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The News in Brief

Tuesday, November 1
Agriculture Ministry announces competition for head of National Wine Agency

Minister of Agriculture, Zaza Gorozia, has announced an international competition for the position of Head of the National Wine Agency, which became vacant after President Saakashvili fired its previous head Vasil Managadze at the last session of the Government held in Batumi on October 26. The President instructed the newly appointed agricultural Minister to search for professional manager for the promotion of wine exports and publicizing Georgia's wines abroad.

The Ministry has also announced a competition for the logo of the Agency. At his first briefing as Minister, Gorozia said the Agency's look will be re-branded and a principle goal will be to increase exports of Georgian wine to 40 million bottles by 2015. "By order of the President we are announcing an international competition for the vacant position of the Head of the National Wine Agency. We call upon all experienced people who are interested in promoting Georgian wine abroad to apply."
(Rustavi 2)



Man gravely injured in gas heater explosion

A 27 year-old man was seriously injured when a gas heater exploded in his apartment in Gori on 31 October. Vano Budedashvili was transferred to hospital with severe burns. The explosion damaged neighboring apartments as well.
(Rustavi 2)



Twelve Georgian sailors return to Georgia healthy

Twelve Georgian sailors, released by pirates in Nigeria after a several weeks` captivity, have arrived home; they are healthy and safely with their families. The twelve Georgian nationals worked on board the Columbian-owned ship sailing under Marshall Island flag.

The ship and crew were released after a few weeks` negotiations involving the shipping company and diplomatic representatives of the detained persons. None of the Georgian sailors would comment on their detention or conditions of release.
(Rustavi 2)



Georgia's National Democratic Party calls on government to approve the Venice Commission recommendations

The National Democratic Party of Georgia has asked the government to consider the recommendations made by the Venice Commission regarding the electoral code. The opposition party members say Georgia should not lose the support of international organizations as they make their way towards European structures. The electoral sphere is an important landmark on that route. "We are very close to European integration, but the demands of our partners and friends for making progress should be met," said Goga Gogniashvili on Sunday. National Democrats believe that election transparency is a key requirement for European integration.

The Venice Commission will publish its final report on the electoral code of Georgia in December.
(Rustavi 2)



Georgian Party Chairperson, Sozar Subari, is in Geneva

The Chairperson of the Georgian Party, Sozar Subari, is in Geneva to attend the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee session. Subari is one of five Georgian advisors to that Committee. He will return to Georgia by the end of the week; however the Party's press office did not confirm information circulating that Subari intends to leave the party.
(Interpressnews)