The Messenger - Georgia's English Language Daily

Saakashvili threatens police operation in Abkhazia over detained journalist

Mikheil Saakashvili has a message for Sokhumi

President Mikheil Saakashvili demanded yesterday that Abkhaz separatist authorities release a Georgian journalist detained the day before, threatening to send Georgian police to free him if they don’t. (more)

UN official: government still has work to do on human rights

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour

Parliament approved a nine-member non-partisan board of trustees for the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) yesterday, bringing resolution near for a prominent political dispute. (more)

Tbilisi claims joint border control agreed with Russia, but details are open question

Georgian officials say Moscow has agreed to share control of two disputed border checkpoints, opening up a possible deal on Russian accession to the WTO. Putting the plan into practice, however, is another matter. (more)

News in Brief

Words of the Day

On Abkhazia, president’s ill-considered ultimatums create needless danger

Amendments considered for 2008 state budget

The first amendments to the 2008 state budget are being considered by parliamentary committees, with expected revenues increasing GEL 184 million and expenditure rising GEL 200 million. (more)

5 Georgians among Russia’s richest

Five Georgians made it to the annual rich list published by Russian magazine The Financial. (more)

Press Scanner

“Prisoners performed a play in the Free Theatre” (more)