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The News in Brief

Thursday, October 25
Italian Ambassador on threats of visa-liberalization

Ambassador of Italy to Georgia Antonio Enrico Bartoli talked about the existence of organized criminal groups of Georgians in Italy, adding it might affect Georgia’s achievements, including the visa-liberalization.

He noted that both Georgian and Italian sides have to fight against the organized crime in Italy.

"As you know, in Italy as well as in other countries the problem is not only illegal migrations but also organized crime and these are all in the interests of EU member states.

The Government of Georgia understands very well that we should fight together against this painful phenomenon because it affects the image of your country and the existence of an organized crime in Italy may inflict a long-term damage on such great achievements of the Georgian people as the visa-liberalization. So, Georgia's public interest is to join the fight against the organized crime and illegal migration to open the doors for properly managed legal migration,” Bartoli said.

In Italy, Georgian organized crime has been characterized by the commission of property crimes, in more prosperous areas throughout the country.



Oil Company ExxonMobil to launch hydrocarbon resource study in Georgia

The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia reports that an agreement on the research of geological and geophysical materials was signed by Georgia’s State Agency of Oil and Gas and ExxonMobil company.

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Giorgi Kobulia.

Within the frames of the contract, the company will evaluate the potential of hydrocarbons in Western Georgia. The parties agreed that after completing the geological and geophysical evaluation and study, the data will be transmitted to the state.

According to company representative Jonathan Wilson, they are glad to cooperate with the Georgian side, adding the company will do its best to use their experience to study Georgian hydrocarbon potential.

"On behalf of ExxonMobil, I would like to tell you that we are pleased to be here and that we have signed a cooperation agreement. We have been working in the Black Sea and in the nearby regions for more than a decade. We hope to be closely cooperating with relevant state agencies,” said Jonathan Wilson.

Giorgi Kobulia expressed hope that the gas and oil resources will be used in favor of Georgia. (By Mariam Chanishvili)