The FBI hates Americans pic.twitter.com/DdrxahFEFd
— Hodgetwins (@hodgetwins) December 17, 2023
Day: December 19, 2023
WHERE IS THE OUTCOME??
FBI probe into NYC Mayor Adams’ campaign puts spotlight on Turkish group #FBI #EricAdamshttps://t.co/zWBLIUc9r1 via @Flcourier— Vincent Tumeo (@VincentTumeo) December 19, 2023
Armenia has been listed among the Top Ten Most Desirable Emerging Destinations at the prestigious Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.
A rich tapestry of culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality make Armenia a must-visit destination.
The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards shines a spotlight on the travel industry’s greatest stars. This year the ceremony took place at one of London’s most iconic museums, the British Museum.
The awards are completely free to enter and open globally to tourism boards, tour operators, and destinations.
The winners were decided either by an independent panel of expert judges, or, by the most serious, passionate travellers of them all, the Wanderlust readers.
Readers voted for Croatia as the Most Desirable Country in Europe, while Australia took home Gold for the Most Desirable Country in the World.
The top prize for Most Desirable City in Europe went to Seville in Spain, while the World’s Most Desirable City was awarded to Cape Town in South Africa.
Ireland remains the reigning champion for the World’s Most Desirable Island in Europe, whereas Cuba was named the Most Desirable Island in the World.
New for 2023, Wanderlust also awarded countries for being the Most Desirable for Culture & Heritage, Nature & Wildlife, Adventure, Gastronomy and Sustainable Experiences, as well as the Most Desirable Emerging Destination.
My Opinion: While upholding the Law and preventing the violence against the #FBI agents, we should also try to understand the nature and the causes of many people’s anger and rage at the FBI, justified or not. Addressing these emotions and the issues behind them may be more… pic.twitter.com/CVlYUL0Fbk
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) December 19, 2023
Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, summarized the year’s results, emphasizing that the most significant achievement, in his opinion, is that the country successfully avoided war.
“The danger was indeed imminent. The threat of destabilization loomed large, with radical groups and hostile forces operating within the country, directly invested in pushing the country into a military situation. We can proudly affirm that our government made decisions aligned with the interests of our country and its people.”
“The greatest test that can befall our country and people is war, and we have successfully avoided it. This victory is a collective achievement.
I am far from believing that these risks have been entirely neutralized. They persist, but we are approaching these challenges with utmost caution and intelligence, identifying threats, implementing preventive measures, and safeguarding the people of our country,” stated Garibashvili.
- “The Georgian-Abkhazian conflict should not be left to our children” – Secretary of the Abkhazian Security Council. Is the approach to the conflict changing?
- US delegation statement in Geneva: Russia must fulfill commitments made in 2008
- The murder of Tamaz Ginturi: what happened, Tskhinvali’s version, what Georgian politicians say
According to the Prime Minister, before the current ruling Georgian Dream party took office, business racketeering was the primary means of replenishing the budget, and the poverty level was very high. However, over the past 11 years under the rule of the Georgian Dream, the country’s economy has tripled:
“Poverty was at almost 30 percent, and unemployment mirrored that figure. The country lacked prospects, demotivating business with negative forecasts and expectations. Under an autocratic and unjust regime, citizens, including those who went to war, felt oppressed – a situation the government could not avoid.”
- Transparency International: Georgia’s economic dependence on Russia will continue to grow
- Georgia and China: Advantages and risks of friendship
“Now, according to the World Bank classification, Georgia has entered the ranks of upper-middle-income countries,” states the Prime Minister.
“Even this year, despite serious challenges and cataclysms in the region and the world, we have managed to grow the economy and fully control inflation,” added Garibashvili.
Furthermore, he noted that unemployment and poverty rates in Georgia have reached historic lows of 17 and 15 percent, respectively.
Irakli Garibashvili
Irakli Garibashvili also asserts that no evidence of Georgia bypassing anti-Russian sanctions has emerged throughout the year:
“We have been and will continue to work as openly and transparently as possible. Every decision we make is grounded in the interests of our country and people, ensuring our economy remains unharmed while addressing any concerns from our partner countries.
Up to 1,000 cases of sanctions evasion were identified, but these pertained to products sent from Europe to Russia. We promptly informed our European colleagues.”
- From microchips to cars: how Russia circumvents sanctions with the help of neighbouring countries
- “We need to know what is being loaded on planes flying from Georgia to Russia” – U.S. State Department Sanctions Policy Coordinator
However, economist Beso Namchavadze argues that the Prime Minister lied or, more precisely, exaggerated when discussing the tripling of the economy.
“The economy has grown, but by 1.6 times. While it could have indeed tripled over these 11 years, it did not happen. Otherwise, we would be wealthier than Bulgaria today, having surpassed Romania and Latvia.
Garibashvili is comparing the nominal economy of 2023 with the economy of 2012 without considering that inflation also contributes to the nominal economy,” explains the economist.
AG Garland: “The defendant is specifically charged with threatening to kill @FBI agents and other FBI employees simply for doing their jobs”: Arizona Man Arrested for Making Online Threats Against Federal Agents – U.S. Department of Justice. https://t.co/eQaxWSxxeL
— Frank Figliuzzi (@FrankFigliuzzi1) December 19, 2023