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The News in Brief

Friday, April 19
Economy Minister Giorgi Kobulia is said to resign

Georgian Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Giorgi Kobulia made a comment with journalists about his possible resignation and didn’t respond to their queries stating that the media should direct questions to the Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze, who is the decision maker in the case of personnel changes. Administration of the government of Georgia has confirmed that the head of the government has signed the decree about dismissal of the Economy Minister. However, no official announcements have been made yet. Neither is clear who will replace Kobulia on his position.

Giorgi Kobulia was appointed as the Economy Minister on July 12, 2018. Before he was working in the field of business for 18 years.



Russia Bans Exports of Oil Products to Ukraine

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has signed a government resolution that expands embargo on both exports and imports with Ukraine. Starting on June 1, Russia bans the export of crude oil, oil products, and coal to Ukraine, as well as the import of certain Ukrainian goods, Medvedev said on live television on April 18. According to Russia’s PM, this prohibition concerns Ukraine's mechanical engineering, light and metal industries as well. He added that a special authorization would be required in order to export any good falling into a newly extended list.

The move comes in response to Ukraine's recent action of enlarging the list of embargoed Russian products such as glassware and electrical equipment. Ukraine is preparing to hold the second round of its presidential election this Sunday and relations with Russia are a key campaign subject.



Metal pedestrian bridges to be demolished in Tbilisi

According to Tbilisi City Hall’s announcement metal pedestrian bridges will be demolished in Georgia’s capital city of Tbilisi. There will be zebra crossings arranged instead. Mayor Kakha Kaladze made clear, that firstly bridges will be taken down at addresses where zebra crossing are already present.The process of dismantling has already started and by the end of the current year in total 20 bridges will be demolished. The change will cost Tbilisi a total of 307,805 GEL (about US$ 114,213). The metal pedestrian bridges in the capital were first installed in years 2009-2010.
(By Natalia Kochiashvili)