President of the European Weightlifting Federation (EWF) Antonio Conflitti has visited Baku at the invitation of the Azerbaijan Weightlifting Federation (AWF), Azernews reports.
Day: September 16, 2024
At the special briefing on September 16, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili announced the impending coalition of two opposition forces: Lelo’s Strong Georgia and ex-Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia’s For Georgia. The President invited both forces to the Orbeliani Presidential Palace on September 17 to officially seal the coalition.
She said the “positive, third center” must be created for opposition-leaning, undecided voters to make the choice easier and clearer for them. She named Strong Georgia, which is the coalition of Lelo, Ana Dolidze’s For People and Citizens political parties and the Freedom Square movement on the one hand, and ex-Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia’s For Georgia party on the other. Zurabishvili said she had consulted with all the forces and noted that she saw these two as having the power “to create an impetus in society for full mobilization.”
She said that she welcomes the readiness of these two powers, emphasizing that she knows they are ready and willing to unite.
She invited both parties to the Orbeliani Palace on September 17 to “immediately carry out the final step of the negotiations.”
Calling on them to unite, Zurabishvili concluded: “I am sure that this is exactly what society expects from you.”
Productive official visit to #Georgia & a fruitful meeting with @PM_Kobakhidze.
We focused on strengthening bilateral ties & economic cooperation & addressing regional challenges. Reaffirmed our commitment to working together for the benefit of our countries & the region. 🇦🇲🤝🇬🇪 pic.twitter.com/Kp8FYxSrIt
— Nikol Pashinyan (@NikolPashinyan) September 16, 2024
Journalist David Gobechia and activist of the movement “Hara H-Pitsunda” Lia Agrba were attacked and physically assaulted on September 15, according to the Telegram channel Respublica/РЕСПУБЛИКА, which published a “statement of political and civil organizations” of occupied Abkhazia. The organizations claim that the attack was a political order issued by the so-called authorities against these individuals who publicly criticized the de facto Apartments Law. “Hara H-Pitsunda” actively opposes the sale of land in the occupied region.
The organizations report that Gobechia and Agrba were attacked by unidentified masked men who blinded both of them with tear gas and physically assaulted Gobechia. They claim that this attack is a “clear attempt to prevent the struggle for justice, democracy and the defense of national interests” in the occupied region.
The organizations call on the de facto law enforcement authorities to immediately identify the attackers. They also note that the so-called authorities are resorting to unauthorized methods to stifle dissent and that they now “have the chance to redeem themselves by immediately disclosing flagrant crimes with an obvious political background.”
Also Read:
- 04/09/2024 – Kremlin Suspends Funding of Occupied Abkhazia
- 30/08/2024 – Russia Threatens Occupied Abkhazia with Funding Cuts and Citizenship Revocation, Demands “Fulfillment of Obligations”
- 25/07/2024 – “Apartment Bill” Withdrawn in Occupied Abkhazia
- 05/05/2023 – Young Activists Detained for Protesting Russian Land Grab in Abkhazia
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is visiting Georgia. The official welcoming ceremony was held at the Government Administration. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze received his Armenian counterpart.
Prime Ministers Pashinyan and Kobakhidze held face-to-face and extended format meetings, after which they held a joint press conference.
During the press conference, PM Irakli Kobakhidze underscored the strategic partnership between Georgia and Armenia, “which, of course, will contribute to further deepening of our relations.” The two countries signed the declaration on strategic partnership on January 26, 2024.
He said that during the meeting he thanked the Armenian Prime Minister for the “historic decision” to vote in favor of the June United Nations resolution reiterating the right of all displaced persons and refugees to return to the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali. “Of course, this decision will further strengthen relations between our two countries,” said PM Kobakhidze.
He also said that during the meeting he thanked the Armenian Prime Minister for supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.
PM Kobakhidze also stressed that Georgia and Armenia have “very frequent” bilateral visits. He expressed “full readiness” to maintain this dynamic of visits in the future.
According to PM Kobakhidze, the sides discussed relations in all areas between the countries, including politics, economy, culture and education.
“Georgia supports stability and peaceful coexistence in the South Caucasus region,” Kobakhidze said, adding that Georgia welcomes the process of peaceful settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijani conflict and “in particular Armenia’s efforts aimed at normalization of relations with neighboring countries.” He added: “We are ready to play our role within our capabilities to ensure peace and stability in the region.”
Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan also underscored the development of relations between the two countries to the level of strategic partnership.
He stressed the importance of both countries recognizing each other’s territorial integrity.
PM Nikol Pashinyan said that issues related to regional peace and stability were also discussed during the meeting. He said that he had informed his Georgian counterpart about the latest developments in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.
He also said that he believes there is a historic opportunity to end the conflicts in the region and create a sustainable peace in the region, adding that not only Armenia and Azerbaijan, but also Georgia, Turkey and Iran will benefit from this.
He underlined the efforts of the Georgian Government to contribute to regional and international peace and stability.
“Grateful to Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan for visiting Georgia with his team. Covered our multifaceted cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, discussed trade and the economy, the importance of regional cooperation, and a future action plan for further deepening our partnership. I am confident that in the years to come, our centuries-old brotherly relations will continue to deepen and evolve as we work towards building peace and stability in the region!” Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze tweeted.
Also Read:
- 25/03/2024 – PM Kobakhidze Visits Armenia