Day: October 13, 2023

Israel’s Information Minister Galit Distel Atbaryan announced her resignation on Thursday, amid growing international criticism of Israel’s military operation in Gaza and allegations of war crimes. 

 Distel Atbaryan, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, said she decided to step down after the government transferred the responsibility for Israel’s public relations abroad to the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, which has more resources and authority. 

 She said that her ministry, which was established only 17 weeks ago and received its initial budget only recently, could not make a significant contribution to the state in the current situation. She also said that operating a government office is expensive and that the people of Israel need every penny. She asked Netanyahu to grant her ministry’s budget directly to the citizens of the south, who have been under rocket fire from Gaza^.

 Distel Atbaryan’s resignation came as Israel faced mounting pressure from the international community to end its offensive in Gaza, which has killed innocent children, women and elders. 

What is the white phosphorus that Israel is accused of using in Gaza?  Al Jazeera English

Best UK Georgian properties on the market in October 2023  The Week

University of Georgia Athletics  Georgia Bulldogs

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will land in Israel tomorrow in a sign of Washington’s support amid Israel’s ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, the Pentagon confirmed Thursday. Austin is…

On 12 October, the day of her arrival to Georgia, new U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan presented her diplomatic credentials to the President and met with the Foreign Minister of Georgia.

According to the Presidential Administration of Georgia, the U.S. Ambassador expressed her expectation of close collaboration with the President of Georgia, particularly as the nation strives for Euro-Atlantic integration. President Zurabishvili expressed hope for further strengthening of the robust cooperation between the two countries “during this decisive juncture for Georgia’s future”.

Meeting with Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili, Ambassador Dunnigan commented that she is “thrilled to represent President Biden as U.S. Ambassador to Georgia”.

“I very much look forward to working with the people of Georgia and the government of Georgia to further enhance our long friendship and further strengthen our strategic partnership,” the Ambassador said, adding “I know that government and people of Georgia want to further integrate with the EU, with NATO, with the West, and the President, Secretary Blinken and I also support that path,” Ambassador Dunnigan noted.

The Ambassador said she is looking forward to deepening economic as well as people to people ties between the United States and Georgia.

Ambassador Dunnigan also thanked Georgia “for its strong support to Israel,” reiterated President Biden and Secretary Blinken’s condolences to the Israeli people and added that “the United States and Georgia stand together on this and we are deeply appreciative.”

As per Foreign Minister Darchiashvili, the parties deliberated on the mutual recognition of the U.S.-Georgia strategic partnership as a “priority,” with the Georgian side expressing its eagerness to further enhance bilateral relations with the United States. The Foreign Minister added that the parties also addressed the security situation in the region.

“We are very optimistic that madam Ambassador’s effort, her personal engagement will yield very important results in the process of deepening relations,” FM Darchiashvili noted.

Also Read:

• 31/03/2023 – US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Holds Hearing for Ambassador Nominee to Georgia, Robin Dunnigan
• 28/07/2023 – Robin Dunnigan Confirmed by Senate as US Ambassador to Georgia

The price of Azeri LT CIF Augusta increased by $1.36 amounting to $92.47 per barrel on October 12, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijani community organized a peaceful protest action in front of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands: “We want peace!” Azernews reports.