The News in Brief

Berezovsky applies for visa to attend Patarkatsishvili funeral

Exiled Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky is hoping to attend the funeral of Badri Patarkatsishvili today.

Berezovsky, who holds political asylum in Britain, told reporters he urgently applied to the Georgian consulate in London for a visa, but was told the procedure would take a week. He appealed for a speedier visa, but it is unclear whether he will be given one in time for the funeral.

Russian MP Andrei Luguvoi, a former personal security chief for Patarkatsishvili, will reportedly not be able to attend the ceremony due to duties of his office, but his family members are expected to attend.

A billionaire and former presidential candidate, Patarkatsishvili died February 12 in England from an apparent heart attack. (Black Sea Press)



Adjara Supreme Council approves new cabinet

The Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara approved a new cabinet of ministers for the province yesterday by 22 votes in favor to 4 votes against.

The newly-appointed ministers are Vazha Bolkvade, minister of finance and economic sector; Levan Antadze, minister of healthcare and social sector; Roin Takidze, minister of education and culture; and Enver Kikvadze, minister of agriculture.

Four opposition members of the Supreme Council voted against the new ministers, saying the nominees did not bring any real proposals for action to the job. (Prime News)



IMF mission visits Georgia

An International Monetary Fund mission is due to arrive in Georgia tomorrow.

The delegation will remain until March 7, meeting with government officials and representatives of NGOs and the business community to evaluate the country’s economic development. (Prime News)



Subari visits Strasbourg for international seminar

Human Rights Ombudsman Sozar Subari left for Strasbourg yesterday, where he will participate in an international seminar on racism and intolerance.

The February 28–29 seminar will involve representatives of European human rights protection groups and institutions. (Prime News)



Three ‘political prisoners’ freed

Three detainees included on the opposition coalition’s list of ‘political prisoners’ were released yesterday.

Zaal Kochladze was arrested on November 7, accused of damaging property, resisting police and disturbing the public order.

Levan Sulikashvili was arrested on November 11. He was found not guilty of participating in illegal actions at the anti-government rally on November 7, but an investigation into possible drug crimes was began.

Levan Popkhadze was also arrested in connection with the November 7 demonstration, and later accused on gun and drug charges.

Overall, 11 people were arrested in connection with the November 7 crisis in Tbilisi, out of which seven have been released. (Black Sea Press)



Exhibition of famed Russian artist opens in Tbilisi

An exhibition of Russian artist Vasiliy Shukhaev opens today at the Kopala Art Gallery.

The exhibition, dedicated to the 120th anniversary of the artist’s birth, is organized by the Russian Embassy with the participation of the Georgian National Museum.

The 20-day exhibition is free of charge.

Shukhaev lived in Georgia from 1947 onwards after returning from exile in Magadan. One of his works, a portrait of the Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova, fetched GBP 800 000 at a Christie’s auction last year. (Black Sea Press)