The News in Brief
Friday, July 29
Department of State comments on sanctions against Russia
Within the diplomatic controversy between Russia and the United States that has been taking place over the last few days, Marc C. Tonner, Deputy Spokesman of the US Department of State, commented on the attempted terrorist act prevented by Georgian police outside the US Embassy in Georgia on September 22nd, 2010.
When questioned on the identity of the suspected organizer of the explosion, Tonner said that both sides are cooperating on regional security thus he could not give details on the case, which is still under investigation.
The issue was highlighted in an article published in the Washington Times, saying that the US intelligence considered the terrorist attack to be planned and organized by Russia's special services.
Tonner also underlined the fact that visa sanctions have been imposed against certain Russian senior authorities saying that the US Government is observing the investigation of the Magnitski case and that the sanctions were imposed because of the violations of human rights. (Rustavi 2)
New project to be implemented in tourism
Maya Sidamonidze, head of the National Tourism Information Agency presented a new initiative for Georgian tourism. She said this project will improve statistical research in order to access more detailed information on foreign tourists visiting Georgia.
"We are starting to prepare improved statistical methodology. We will make additional studies which will be helpful for local businesses and for the future plans of government and potential investors, "- Sidamonidze said.
A web portal will be created showing the results of the research. USAID's Economic Prosperity Initiative will support the initial stage of the research. (GHN)
Kakha Kukava – "Levan Gachechiladze is attractive to us due to the scandals caused by Government."
Levan Gachechiladze and Eka Beselia may join Kakha Kukava’s party, Free Georgia, in September 2011. It is also reported that Aleko Shalamberidze--who left the People’s Party--may also join them.. Kakha Kukava stated that Levan Gachechiladze is attractive to them due to the scandals caused by the Government.
InterPressNews checked the information with Kakha Kukava but the Free Georgia leader said they had not discussed the issue yet with Gachechiladze and Beselia, although Free Georgia is interested in assisting the process of integration for the radical opposition. Kukava says he would like to cooperate with these people as they have similar political views.
“The unity of these people into one political team would be logical. We have a lot in common, for instance we were injured in the 26 May and 7 November events and are united by one fight”, he said.
He said that Gachechiladze's collaboration is attractive as he is always involved in the scandals caused by the government. “We are not interested in those who are applauded and praised by the government”, he added.
InterPressNews was informed that the independent leaders will officially join Free Georgia in September. (Interpressnews)
Burjanadze: not everything so fine as it seems in Georgia
Nino Burjanadze, leader of the Democratic Movement, passed documents to Bronislav Komorovski, President of Poland, describing "another Georgia" and stating that in Georgia "everything is not as fine as it seems".
"I sent the Polish President official documents that prove my words, based on my Chairmanship of Parliament, proving that in Georgia not everything is as fine as it seems at first glance. Europe has to see the other reality that also exists in Georgia. (GHN)
Georgian wrestlers get double gold at Bucharest World Tournament
Georgian wrestlers have won two gold medals and the titles of World Champions at the Bucharest World Championship. Members of the junior wrestlers team, Revaz Nadareishvili and Shota Gogisvanidze defeated all rivals to become champions.
The team was trained by Vladimer Adeishvili and finished the season's main tournament with two gold, two silver and one bronze medal. (Rustavi 2)