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The News in Brief

Friday, April 30
NATO-Georgia Commission meeting will be held

A Georgia-NATO Commission meeting will be held in Brussels on May 5-6 at the level of general headquarters of the NATO member states, where issues of ongoing military reforms and prospects of integration into the alliance will be discussed, NATO spokesman James Appathurai announced today. He said that the Alliance appreciated Georgia`s participation in the Afghanistan peace mission, adding that a Georgian battalion was stationed in Helmand Province.

James Appathurai said that the Alliance would keep on helping Georgia carry out reforms and supporting its aspiration to join the alliance. (Rustavi 2)



Delegation from Jordan to visit Georgia soon

A delegation of business representatives from Jordan will soon visit Georgia. The visit is aimed at familiarising the delegation with the business environment and economic capabilities of Georgia with a view to possibly making investments.

Interest was shown in Georgia after the visit of a Georgian Government delegation to the capital of Jordan, Amman, at which Prime Minister Nika Gilauri met his counterpart and discussed bilateral relations, including simplification of the visa regime and direct air communication. The Georgian delegation also held meetings with about fifty local businessmen, presenting the business environment of Georgia as attractive.

“The interest in the tourism and agricultural sectors is very serious. I think that in the near future these companies will visit Georgia and become familiar with the capabilities of the country and the projects underway in Georgia,” Minister of Economic Development Zurab Pololikashvili told journalists. (Prime-News)



New group of Peace Corps volunteers to come to Georgia

The Peace Corps is pleased to announce the impending arrival of the latest group of Peace Corps volunteers to serve in Georgia. This will bring the number of Peace Corps volunteers currently serving in Georgia to 58.

During their two-year assignments the volunteers teach English at secondary schools or work in NGOs or business support organisations in different parts of Georgia. They work side by side with Georgian partners and also help community groups in the communities where they serve.

The Peace Corps is a United States Government agency founded by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to promote world peace and friendship. The Peace Corps has shared with the world America's most precious resource – its people. Coming from all walks of life, Volunteers represent the rich diversity of American society. As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary in 2011, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world.

The US Peace Corps operates in Georgia at the request of the Georgian Government and provides qualified men and women who contribute to social and economic development while promoting a better understanding between Americans and Georgians.

The Peace Corps Georgia programme was established in 2001. (Prime-News)



Dozens of convicts to be released early on May 6

Several dozen convicts will greet Saint George's Day at home on May 6 after the Pardon Commission has discussed their cases and given recommendations to the court. The discussion will be held today. Members of the Commission say that the convicts released will be those sentenced for less serious crimes.

The Pardon Commission holds sessions at the end of each month and discusses the cases of various convicts. Recommendations are then sent to the law courts for consideration. The final decision is up to the court. (Rustavi 2)



Saakashvili attends Atlantic Council reception

The Georgian President has attended the annual reception of the prestigious Atlantic Council in Washington, D.C. which he was invited to co-Chair.

Prominent world leaders were attending the reception, at which Bill Clinton was given an award for his international leadership, which has led to the Dayton Accords, peace negotiations in Northern Ireland and other achievements. Others honoured included Deutsche Bank Chief Executive Josef Ackermann, U.S. Marine Corps General James Mattis, French Air Force General Stephane Abrial and U2 lead singer Bono. (Rustavi 2)