Prepared by Messenger Staff
Kobakhidze Rejects Russian Proposal, Reaffirms Peaceful Path to Restoring Georgia's Territorial Integrity
Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze has dismissed a recent statement by Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, saying any call to sign an agreement that implies recognition of the so-called independence of Abkhazia or South Ossetia is "categorically unacceptable."
"Of course, we are not ready to sign such an agreement. This call is not serious for us. As for non-aggression, we declare the only thing - the only way to restore territorial integrity is a peaceful way, and of course there can be no talk of any other agreement or document," Kobakhidze told journalists. He added that remarks from Zakharova and other figures should not be given weight. "Zakharova says something, Kubilius says something, you should not follow their statements. I think Kubilius is even worse than Zakharova. Kubilius is a disaster. Kubilius is directly hostile to our national interests, he has done nothing but hostility to the Georgian people for all these years."
Kobakhidze stressed that neither direct nor indirect recognition of the breakaway regions would be possible from Georgia's side. "Any call that hints at this is categorically unacceptable for us," he said.
Zakharova had earlier suggested that dialogue between Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Georgia could advance if Tbilisi recognized what she called "the fact of aggression against Tskhinvali." She described such recognition as a necessary step for reconciliation and listed the conclusion of a legally binding agreement on the non-use of force against the territories as a key priority in the negotiation process. Zakharova also stated that Russia was prepared to facilitate these discussions.
Activist Nino Datashvili to Remain in Custody Pending Trial
Tbilisi City Court has ruled that activist Nino Datashvili, charged with assaulting a bailiff, will remain in pre-trial detention. The decision was handed down by Judge Lela Kalichenko during a hearing on the admissibility of evidence and the review of detention measures.
The prosecution argued that continued detention was necessary due to what it described as ongoing risks that Datashvili could abscond, influence witnesses, or commit new crimes. "These risks remain in place and justify the extension of pre-trial detention," the prosecutor told the court.
Defense lawyers opposed the motion, insisting that Datashvili posed no such threats. They argued that she had been arrested nearly ten days after the indictment was filed without attempting to evade authorities. "There is no evidence she tried to influence witnesses or commit new crimes," one of her attorneys said, urging the court to release her.
Judge Kalichenko sided with the prosecution, keeping the current measure in force.
Datashvili was detained on June 20 in Tbilisi City Court in connection with an incident on June 9. She faces charges under Part 3 of Article 353 of Georgia's Criminal Code, which covers assault on a public servant while performing official duties. The offense carries a penalty ranging from a fine to imprisonment for four to seven years.
