In a recent report released by Azernews, citing data from the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, it has been revealed that the foreign liabilities of Azerbaijani banks have experienced a significant decrease. As of May 1 of the current year, the volume of foreign liabilities stood at 2.417 billion manats, marking a notable shift in the financial landscape of the country’s banking sector.
Day: May 29, 2024
Both the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs at ADA University are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Faculties and Programs (ACBSP). Thus, ADA University became the first Azerbaijani university to be awarded “ACBSP” accreditation.
An official reception commemorating May 28 – Independence Day was held at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in China. The event, graced by the presence of Chinese officials, heads of diplomatic missions in Beijing and representatives from Chinese public and business circles, commenced with the playing of the National Anthems of both countries, Azernews reports.
Armenia Defense Minister Suren Papikyan attended the working dinner of Defense Ministers from the EU and partner countries at the invitation of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.
The event was organized within the framework of the Schuman Security and Defense Forum, where issues related to European security were discussed.
During the event, Suren Papikyan engaged in bilateral discussions concerning defense cooperation with the Ministers of Defense of Sweden, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, and Georgia.
On May 28, demonstrators gathered in front and behind the Parliament building from early morning hours as the ruling party prepared to overturn the presidential veto on the Foreign Agents Law. Deliberations on the law were accompanied by loud chants from the crowd outside, calling on Georgian Dream MPs not to change Georgia’s foreign policy course by adopting a law that has been highly criticized by international partners. However, despite the 8-hour long protest outside, the Parliament voted to adopt the law at 7 p.m., marking a dark day for Georgian democracy, with media and civil society coming under grave risk.
Civil.ge‘s Guram Muradov captured memorable moments from the protest:
Demonstrators graffiti “Kremlin Branch” on the Parliament building. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge
Demonstrators gathered in front of the Parliament, Georgian and EU flags waving in the air. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge
Demonstrator holding a banner with the words “If not now, when? If not us, who?”. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge
Lazare Grigoriadis, activist against the Agents’ Law. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge
Nana Malashkhia, known as the “Women with EU Flag”. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge
Demonstrators gathered in front of the Parliament. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge
Demonstrator against the Agent’s Law. photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge
Demonstrators against the Agent’s Law. photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge
Police mobilized on Freedom Square. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge
Police mobilized on Freedom Square. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge
Banner calling Bidzina Ivanishvili a “stink bug”. Photo by Guram Muradov/ Civil.ge
Demonstrator holding a banner in front of the Parliament. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge
On May 28, at 7 p.m., the ruling Georgian Dream majority overrode the president’s veto on the foreign agents’ law with 66 votes in favor and 0 against. The law was subsequently voted for with 84 votes in favor and 4 against, meaning that it’s only a matter of days before the widely opposed bill is signed into law.
We have compiled reactions to the presidential veto override and final passage of the foreign agents law from across the Georgian political spectrum
Ruling majority
Anri Okhanashvili, GD: “We serve Georgia with our families, our people, we serve our homeland.”
Mamuka Mdinaradze, GD, leader of the parliamentary majority: “Perhaps years ago, no one could have imagined that Georgia would be able to make an independent decision in the face of such great opposition. For this, I thank all my colleagues and, above all, the Georgian people. It would not have been possible without their unprecedented unity and intelligence. All friends should know that our country is ready only for dignified and true friendship. Everyone should also understand what a proud country and people they are dealing with, which no one should ever try to deceive or manage through agency [agents]”.
Rati Ionatamishvili, GD: “Society has an answer to all questions, and society has a very clear position… Georgia will not be harmed [by adopting this law ], the only one who wants to harm our country is our radical opposition… The results will be seen in October… Of course, we will not regret this decision”.
Opposition
Mamuka Khazaradze, Lelo for Georgia: “The act of historical betrayal has been officially formalized. This is the beginning of the end for the Russian government! The Georgian people will not forgive treason! This is the turn of victory! Our way is Europe.”
Tina Bokuchava, UNM: “Today Ivanishvili’s MPs had the last chance not to sign up to the betrayal of the country, to stand on the bright side of history, but even today they did not use this last chance and chose slavery over freedom; between Russia and Europe they chose Russia… I feel the responsibility to consolidate our forces as much as possible, because […] today the public demand is to see the government off and unity in the opposition ranks.”
Khatia Dekanoidze, Euro-Optimists parliamentary faction: “I promise, I swear that I, as a person, as a citizen of Georgia, as a mother, as a daughter, as your friend and comrade-in-arms, will do everything to see them [the GD government] off.”
Giorgi Vashadze, Strategy Aghmashenebeli: “The way of betrayal is a very hard way. This shows once again that their [Georgian Dream’s] conscience is bothering them, they know that they are doing wrong. They have taken the path of betrayal… I am sure that on October 26… the people will win”.
Zurab Japaridze, Girchi – More Freedom: “Let’s put an end to this historic disgrace forever. For the next five months there will be no more important work than this. This country will not be Russified! In 2030 [we must be] in the EU.”
Giorgi Gakharia, For Georgia: “GD officially changed Georgia’s foreign policy, legalized repressions against the civil society, democratic institutions and independent opinion. Adoption of the Russian law exposed GD to inevitable political and legal repercussions. However, it’s our country, which faces the most dire consequences, including potential revision of the strategic partnership with the US, blockage of the EU membership negotiations, rapid economic decline etc. This is a call for fighting with more determination for Georgia’s European future. The people of Georgia have already scored the major victory, demonstrating to the world that Georgia is Europe. We should unite our efforts to formalize this victory during the parliamentary elections!”
More to follow…
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