| 
 The Messenger interviews: Giga Bokeria 
Controversial MP Giga Bokeria is frequently named as the most influential force in parliament—something he calls a common misperception. Bokeria, a highly visible face of the ruling National Movement party, sat down with the Messenger for an extended interview in his parliament office. Holding an unlit cigarette and speaking rapidly, the 35-year-old Rose Revolution co-leader offered expansive responses on questions ranging from the government’s policy platform, to the political turmoil surrounding the arrest of ex-minister Irakli Okruashvili, to the deadly September 20 clash near Upper Abkhazia. (more)
Four political protestors jailed on public disorder charges
A Tbilisi court sentenced four young political activists to 20 days in prison on Thursday. They were convicted of public disorder offences arising from a small protest two days earlier. (more)
Abkhazia shootout leaves one dead, one injured 
One Abkhaz was shot dead and a Georgian policeman injured in a shootout on October 17, with Georgian and de facto Abkhaz authorities offering conflicting accounts of the incident. Tbilisi says the clash occurred in the village of Shamgona, in functionally neutral territory close to the administrative border between Georgia and the breakaway region of Abkhazia. (more)
Prominent businessman unveils political vision for Georgia
On October 17, business tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili publicized a document detailing his political vision for Georgia, further fuelling speculation that he is planning to enter politics. (more)
Week in Brief
Letter to the Editor
The past few weeks have been, if nothing else, a textbook example of how not to run a government. Statements and allegations of all types have been made by both sides without any evidence or proof. Proof apparently has no place in Georgia’s system of “justice” or politics. (more)
Public opinion: what is the greatest challenge Georgia faces today?
The newspaper Kviris Palitra conducted a survey of 492 Georgians, posing the question, “What do you think is the greatest challenge Georgia faces today?” They were asked to rank eight different problems. A similar poll carried out a year ago ranked the restoration of territorial integrity as the country’s top challenge. (more)
Georgia 66th in worldwide press freedom index
Georgia ranks 66th in an annual press freedom index published by Reporters Without Borders, up from 89th place in last year’s index. (more)
Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan output down for September
The Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline transported only 1.2 million tons of oil in September, due to a forced closure of several days after a pumping station failed. (more)
Business Roundup
Superb Georgian folk-jazz group offers something for everyone 
German-based Georgian group The Shin first entered my life almost a year ago, when I went to review one of their concerts, knowing only that they played a hybrid of Georgian folk and jazz-infused rhythms. (more)
Boney M. bring ‘disco diplomacy’ to the conflict zone 
On October 13, iconic 70s pop group Boney M. played the state-controlled village of Tamarasheni, deep in the South Ossetia conflict zone. Singer Marcia Barrett magnificently delivered their message of peace and funky love at the crowded concert, held within shouting distance of the de facto secessionist capital of Tskhinvali. (more)
Honey, I shrunk the export market 
For a land imbued with biblical myths and ancient tradition, it is no surprise that Georgia has a proud tradition of honey-making.
While Georgian winemakers claim a uniqueness to the grapes they harvest, Georgian beekeepers emphasize the particularities of the Georgian bee. (more)
Press Scanner
Today
in history
Birthdays
Georgian
words of the day
|
Friday, October 19 , 2007, #200 (1467)
