NEWS: Georgia News Digest 04-09-08

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.google.com/group/genewsfiles (from February 2008) and groups.google.com/group/genews (before February 2008)

1. Three blocs, nine parties run in parliamentary polls
2. Opposition coalition steps up anti-Saakashvili rhetoric
3. Deadline for forming coalitions expires
4. Ruling party cautiously optimistic over Tbilisi poll results
5. Ruling party ready to include Georgian Azerbaijanis in its election roll
6. Saakashvili’s party recruits moneyed pack to grab majoritarian mandates
7. Ruling party presents election headquarters
8. Shevardnadze’s advice to Nino Burjanadze
9. New Rights join opposition coalition
10. For United Georgia Party fails to rent office
11. Opposition's union registered for election
12. Maestro appealed to National Communications Commission to request modifying the broadcasting license
13. Loss of MAP a strike against Georgia, but also against NATO
14. Tbilisi residents are cautiously optimistic over NATO chances
15. Russian FM vows to stem NATO expansion
16. Moscow should work on improving relations with NATO
17. Moscow could get involved in building a pan-European security system: The future of Russia-NATO relations
18. Russia flatters itself believing Germany follows its opinion
19. Relative successes and major failures [excerpt]
20. Russia needs no NATO entry for enhancing security-Gryzlov [excerpt]
21. Does NATO enlargement pose a threat to Russia? [excerpt]
22. NATO MAP denial: Has Georgia crossed the Rubicon?
23. Reminder of values
24. Russian TV and radio highlights for week 31 March-6 April 08
25. Moscow chalks up a point on enlargement
26. State minister fears provocations from Russia
27. Land transport links with Russia to open soon
28. Russia interested in good relations with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia
29. Russia's 'Cold War style' hampering ties with Georgia: minister
30. Georgian-Russian antiterror centre may open ahead of Sochi Olympics
31. Russian envoy: Moscow has to protect its citizens in Abkhazia
32. Georgia hands Russian ambassador note of protest
33. Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
34. Authorities discuss Abkhazia, South Ossetia with OSCE
35. Officials outraged at Russian Justice Ministry's letter
36. Minister finds Russia's recent steps "extremely unfriendly"
37. Russian envoy defends efforts to establish "legal ties" with Georgia's Abkhazia
38. Minister says refugees should return to breakaway Abkhazia
39. UN chief says Russian peacekeepers in Abkhazia must earn trust
40. UN chief hopes for resumption of Georgia-Abkhazia security talks
41. Russian-Abkhazian border restrictions to be eased, Abkhaz president tells paper
42. Georgia thanks Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan & Ukraine for their support
43. Abkhazia expects over usd 300 mln ahead of Olympics
44. Abkhaz administrative border is not closed
45. If Abkhazia does not return refugees to their land Georgia will take adequate measures
46. Paris to host conference on peaceful settlement of Abkhazian conflict
47. The situation is tense in Tskhinvali region
48. Kokoity warns his ministers for having fun
49. The making of a Foreign Minister
50. Top soccer player turns entrepreneur extraordinaire
51. Kaladze Makes new pitch
52. "Invest in Georgia" updated
53. Ukraine, Georgia embark on new ferry link project
54. Rarity the lure for Georgia’s sovereign bond
55. Republicans consider unacceptable the informational blockade declared by Rustavi 2 and Mze
56. TV station denied license for political programming
57. Revolution ‘only response’ if elections are rigged
58. Business climate ‘attractive for foreigners’
59. 80% Georgians to be left without Internet
60. Fight for Georgian station begins: Widow of founder goes to court in N.Y.
61. Badri Patarkatsishvili’s widow sued Joseph Kay at Manhattan Federal Court
62. Broadcasting resumes amid Imedi ownership feud
63. Delegation of Finance Ministry of Georgia visited Holland
64. Ministry, UNICEF launch juvenile justice reforms
65. EPLO invitation to Georgia ‘a win-win for all’
66. Adjara govt' head inspects Sarpi customs
67. Mikheil Saakashvili handed official documents over 54 Georgian officers
68. President hails military's contribution to world security
69. Prime minister under fire for Kosovo remarks
70. Lawyers on hunger strike meet with int. organizations
71. Adjaran chief attacks state hiring practices

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