... threatening to recognize two pro-Moscow regions of Georgia that are struggling to separate, if Kosovo ...
Fugitive Georgian tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili, accused of organizing a coup attempt in Georgia, was registered on Sunday as a candidate at the early presidential elections in the South Caucasus republic. 9 Dec 2007 13:16, RIA Novosti...
registered on Sunday as a candidate at the early presidential elections in the South Caucasus republic. Early presidential elections were announced in Georgia after demonstrators had taken to the streets from November 2-7 demanding the resignation of ...
Fugitive Georgian tycoon registered as presidential candidate 9 Dec 2007 13:15, RIA Novosti...
registered on Sunday as a candidate at the early presidential elections in the South Caucasus republic. Early presidential elections were announced in Georgia after demonstrators had taken to the streets from November 2-7 demanding the resignation of ...
Sergey Markov: OSCE and PACE furthered Abkhazia's independence 8 Dec 2007 18:30, Regnum...
South Ossetia, Transdnestr. It is possible that Georgia reacts in a harsh way. That is ... national republics, in particular, in the North Caucasus ones; 2) unbalanced work of TV channels ...
Georgia: Imedi Returns to Work, but Faces an Uncertain Future 8 Dec 2007 05:26, Eurasianet...
Rustavi-2 on November 20, just days after Georgia canceled its state of emergency. [ ]. ... its actions (on November 7)," commented the Caucasus Institute for Peace and Development's Ghia Nodia. ...
Iran, Central Asia, limbs of same cultural body - Attache 7 Dec 2007 15:50, www.irna.ir...
Central Asia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, the Caucasus region, and even the Minor Asia." The ... countries in this region, such as in Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Tatarstan and some parts of ...
Georgia fears Kosovo spillover 7 Dec 2007 02:37, FT.com...
crisis in Kosovo should spread to the Caucasus and threaten Georgia's territorial integrity. "We hope ... EU and Nato about the turmoil in Georgia and to stress that the presidential election, ...
Central Asia and Caucasus: Governments Rely on Old-Style Methods to Contain Inflation 6 Dec 2007 23:51, Eurasianet...
rising costs. In many Central Asian and Caucasus states, the inflation rate has hit double ... story is similar in the Caucasus. In Georgia, the country's statistics agency reported inflation at ...
Down with democracy 6 Dec 2007 16:33, Economist...
independence. Until the breakaway states of the Caucasus (Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Nagorno-Karabakh) are willing ... and attractive life to refugees returning from Georgia and Azerbaijan, they will find little support. ...
Unrecognized States 7 Dec 2007 01:35, International Herald Tribune...
and so on. Festering in both the Caucasus and Balkans are issues that haunt Middle ... waiting for their chance to march home. Georgia is spending money it cannot afford to ...

SONG: Nagorny Karabach von den "Einstürzenden Neubauten"

Die Stadt liegt unter Nebel
Ich bin auf meinem Berg
In meinem schwarzen Garten
zwischen Himmeln eingeklemmt
in der Enklave meiner Wahl
in der ich mich versteck
in Nagorny Karabach

Vormals tiefe Wälder
Bergketten, vielleicht Eis
eine messinggelbe Sonne
verbricht ein Paradies
meine Sys- und Diastoleda
zwischen der Moment
getragen von den Vögeln
die hier zugange sind
in der Enklave meines Herzens
in der ich mich verlier
in Nagorny Karabach

Ich steig den Berg herunter
geh ins eine oder andere Tal
es ist geflaggt in allen Farben
in Bergisch-Karabach

Zwei grosse schwarze Raben
fressen die Pflaumen aus dem Baum
Ob die andre Stadt mich lieb hat …?

In der Enklave meiner Wahl
in der ich mich verberg’
in Nagorny Karabach

Komm mich mal besuchen
ich hab’ unendlich Zeit
und der Blick der ist vom Feinsten
über Wolken und die Stadt
in Nagorny Karabach
Nagorny Karabach
Nagorny Karabach

Ins Freie: Einstürzende Neubauten
Alles wieder offen >>>

Photo: HALO Trust Demining farmland, Askeran, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
© Onnik Krikorian / Oneworld Multimedia

LITERATUR: Dichtung in Zeiten der Unruhen

Rudolf Kreutner geriet in Georgien zwischen die Fronten von Demonstranten und Armee
(ann)
Besucht man die Gedenkstätte im ehemaligen Wohnhaus des georgischen Dichters und Staatsmannes Ilja Tschawtschawadse (1837–1907) in Tiflis, so stößt man unweigerlich auf eine Tafel mit dem Konterfei Friedrich Rückerts samt Erläuterungen in georgischer Schrift – der große Georgier hatte nämlich Gedichte Rückerts ins Georgische übersetzt. Noch heute hält man in Georgien Rückert für so bedeutend, dass die Tifliser Universität Dr. Rudolf Kreutner, Mitarbeiter im Kulturamt und Geschäftsführer der Rückert-Gesellschaft, zu einem Vortrag über den berühmten Schweinfurter in die georgische Hauptstadt einlud.

Der ganze Text >>>

NACHRICHTEN: Links zu Armenien, Azerbaidschan und Georgien

300 Wahlbeobachter der OSZE in Georgien Georgien Nachrichten - Germany
Die OSZE will 300 Wahlbeobachter nach Georgien schicken, die die Präsidentschaftswahlen Anfang Januar 2008 überwachen sollen.
Georgien fürchtet Kosovo-Szenario im Kaukasus russland-aktuell.ru - Moscow, Russia
Georgiens Premierminister Lado Gurgenidse hat den Westen darum gebeten, eine Teilung Georgiens zu verhindern.
Kaukasus: Zündstoff um Abchasien und Südossetien russland-aktuell.ru - Moscow, Russia
Die scharfe Reaktion aus Georgien ließ nicht lange auf sich warten.
Georgien: Sendetechnik von regierungskritischem TV-Sender Imedi ... RIA Novosti - Moscow, Russia
Die Sendetechnik der georgischen TV-Gesellschaft Imedi ist vollständig vernichtet worden.
Georgien: Oppositionsfernsehen soll wieder senden russland-aktuell.ru - Moscow, Russia
Tiflis. Der oppositionelle Fernsehsender "Imedi-TV" soll wieder auf Sendung gehen.
Georgien erwartet Rekordernte bei zitrusfrüchte fruchtportal.de (Pressemitteilung) - Waldfeucht, Germany
Es wird erwartet, dass Georgien etwa 40% der Ernte exportiert, vorrangig an Weißrussland, die Ukraine, Kasachstan und Armenien.
Leichen aus Hubschraubern abgeworfen taz - Germany
Eliew war Ende 2006 in der aserbaidschanischen Hauptstadt Baku von Unbekannten entführt worden. Besonders gefährdet sind auch die Bewohner der Bergregionen.
Baku: Jeden Tag eine neue Ölpest Bild.T-Online.de - Germany
Lesen Sie heute: Baku (Aserbaidschan) und das schwarze Gift. Die Landschaft am Kaspischen Meer ist wie das Gerippe der Erde, über dem schwarze Vögel kreisen
Turkmenien und Aserbaidschan pflegen wieder diplomatische Beziehungen Berliner Umschau - Berlin, Germany
Nach sieben Jahren Unterbrechung hat Turkmenien seine diplomatische Vertretung in der aserbaidschanischen Hauptstadt Baku wiedereröffnet.
Russischer Booker-Preis an Autor Ilitschewski Derwesten.de - West Germany, Germany
Der in Aserbaidschan geborene Jungautor Alexander Ilitschewski hat für seinen Roman «Matisse» die angesehenste Literaturauszeichnung Russlands, ...
Nabucco-Pipeline: Wichtiges Projekt mit Fragezeichen WirtschaftsBlatt.at - Wien, Austria
Armenien schliesst Blick Online - Switzerland
ERIWAN – Armenien hat gestern eingewilligt, sein einziges Atomkraftwerk zu schliessen. Die Regierung in Eriwan beugt sich damit internationalem Druck.
"Der größte Wettskandal im Weltfußball überhaupt"WELT ONLINE - Germany
Die verdächtigen Teams sollen aus Bulgarien, Kroatien, Serbien, Georgien und dem Baltikum kommen.
Umfrage zu Präsidentschaftswahlen in Georgien gefälscht? Georgien Nachrichten - Germany
Eine angeblich repräsentative Umfrage zu den Präsidentschaftswahlen in Georgien soll Micheil Saakaschwili vorne liegen sehen.
Zukunft des Radars Gabala hängt von der Entscheidung Aserbaidschans ab RIA Novosti - Moscow, Russia
Die Zukunft der Funkmess-Station Gabala, deren Pacht durch Russland 2012 zu Ende geht, wird von der Entscheidung der aserbaidschanischen Seite abhängen.
Experte: Russlands WTO-Beitritt auch ohne Zustimmung Georgiens möglich RIA Novosti - Moscow, Russia
Dem Verhandlungsbeauftragten des russischen Wirtschaftsministeriums Maxim Medwedkow zufolge kann Russland auch ohne Zustimmung Georgiens der WTO beitreten.
US-Vizeaußenminister Fried empfiehlt Georgien Verbesserung der ... RIA Novosti - Moscow, Russia
Der für Europa und Eurasien zuständige US-Vizeaußenminister Daniel Fried hat Georgien empfohlen, die Beziehungen zu Russland zu verbessern.
Chef von Südossetien will Distanz zu Georgien - Interview RIA Novosti - Moscow, Russia
Für Südossetien ist die vom georgischen Präsidenten Michail Saakaschwili vorgeschlagene Demokratie-Variante nicht annehmbar ...
Pressespiegel aus Russland vom 30.11.2007 Russland.RU - Russia
"Nesawissimaja Gaseta": Turkmenien und Aserbaidschan zu Kompromiss im Kaspisee bereit?
Millionenauftrag aus Asien Fuldaer Zeitung - Hessen, Germany
Bis Ende 2008 stattet das Angersbacher Unternehmen 80 große Villen in Baku (Aserbeidschan) mit neuen Fenstern aus.
Russland hat keine Waffen in Berg Karabach RIA Novosti - Moscow, Russia
Die russische Waffentechnik, so die Spekulationen, die aus Georgien abgezogen und nach Armenien gebracht wurde, sei in von Armenien besetzte Gebiete ...
Bergkarabach: Aserbaidschan spricht von Krieg russland-aktuell.ru - Moscow, Russia
Safar Abijew, Verteidigungsminister von Aserbaidschan, hält einen Krieg gegen Armenien möglich. Dies erklärte er auf einer Pressekonferenz nach dem Treffen ...
Mit Air Baltic nach Armenien und Kasachstan Touristik Presse.net (Pressemitteilung) - Düsseldorf, NRW, Germany
Riga/Berlin – Die lettische Fluggesellschaft Air Baltic hat im Sommer 2008 zwei neue Destinationen ab Riga im Flugplan: die armenische Hauptstadt Erevan und ...

PHOTOGRAPHY: Pictures From The Mountains

Uploaded on October 31, 2007 by nusa_nino

LEARNING: My Georgian ABC - I would like to Learn Georgian

House of Georgian Book is a Publishing Company mainly focusing on creation and publishing books for children within Georgia as well as for Georgians living outside of the country. House of Georgian Book is best known for its books for kids. While Georgian Literature is very limited outside of Georgia We believe our books will help kids and adults to learn more about Georgia

My Georgian ABC - I would like to Learn Georgian

Will help Children between 4 and 7 Years to learn Georgian ABC in a fun way. Kids learn letter by letter understanding the Georgian language through pictures in a very easy way. Great tool for Georgian parents living abroad to teach their kids the Georgian Language. Online Secure Payment Option. After Completion of the payment Book will be emailed to you in PDF document.

If your mail box can't receive email attachment (32mb) we will mail the CD with "MY Georgian ABC - I would like to Learn Georgian" to you free of charge regardless of the Country where you reside.

LESUNG: A. Bisulatnov im Lew Kopelew Forum Köln, 11.12.2007

Dienstag, 11. Dezember 2007, 19.00 Uhr: Lesung mit Apti Bisultanov

In Kooperation mit "Der andere Buchladen", dem Verein Heinrich-Böll- Haus-Langenbroich, der Heinrich Böll Stiftung und dem Kulturamt der Stadt Köln

Moderation: Dr. Elisabeth Weber
Übersetzung: Bernhard Clasen
Lesung auf Deutsch: Sigrun Reckhaus

Apti Bisultanov war einer der Initiatoren des 1. Tschetschenischen Nationalkongresses, dessen Vorbereitungskomitee sich in seiner Redaktion traf. 1995 leitete er das Tschetschenische
Informationszentrum in Krakau/PL. 1996 wurde er stellv. Außenminister in der Interimsregierung; 1999 - zum Vizepremier für Soziales ernannt.
Am 01.02.2000 ging er mit Maschadov in die Berge. Sein Heimatdorf wurde durch Angriffe der russischen Artillerie vollständig zerstört.
Apti Bisultanov studierte er an der Philologischen Fakultät der »Tschetschenisch-Inguschischen Staatsuniversität« in Grosny und war danach als Lehrer tätig. Seit dieser Zeit publiziert er regelmäßig in verschiedenen Literaturzeitschriften. 1986 erschien sein ersterGedichtband »Noch - ze - tschö« (Ü: Pflug - Feuer - Haus). Der Titel assoziiert das Wort »Nochtschitschö«, das soviel wie »Land der Tschetschenen« bedeutet. 1988 wurde Bisultanov Redakteur des
»Tschetschenischen Bücherverlags« in Grosny. 1991 erschien sein dritter Lyrikband »Tkesan Indare« (Ü: Schatten eines Blitzes), der u.a. Gedichte enthält, die den Opfern der Deportation unter Stalin gewidmet sind. Jene Klagegedichte, die Bisultanov mit »Die in Chaibach geschriebenen Gedichte« betitelte, erzählen auch die Geschichte der 800 Einwohner des Bergdorfes Chaibach, die bei der Deportation wegen hohen Schnees nicht abtransportiert werden konnten, in einen Pferdestall getrieben und verbrannt wurden. Der Dichter erhielt 1992 für dieses Poem den »Tschetschenischen Volkspreis für Literatur«.
Viele seiner Gedichte wurden vertont und u.a. ins Russische, Türkische und Finnische übersetzt. Apti Bisultanov ist Mitglied des internationalen P.E.N.-Clubs und Ehrenmitglied des russisch-
finnischen P.E.N. Er lebt seit 2002 im Ausland, u.a. in Deutschland.
2003 erhielt er den Preis der Poets of All Nations Foundation. Sein zweisprachiger Gedichtband »Schatten eines Blitzes« erschien 2004.
Apti Bisultanov ist z. Zeit Stipendiat im Heinrich-Böll-Haus in Langenbroich.

UKB: 5,- EUR / 2,5 EUR für Studenten, Schüler, LKF-Mitglieder und ALG-II-Empfänger

Lew Kopelew Forum e.V.
50 667 Köln, Neumarkt 18a, Neumarkt Passage
Tel.: +49 221 257 67 67, Fax: +49 221 257 67 68

NEWS: Georgia News Digest 12-10-07

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Attached PDF file easily navigable with Bookmarks pane
Archives and associated files at groups-beta.google.com/group/genews/files

1. CEC compiles voters’ list
2. CEC registers fifth presidential candidate
3. CEC canceled registration of initiative groups of six presidential candidates
4. CEC registers three opposition presidential candidates
5. Ballots to be issued in five languages
6. Georgia to open 40 polling stations in 31 states
7. 10 reasons why you should vote for....
8. Underdog presidential contenders 'debate' at public broadcaster
9. GPB commences pre-election debates between presidential candidates against georgian law on broadcasting
10. Burjanadze and envoys discussed issues about keeping order in regions during elections
11. Opposition warns of mass protests in case of vote fraud
12. United opposition accuses government of blackmail and repressions
13. Opposition youth stages protest in capital
14. Nine-party coalition campaigns in western Georgia
15. Burjanadze European rep discuss election, media
16. Gela Bezhuashvili met with Peter Semneby
17. Bezhuashvili briefed ambassadors about pre-election situation in Georgia
18. NATO, the beacon of democracy, political expediency and blowback
19. Continue to uphold free media, free elections, NATO tells Georgia
20. Democratic election key priority for Georgia - OSCE official
21. Election watchdog launches mission in Georgia
22. 23. PACE monitors lay out pre-election observations
24. CEC registers Saakashvili as 1st presidential runner
25. Saakashvili will be reelected on January 5: Opposition in disarray prepares for January 6 protest
26. Campaign season in full swing as Saakashvili declares war on unemployment
27. Mikheil Saakashvili visited renewed kindergarten in village Dighomi
28. Mikheil Saakashvili met population of Didi Lilo
29. Identity papers are taken away from power-wielding bodies' personnel
30. Labourists object to registration Saakashvili as presidential candidate
31. Calls for equal funding of presidential candidates - Labor Party
32. Labor Party slams businesses for financing only Saakashvili
33. “Labourists” to organize pre-election campaign abroad
34. Juridical service launched in election headquarters of “Labourists”
35. Presidential hopeful Gia Maisashvili met with lawyers
36. Maisashvili: A new politician with a new model
37. Targamadze evaluates Gachechiladze statement about financing as anomalous
38. Supporters of Levan Gachechiladze to organize rally in Lanchkhuti
39. Levan Gachechiladze met with voters in Zestaponi
40. Gamkrelidze visits Guria within pre-election campaign
41. Patarkatsishvili registered as presidential candidate
42. Tycoon registered as presidential candidate; five barred from race
43. Davit Usupashvili, Zviad Dzidziguri and Kakha Kukava met Patarkatsishvili
44. Opposition denies Patarkatsishvili's financing of another candidate
45. Georgian opposition talked strategy with fugitive tycoon in London
46. Opposition, ruling party spat over Patarkatsishvili’s ‘dirty money’
47. Opposition responds to accusations regarding use of tycoon's money
48. Pro-government MP says "dirty money" used against Georgia
49. Ruling party attacks opposition hopes for 'dirty money'
50. “Hope” returns to Georgians: government unfreezes Imedi TV assets and broadcasting license
51. Imedi returns to work, but faces an uncertain future
52. Imedi on air for election: director
53. OSCE media chief welcomes Imedi reopening
54. First sign of Imedi reopening
55. Imedi TV tests broadcast
56. Imedi TV to resume broadcasts in few days
57. Media behaviour note on Radio Imedi
58. video: Banned TV station back on air soon
59. Imedi TV equipment sustained considerable damage
60. Imedi TV requests compensation for damage and raiders be held responsible
61. Givi Targamadze doubtful about scale of damage inflicted on Imedi TV
62. Imedi” managed to restore signal
63. Ombudsman demands criminal inquiry into plundering of Imedi assets
64. Special forces raid caused damages of up to $3 Mln – Imedi
65. Imedi staff enter the channel's premises to appraise damage
66. Ruling party vows not to boycott Imedi
67. Rustavi 2 and Mze TV published political ad prices
68. USD 15,400 for 30-second political ad
69. Labor Party accuses Kavkasia TV of bias
70. Opposition party accuses private TV of partiality
71. Kakheti governor concerned about Radio Hereti
72. Targamadze assesses reinforcement of armed groupings in Abkhazia as dangerous process
73. Official Tbilisi objects to uncoordinated rotation of peacekeepers in Abkhazia
74. MP threatens Russia with war if Abkhaz, Ossetian independence recognized
75. MP warns of "armed conflict" with Russia
76. Gen Chaban lauds peacekeepers in Georgian-Abkhaz conflict zone
77. Commander promises to protect separatists from Georgian aggression
78. Bezhuashvili calls on UN to react on situation in Abkhazia
79. Bagapsh denies allegations of state of emergency imposed in Abkhazia
80. Sergey Markov: OSCE and PACE furthered Abkhazia’s independence
81. Russian TV talk show agrees Kosovo’s independence will set a precedent
82. Georgia doesn't apologize for sending away 3 Russian diplomats-Lavrov
83. Russian elections and Kosovo independence ratchet up Abkhazia tension
84. TV aerials being spied in Tskhinvali
85. Rose Revolution legacy focus of Columbia University Conference
86. NATO on the agenda as Georgia’s high officials visit Brussels
87. List of 'willing' U.S. allies shrinks steadily in Iraq: Nations still there toil in relative obscurity [excerpt]
88. With businesses pressured, Georgia is no winner
89. EBRD promotes development of energy efficiency projects in Georgia
90. Can the blueberry save Georgian agriculture? American expert sees great potential in local berry industry
91. Tbilisi hosts Iran-Georgia confab
92. Some 2.8mln tons of oil transported via Georgia in October
93. HSBC - Two CEOs’ vision about Georgia
94. Republic of Georgia aims for U.S. wine market: Will rkatsiteli and saperavi be the new pinot grigio and malbec?
95. Education Ministry study results indicate decreased literacy rates
96. Transformation of branches of state institutes accomplished
97. Orphanages to be subordinated to Ministry of Healthcare
98. It is possible to legalize lands located in Tskneti and suburbs of Tbilisi
99. Refugees dreaming of home in Hotel Charm
100. Man shot in his car
101. Buried treasure: At the Sackler gallery, the gilded graves of a doomed nation

full digest: Georgia News Digest - Ansicht in Groups BetaNeu!

Jonathan Kulick, Ph.D., Director of Studies, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, 3a Chitadze, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia (Republic), jonathan.kulick@gfsis.org, office: +995 32 47 35 55, mobile: +995 95 33 33 40, USA voicemail: 310.928.6814

PHOTOGRAPHY: აბასთუმანი

This is Abastumani, witch is situated in Meskheti

Uploaded on December 7, 2007 by nusa_nino

NEWS: 06 Dec 07 | Caucasus Reporting Service 422

Karabakh Peace Process Unravelling
Last chance for two presidents to agree to framework document before February. By Thomas de Waal in London (CRS No. 422 06-Dec-07)

Chechnya: Kadyrov to Rule for Years
Constitutional referendum grants Chechen leader right to be president in perpetuity. By Kazbek Tsurayev in Grozny (CRS No. 422 06-Dec-07)

Dagestan: Opposition Cries Foul Over Elections
Putin’s party predictably wins in turbulent electoral contest in which two candidates were murdered. By Diana Alieva in Makhachkala (CRS No. 422 06-Dec-07)

Armenia Aids Threat Growing
A mobile population, drug use and low levels of public awareness feed HIV infection rates. By Lilit Harutiunian in Yerevan (CRS No. 422 06-Dec-07)

NEWS: EurasiaNet Weekly Update 12-06-07

THE FOLLOWING STORIES APPEARED ON EURASIANET OVER THE PAST WEEK:

CENTRAL ASIA AND CAUCASUS: GOVERNMENTS RELY ON OLD-STYLE METHODS TO
CONTAIN INFLATION
Deirdre Tynan
Soaring inflation rates across the former Soviet Union are causing food price to spiral upward.
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav120607.shtml

CAMPAIGN FINANCE A "SHADOWY" ISSUE IN GEORGIA'S PRESIDENTIAL RACE
Nino Patsuria
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav120607a.shtml

THE FUTURE OF NABUCCO PIPELINE UP IN THE AIR
Khadija Ismayilova
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav120507.shtml

GEORGIA: SCRUTINY OF TYCOON'S INTERESTS GOES BEYOND IMEDI
Molly Corso
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav120507a.shtml

TBILISI TO NEWS CORP.: SHOW US THE OWNERSHIP DOCUMENTS FOR PRO-OPPOSITION TV STATION
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav120307.shtml

CENTRAL ASIA: RETHINKING BORDER-CONTROL ASSISTANCE
A EurasiaNet Commentary by Nick Megoran
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav120307a.shtml

AZERBAIJAN: EVALUATING THE RADICAL ISLAMIC SECURITY THREAT
Rovshan Ismayilov
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav113007.shtml

FOLK MUSIC ONCE AGAIN THRIVES IN CENTRAL ASIA AND THE CAUCASUS
Gelya Leshchinskiy
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav113007a.shtml

CASPIAN BASIN: A LOOK AT THE SOUTHERN FACTOR IN THE REGIONAL ENERGY
EQUATION
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav112907a.shtml

PHOTOGRAPHY: Job Searchers In Tbilisi

Uploaded on December 5, 2007 by Paata Vardanashvili (www.paata.ge)

NEWS: Georgia News Digest 12-07-07

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Attached PDF file easily navigable with Bookmarks pane
Archives and associated files at groups-beta.google.com/group/genews/files

1. 13 remain in presidential race
2. Deadline for presidential runners registration expires in Georgia
3. Representatives of Badri Patarkatsishvili submitted 202 170 signatures of supporters to CEC
4. Patarkatsishvili list of signatures of support largest in Georgia
5. Patarkatsishvili never intended to visit Belgium
6. Members of National Council to meet British MPs and Patarkatsishvili
7. Opposition leaders to meet Patarkatsishvili in London
8. Representative of Gia Maisashvili submitted 70 000 signatures of supporters to CEC
9. Interview with the leader of the 'Party of Future' and candidate for presidency Giorgi Maisashvili
10. Representatives of Levan Gachechiladze submitted 63 000 signatures of supporters to CEC
11. Gachechiladze to sell GWS shares
12. Gachechiladze discusses economic plans with journalists
13. Government does not allow opening of Gachechiladze’s election headquarters in Abasha
14. Representatives of Shalva Natelashvili submitted 75 000 signatures of supporters to CEC
15. Mamuka Katsitadze submitted 165 000 signatures of supporters of David Gamkrelidze to CEC
16. Campaign finance a "shadowy" issue in Georgia’s presidential race
17. Government initiates appointing security to presidential candidates
18. Authorities preparing to falsify elections - opposition leader
19. Some Georgian politicians want me involved in local affairs - European diplomat
20. Opposition cold-shoulder for PACE monitor
21. Gachechiladze met Matyas Eorsi
22. Georgia’s Azerbaijanis to vote for presidential candidate who will meet their demands
23. Ethnic Azeris in Georgia not to vote for Saakashvili, NGO leader says in Baku
24. Presidential hopeful drops out expecting "disaster" in Georgia
25. Police prevent suicide attempt by presidential hopeful
26. Saakashvili himself obligated me to make visits to Russian embassy—Khaindrava
27. OSCE to send 300 observers for early polls
28. Belgian and Ukrainian observers to monitor presidential elections in Georgia
29. Opposition calls for close observation of elections
30. Saakashvili promised introduction of low bank credit program
31. Saakashvili promises ‘cheap credit bank’
32. A free Georgia
33. Burjanadze and Saakashvili opened Natakhtari-Igoeti Highway
34. Saakashvili says employment priority for second term
35. Government of Georgia to release extra credits for support to agriculture
36. Georgia expects free trade agreement with EU in 2009
37. Politicians are wrong but much depends on journalists as well—Burdjanadze
38. Opposition accuses head of kindergarten
39. People cheated by vouchers
40. Participants of the demonstration organized by the united opposition are still being abused
41. Opposition members relatives’ businesses sealed up
42. Public broadcaster plans election debates
43. information note: Reopening of Imedi TV
44. video: Banned TV station to broadcast again
45. Ban on Georgian TV station lifted
46. Georgian court frees TV station's assets
47. Imedi staff readying to go on the air
48. Several people allowed to enter reopened Imedi station premises
49. Imedi executives refuse to enter studios without TV cameras
50. Imedi TV equipment severely damaged
51. Georgian pro-opposition TV channel to take long time to reopen: chief
52. Patarkatsishvili evaluates restoration of "Imedi’s" license as result of people’s will
53. Badri Patarkatsishvili – Resumption of Imedi TV broadcast license is the outcome of Georgian people’s will 54. David Bakradze – presidential candidate enjoys no right to own and control TV company
55. Patarkatsishvili, MPs comment on TV station's reopening
56. 'Conscience of media' shows red card to Georgian officials
57. Lithuania welcomes Georgia’s move to lift legal restrictions of TV channel
58. EU official urges Georgia to lift media restrictions before presidential vote
59. Radio Hereti employees demand security guarantees
60. Radio station alleges official intimidation
61. Public Defender requests law enforcers to investigate fact of pressure exerted upon radio Hereti
62. Journalists with radio station "Hereti" complain about suppression
63. Georgia plugged into NATO defence radar
64. After unrest, Georgia struggles to revive NATO bid
65. The Caucasus trump card [excerpt]
66. report: Georgia’s quest for integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures
67. Georgia fears impact of Kosovo crisis
68. Gurgenidze appeals for Western backing if Kosovo declares independence
69. Unrecognized states
70. Going through the motions?
71. Russian official says peacekeepers to hold on to Abkhazia military base
72. Rotation of peacekeepers in Abkhazia
73. Georgians press-ganged into Abkhazian army
74. Return of refugees essential for Georgian-Abkhaz settlement
75. Abkhaz separatist president declares state of emergency
76. Russian peacekeeper in South Ossetia says Georgian checkpoints "illegal"
77. video: Russian escapes slavery in Georgia
78. Foreign Ministry toughens requirements to foreign consulates
79. Chaos as thousands scramble for places on employment scheme
80. Juicy promises to citrus farmers
81. Koba Subeliani meets IDPs
82. Georgia denies Kurdish rebels using Georgian territory for transit
83. Salford Capital Partners outraged by motives and conduct of Georgian government's seizure of Standard Bank
84. Disagreement at court
85. Journalist takes legal action against police
86. Kutaisi drivers have joined the ranks of the unemployed
87. Lia Sichinava, a teacher from Senaki, intends to protect her rights in court
88. We have no central heating
89. Consume less, pay more-Akhalkalaki dwellers protest padded bills on electricity
90. Football game becomes the reason for prisoner’s death

full digest: Georgia News Digest - Ansicht in Groups BetaNeu!

Jonathan Kulick, Ph.D., Director of Studies, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, 3a Chitadze, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia (Republic), jonathan.kulick@gfsis.org, office: +995 32 47 35 55, mobile: +995 95 33 33 40, USA voicemail: 310.928.6814

RUSTAVI: Two Artists & A Nice Girl Works For A Project

Uploaded on December 6, 2007 by Ralph Hälbig

NEWS: Georgia News Digest 12-06-07

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Attached PDF file easily navigable with Bookmarks pane
Archives and associated files at groups-beta.google.com/group/genews/files

1. video: Opposition fears election fraud
2. TI Georgia publishes violations revealed in pre-election period
3. Struggling for public opinion
4. Authorities deny alleged oppressing of opposition
5. Burjanadze and Eorsi discussed pre-election processes in Georgia
6. Herkel taking part in PACE preliminary presidential election mission in Georgia
7. Head of OSCE/ODIHR EOM arrived In Georgia
8. Levan Gachechiladze met ambassadors of EU countries
9. Opposition members refuse to attend meeting with European official
10. Bakradze appointed speaker of Saakashvili’s election headquarters
11. Saakashvili met voters in Martvili region within pre-election campaign
12. Saakashvili pledges Poti free economic zone in a month
13. Saakashvili's campaign says opposition seeking to "discredit" polls
14. Labor Party rallies in Tbilisi
15. "Labourists" appeal to population for 3-hour strike
16. Irina Sarishvili ‘names’ Giorgi Chanturia’s killers
17. Gamkrelidze informed diplomats about election program
18. David Gamkrelidze meets ambassadors
19. Gamqrelidze presents programme to foreign ambassadors
20. Kovalenko estimates Gamkrelidze`s programs as "progressive"
21. Candidate pulls out from Georgia campaign, denied media access
22. Green Party backs opposition coalition’s presidential hopeful
23. Leader of "Green" Party withdraws candidature in favor of Levan Gachechiladze
24. Saakashvili to remain in office until U.S. position changes – Zhirinovsky
25. Russia backs no Georgian presidential candidates - Russian ambassador to Georgia
26. USA has made its choice on Georgian presidency
27. A bump in the road
28. Lesson which should make Georgia stronger
29. Murdoch's Journal loves Kasparov, CFR hates Putin [excerpt]
30. Burjanadze tells Rice of developments in Georgia
31. Prime Minister blames social policy for turmoil
32. PM vows to cut defense spending
33. Georgia to cut defense spending
34. PM predicts budget surplus in 2009
35. Contradictory statements made over possible sale of Imedi TV
36. Prosecutors ask court to lift ban on Imedi
37. Lifting ban on Imedi delayed
38. Imedi TV property arrest expected to be lifted in Tbilisi
39. Prosecutor’s Office appeals court to release broadcasting license of "Imedi" TV
40. Attorney summoned to court for handing order on release of "Imedi" tv assets at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow
41. Condoleezza Rice positively evaluates decision to resume broadcasting of "Imedi" TV
42. Daily says tycoon's TV channel could change ownership
43. Scrutiny of tycoon’s interests goes beyond Imedi
44. Okruashvili remains in custody
45. Lawyer voices hope Germany will give asylum to Okruashvili
46. Activists call on Germany not to extradite Okruashvili
47. Tbilisi protests Gryzlov's statements over independence prospects for Abkhazia
48. Recognition of Abkhazia in January '08, with Transdniester to follow
49. Abkhazia to fortify de facto border with Georgia from 8 December
50. Humanitarian aid: Commission allocates €2 million for the most vulnerable people in Abkhazia
51. Moscow to build resorts in Jordan and Abkhazia
52. Bagapsh made decision to relocate additional military forces
53. State-funded internship program launched
54. About 15 000 citizens registered for employment program
55. Pensioners in Tbilisi will be granted vouchers on medicine
56. Woman died in queue on registration for employment program
57. Bill on "amnesty" entered into force

full digest: Georgia News Digest - Ansicht in Groups BetaNeu!

Jonathan Kulick, Ph.D., Director of Studies, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, 3a Chitadze, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia (Republic), jonathan.kulick@gfsis.org, office: +995 32 47 35 55, mobile: +995 95 33 33 40, USA voicemail: 310.928.6814

ENSEMBLE: LEGENDS OF THE STORM - PREMIERE

Do., 03.01.2008 im Deutschen Theater, Beginn 20.00 Uhr

Schwanthaler Straße 13, 80336 MÜNCHEN

Anfahrtsskizze anzeigen

LEGENDS OF THE STORM - PREMIERE - TICKETS FÜR MÜNCHEN
vom 02.01. bis 08.01.2008, Tickets >>>

Das fantastische Bühnenspektakel aus dem georgischen Kaukasus bringt die Mythen, Geheimnisse und Legenden der sagenumwobenen Bergregion endlich nach München! Nach gefeierten Aufführungen in den USA, Peking, Paris und Moskau beschwören über 50 meisterhafte Tänzer, Musiker und Sänger die verborgenen Schätze einer uralten Kultur wieder herauf. Die Gesänge in Legends of the Storm verkörpern in ihrem typischen Stil die turbulente Geschichte des georgischen Volkes und sind tief in Georgiens Kultur verwurzelt. Zusätzliche, moderne Instrumente lassen neue Rhythmen und damit auch neue Bewegungen entstehen. Legends of the Storm präsentiert die Kultur Georgiens in frischem, modernen Glanz, jenseits verstaubter Folklore!

Erisioni im Internet
Webseite: Georgien Legend

Artists Gallery >>>

Der Rabatt Schwerbehinderte ist nicht für Rollstuhfahrer gültig. Die Begleitperson, auch wenn im Ausweis eingetragen, erhält keine Ermäßigung. Die Kinderermäßigung gilt nur für Kinder bis zu 14 Jahren und nur in Verbindung mit einer Karte zum Normalpreis. (Pro ermäßigter Karte muß eine Karte zum Normalpreis gebucht werden.) Der Kinderausweis ist unaufgefordert vor der Vorstellung am Einlass vorzuzeigen.

PHOTO: Black Birds To Fly A Mission In The Gray Clouds

Uploaded on December 3, 2007 by fiqro

FERNSEHEN: Schussangst, Spielfilm, D 2003, Regie: Dito Tsintsadze

Heute Abend: 05. Dezember im Bayrischen Rundfunk, 23.50 Uhr

Mit Schussangst hat der Georgier Dito Tsintsadze eine Mischung aus Psycho-Studie, Thriller und Liebesgeschichte inszeniert, angereichert mit einer Prise tiefschwarzen Humors – und dafür beim Internationalen Filmfestival San Sebastian 2003 prompt den Hauptpreis gewonnen. Die Geschichte dreht sich um einen sensiblen Einzelgänger namens Lukas, der jenseits seines Zivi-Jobs ein weitgehend abgeschottetes Leben führt. Erst als er sich obsessiv in die geheimnisvolle Isabella verliebt, scheint er sich aus seiner Isolation zu lösen. Doch als die junge Frau, die ein Verhältnis mit ihrem Stiefvater hat, sich von Lukas zu distanzieren beginnt, droht die Situation zu eskalieren. Regisseur Tsintsadze, der bereits mit der kontrovers diskutierten Komödie Lost Killers von sich reden machte, erzählt seine Geschichte konsequent aus der Perspektive des eigenbrötlerischeren Lukas. Dadurch gewinnt der Film eine große psychologische Dichte: Mit beklemmender Intensität beschreibt Schussangst den zunehmenden Realitätsverlust eines jungen Mannes, der bei dem Versuch, seinem Leben ein Ziel zu geben, einer Tragödie entgegensteuert.

Mehr erfahren Sie unter ARTE
Mehr erfahren Sie in der Filmzeitung Schnitt
Interview mit Dito Tsintsadze bei georgien.net
Links: www.filmz.de

ELECTION: Improvements to Georgia’s election code

Information Note
November 29, 2007

SUBJECT: Improvements to Georgia’s election code
In recent weeks, Georgian authorities and opposition representatives have negotiated to reach constructive compromises on amendments to the country’s election code. The changes will transform the current majoritarian election system for Parliament into a system based on proportional representation, alter the composition of the Central Election Commission, and provide equal allocation of free television airtime for presidential candidates from qualifying parties. Additionally, a government-proposed constitutional amendment will lower the election threshold for Parliament from 7 percent to 5 percent, as well as reduce the number of signatures required for candidate registration. Early presidential elections, as well as a simultaneous plebiscite regarding the date for parliamentary elections, will allow Georgian citizens to democratically express their choice on issues that had temporarily led to political impasse between the governing majority and the opposition.

A. Reduction of barriers to election
• On November 15, the Parliament of Georgia gave preliminary endorsement to constitutional amendments that will decrease the election threshold for Parliament from 7 percent to 5 percent. These amendments are now being subjected to a onemonth period of public discussion; they are expected to be adopted afterwards without delay.
• Lowering the electoral threshold will encourage plurality in Parliament and facilitate the
emergence of new political voices. The expected amendments are in line with recommendations from the Council of Europe and other international organizations.
• The number of signatures required to nominate a candidate will be reduced, so as not to exceed 1 percent of the number of registered voters. Reducing barriers to candidature will render the political field more competitive, enabling a wider range of choices for voters.
• Based on a series of discussions with opposition parties, the Government has agreed to opposition demands to transform the current majoritarian election system for Parliament into a system based on proportional representation. Some MPs will be elected though a nation-wide party list system, while the other part will be elected through regional party lists. This effectively eliminates the previous system whereby one-third of the Parliament was to be elected through a ‘first past the post’ system.

B. Early presidential elections and plebiscite
• To offer a democratic and constitutional means of resolving Georgia’s recent political impasse, President Mikheil Saakashvili announced snap presidential elections to be held on January 5, 2008. Currently, 22 candidates have expressed their desire to contest the Presidential poll. These elections will give citizens an opportunity to freelychoose Georgia’s future course.
• By scheduling elections for January 2008, the President has cut short his term in office by more than 1 year and 3 months.
• Parallel to the presidential election, voters will also cast ballots in a plebiscite to decide the date of upcoming parliamentary elections. The constitution currently provides for elections in fall of 2008; the opposition, however, has demanded elections in April 2008. The plebiscite will resolve this disagreement by putting the choice directly in front of Georgia’s citizens. The plebiscite will also include a question asking voters whether they support Georgia’s integration into NATO.

C. Composition of the Central Election Commission
• As a result of negotiations between the authorities and opposition parties, membership in the Central Election Commission (CEC) will be changed. Under the previous system, Commissions were staffed by politically non-affiliated electoral professionals who had to pass examinations to gain membership. Following the changes and demands of the opposition, the CEC will now be composed by 6 independent, non-affiliated members, nominated by the President after open competition and elected by Parliament. Seven other members of the CEC will be party representatives; each party that received at least 4 percent of votes in recent nation-wide elections or has a parliamentary faction will have members in the CEC. Thus, the governing United National Movement party and 6 opposition parties— the Labor Party, Conservatives, Republicans, Industrialists, New Rights, and Freedom Party—will each be eligible to appoint 1 member. For the CEC to reach a decision, a two-thirds majority (i.e., 9 of 13 members) will be required. As such, at least 2 opposition parties’ representatives should support a decision for it to be considered valid. The majority party will not be able to make unilateral decisions.
• Precinct electoral commissions will be reformed according to the same formula—the commissions will include 6 non-affiliated members and 7 party representatives.
• The maximum number of registered voters in any given precinct has also been lowered according to opposition demands from 2,000 to 1,500 in most areas. Additionally, military servicemen will be eligible to vote at either their home precinct or at the precinct where they are stationed on duty.
• The Ministry of Finance expects to allocate roughly 20 million GEL to help the Central Election Commission prepare for the upcoming elections. The CEC has been rechecking voter lists to ensure that they are as accurate as possible.

D. Voter registration
• One outstanding point of disagreement between the authorities and the opposition pertains to voter registration. Opposition representatives sought to prohibit registration on election day, while the Government felt strongly that allowing registration at the polling stations would serve as the most practical and effective way to remedy potential confusion with respect to precinct assignments. Although voter list audits indicate that the lists’ error rate is only 1-2 percent, the abovementioned reduction in precinct sizes will necessitate the rearrangement of precinct boundaries; this may lead to some confusion on the part of voters regarding which polling station
they are assigned. To ensure that all eligible citizens can exercise their democratic right to cast a ballot, same-day registration will be allowed for the January 5 elections.
• In light of the decision on same-day registration, the election process will feature numerous provisions to safeguard against fraudulent activities. Voters who register on election day will receive ballots of a different color than pre-registered voters; these ballots will be counted separately. In addition, voters who register on election-day will have to provide their IDs to be photocopied and this data will be kept in the event that inquiries or challenges are made. If fewer than 1 percent of ballots cast at a given precinct (i.e., fewer than 15 ballots) are from voters registered on election day, those ballots will be counted directly at the precinct and certified by a two-thirds majority of the Precinct Election Commission members (i.e., with the support of at least two opposition parties’ representatives). If more than 1 percent of the ballots are cast by voters registered on election day, those ballots will be counted by the CEC and
certified by an analogous two-thirds majority. However, they can also be counted at the precinct level if there is a two-thirds decision.
• To further ensure that the upcoming elections are free and fair, minor pre-existingrestrictions on international election monitors are being abolished. Observers will be able to visit any polling station at any time, without restriction.

E. Campaign finance regulations
• Changes to the election code provide for equal allocation of free airtime to all qualifying political parties. This means that presidential candidates from qualifying parties will be able to use 30 seconds of airtime per 3 hours on private stations and 60 seconds per hour on the Georgian Public Broadcaster at no cost. Additionally, the Georgian Public Broadcaster is required to provide additional airtime to non-qualified candidates. Finally, there is a requirement that all Presidential debates must provide equal air time on national TV channels.
• Under the law, a party qualifies for state funding, including airtime provision, if it received at least 4 percent of votes in the previous parliamentary election and at least 3 percent of votes in the previous local elections. Recently-adopted legislation provides a clear formula1 for state funding and requires transparency for private donations. Moreover, the formula for state financing is regressive—that is, parties receiving fewer votes qualify for greater funding per vote than parties receiving more votes.

Source: Election Code Changes.pdf

ELECTION: Improvements to Georgia’s election code

Information Note
November 29, 2007

SUBJECT: Improvements to Georgia’s election code
In recent weeks, Georgian authorities and opposition representatives have negotiated to reach constructive compromises on amendments to the country’s election code. The changes will transform the current majoritarian election system for Parliament into a system based on proportional representation, alter the composition of the Central Election Commission, and provide equal allocation of free television airtime for presidential candidates from qualifying parties. Additionally, a government-proposed constitutional amendment will lower the election threshold for Parliament from 7 percent to 5 percent, as well as reduce the number of signatures required for candidate registration. Early presidential elections, as well as a simultaneous plebiscite regarding the date for parliamentary elections, will allow Georgian citizens to democratically express their choice on issues that had temporarily led to political impasse between the governing majority and the opposition.

A. Reduction of barriers to election
• On November 15, the Parliament of Georgia gave preliminary endorsement to constitutional amendments that will decrease the election threshold for Parliament from 7 percent to 5 percent. These amendments are now being subjected to a onemonth period of public discussion; they are expected to be adopted afterwards without delay.
• Lowering the electoral threshold will encourage plurality in Parliament and facilitate the
emergence of new political voices. The expected amendments are in line with recommendations from the Council of Europe and other international organizations.
• The number of signatures required to nominate a candidate will be reduced, so as not to exceed 1 percent of the number of registered voters. Reducing barriers to candidature will render the political field more competitive, enabling a wider range of choices for voters.
• Based on a series of discussions with opposition parties, the Government has agreed to opposition demands to transform the current majoritarian election system for Parliament into a system based on proportional representation. Some MPs will be elected though a nation-wide party list system, while the other part will be elected through regional party lists. This effectively eliminates the previous system whereby one-third of the Parliament was to be elected through a ‘first past the post’ system.

B. Early presidential elections and plebiscite
• To offer a democratic and constitutional means of resolving Georgia’s recent political impasse, President Mikheil Saakashvili announced snap presidential elections to be held on January 5, 2008. Currently, 22 candidates have expressed their desire to contest the Presidential poll. These elections will give citizens an opportunity to freelychoose Georgia’s future course.
• By scheduling elections for January 2008, the President has cut short his term in office by more than 1 year and 3 months.
• Parallel to the presidential election, voters will also cast ballots in a plebiscite to decide the date of upcoming parliamentary elections. The constitution currently provides for elections in fall of 2008; the opposition, however, has demanded elections in April 2008. The plebiscite will resolve this disagreement by putting the choice directly in front of Georgia’s citizens. The plebiscite will also include a question asking voters whether they support Georgia’s integration into NATO.

C. Composition of the Central Election Commission
• As a result of negotiations between the authorities and opposition parties, membership in the Central Election Commission (CEC) will be changed. Under the previous system, Commissions were staffed by politically non-affiliated electoral professionals who had to pass examinations to gain membership. Following the changes and demands of the opposition, the CEC will now be composed by 6 independent, non-affiliated members, nominated by the President after open competition and elected by Parliament. Seven other members of the CEC will be party representatives; each party that received at least 4 percent of votes in recent nation-wide elections or has a parliamentary faction will have members in the CEC. Thus, the governing United National Movement party and 6 opposition parties— the Labor Party, Conservatives, Republicans, Industrialists, New Rights, and Freedom Party—will each be eligible to appoint 1 member. For the CEC to reach a decision, a two-thirds majority (i.e., 9 of 13 members) will be required. As such, at least 2 opposition parties’ representatives should support a decision for it to be considered valid. The majority party will not be able to make unilateral decisions.
• Precinct electoral commissions will be reformed according to the same formula—the commissions will include 6 non-affiliated members and 7 party representatives.
• The maximum number of registered voters in any given precinct has also been lowered according to opposition demands from 2,000 to 1,500 in most areas. Additionally, military servicemen will be eligible to vote at either their home precinct or at the precinct where they are stationed on duty.
• The Ministry of Finance expects to allocate roughly 20 million GEL to help the Central Election Commission prepare for the upcoming elections. The CEC has been rechecking voter lists to ensure that they are as accurate as possible.

D. Voter registration
• One outstanding point of disagreement between the authorities and the opposition pertains to voter registration. Opposition representatives sought to prohibit registration on election day, while the Government felt strongly that allowing registration at the polling stations would serve as the most practical and effective way to remedy potential confusion with respect to precinct assignments. Although voter list audits indicate that the lists’ error rate is only 1-2 percent, the abovementioned reduction in precinct sizes will necessitate the rearrangement of precinct boundaries; this may lead to some confusion on the part of voters regarding which polling station
they are assigned. To ensure that all eligible citizens can exercise their democratic right to cast a ballot, same-day registration will be allowed for the January 5 elections.
• In light of the decision on same-day registration, the election process will feature numerous provisions to safeguard against fraudulent activities. Voters who register on election day will receive ballots of a different color than pre-registered voters; these ballots will be counted separately. In addition, voters who register on election-day will have to provide their IDs to be photocopied and this data will be kept in the event that inquiries or challenges are made. If fewer than 1 percent of ballots cast at a given precinct (i.e., fewer than 15 ballots) are from voters registered on election day, those ballots will be counted directly at the precinct and certified by a two-thirds majority of the Precinct Election Commission members (i.e., with the support of at least two opposition parties’ representatives). If more than 1 percent of the ballots are cast by voters registered on election day, those ballots will be counted by the CEC and
certified by an analogous two-thirds majority. However, they can also be counted at the precinct level if there is a two-thirds decision.
• To further ensure that the upcoming elections are free and fair, minor pre-existingrestrictions on international election monitors are being abolished. Observers will be able to visit any polling station at any time, without restriction.

E. Campaign finance regulations
• Changes to the election code provide for equal allocation of free airtime to all qualifying political parties. This means that presidential candidates from qualifying parties will be able to use 30 seconds of airtime per 3 hours on private stations and 60 seconds per hour on the Georgian Public Broadcaster at no cost. Additionally, the Georgian Public Broadcaster is required to provide additional airtime to non-qualified candidates. Finally, there is a requirement that all Presidential debates must provide equal air time on national TV channels.
• Under the law, a party qualifies for state funding, including airtime provision, if it received at least 4 percent of votes in the previous parliamentary election and at least 3 percent of votes in the previous local elections. Recently-adopted legislation provides a clear formula1 for state funding and requires transparency for private donations. Moreover, the formula for state financing is regressive—that is, parties receiving fewer votes qualify for greater funding per vote than parties receiving more votes.

Source: Election Code Changes.pdf

NEWS: Georgia News Digest 12-05-07

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Attached PDF file easily navigable with Bookmarks pane
Archives and associated files at groups-beta.google.com/group/genews/files

1. video: Georgia rejects Russian election observers
2. Georgia not to invite Russian observers to its presidential polls
3. MPs hail decision not to invite Russian observers
4. CoE delegation to visit Georgia
5. ODIHR observer mission head to arrive in Tbilisi on Wednesday
6. Tkemaladze: It is necessary to invite observers from various countries
7. Election watchdog plans parallel vote tabulation
8. Burjanadze notes attempts to create "negative backdrop" for poll
9. Acting President Burjanadze holds emergency briefing
10. Session of Security Council held in Parliament
11. Internews Georgia to conduct public outreach campaign on the up-coming presidential elections 2008
12. Watchdog says minister, mayor violate election law
13. "Human Rights Center" demands to stop airing of Kabu’s new clip
14. Zurabishvili says country needs free media
15. Zourabichvili says government bound to fix presidential vote
16. Davitashvili threats the authority with "adequate response"
17. Gachechiladze says non-violence decisive in his platform
18. Gachechiladze to visit Guria today
19. Gachechiladze prioritizes withdrawal from CIS
20. Unknown men broken windows of Levan Gachechiladze’s election headquarter
21. Oposition collects 70,000 signatures in support of its presidential nominee
22. Gachechiladze to continue campaign in region
23. Head of Election Office of Azerbaijan released in Georgia
24. Campaign chief of presidential hopeful released
25. Head of National Assembly of Georgian Azerbaijanis to Establish New Political Party
26. "Labourists" to hold manifestation in Republic Square on December 05
27. Opposition to hold street march in Tbilisi
28. Students organizers of rally in TSU beaten up and left in Kaspi forest
29. Student opposition leaders beaten
30. Gamkrelidze to meet with population of Didi and Patara Liakhvi gorges
31. News Corp. seeks to revive Imedi
32. Imedi general director denies plans to sell TV company to Georgian government
33. Patarkatsishvili made allegation against Rustavi 2 on disinformation
34. Patarkatsishvili denied Belgium entry
35. Patarkatsishvili: The current authorities are leading Georgia towards an abyss
36. Salford refuses its relationship with Patarkatsishvili
37. Okruashvili one step closer to extradition from Germany
38. Germany shown documents on Okruashvili's political persecution
39. Eka Beselia: Discussion Of Okruashvili’s Case Will Have Political Grounds
40. Lawyer to ask German authorities not to extradite Okruashvili
41. Berlin judicial department rules on custody for Okruashvili
42. Okruashvili one step closer to extradition from Germany
43. Germany shown documents on Okruashvili's political persecution
44. Eka Beselia: Discussion Of Okruashvili’s Case Will Have Political Grounds
45. Okruashvili one step closer to extradition from Germany
46. Lawyer to ask German authorities not to extradite Okruashvili
47. Berlin judicial department rules on custody for Okruashvili
48. Party submits signatures in support of Saakashvili as presidential candidate
49. Saakashvili submits supporters’ signatures to CEC
50. Officials protest ‘provocations’ at Saakashvili’s campaign
51. "Labourists" ask CEC to withdraw Mikheil Saakashvili’s candidacy
52. Lomaia warns against "provocation" at Saakashvili campaign events
53. Opposition wants to throw Saakashvili off presidential ballot
54. S. Ossetia may take months to rejoin Georgia – Saakashvili
55. S. Ossetia a matter of, at most, months– Saakashvili
56. Saakashvili says reclaiming Abkhazia will "double Georgia's economy"
57. CIS Joint Peacekeeping Forces in Georgian-Abkhazian conflict zone to be rotated
58. Russia starts rotation of 600 peacekeepers in Abkhazia
59. Abkhazia wants Russian peacekeeper strength to be increased
60. Abkhazia denies OSCE claims of headway in conflict settlement
61. Abkhazia to open new customs houses on Georgian border
62. Bagapsh says Abkhazia interested in "peace, stability" in Georgia
63. No progress made toward deal with Georgia - Abkhaz president
64. Shamba: we will seize Kodori at any rate
65. Breaking Russia’s NATO myth
66. The OSCE criticizes Russia: Double standards, not "gold standard" [excerpt]
67. EU should boost efforts to help Georgia achieve reforms
68. Salary of President of Georgia to be increased by gel 700 from 2008
69. Salary rates at all state establishments of Georgia to be increased by 18% on average
70. Special ties distributed to MPs as a sign of solidarity to people with disabilities
71. New power lines to be built between Georgia and Turkey
72. Rompetrol Georgia register a 70% growth of sales
73. GDP will grow by 5.5% ,while inflation will reach 9%
74. Deposits growth tendency continued
75. Strengthening search and rescue skills to save lives in Georgia

full digest: Georgia News Digest - Ansicht in Groups BetaNeu!

Jonathan Kulick, Ph.D., Director of Studies, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, 3a Chitadze, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia (Republic), jonathan.kulick@gfsis.org, office: +995 32 47 35 55, mobile: +995 95 33 33 40, USA voicemail: 310.928.6814

NEWS: Georgia News Digest 12-04-07

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Attached PDF file easily navigable with Bookmarks pane
Archives and associated files at groups-beta.google.com/group/genews/files

1. 22 candidates stand for presidency: Does this suggest Georgia has a low political culture?
2. The PR war has begun: who will win?
3. Election campaigns get into full swing
4. Presidential race in Georgia
5. Opposition asks West to help fair presidential polls
6. Opposition appeals to Nino Burjanadze regarding the dispersal of Batumi demonstration
7. Davit Gamkrelidze: Saakashvili… is already defeated
8. Opposition party says its campaign office attacked
9. David Gamkrelidze met representatives of sports sphere
10. Levan Gachechiladze presented his presidential program
11. Presidential contender pledges to work closely with population
12. Georgian voters trust candidate from united opposition for presidential post
13. Nine-party presidential hopeful lays out key priorities
14. According to "Republicans" peaceful action in Batumi dispersed
15. Patarkatsishvili’s hard life
16. Patarkatsishvili’s supporters accuse members of "National Movement" of attack
17. Central Election Committee cannot refuse appeal from Azerbaijani candidature to withdraw candidacy
18. Burjanadze: Pre-election period to be democratic and transparent
19. Saakashvili names academic as head of election campaign
20. Saakashvili says Georgian statehood established under his rule
21. People cheated by vouchers
22. "Youth Wave" calls on supporters to participate in action on December 05
23. Georgia to lift opposition TV ban ahead of election
24. Nino Burjanadze appealed to General Prosecutor’s Office to unfreeze Imedi TV assets
25. Tbilisi to News Corp.: Show us the ownership documents for pro-opposition TV station
26. Imedi ‘no longer a threat,’ can be reopened
27. Bidzina Baratashvili: "Imedi" TV to broadcast in old format
28. Prosecutor’s Office to start procedures regarding "Imedi" TV
29. Peter Semneby positively evaluates Burjanadze appeal to Prosecutor’s Office
30. EU envoy hails decision to let Imedi back on air
31. Journalists at Georgian opposition TV station uncertain on resuming broadcasting
32. Six detained at rally in support of Georgia's suspended TV - opposition leader
33. Protesters dispersed in Batumi
34. Government made political decision on resumption broadcasting of "Imedi" TV
35. Decisive battle for free media
36. Giorgi Targamadze: Nobody needs Imedi TV castrated and filtrated by authorities
37. Studio "Maestro" demands guarantees
38. Russia can join WTO even if one country is against it – Medvedkov
39. Blowback from Moscow
40. Georgia in the Kremlin's crosshairs?
41. Russian ruling party claims 92.8 per cent of vote in Georgia's South Ossetia
42. Burjanadze will not congratulate United Russia
43. Burjanadze concerned about Grizlov’s statement
44. Tbilisi condemns Gryzlov’s Abkhazia, South Ossetia remarks
45. Duma to consider recognising Abkhazia, South Ossetia
46. Nachkebia: Government to attempt consolidation of nation around Saakashvili
47. Saakashvili slams Russian plans to debate Georgian regions' independence
48. Russian Embassy in Tbilisi "knows nothing" about elections in Abkhazia and South Ossetia
49. UN hosts conference to address Georgian-Abkhaz conflict
50. Mikheil Saakashvili either holds false information on "sorry" campaign or tells lies deliberately
51. Kokoity downplays Georgia presidential elections
52. Duma elections prove Russia is truly democratic – Kokoity
53. Gurgenidze to visit Britain and Belgium
54. New premier to start his foreign visits from UK
55. Parliament to consider 20 drafts on Tuesday
56. Georgian legislative system to modernize through ministry cooperation
57. Gabashvili evaluates accusation of Nika Rurua of murdering Gia Chanturia as not serious
58. Sarishvili names Nika Rurua and his brother among participants of terrorist act against Gia Chanturia
59. Sarishvili accuses Rurua brothers of murder
60. Zurab Jhvania murder investigation under threats
61. New strategy for voter intimidation: Subo text me, Subo tax me, Subo take me to thy prison
62. EBRD provided credit to TBC-Bank for support to energy efficiency investments
63. Azerbaijani company Standard Insurance enters insurance market of Georgia
64. New government, new social benefits: Prices will climb further, while NBG pledges to maintain single digit inflation
65. Tbilisi hosts media forum in support of social responsibility of business
66. GBC media forum: support of socially responsible businesses
67. Taking the Fifth: Trying to uphold the constitution in troubled times
68. We would like to be the airline of choice
69. Standard Bank facing crisis: Administrators managing the bank
70. Print media makes extra profit during emergency period
71. Eka Tkeshelashvili to participate in 10th plenary session of CEPEJ
72. Arali-a remote village in Adigeni District
73. Journalists go on strike in the Kakheti region
74. Newly reconstructed schools in Zugdidi remain without central-heating
75. Patients accuse doctor of non-professionalism
76. Employment program 2007-2008 in Georgia to commence on December 5

full digest: Georgia News Digest - Ansicht in Groups BetaNeu!

Jonathan Kulick, Ph.D., Director of Studies, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, 3a Chitadze, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia (Republic), jonathan.kulick@gfsis.org, office: +995 32 47 35 55, mobile: +995 95 33 33 40, USA voicemail: 310.928.6814

DRAWINGS: New Grafics By Maka Batiashvili

BUCH: SpiegelBilder – Erfahrungen der deutsch-georgischen Zusammenarbeit

Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen, liebe Freunde,
wir freuen uns, Ihnen/ Euch mitteilen zu können, daß unsere Publikation nun erschienen ist: Ludmilla Klotz, Götz-Martin Rosin (Hg.): SpiegelBilder – Erfahrungen der deutsch-georgischen Zusammenarbeit, Berlin – Tbilissi 2007, 292 Seiten, EURO 19,80.

Die Präsentation des Buches findet statt: Am Freitag, 7. Dezember 2007 um 18.00 Uhr im Café Goethe(im Hof des Goethe-Instituts, Sandukeli-Str. 16, Tbilissi)

Wir laden Sie/Euch alle sehr herzlich zu dieser Präsentation ein und freuen uns, Sie/Euch dort zu treffen.Weihnachten steht vor der Tür, und wer noch nach Geschenken sucht, wird mit diesem Buch ein besonderes Präsent machen können. Es wird das Verständnis für die verschiedenen Facetten der deutsch-georgischen Zusammenarbeit und des georgisch-deutschen Austauschs mit Sicherheit fördern. Im zweiten Teil bietet das Buch eine bisher einzigartige Zusammenstellung der verschiedensten Projekte, Organisationen, Initiativen und Vereine in Deutschland wie in Georgien, die in ihrer Arbeit einen Bezug zu Georgien haben.

Unter folgender Internet-Adresse gibt es weitere Informationen zu dem Buch. Unter der Rubrik „Bestellung“ kann man es mit dem eingestellten Formular auch bestellen. www.spiegelbilder.pressguide.info

Das Buch wurde in einer kleinen Auflage in Tbilissi gedruckt, erscheint jedoch mit einer deutschen ISBN-Nummer und wird deshalb auch in Deutschland gelistet sein. Ein Teil der Auflage geht nach Berlin, von wo aus Götz-Martin Rosin das Buch auf Anfrage (per Bestell-Formular) innerhalb Europas versenden kann.

In Tbilissi wird man das Buch – außer bei der Präsentation – ab dem 08.12.2007 an folgenden Stellen kaufen können:
* Im Laden “BioLogica”, Erekle II-Str. 8/10
(über dem Café “KGB”, Aufgang über die Hoftreppe),
Tel. 999 234
* Im Restaurant “Zandukeli 40”, Zandukeli-Str. 40
Tel. 933 633

Mit vielen Grüßen, Ludmilla Klotz
P.O.B. 92
GE– 0108 Tbilissi
Tel. (privat): +995-32/ 93 91 79
Mobil: +995-93/ 33 31 96
E-Mail: Klotz@internet.ge

Götz-Martin Rosin
Telefon: +1-248-686-2170
Mobil: +49-171-3232401
E-Mail: info@press-guide.com

REPORTAGE (19): Auf Nimmer Wiedersehen.

Text und Fotos von Patricia Scherer

Ich habe in meinem ganzen Leben noch nicht so viele Polizisten kennen gelernt, wie an einem einzigen Tag in Georgien. Meine Geldbörse ist weg, geklaut im Bus Nummer Zwei, entwendet in dem Moment, in dem ich mit einer riesigen Rolle buntem Papier über eine Wassermelone in einem Wäschezuber steige, der mitten im Gang zwischen den Sitzen steht, und nicht auf meine Handtasche achtete. Nun sitzen sie hier in meinem Tbilisser Wohnzimmer und lachen über Lenins Büste, die ich im Kamin verstaut habe: zwei grau-blaue Polizisten. Klar, keine Sorge "Kalbatono Schereri"*, wir finden es wieder, ihr Portmonnaie, versichern sie mir. Die Polizisten sind charmant, lächeln uns an, wollen alles ganz genau wissen - woher ich komme, was ich mache, wer ich bin. Handschriftlich füllen die sie das erste Formular aus, und telefonieren eifrig mit Vorgesetzten und Kollegen. Zwei weitere Polizisten kommen an, junge Männer von der Kriminalpolizei, lässig gekleidet in hellblauen Poloshirts und Jeans. Wieder muss ich meine Geschichte erzählen, wieder muss meine Freundin Keti alles übersetzen. Einer der beiden Kriminalpolizisten hat derart stahlblaue Augen, dass ich gebannt seinem Blick folge. Er ist ein bisschen schüchtern und sehr höflich. Sein Kollege ist eher ein bisschen aufdringlich: Wir müssen mit, zur Wache, das Geschehen zu Protokoll geben. Es würde maximal eine halbe Stunde dauern. Keti rollt jetzt schon mit den Augen, und ich fange an mich zu fragen, ob der Aufwand sich lohnt - schließlich ist die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass ich meine Geldbörse wiedersehe vernichtend gering. Doch die Hoffnung stirbt zuletzt, und Keti und ich fangen dem Unterfangen etwas Abenteuerliches abzuringen. Also, steigen wir zum blauäugigen Sura und seinem Kumpanen ins Auto und fahren zur Wache.

Hier erwartet uns etwas, was wie ein Polizisten Kaffee-Klatsch anmutet. Mindestens zehn Uniformierte stehen am Eingang und warten und plauschen. Offensichtlich haben sie nicht viel zu tun. Hin und wieder widmen sich jemand dem Polizei-Schäferhund, der genauso träge und gelangweilt in einem großen Zwinger vor der Eingangstür lebt, und apathisch vor sich hin sinniert. Mir kommt zum ersten Mal der Gedanke, das der Job bei der Polizei in Georgien eine Art Arbeitsbeschaffungsmaßnahme sein könnte. Und wie sich später herausstellt, liege ich damit nicht ganz so falsch. Wir werden in ein Büro geführt und gebeten zu warten. Es vergehen dreissig Minuten - der zuständige Beamte sei nicht da und wir müssten warten. Von inzwischen sicherlich fünfzehn anwesenden Polizisten ist also keiner zuständig. Keti beginnt sich aufzuregen, schließlich möchte sie zu ihrem neunjährigen Sohn nach Hause und inzwischen ist es sicherlich acht Uhr abends. Ein schweinegesichtiger Polizist stellt die Fronten klar: Er könne uns so lange hier behalten, wie er wolle. Das Schweinchen scheint ein bisschen mehr Macht zu haben, als die anderen. Ich sehe ihn an, und versuche ihn darauf aufmerksam zu machen, dass wir die Opfer und nicht die Täter sind. Das regt ihn nur weiter auf, und auch Keti verliert die Fassung. Hier kommt sie durch, die wahre Georgierin. So aufgebracht und widerspenstig habe ich meine sonst so sanftmütige Freundin noch nie gesehen: plötzlich entdecke ich in ihr die Widerstandskämpferin gegen eine übermächtige Obrigkeit. Beeindruckend, wie sie dem Machthungrigen in aggressivem Ton widerspricht, mit ihm diskutiert, und nur durch mein beschwichtigendes Eingreifen von ihm ablässt.

Der nächste gutaussende Polizist besucht uns. Es ist fast so, als würden wir hier im Büro des Schweinchen-Polizisten Audienz halten. Wieder müssen wir die Geschichte erzählen. Dann werde ich gefragt, ob ich eine Freundin hätte, die für mich übersetzen könne. Wieso, frage ich, Keti kann doch übersetzen. Nein, könne sie nicht, schließlich könnten wir ja Komplizen sein: Keti als Zeugin könnte mit mir unter einer Decke stecken. Das Geldbörsen-Drama stellt sich also nicht nur für die Polizisten als Arbeitsbeschaffungsmaßnahme heraus. Das ganze Unterfangen gewinnt mit jeder Minute ein weiteres Mü an Absurdität. Keti und ich können uns nicht mehr in die Augen sehen, weil wir dann jedesmal in schallendes Gelächter ausbrechen. Ja, genau, wir sind Thelma und Louise, Bonnie und Clyde, Jekyll and Hyde, reinkarniert als deutsch-georgisches Doppelpack mit kriminalistischer Energie. Wir sind die Geldbörsen-Mafia, und haben es uns zum Ziel gesetzt, die gelangweilte Polizei auf Trab zu halten. Ich rufe Diana an. Sie kann übersetzen. Zwei Polizisten machen sich auf den Weg um sie zu Hause abzuholen. Während wir warten, klingelt ständig mein Telefon. Zuhause auf meinem Balkon sitzt der wunderbare Monsieur Merveillaux und brennt darauf, mir seine Geschichte zu erzählen. Ausserdem will mein französicher Freund aus der Botschaft genau wissen, was vor sich geht. Schließlich könnte es ja sein, dass er mich retten muss aus den Fängen der korrupten Polizei. Ich unterhalte mich in einem Kauderwelsch aus Englisch, Französisch und Deutsch mit ihnen, draussen vorm Polizeirevier, dort wo die untätigen Polizisten stehen und rauchen und quatschen. Welche Geheimsprache das sei, in der ich telefonieren würde? Ich bekomme den nächsten Lachkrampf. Inzwischen habe ich das Gefühl, dass wir wirklich nur zur allgemeinen Unterhaltung hier sind: zwei hübsche, junge Frauen, eine davon auch noch Europäerin, für inzwischen zwanzig untätige Polizisten. Es fehlt gerade noch, dass wir vortanzen sollen. Endlich kommt Diana. Wir werden in einen anderen Raum geführt, und ich darf wieder im Meer von Suras Augen versinken.

Während ich noch einmal alles erzähle und Diana übersetzt, schreibt er alles eifrig und beflissen in ein Protokoll - mit der Hand. Sein Kollege erklärt, dass man viel von der deutschen Polizei gelernt hätte. Ich denke mir, na Prost Mahlzeit, georgische und deutsche Bürokratie vereint: das stellt jede ABM in den Schatten. Während ich also erneut befragt werden, bläst Keti im Hintergrund Ballons auf, die sie in ihrer Handtasche gefunden hat. Ich verarbeite sie zu lustigen Tieren, die sich immer wieder aus meinen Händen befreien. Inzwischen sind wir beiden so drüber, dass uns alles egal ist. Wir lachen, kichern, flüstern und flirten. Auf Deutsch. Verstehen kann uns sowieso nur Diana, die sich zaghaft unserem Geplänkel anschließt.

Unseretwegen könnte die Polizei uns jetzt auch wegen Renitenz eine Nacht hier behalten. Auch Sura und sein Kollege amüsieren sich vorsichtig über unsere Ballonspiele. Schließlich ist das hier ernster Polizeialltag. Als ich mit meinem Bericht fertig bin, soll Keti als Zeugin noch ihre Sicht der Dinge zu Protokoll geben. Jetzt, wo sie während meiner ganzen Aussage hinten auf dem Sofa saß und Ballons aufgeblasen hat, fällt es ihr sicherlich nicht schwer, genau wieder zu geben, was auch ich gesagt habe. Wie trickreich und konspirativ von uns. Thelma und Louise, Keti und Patricia, vereint im organisierten Verbrechen des Geldbörsen-Klaus. "

Ich möchte eine Bestätigung über das Schwerverbrechen für meine Behördengänge in Deutschland. Pustekuchen. Der Schweinchen-Polizist ist wohl doch kein so hohes Tier, auch wenn er sich schon das Gebaren angeeignet hat. Der Ober-Polizist mit dem Stempel ist bereits nach Hause gegangen, und von den zwanzig die noch da sind, hat keiner die Berechtigung zum Stempeln. Wir verlassen nach drei Stunden kopfschüttelnd und ungläubig unter den Augen unserer kriminalistischen Fans die Polizeiwache. Ich soll am nächsten Tag wieder kommen, und mir meine Bestätigung holen. Anscheinend bin ich eine derartige Attraktion, dass ich noch einmal eingeladen werde. Vielleicht kann ich ja eine Gage für meinen Auftritt verlangen.

Am darauffolgenden Nachmittag mühe ich mich in der Spätsommerhitze erneut den Berg hinauf zur Polizeiwache. Sura empfängt mich mit seinem himmelblauen Lächeln. Nach nur zwanzig Minuten habe ich meine Bestätigung. Auf einem Computer geschrieben, ausgedruckt und gestempelt. Ich kann es kaum fassen. Man will mich nach Hause fahren, doch ich winke ab und freue mich auf den Spaziergang, bergab. Zweihundert Meter weiter hält ein Wagen neben mir. Sura öffnet mir von innen die Beifahrertür. Ohne Worte steige ich ein, Louise alias Patricia, Geldbörsen-Mafiosa, in das Auto eines Kriminalpolizisten. Mit Händen und Füßen unterhalten wir uns, mehr auf Georgisch als auf Englisch: als ich zuhause aussteige, weiß ich, daß Sura Jura studiert hat und nach der Justizreform durch das neu eingeführte Examen gefallen ist. Früher, als er begann zu studieren, war die Anwaltszulassung käuflich. Er trainiert ein Jugendfussballteam. Uns trennen Welten, und nicht nur die Sprache: dass ist uns beiden klar, als ich wieder aussteige. Trotzdem waren diese fünf Minuten Autofahrt ein unvergesslich zärtlich romantischer Flirt ohne auch nur die kleinste Berührung. Zum Abschied gebe ich ihm meine Hand. Meine Geldbörse und auch Sura werde ich nie wieder sehen.

Teil (20): Sag mir wo die Blumen sind?

Teil (18): Gut sein macht Diebe

Mehr georgische Geschichten bald auf dem Georgien Blogspot:
http://georgien.blogspot.com

--

Patricia Scherer
Mobil +49(0)171-4830734
Mailto: patricia@patricia-scherer.de
Skype: patriciaworldwide
http://www.patricia-scherer.de/

Mehr über Georgien auf dem Georgien Blogspot: http://georgien.blogspot.com

NEWS: Georgia News Digest 12-03-07

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Attached PDF file easily navigable with Bookmarks pane
Archives and associated files at groups-beta.google.com/group/genews/files

1. CEC launches revision of united lists of voters on Saturday
2. CEC posts rechecked voter lists
3. List of presidential hopefuls in Georgia shrinks to 18
4. Georgian presidential election: candidate profiles
5. TV reports public opinion survey ahead of polls
6. Saakashvili airs first TV ads
7. Saakashvili focuses on IDPs return to Abkhazia in campaign
8. Saakashvili campaigns in Samegrelo
9. Georgian opposition hopeful certain about victory in presidential polls
10. Pre-election headquarters of Levan Gachechiladze opened in Rustavi
11. Opposition opens election headquarters in Rustavi
12. Opposition coalition claims its activists pressured, beaten
13. Meeting between united opposition and electorate of Rustavi completed
14. Gachechiladze's says government will fail to intimidate people
15. Maisashvili to support Saakashvili at elections if latter faces businessman
16. Presidential hopeful’s ‘anti-oligarch’ remarks make headlines
17. Gamkrelidze to meet with population of Saburtalo and Chugureti Districts
18. Gamkrelidze to meet population of Gldani district with a pre-election campaign
19. Leaders of "Labourists" invited tradesmen of "Lilo" Market to participate in manifestation
20. Labourists organized presentation of election headquarters
21. Presidential hopeful Natelashvili launches campaign
22. Leader of Azerbaijani diaspora in Georgia arrested for two months
23. Appeal for arrest of representative of Azerbaijani candidate for presidential position in Georgia
24. Georgia manages secret committee, which comprises representatives of several international organizations
25. Could he lose?
26. Following unrest, Georgia looks ahead to crucial elections next year
27. Opposition evaluation of November 7 events
28. Not good enough - not good at all
29. How Georgian and Russian elections look alike
30. Saakashvili wanted to bomb Batumi?
31. Even Santa would refrain
32. Okruashvili’s team members recon extradition of Okruashvili to Georgia inadmissible
33. Okruashvili’s party applies to German government
34. Don't extradite Okruashvili - party tells Germany
35. Okruashvili’s lawyer, wife fly to Berlin
36. Journalists quit discussion
37. TV companies in talks with presidential candidates on forms of future TV debates
38. Daniel Fried anticipates Adam Michnik’s mission to be successful
39. More unanswered questions about Imedi television
40. Group warns to launch protest rallies over Imedi
41. Government faces ‘week-long deadline’ on Imedi
42. Targamadze speaks about IMEDI
43. Who will monitor media before election? CEC has said that Prime-Time company is among candidates
44. Bezhuashvili met Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
45. Bezhuashvili informed Cyprian counterpart about situation in Georgia
46. Bezhuashvili met OSCE Secretary General
47. Bezhuashvili does not agree to Lavrov’s statement regarding "anti-Russian rhetoric"
48. Georgian, Russian Foreign Ministers spar on 'Rhetoric'
49. Lavrov on Georgia
50. At UN, Abkhazia IDPs urged to cite precedents while Kosovo is distinguished
51. Duma may debate independence recognition for Georgian regions
52. Sokhumi, Gudauta, Gagra cities vote in Abkhazia
53. video: Abkhazia votes for Russian Duma
54. Book "Cultural Heritage Of Georgia – Abkhazia" published
55. South Ossetia mission: Travel notes
56. Gurgenidze to start his foreign visits from UK
57. Minister says his country cannot thrive within CIS
58. Georgia’s acting president meets Slovak foreign minister, chairman of the EU committee of ministers Jan Kubish
59. Saakashvili proposed to European judges to consider in Georgia disputes between private persons and state
60. Former Soviet republics and Turkey back economic zone in Caucasus
61. Azerbaijan and Georgia are more afraid of the independence of Kosovo than Serbia
62. Session of Black Sea Economic Cooperation to be held in Georgia
63. Azerbaijan to restore gas supply to Georgia
64. Runway at Tbilisi airport needs reconstruction
65. A (drafty) window of opportunity
66. Kublashvili met representatives of diplomatic corps
67. Iran Khodro enters Georgian market
68. NATO Information Center's new proposal
69. Businessman set up special fund for settlement of demographic problem
70. War veterans and blinds to exercise privileges on municipal transport
71. Public schools located Dedoplistskaro and Sighnaghi to receive wood
72. Government, businesses raise GEL 15 mln for social assistance

full digest: Georgia News Digest - Ansicht in Groups BetaNeu!

Jonathan Kulick, Ph.D., Director of Studies, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, 3a Chitadze, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia (Republic), jonathan.kulick@gfsis.org, office: +995 32 47 35 55, mobile: +995 95 33 33 40, USA voicemail: 310.928.6814

WETHER: Snow in Georgia

Kurmukhi Saint George Church. Saingilo

Queen Tamaras bridge in Saingilo

Photos on December 1, 2007 by Paata Vardanashvili (www.paata.ge)

THEATER: Off Europa: Nach Süden

MANNÖVER 2007 grenzt diesmal ans Schwarze Meer. Rumänien war diesmal ein Schwerpunkt, und Bulgaren waren auch dabei. Knut Geißler vom Büro für Off-Theater Leipzig hat diesmal vier kleine feine Veranstaltungen organisiert, bevor nächstes Jahr, die Anrainer des Schwarzen Meeres im Herbst 2008 eine Bühne erhalten. Und dabei werden wir auch wieder den Kaukasus in den Blick nehmen - wie schon 2005 beim MANöVER 2005: Kartuli Suli (Georgische Seele)

Empfehlen kann ich unsere serbischen Gäste, die mit dem Kaukasus zumindest geographisch nicht viel gemein haben. Die Premiere der Belgrader Theater-Gruppe PLAVO POZORIŠTE THEATRE LABORATORY findet morgen abend statt:

Dienstag, den 4. Dezember, 20 Uhr, LOFFT
Theater
Plavo Pozoriste
Belgrad
The Wizzard or Harmonic Cacophony (Premiere)

Unsere Basis ist die Vision von Theater, die Artaud hatte. (...) Dabei geht es nicht um irgendwelche Mystik, sondern um Dinge, die in unserer Seele versteckt sind und Spuren hinterlassen haben. (Nenad Colic, Regisseur, 2003 im Interview)

Es will so sein (...) anstrengend, enervierend, insistierend. Laut. Verschroben. Unverständlich. Enigmatisch. Anspielungsreich. Unangenehm. (...) Aber nicht einfach so, als Reaktion auf die Provokation. Das, was geschieht, geschieht mit gutem Grund. Denn wer zwar nicht die Welt, doch sich selbst verändern will, wer wissen will, wo Gott wohnt, wie er aussieht, was er tut und warum, der muss an die Grenzen gehen, und seien es die der Vernunft, des Verstandes, der Seele, des Körpers. (Jürgen Otten in der Leipziger Volkszeitung vom 3. Juli 2006 über "Dialectics of Soul")

Mit "Harmonic Cacophony" will das serbische Ausnahmetheater eine Epoche abschließen. Eine Epoche der Selbstverständigung über - und mit Hilfe von - Literatur. Nach Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf und Dostojevski auf halbwegs neutralen Boden... in der Welt des "Zauberers von Oz".

es spielen: Maša Jelic, Jelena Martinovic, Marko Potkonjak, Dejan Stojkovic und Ranko Trifkovic (a.G.)
Buch und Regie: Nenad Colic
Assistenz/PR: Dubravka Vujinovic
Ausstattung: Ivana Colic

Off Europa: Nach Süden

Bei MANöVER 2007 wird gerannt, geflogen und übers Meer gefahren was das Zeug hält. Das vor allem verbindet die ausgewählten Choreographien, Live-Hörspiele, Filme und Theaterstücke, die in verschiedenen Leipziger Spielstätten vom 1. bis zum 4. Dezember gezeigt werden. Dass das Festival immer kleiner wird, ist der gegenwärtigen städtischen Fördersituation geschuldet. Mit der Förderung Freier Kunst und Kultur geht es zu Ende; man verbraucht das Geld mit Weltgagen in der "Regionaloper" oder - um einen sportlichen Terminus zu bemühen: man will sich unbedingt tunneln lassen.
Wer ist unterwegs? Zunächst das Festival auf Sichtung bei der "Balkan Tanz Plattform". Das verheißt brandneue Choreographien aus Südosteuropa. Im Live-Hörspiel "Loses Schuhwerk" laufen Max, Judith, Valerie und Alekos nicht um, aber wenigstens für ihr Leben. Ein hastig durchschrittenes Europa wird zum Sehnsuchtsfeld auf der Suche nach dem Paradies. So wie beim "Adventstheater" vom Berliner Theater o.N., wenn der Hase gegen den Igel wieder einmal versuchen wird, einen Klassiker zu gewinnen. Im Filmprogramm in der naTo sind junge Rumänen in einem Land unterwegs, das von seinen Filmemachern gerade neu entdeckt wird. Dazu gibt es ein passendes Ostwind-Konzert mit dem Bukarester "Shukar Collective". Mit der Premiere von "Harmonic Cacophony" schließlich beendet das in Leipzig bereits mehrfach gefeierte Belgrader "Plavo Pozoriste" eine Dekade theatraler Zeitreisen von Oscar Wilde über Virginia Woolf bis Fjodor Dostojevski in der Welt des "Zauberers von Oz".

das Programm
Samstag, den 1. Dezember
20 Uhr, LOFFT Tanz Violeta Vitanova / Stanislav Genadiev & Ensemble Sofia Imago

Sonntag, den 2. Dezember
16 Uhr, LOFFT Adventstheater Theater o.N. Berlin Hase und Igel
20 Uhr, naToKonzert Shukar Collective Bukarest

Montag, den 3. Dezember
20 Uhr, LOFFT Live Hörspiel Bongard/Exner/Tripitsis/Wilhelm Hannover/Berlin Loses Schuhwerk

Dienstag, den 4. Dezember
20 Uhr, LOFFT Theater Plavo Pozoriste Belgrad Harmonic Cacophony (Premiere)

dazu
29. November, 1. und 3. Dezember
in Kooperation mit der Cinémathéque in der naTo
Junger Film Rumänien
Poveste la Scara C (C Block Story, 2002) / Marilena de la P7 (Marilena from P7, 2006)
Ryna (2005)
Legaturi bolnavicioase (Lovesick, 2006)
Genaue Termine und eventuelle Aktualisierungen über cinematheque-leipzig.de

"Nach Süden" wird gefördert von der Stadt Leipzig - Kulturamt und unterstützt durch das Rumänische Kulturinstitut "Titu Maiurescu" Berlin

Konzert: Jazz meets classics: Paata Demurishvili in Bruchsal

Dienstag, 4. Dezember, 20.00 Uhr

Im Kaufmann`s Schlachthof
Württemberger Straße 119
76646 Bruchsal

Der georgische Improvisationsvirtuose am Flügel. Paata, seit 1991 in Mannheim lebend und lehrend, begeistert mit atemberaubenden Improvisationen über klassische Themen, Jazz Standards und Eigenkompositionen. Überdies wagt er etwas, das nur wenige Pianisten so brillant beherrschen: Er improvisiert zu Wünschen aus dem Publikum, spontan aus der Stimmung des Moments heraus.
Wie ein Chamäleon seine Farben, wechselt Paata dabei die Stile und Spielweisen. Klaviermusik in jeder Hinsicht ganz anders als gewohnt.

REPORTAGE: Im Kaukasus - wo der Gast von Gott kommt

Von Thomas Heinze
EM (Eurasisches Magazin) 11-07 · 30.11.2007

Thomas Heinze (28) und Nico Dünkel (29) aus Rudolstadt in Thüringen haben in vier Monaten die imaginäre Linie zwischen Asien und Europa bereist, die man in der Neuzeit als „Grenze“ bezeichnet. Die Route führte sie entlang des Uralgebirges und des Uralflusses bis zum Kaspischen Meer, von dort weiter durch den Kaukasus und am Schwarzen Meer vorbei bis in die Türkei. Mitte September fand die Reise in der türkischen Metropole Istanbul ihr Ende. Sie liegt am Bosporus und damit sowohl in Europa als auch in Asien. Nach ihrem mehrere tausend Kilometer langem „Abstecher“ quer durch Zentralasien (vergangene Ausgabe) berichten sie dieses Mal von ihren Erlebnissen im Kaukasus - einer der wohl abenteuerlichsten und geheimnisvollsten Regionen der Welt.

Der ganze Artikel mit einer Bildergallerie >>>

Uploaded on November 13, 2007 by marikuna_makuna

Georgia 46 photos (set)