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The News in Brief

Friday, July 31
Georgia joins EU sanctions against Russia

Georgia has officially joined the EU sanctions against Russia, a declaration posted on the European Council’s webpage informs. The declaration refers to annexation of both Crimea and Sevastopol.

As reported, six countries aside from Georgia have also joined the economic sanctions on Russia.

On 19 June 2015, the Council extended the EU restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol until 23 June 2016. Candidate countries Montenegro and Albania, as well as EFTA countries: Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway together with Ukraine and Georgia have joined the declaration. They will ensure that their national policy is in line with the Political council’s decision. The EU is mindful of the commitment and welcomes it,”- the webpage says. (IPN)



Georgia Appoints New Ambassadors to Cuba, Mexico, Portugal

President Giorgi Margvelashvili has appointed Georgia’s new ambassadors to Cuba, Mexico and Portugal.

Giorgi Nikolaishvili, who served as head of the political department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), will become Georgia’s first ambassador in Cuba. Previously Georgian embassy in Washington and then embassy in Mexico were covering Cuba. Nikolaishvili will take the office from mid-September.

Former Abassador to Jordan Zurab Eristavi will take the ambassadorial post to Mexico starting next month. Former Ambassador to Japan Revaz Beshidze, who most recently served as the head of the international organizations department at MFA, will take the ambassadorial post to Portugal starting in January, 2016. (Civil.ge)



Ivanishvili donates one million dollars to treat wounded soldiers

Former Prime Minister and billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili is donating one million dollars to support wounded soldiers, according to Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli.

She told journalists on Wednesday that Ivanishivli had to finance the treatment of Corporal Davitaia, who was wounded in 2012 in Afghanistan and who recently died.

She recalled that when she became minister, she personally asked Ivanishvili to finance Davitaia’s treatment, which cost about one million.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t manage, and the corporal died, but Ivanishvili is open for financing wounded soldiers and we are able to help those who need treatment,” she said.

Khidasheli did not specify how many soldiers will be able to get treatment, but said that one wounded soldier has already been sent to Turkey.

Treatment of wounded soldiers is currently paid for by the government. According to the 2015 budget, the military hospital receives 15 million laris (USD 6,5 million). However, this money is not entirely spent on treating wounded soldiers. It includes also other expenses, like medical assistance to military departments. In some cases when a soldier has serious wounds, partner countries will step in and help with financing the treatment. (DF WATCH)



GFF President and Secretary General receive letter from UEFA President

President of Georgia’s Football Federation Zviad Sichinava and Secretary General Revaz Arveladze have both received a letter from UEFA President Michel Platini in relation to the FIFA presidential elections.

In his letter Platini explains how he hopes Georgia will support him in the Presidential elections. Georgia’s Football Federation has also informed InterPressNews about it.

“FIFA has had only two presidents over the recent 50 years. This extreme stability somehow represents a paradox for the present world having experienced fundamental changes and caused significant economic changes in sport. But the latest developments have made FIFA turn the page and start rethinking the management issue. In recent months, I have voiced my ideas and proposals about regaining the dignity and position of FIFA. The president’s vacancy has allowed me to turn my words into actions,”- says the letter.

“As the UEFA President, I have made Europe unite… Now I aspire to do the same on a global level,”- the letter reads.

In his letter Platini promises to work diligently for the interests of football.

Also, as GFF has informed InterPressNews, the Georgian side plans to support Platini in the FIFA presidential race. (ipn.ge)