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The News in Brief

Wednesday, February 3
Gia Gachechiladze owns control package of Maestro TV

There have been several changes in the ownership of Maestro TV’s shares. One of the channel founders, Gia Gachechiladze, has become a majority shareholder.

According to information posted on the website of the National Public Registry, Gachechiladze now owns 55% of the Maetsro shares.

The other owners are Mamuka Glonti (15% of assets), Ekaterine Akobia (5%) and Maka Asatiani (25%). (IPN)



Cooperation with European colleagues deepens in terms of local development

A meeting with representatives of the European Council was held at the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure within the frames of international cooperation. The Deputy Minister, Tengiz Shergelashvili, Mayor of Tbilisi David Narmania, representatives of various municipalities and a number of foreign experts attended the meeting. A number of joint projects with Georgia’s European colleagues were proposed with the aim of strengthening the finances of the municipalities; the two sides expressed their willingness to work more closely together in the future. (Ministry of Infrastructure)



No political debates will take place during President’s speech

The format of the President’s annual address has been approved. According to the decision of the parliamentary majority, political debates will not take place.

After Giorgi Margvelashvili’s annual report, each faction will have 15 minutes to express their views, contrary to the opposition’s demand for organised debates. (Rustavi2)



US helps Georgia better protect its state borders

The United States’ Defence Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is providing $10 million USD to modernise the way Georgia protects its state borders.

The DTRA and Georgia’s Border Policy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs signed a cooperation agreement.

Within the agreement, border sections at Kasumlo and Kedi villages will be constructed and managed under Georgia’s Border Policy.

Meanwhile, the state border between Georgia and Armenia will be better equipped with special equipment necessary for observing, watching and monitoring the area. The section will be fully fitted out by March 2017. (Agenda.ge)



Baptist church opens in Tbilisi

An international Baptist church has been opened in Tbilisi, IPN has been informed by the Religious Issues State Agency. The solemn opening ceremony was attended by the Agency’s representatives.

As reported, the church pastor thanked the Agency for their support.

The Agency’s head, Zaza Vashakmadze, congratulated the parish on the opening of the church, adding freedom of belief and expression are the main priorities of any democratic country. ‘The Georgian state and the Agency will continue promoting different religious organizations to deepen cooperation,’ the statement released by the agency reads. (IPN)