NEWS: Georgia News Digest 04-21-08

A service of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

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Archives and associated files at groups.google.com/group/genewsfiles (from February 2008) and groups.google.com/group/genews (before February 2008)

1. Authorities using tension to win upcoming polls - opposition leader
2. Nine-party bloc leaders run for majoritarian MP seats
3. Republicans nominate another MP candidate
4. Voting lists are published
5. The Obamazation of Misha [excerpt]
6. Only hatred for Saakashvili unites opposition: Interview with Gigi Ugulava
7. Ruling party's candidates meet population
8. Energy company cuts illegal wires to peacekeepers
9. John McCain is invited to debate on Russia with American and Russian Experts [excerpt]
10. Putin charged the government with start of consultations with Tbilisi on restoration of access of Georgian products
11. video: Russia and Georgia: Friends again?
12. Russia lifting visa restrictions for Georgian citizens
13. Putin orders end to Georgia visa limits, talks to resume imports
14. Georgian Orthodox Church head regrets tensions in relations with Russia
15. Georgia to become recognized republic
16. Aleksey Kudrin interview
17. Rogozin stays on message in Brussels [excerpt]
18. Patriarch gives message to Russian ambassador
19. video: Georgian spy plane shot down over Abkhazia
20. Abkhaz claim Georgia’s spy plane shot down
21. Abkhazia determined to prevent violations of its skies
22. Tbilisi denies Abkhazia statement on downing Georgian aircraft
23. Tbilisi denies Abkhaz shot down its spy plane
24. Officials say Abkhaz claim of downed spy plane an "act of provocation"
25. Tbilisi says Abkhaz troops deployed in Gali, Sokhumi denies
26. Georgia urges Abkhazia to withdraw its troops from Gali district, Kodori Gorge
27. Tbilisi says Abkhaz troops deployed in Gali, Sokhumi denies
28. Separatists launch military mobilization
29. Georgia accuses Abkhazia of moving troops to Georgian border
30. Georgia urges Abkhazia to withdraw its troops from Gali district, Kodori Gorge
31. Abkhaz minister denies Georgian reports of additional forces near "border"
32. Peacekeepers' withdrawal to have unpredictable consequences - Abkhaz leader
33. Georgia not to become involved in "military adventure"
34. Pro-Georgian leader urges firm international reaction to Russia's Abkhaz moves
35. Georgia denies power cut-off to peacekeepers unlawful
36. Russian military aircraft flying over Abkhazia conflict zone
37. Poland sends ‘consultative team’ to Georgia
38. Poland pledges to back Georgia in conflict settlement
39. Estonian president welcomes Georgia’s calm reaction to Moscow’s provocations
40. Speaker calls for international support in face of Russia's actions
41. Russian relations with Georgian separatists are dangerous
42. Foreign Minister to visit U.S., Germany
43. Minister goes to US, Germany over Russian aid to breakaway republics
44. Statement by the Georgian Association in USA to Russian
45. Georgian diaspora in France to hold demonstration in Paris
46. Abkhazian problem and Sochi Olympic games - versions of possible developments
47. One of streets in Tskhinvali to be called after Putin
48. Examining Moscow's motives in Georgia’s frozen conflicts
49. Moscow rally demands independence for Abkhazia, South Ossetia
50. No time to go wobbly!
51. Georgia on my mind
52. Georgia on their minds
53. Government’s peace initiative just part of the elections campaign!
54. The Government of Georgia discusses versions of spending the funds gained from floatation of the Eurobonds
55. 51% of shares of the joint stock company Poti Seaport and the nearby land lots sold to the investor at $90 million
56. The amount of credits released under the program of cheap credits totals gel 11 million
57. Millennium Challenge Georgia marks second anniversary
58. Media round table at BP
59. BP grant program monitored
60. Georgia’s state energy policy in the natural gas sector
61. Tariff journal
62. Over 70 hydro-electric power stations to be constructed in Georgia
63. An interview with the Deputy Chairman of the Department of Tourism and Resorts
64. video: Georgia uncorks kosher wine
65. Georgian wine export to Europe increases
66. Mayor, acting minister visit Ioli group Ltd.
67. A new enterprise to be built in Ozurgeti
68. Buyer for Georgian Stock Exchange
69. You won't recognize Batumi
70. Local climber heads to Caucasus Mountains
71. Georgia’s first private psychiatric clinic a rare alternative
72. Sozar Subari protests the opening of prisoners’ letters
73. Georgian language conference at Tbilisi
74. Stories from Gia’s balcony
75. One hundred new libraries in Georgian villages
76. What she did for love [excerpt]

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