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The News in Brief

Friday, May 12, 2023
Prepared by Messenger Staff

Georgia's Demographic Issues Review Council holds session under Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili's leadership

The Demographic Issues Review Council of Georgia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili, held a session at the government administration to discuss the main goals of demographic development.

According to the press office of the Prime Minister, the council members discussed various initiatives aimed at improving the demographic situation, with a focus on developing and implementing new programs and improving existing ones. The session also covered topics such as employment promotion, migration, healthcare, social sphere, and education.

After the council session, Tamar Gabunia, the Deputy Minister of IDPs from Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Protection, stated that a package of initiatives will be prepared as soon as possible. This package will be presented for consideration at the next council session.

"The first session of the council was held today. The main trends, which are noted from the demographic point of view, as well as the initiatives that are already underway in the health, education and social direction were presented. We discussed the necessary improvements, international practices and the necessary changes that will contribute to the improvement of demographic trends in the future. An agreement was made to prepare a package as soon as possible, which will be presented for discussion at the next meeting", said Tamar Gabunia.



British Ambassador to Georgia Calls Russian President's Decision to Resume Flights and Cancel Visa Regime 'Provocative Move'

Mark Clayton, the British Ambassador to Georgia, has characterized Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to resume flights with Georgia and cancel the visa regime for Georgians as a 'provocative move'.

The British Ambassador to Georgia, Mark Clayton, described Russia's decision to resume flights with Georgia and cancel the visa regime for Georgians as a "provocative step" aimed at increasing Georgia's dependence on Russia and potentially involving them in sanctions avoidance.

According to the Ambassador, this move is also an attempt to divert attention from the main issue in the relationship between Russia and Georgia - the continued presence of the Russian army on Georgian territory in violation of international norms.

"With this provocative move, Russia is clearly trying to increase Georgia's dependence on it. In addition, the risk of Georgia getting involved in sanctions avoidance processes may increase. At the same time, this action is an attempt to divert attention from the main issue of relations between Russia and Georgia. The main issue remains the fact that the Russian army continues to illegally stay on the territory of Georgia in violation of international norms. The United Kingdom supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and continues to support Georgia's joining Euro-Atlantic structures, since this is the wish of the population of Georgia and the declared task of all major political powers," Clayton said.