Eye on Transcaucasia

Aliyeva Insults Independent Azerbaijani Journalist After Being Heckled in Germany #IRFS #Azerbaijan

RFE/RL: EU Paper on Ukraine Talks Demands Russia Withdraw Troops from Georgia, Neighboring Countries A new European Union discussion paper on concessions Russia should make in Ukraine talks, seen by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, includes a demand that Moscow withdraw its troops from neighboring countries, including Georgia, as part of a broader settlement to end the war in Ukraine. Titled European Core Interests in Ensuring a Comprehensive, Just and Lasting Peace and Continent’s Security, the paper calls for a “ban of Russian military presence and deployments in Belarus, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Georgia and Armenia,” RFE/RL Europe editor Rikard Jozwiak wrote in his weekly newsletter. Russian forces have been stationed for decades in Georgia’s occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), as well as in Transdniester in Moldova, Armenia, and Belarus. The paper reportedly stresses that if Ukraine is expected to limit troop numbers or withdraw forces from some areas – as discussed in U.S.-mediated talks – Russia should do the same. It also says there should be no formal recognition of occupied Ukrainian territories, reflecting the EU’s long-standing non-recognition policy that also applies to Georgia’s occupied regions. It further urges Russia to stop disinformation, sabotage, cyberattacks, airspace violations, and election interference in Europe and neighboring countries – issues that have often affected Georgia. According to Jozwiak, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas has already shared the paper with member states. In addition to troop withdrawals, it calls on Russia to pay reparations and take steps toward democratizing its society. The bloc’s foreign ministers may discuss parts of the paper in Brussels on February 23. Neither the EU nor individual European countries have taken part in the ongoing negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. The paper, however, emphasizes that there can be no peace or security “without the EU at the negotiating table and without taking into account [the] EU’s core interests.”

RFE/RL: EU Paper on Ukraine Talks Demands Russia Withdraw Troops from Georgia, Neighboring Countries #Civil #Georgia

Three, Including Late PM Zurab Zhvania’s Son, Charged in 2021 Murder of Niko Kvaratskhelia Georgia’s Prosecutor General’s Office announced the closure of the investigation into the murder of Niko Kvaratskhelia, founder of Georgia’s first online content-sharing platform Feedc, saying brothers Guram and David Kakulia, along with Besarion (Busa) Zhvania, son of the late Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania, organized the killing. Kvaratskhelia, 22, was fatally shot in Tbilisi in 2021. The case drew widespread public attention. In 2023, then-President Salome Zurabishvili posthumously awarded him the Medal of Honor. Tbilisi Prosecutor Giorgi Mikaia said on February 17 that the Interior Ministry investigation found the Kakulia brothers planned the killing “in revenge” against his father, Gia Kvaratskhelia, the “so-called thief-in-law,” [a term denoting criminal underworld bosses] and “to strengthen their authority in the criminal underworld.” According to Mikaia, the father of the Kakulia brothers – “so-called thief-in-law Davit Kakulia” – was killed in Moscow in 2001, and “information had circulated within the ‘thieves’ underworld’ and the wider public that the killing had allegedly been commissioned by Gia Kvaratskhelia.” “Guram and David Kakulia told their friend Besarion Zhvania about their plan and agreed to organize the killing,” the prosecutor said, adding that Zhvania then contacted Aleko Chelidze and Giorgi Kaviladze to carry it out. Besarion Zhvania is the son of Zurab Zhvania, Georgia’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2005, who was found dead under mysterious circumstances in 2005. Aleko Chelidze and Giorgi Kaviladze are already serving 17 and 16-year prison sentences for the intentional killing. The Kakulia brothers are serving nine years for a separate attempted murder case. Meanwhile, Besarion Zhvania has been declared wanted. His mother, Nino Kadagidze-Zhvania, said the charges were “very unexpected.” She said he was a childhood friend of one of the Kakulia brothers, but denied any involvement or knowledge of the murder plan. The three face up to 20 years or life in prison. “Nothing is new to me,” Kvaratskhelia’s mother, Iza Omadze, said after announcing the charges. She suggested in 2022, when the Kakulia brothers were arrested in a separate case, that they were the organizers of her son’s killing. The Prosecutor’s Office had not previously linked them to the case. Also Read: * 09/01/2026 – Family of Killed Teacher Questions Probe, Seeks Tougher Charges, Prosecutor’s Resignation * 24/10/2025 – Former Law Enforcer Handed Life Sentence Over Levan Jangveladze’s Contract Killing

Three, Including Late PM Zurab Zhvania’s Son, Charged in 2021 Murder of Niko Kvaratskhelia #Civil #Georgia

SSSG Questions Ex-Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili Levan Davitashvili, Georgia’s former Economy Minister under the Georgian Dream government, and Giorgi Chikovani, former general director of the state-owned Georgian Gas and Oil Corporation, have been summoned for questioning by the Anti-Corruption Agency in the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG). The SSSG confirmed media reports and told Civil.ge on February 17 that the two are being questioned “as part of an ongoing investigation into a contract signed with one of the major oil companies.” The agency did not provide further details. Davitashvili served as economy minister from 2022 until June 2025, when Mariam Kvrivishvili replaced him and now holds the post. He was appointed chief adviser on economic affairs to Georgian Dream PM Irakli Kobakhidze and secretary of the Economic Council, a coordinating body chaired by the prime minister. Davitashvili also chairs the board of Black Sea Petroleum, which operates the Kulevi oil terminal on Georgia’s Black Sea coast. The oil terminal has recently come under scrutiny for its possible role in facilitating Russian oil exports. This is an ongoing story and may be updated. Also Read: * 12/01/2026 – Ex-Prime Minister Garibashvili to Serve Five Years in Prison After Plea Deal * 23/07/2025 – Georgian Dream Resignation Streak: Who Left and Why * 26/04/2025 – Davitashvili Visits United States, Participates in World Bank, IMF Spring Meetings * 25/04/2025 – Davitashvili Stresses “Positive Agenda” in Relations with New US Administration * 01/04/2025 – GD Minister of Economy Davitashvili Meets with US Ambassador Dunnigan

SSSG Questions Ex-Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili #Civil #Georgia

GD Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili Visits Slovakia Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili visited Slovakia on February 16, where she met with Juraj Blanár, Slovakia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs. Following the meeting, the two ministers held a joint press conference in which Blanár announced that Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, will visit Tbilisi and that Slovakia proposed Georgia’s candidacy for the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The Slovakia visit followed Botchorishvili’s earlier trip to Hungary on February 9–10, where she met with Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, and Speaker of the National Assembly, László Kövér. From February 13 to 15, Maka Botchorishvili also attended the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC). Hungary under Viktor Orbán and Slovakia under Robert Fico are among the Georgian Dream’s few Western partners, with visits and high-level exchanges taking place regularly. The two countries have reportedly been the only EU members to vote against suspending visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic passport holders under the bloc’s new legal mechanism. Meeting with FM Juraj Blanár On February 16, Maka Botchorishvili met with her Slovakian counterpart, Juraj Blanár. According to the Georgian Foreign Ministry, “the parties discussed current issues in bilateral relations and prospects for deepening cooperation,” and “emphasis was placed on active dynamics of political dialogue and bilateral visits.” The two also discussed expanding trade and economic relations and “fully leveraging the existing potential,” as well as Georgia’s European integration process, with Botchorishvili highlighting that “Slovakia’s steadfast support for Georgia’s European aspirations is particularly valuable.” The press release also said the ministers addressed regional security challenges, including the situation in Georgia’s occupied territories. “The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia once again reaffirmed Slovakia’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Press Conference After the meeting, the two ministers held a joint press conference and spoke in their native languages. Botchorishvili praised the bilateral relations, saying Slovakia “has always been an important partner for Georgia.” She added that the two governments “fully understand how important it is to protect the sovereignty of our nations.” She further said, “We very often hear criticism precisely because of our sovereign decisions, and in this regard, we believe that our cooperation is very important, and that protecting sovereignty is the only means available to us today to ensure peace and stability in our countries.” In his remarks, translated from Slovak into Georgian, Slovakia’s FM Blanár said that the Speaker of Parliament as well as the Prime Minister are planning visits to Tbilisi “in the near future,” without giving a specific date. He also praised Georgia’s economic growth, saying, “Georgia has 7% economic growth. What wouldn’t we give to have the same! Let me congratulate you.” Blanár then said that the Slovak side “raised the issue of Georgia becoming the OSCE chairmanship country,” noting, “Georgia can make a significant contribution to security issues. Therefore, we welcome Georgia’s candidacy.” The Slovak foreign minister then criticized what he described as the European Union’s approach to Georgia’s election processes. “There is such injustice in the European Union when the side they do not favor wins elections,” he said, adding that the bloc and its partners “speak a lot about democracy, but some are unable to respect election results. We are obliged to respect elections.” He also said there were discussions within the EU about potential sanctions on Georgia, amid reports that the bloc may include Kulevi port in its 20th sanctions package against Russia. Blanár said Slovakia had questions but did not receive answers. “What matters most is dialogue. From Georgia’s side, I see a willingness to engage in dialogue. The European Union is founded on dialogue and respect, and Georgia should be part of this dialogue. Georgia must be treated with due respect,” Blanár said. Also Read: * 05/12/2025 – Georgian Dream FM Botchorishvili Attends OSCE Ministerial in Vienna * 13/06/2025 – Kobakhidze, GD Ministers, Visit Hungary * 24/03/2025 – GD FM Botchorishvili Visits Hungary

GD Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili Visits Slovakia #Civil #Georgia

Regulator Launches Administrative Proceedings Against Kavkasia TV Over Donation from U.S. Communications Commission (ComCom), Georgia’s state media regulator, has launched administrative proceedings against the critical broadcaster Kavkasia TV over a donation from the United States that the station’s director said came from a person with a Georgian name. The TV channel regularly solicits donations publicly. In a February 16 Facebook post, Nino Jangirashvili, director of Kavkasia TV, published a letter from the ComCom that cites Georgia’s Law on Broadcasting, which prohibits broadcasters from receiving funding from a “foreign force.” She said the donation came from a person with a Georgian name and surname, whom she does not know and who may be a dual or former Georgian citizen, and described the state regulator’s move as an attempt to intimidate the channel. Georgian broadcasters are subject to a ban on foreign funding, except for commercial transactions, under laws adopted in 2025 by the Georgian Dream-led parliament. Kavkasia TV has been asked to clarify the nature of the donation. “What should we answer them?” Jangirashvili wrote. “What service did we provide to the donor? What invoice did we send? Or what did we spend it on? Maybe we paid for electricity or covered salaries. I don’t know. What else could we have done with the money?” The move comes amid growing pressure and financial difficulties for critical media outlets. In early February, regional Trialeti TV said its satellite broadcasting was halted due to what it described as a financially induced crisis caused by systematic pressure from the authorities. It also comes amid broader efforts by the Georgian Dream government to restrict foreign funding. The GD MPs in the disputed Parliament are now passing amendments that would expand the definition of foreign grants requiring state approval, introduce criminal liability and prison sentences for violations, allow prosecution of leaders of parties receiving foreign funds, criminalize “external lobbying,” and impose new restrictions on political party members and entrepreneurs. Also Read: * 29/01/2026 – Ex-Georgian Dream MP Goga Gulordava Elected Chair of Communications Commission * 16/01/2026 – Regulator Warns Formula TV Over Alleged UNM Funding * 30/12/2025 – TI-Georgia: ‘Significant Disproportion’ in Ad Revenues Favors Pro-Gov’t Channels * 30/10/2025 – How Georgian Dream Is Drying Out Independent Online Media

Regulator Launches Administrative Proceedings Against Kavkasia TV Over Donation from U.S. #Civil #Georgia

Georgia Wins First-Ever Winter Olympic Medal as Metelkina-Berulava Take Silver in Figure Skating Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava won Georgia’s first-ever Winter Olympic medal after claiming silver in the pairs figure skating event at the Milano Cortina Games. Metelkina and Berulava finished the competition on February 16 with 221.75 points, securing second place. Japan’s Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara won gold with 231.24 points, while Germany’s Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin took bronze with 219.09 points. Also Read: * 12/08/2024 – Georgia Finishes Paris 2024 Olympics with Seven Medals * 09/08/2021 – Georgia Finishes Tokyo Olympics with Record 8 Medals

Georgia Wins First-Ever Winter Olympic Medal as Metelkina-Berulava Take Silver in Figure Skating #Civil #Georgia

A Baku court has left Ali Karimli in custody. The Baku Court of Appeals rejected the appeal to extend the arrest of Ali Karimli, leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan. The opposition politician released a statement denying the charges against him.

A Baku court has left Ali Karimli in custody. #cknot #Azerbaijan

A truck driver from Azerbaijan has been accused of espionage in Dagestan. The Dagestan Prosecutor's Office has approved the indictment in a criminal case against an Azerbaijani citizen. He is accused of espionage for Ukraine.

A truck driver from Azerbaijan has been accused of espionage in Dagestan. #cknot #Azerbaijan

EU, U.S. Remain Top Sources as Money Transfers to Georgia Rise 16.6% in January Money transfers from abroad to Georgia totaled USD 282.64 million in January, a 16.6% increase from the same month last year, according to data released by the National Bank of Georgia (NBG). Transfers from European Union countries and the United States remained the largest, together accounting for 63.8% of total inflows, or USD 180.4 million. Transfers from EU countries totaled USD 128.41 million, representing 45.43% of overall inflows and a 17.46% increase compared to January 2025. By individual countries, Italy ranked first with USD 53.18 million (18.82% of total inflows), followed closely by the United States with USD 52.04 million (18.41%). Russia accounted for USD 33.51 million (11.86%), Israel for USD 24.66 million (8.72%), and Germany for USD 24.11 million (8.53%). China recorded the sharpest year-on-year growth, with transfers increasing nearly 16 times to USD 1.43 million. Growth was also reported from the United Kingdom, up 44.6% to USD 4.91 million; Tajikistan, up 41% to USD 1.14 million; Spain, up 40.3% to USD 7.4 million; and Russia, where inflows rose by 31.6%. By contrast, Kyrgyzstan saw the biggest decline, with transfers falling 34.2% year-on-year to USD 4.07 million. Meanwhile, money transfers from Georgia totaled USD 31.2 million in January 2026, up 10.2% from USD 28.3 million in January 2025. According to the World Bank’s 2024 data, personal remittances to Georgia account for 11.9% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Also Read: * 26/01/2026 – Money Transfers to Georgia Rise 18% in December, EU and U.S. Remain Top Sources * 26/12/2025 – Money Transfers to Georgia Up 11.9% in November, EU and U.S. Lead * 26/11/2025 – EU, U.S. Top Money Transfers to Georgia in October

EU, U.S. Remain Top Sources as Money Transfers to Georgia Rise 16.6% in January #Civil #Georgia

GD to Criminalize ‘Systematic’ Refusal to Recognize Government, Constitutional Bodies The ruling Georgian Dream party plans to punish “systematic” non-recognition of the government with up to three years in prison and to introduce such refusal as an aggravating circumstance in certain crimes under Georgia’s Criminal Code. The relevant changes, presented on February 16 at the Legal Issues Committee in the disputed Parliament by the committee chair Archil Gorduladze, will be added to a highly controversial legislative package introducing further restrictions on foreign grants, which has already passed first reading. The idea to criminalize refusal to recognize the legitimacy of the government and other constitutional bodies was first floated during a February 4 parliamentary plenary hearing, where MPs cited Germany’s experience. The ruling party leaders later referenced the 2025 banning of Germany’s far-right Reichsbürger movement, apparently framing opposition groups’ and citizens’ questioning of the Georgian Dream government’s legitimacy as analogous to the case. During the February 16 committee hearing, MP Archil Gorduladze read out the proposed Article 316 Prima to Georgia’s Criminal Code, titled “Extremism Against the Constitutional Order.” The draft article, as read out by Gorduladze, will target Georgian citizens or non-citizens who make “systematic and public calls” for “the mass violation of legislation, mass defiance of Georgian government bodies, or the creation of alternative authorities.” It will also target individuals “who systematically and publicly present themselves, or another person, as a representative of the Georgian government.”  The article will further target “other systematic actions aimed at creating the perception that Georgia’s constitutional order or its constitutional bodies are illegitimate, and that harm Georgia’s interests or create a real danger to harm those interests.” According to Gorduladze, penalties under the article could include a fine, the amount of which he did not specify, 400 to 600 hours of community service, or up to three years in prison. Gorduladze said the key factors in classifying actions as such an offense are that they are “systemic, systematic, and public.” “A single person’s actions, of course, will not be considered a criminal offense,” he said, arguing that this approach will draw a “clear line” between freedom of speech and expression and criminal activity. In addition, such a refusal to recognize the legitimacy of constitutional bodies will become an aggravating circumstance for other offenses in the Criminal Code. “When imposing a sentence, committing a crime with the motive of refusing to recognize Georgia’s constitutional order or constitutional bodies will be considered an aggravating circumstance,” Gorduladze said, noting that the sentence must exceed the standard term for the relevant crime by “at least” one year. Commenting on the draft article, Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze drew a parallel between Russia and what he called “extremist forces” inside the country. “Russia and four other countries do not recognize the Georgian government’s jurisdiction over 20 percent of the country’s territory,” he said, “and in Georgia, there are extremist forces that do not recognize the government’s jurisdiction over 100 percent of the country’s territory.” “We oppose both,” he added, “In the first case through the Law on Occupation, and in the second through a clause on extremism in the Criminal Code.”  The Georgian Parliament, formed after the widely contested 2024 general elections, remains disputed. The Georgian Dream government that stayed in power and President Mikheil Kavelashvili, elected by a parliament made up only of Georgian Dream MPs at the time, are also challenged. Many opposition parties and opposition-minded citizens continue to reject their legitimacy. In comments to journalists, Irakli Kobakhidze also defended the 2024 election results, saying claims that they were rigged were “without any evidence.” “There was no violation,” he asserted. “The elections were carried out legitimately. When there is no evidence of election rigging, but sabotage continues, and when extremism against the constitutional order persists, legislation must respond to it,” he added.  Meanwhile, Georgia’s Public Defender said the proposed offense “could conflict with both international standards protecting freedom of expression and the Georgian Constitution, and could allow for an overly broad interpretation of the imposed restrictions.” The Ombudsperson added that he will review the final version of the law once it is adopted and, if necessary, may file a lawsuit in the Constitutional Court. Also Read: * 03/06/2025 – Georgian Dream Targets Critical Broadcasters for Questioning Government Legitimacy

GD to Criminalize ‘Systematic’ Refusal to Recognize Government, Constitutional Bodies #Civil #Georgia

GYLA Initiates Legal Action Over Alleged Chemicals in Water Cannons The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), a local human rights watchdog, has initiated legal proceedings on behalf of seven citizens who say they were harmed by substances allegedly mixed into water cannons during the dispersal of pro-EU protests in November and December 2024, addressing the Prosecutor’s Office through appropriate communication. Riot police used tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannons to disperse pro-EU and anti-government protests in late 2024, after which several protesters reported prolonged health problems, including headaches, fatigue, coughing, shortness of breath, and vomiting. On December 1, 2025, the BBC published an investigation suggesting that a “World War I-era” military-grade chemical agent, “camite,” may have been mixed into water cannons. Georgian Dream, including through an investigation by the State Security Service, has denied the allegations and challenged the BBC’s findings. In a February 16 statement, GYLA said the mixing of chemical irritants into water cannons in Georgia is “not clearly regulated,” noting that neither the Law on Police nor Interior Ministry instructions establish rules for such a practice. It added that a 2015 ministerial order prohibited the simultaneous use of water cannons, rubber bullets, and tear gas, but that the restriction was later removed “without introducing additional standards of legality.” “Water cannons saturated with chemical irritants cannot be considered a ‘legally defined’ lawful means of crowd control and contradict both national and convention requirements that the use of force be a legal, necessary, and proportionate intervention,” the organization stressed. GYLA said it is providing legal representation to seven people who continue to suffer from health issues, which they link to an alleged substance mixed into water cannons. The organization also said it had requested that the Prosecutor’s Office provide information on the progress of the investigation, question the injured parties, assess whether mixing substances into water cannons constitutes a criminal offense, carry out “all necessary investigative actions” to identify those responsible, and grant victim status to the injured individuals. The ruling Georgian Dream party dismissed the BBC’s allegations. Officials admitted to mixing a substance into water cannons but denied that it was camite or any other banned chemical. Shortly after the BBC report, the State Security Service of Georgia opened an investigation into alleged abuse of office and “assistance to a foreign organization in hostile activities.” Within five days, the SSSG concluded that police had used chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS gas), a commonly used tear-gas agent for crowd control, during protests over the years, including on December 4-5, 2024. In January, Georgian Dream filed a complaint with the BBC over what it described as “grave, damaging, and categorical” allegations, warning it may pursue legal action in UK courts. On February 13, Formula TV cited a BBC spokesperson as saying that the broadcaster had already responded to the complaint and stands by the documentary. Georgian Dream said it plans to appeal in higher instances. Also Read: * 10/12/2025 – Kobakhidze Says UK Must Apologize Over BBC Report, Slams Ambassador * 22/12/2025 – CSOs Appeal to International Watchdogs to Review Alleged Use of Chemicals at 2024 Protests * 17/12/2025 – CoE Commissioner Presses Georgian Prosecutors on Accountability for Protest Crackdown * 04/12/2025 – Helsinki Commission Urges U.S. to Verify BBC Report, Sanction Those Responsible

GYLA Initiates Legal Action Over Alleged Chemicals in Water Cannons #Civil #Georgia

Gultekin Hajibeyli was deported to Azerbaijan. Turkish authorities have deported Gultekin Hajibeyli, a representative of the National Council of Democratic Forces of Azerbaijan. According to opposition figures, she remains at large in Azerbaijan.

Gultekin Hajibeyli was deported to Azerbaijan. #cknot #Azerbaijan

GD Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili Takes Part in Munich Security Conference Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili is taking part in the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC), a major international forum devoted this year to issues such as U.S.-European security ties, Greenland’s fate, and Russia’s war in Ukraine. According to the Georgian Foreign Ministry’s press release, Botchorishvili will be meeting with her counterparts and participating in a panel discussion. Her trip to Munich comes after last year’s absence, as none of the Georgian Dream government officials had been invited to the 61st MSC. This year, Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze confirmed that Tbilisi had received an invitation, though he said he would not personally attend the event. For Georgia, the party founded by Giorgi Gakharia, a former Georgian Dream prime minister and now an opposition politician in exile, also announced that the ex-PM would be attending the conference. Panel Discussion on ‘Eurasia’s Strategic Order’ According to the Georgian MFA, Botchorishvili took part in the panel discussion “Defining Eurasia’s Strategic Order: The Middle Corridor as a European Security Agenda for Stability, Peace, Security and Connectivity,” alongside Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). “The Minister focused on Georgia’s role in the development of the Middle Corridor and underscored the importance of strengthening connectivity. She highlighted a strategic vision that conceives the Middle Corridor not merely as a transportation route, but as a secure, rapid and efficient economic bridge,” the Foreign Ministry said. According to the MFA, “particular emphasis was placed on Georgia’s strategic geographic location and its open economic policy, which position the country as a central hub linking Europe and Asia.” Discussion on EU Enlargement According to the Georgian Foreign Ministry, Botchorishvili also took part in a roundtable discussion on the EU enlargement, which “brought together European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, as well as the Foreign Ministers of European Union member states and candidate countries.” “The discussion focused on the ongoing enlargement process of the European Union, the challenges currently facing it and future steps,” the MFA reported. Meetings with OSCE Secretary General and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office During the MSC, Botchorishvili met with Ignazio Cassis, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation. According to the Georgian MFA, “particular attention during the meeting was devoted to the security environment in the region,” including highlighting the situation in Georgia’s occupied territories, “as well as Switzerland’s role as a mediator in Georgia-Russia relations.” The Foreign Ministry reported that Botchorishvili and Cassis also discussed the agenda of the current OSCE Chairpersonship, “with a focus on strengthening dialogue, peace and stability.” It also said that “the parties discussed ongoing developments in Georgia, as well as the country’s foreign and domestic policy priorities,” and that Botchorishvili invited Cassis to Georgia. #OSCE26CH | At @MunSecConf I met with Georgian FM @MakaB__. We discussed the role of the @OSCE as an inclusive platform for #dialogue, as well as its instruments to strenghten #trust and #security in the region. pic.twitter.com/QPKcGr9t86— Ignazio Cassis (@ignaziocassis) February 13, 2026 On February 14, Botchorishvili also met with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu on the MSC sidelines. According to the MFA press release, “particular attention was devoted to the situation in Georgia’s occupied regions,” with Botchorishvili underscoring the importance of the Geneva International Discussions format and highlighting the OSCE’s engagement in the peaceful resolution of the conflict. “The parties also reviewed the situation in the region, including prevailing security challenges and possible avenues for addressing them,” the Georgian Foreign Ministry reported. Other Meetings During the conference, Botchorishvili held meetings with foreign ministers of various countries. On February 14, Georgian MFA reported that the GD foreign minister met with Argentinian Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, with the parties discussing “current issues pertaining to bilateral and multilateral cooperation” and underscoring “the need to further intensify trade and economic partnership.” A similar meeting was held on February 13 with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, according to the MFA. “During the meeting, the parties reviewed issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The discussion focused on the deepening of relations between the countries and on the importance of conducting high-level visits,” the Georgian Foreign Ministry reported. More to follow… Also Read: * 16/01/2026 – Georgia Again Not Invited to World Economic Forum in Davos * 15/02/2025 – Salome Zurabishvili Attends Munich Security Conference 2025

GD Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili Takes Part in Munich Security Conference #Civil #Georgia

Dispatch – February 15: Aeschylus Aeschylus was the father of Greek tragedy, but he is said to have died in a rather funny way. Legend has it that, aware of a prophecy that he would meet his fate by a falling object, the tragedian avoided staying indoors. Even at night, he slept outside under the open sky. But he was bald, and when, one day, an eagle flew overhead carrying a tortoise, it mistook his bald head for a rock. The predator decided to smash the tortoise’s shell on the “rock” to enjoy the heavy meal more conveniently. Hit by the tortoise, Aeschylus died. The story may seem like another fatalistic lesson that there’s no escaping prophecy. But not everything must be written in the stars. It may be that if you protect yourself a little too much, lock yourself inside a shell like that tortoise, or, worse, stay outdoors like Aeschylus did and deny yourself the highest wisdom of staring at the ceiling, life may still hit you, and hit you precisely with that protective shell. --- Here is Nini and the Dispatch newsletter writing about the current Georgian obsession with oneness. --- Shortly before midnight on January 29, my neighborhood in Tbilisi was hit by a total blackout. Hardly a light disturbed the darkness as the silhouettes of apartment blocks, new and old, stood there, all in black. The only sign of life was the sound of dogs barking, made louder by this temporary death of the hum of civilization. It was perhaps in those magical moments that I must have developed a very useless talent: spotting American military planes by the sound of their engines. The neighborhood is among the places the planes cross after taking off from Tbilisi Airport, before choosing a destination. Planes here often take off at night — Georgians have long known and accepted that we are not important enough for international airlines to honor us in daylight. But that night, soon after the lights came back on, the roar was a bit too loud and too long. Even in the night sky, I noticed that the plane was indeed different. FlightRadar confirmed that it was that plane: the U.S. Air Force Lockheed Martin MC-130J Commando II, an American aircraft designed for infiltration, exfiltration, refueling, and clandestine operations. It is said to prefer night flights. The media had reported earlier that an “American plane” had landed in Tbilisi after arriving from Bucharest, where it had arrived from Ramstein U.S. Air Base, where it had arrived from a UK base. There was much thrill, but no context. All we knew was that there was some U.S. military buildup around Iran, and that Georgia’s ruling party declaredly dreaded any remote link with anyone else’s war. Now we were officially and proudly an avoidant country. What did the plane carry? Fuel? Weapons? Soldiers? A second front? A vice president who bypassed us on his Caucasus trip? A tortoise?  None of us knew, but it was the plane everyone was talking about, and I, of all people, was lucky to see it with my own eyes. Now, what was I supposed to do with that information? A strange day January 29 was a strange day for many reasons, and it had a strange start. Early in the morning, authorities announced plans to merge two of Georgia’s largest and historic higher education institutions: Tbilisi State University (TSU) and Georgian Technical University (GTU). Even for those well aware of the ruling party’s eccentricities, and even for those supportive of those eccentricities, the announcement came as a shock. Some attributed it to the government’s deliberate drive to destroy the education system. Others explained it with the stated wish to sell the campus buildings: the most absurd things become the most logical ones once you recall the country is run by businessmen. But maybe none of these explanations were true, and the merger was only the first, most physical act of how Georgia was adapting to a world gone mad. “For millennia, we’ve withstood similar ‘international orders,’ we went through numerous geopolitical cataclysms, and found our own way of survival,” the speaker of Georgia’s disputed parliament wrote in January as he pronounced an international order dead following the U.S. intervention in Venezuela. “It is precisely this knowledge that helped us retain our statehood while others disappeared,” he bragged. As more international crises followed, others in the ruling party team, too, kept citing “historical experience,” coming from our “wise kings and rulers,” of walking this “narrow bridge” safely every time the world order wasn’t world-ordering. What that survival wisdom actually meant, we would learn eventually. The trick was apparently for the country to merge itself into a single, homogeneous substance, a grey rock, not to stick out, not to provoke any predator’s attention. The loneliest number That’s how Georgian authorities must have developed a strange and obvious obsession with oneness. First came the higher education reforms that introduced the painful reorganization through “one city – one faculty” principle. Then followed general education reforms that reintroduced school uniforms and, similarly, proposed a “one-subject—one-textbook” model. Then the Georgian government suddenly discovered that despite all the economic boom, people could not afford basic groceries, and quickly concluded there were far too many supermarkets and pharmacies around, and began floating the idea of a “one neighborhood – one supermarket” model. One-party and one-man rule didn’t really need anyone’s introduction. We’ve lived in that pain for a while.  And just as the Georgian opposition kept failing at reaching the widely requested unity, even with so much at stake, the ruling party appeared to be taking the concept to new levels – to physical and even transcendental realms. They do have a point: in a world of dying orders and recklessly flying planes, anything that attracts the spotlight is dangerous. The universe itself, and the way God designed it, with all its Big Bangs and explosions, now seems a scary place. To spare ourselves the trouble, we have to contract ourselves back into a small and tight substance. Everything and everyone – from humans to buildings to supermarkets – must morph back into each other. A re-form. A Big Bounce. But one doesn’t go against the Creator’s will like that. Even the most obedient of humans can’t afford the discomfort of being pulled back from Big Bang inertia way too suddenly. Facing resistance even from the most supportive professors, the party had to scrap the plans to merge the two universities in February. But obsessions are hard to cure, and days later, Georgian officials still pushed alternative forms of dismantle-and-merge, this time focused on gutting the most defiant academic institutions first. Time will show how easily they’ll overcome the resistance. Falling objects Days after that first American plane took off from Tbilisi to an unknown destination, the word spread that another one had landed in the Georgian capital. On February 3, the press reported that a Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules had arrived the previous night from Ramstein Air Base. The next afternoon, on February 4, at around 1 p.m., I again heard a strange but now familiar engine sound, and again spotted a grey military plane, this time in daylight. FlightRadar again confirmed: it was the Super Hercules, a tactical airlifter meant for diverse military missions. It was windy. The plane quickly vanished into the sky, and that was that. Nothing happened, not that day, nor in the days that followed. Thanks to some wisdom of our rulers, Georgia was spared once again, unknown from what trouble. The country went on living peacefully within its own domestically invented crises. What we may never know, however, is what it is that actually keeps shielding Georgia from falling objects in these chaotic times. Is it that Georgia has finally turned into a single, unnoticeable, colorless substance, hidden from roaming threats? Or are we spared precisely because the country has so far resisted reaching that homogeneous stage, where we might be, like the bald head of Aeschylus, easily mistaken for some grey rock by predators seeking to fatally smash their prey?

Dispatch – February 15: Aeschylus #Civil #Georgia

Arrested Azerbaijani opposition leader goes on hunger strike Vugar Gadirli, a member of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, has declared a hunger strike in a detention center to protest his criminal prosecution. His family members say he is not receiving the medications he needs.

Arrested Azerbaijani opposition leader goes on hunger strike #cknot #Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan accused Russia of deliberately attacking its embassy in Kyiv. Ilham Aliyev stated that the attacks on Azerbaijan's diplomatic mission in Kyiv were deliberate. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that this is not true, and that the Ukrainian leadership bears responsibility for the damage to the embassy buildings.

Azerbaijan accused Russia of deliberately attacking its embassy in Kyiv. #cknot #Azerbaijan

The head of the PFPA youth committee has been arrested for 20 days. A Baku court has sentenced Emil Salim, head of the youth committee of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, to 20 days in jail. His associates have called the arrest politically motivated.

The head of the PFPA youth committee has been arrested for 20 days. #cknot #Azerbaijan

In New Clip, Kobakhidze Pledges to ‘Free’ Georgia From Illegal Migrants Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze raised migration issues in a four-minute video address on Facebook, reviewing several data points and praising the government’s policies while vowing a further crackdown to “free” the country from illegal migrants in “several years.” “Migration is one of the issues that particularly troubles Georgian society,” Kobakhidze said in a February 13 video. “Against the backdrop of ongoing developments in Europe, public concern and interest in this issue are not only justified but, on the contrary, welcome,” he added, asserting that every “patriotic Georgian’s” wish is to “firmly defend and preserve the country’s national and religious identity.” He then reviewed several core migration-related data points. Citing preliminary results of the general population census, Kobakhidze said Georgia’s population stands at 3,914,000, of which foreigners, including illegal migrants, account for a maximum of 257,000, or 6.6%. Citing border-crossing data, he said that of the 257,000 foreigners, about 70%, or 180,000, are from what he called “post-Soviet” countries, as well as the EU, the United States, and Israel. He noted that at least 40,000 of them are former Georgian citizens or have Georgian surnames. Kobakhidze then said that Turkish nationals make up 7.4% of foreigners in Georgia, while Iranian citizens account for 3.7%. He added that, contrary to what he called “widespread speculation,” their share of the total population is just 0.7%. “From countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, we practically have no migrants, which, unlike politicians preoccupied with speculation, should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the situation,” Kobakhidze added. He then spoke about foreign students in the country, saying there are 37,000 in total, the majority from India. Arguing that students’ fees for studying and living in Georgia add GEL 300,000 to the country’s budget and noting that they have created more than 10,000 jobs, Kobakhidze defended the programs, saying, “Cancelling foreign student programs would cause significant losses to Georgia’s economy, budget, and employment rate.” He then also argued that foreign students leave Georgia once they graduate, “therefore, they pose no risk whatsoever to the country’s demographic profile.” Saying the situation is not as “some politicians” portray it, Kobakhidze said nevertheless that “much still needs to be refined and improved with regard to migration.” He said the government is “strengthening” the Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which he said “expelled more illegal migrants over the past year than had been expelled over the previous ten years.” “Strengthening the department will enable us to fully free the country from illegal migrants within a few years, whose number currently exceeds 20,000,” he added. Kobakhidze then mentioned new legal restrictions he said will take effect on March 1, limiting foreigners’ labor activity in Georgia, changes he said “will enable us to adequately protect both the interests of the country’s economy and our citizens.” He also credited the Georgian Dream government for the 2017 constitutional amendments that prohibited transferring agricultural land to foreign nationals. “Protecting and preserving Georgia’s national and religious identity is one of our top national priorities,” Kobakhidze said, “And the Georgian government will do everything to achieve it.” The statement comes amid Georgian Dream’s tightened migration laws and increasingly hardline rhetoric on illegal migration. In December 2025, Kobakhidze said Georgia expelled 1,131 illegal migrants that year, while pledging to expel at least 3,500 more in 2026. Also Read: * 26/08/2025 – Georgia’s Preliminary Census Data Suggests Tenfold Jump in Permanent Foreign Residents in Decade * 02/07/2025 – Georgian Dream Grants Interior Ministry Authority to Inspect Foreigners’ Homes, Workplaces * 02/06/2025 – 31 Foreign Nationals Expelled from Georgia

In New Clip, Kobakhidze Pledges to ‘Free’ Georgia From Illegal Migrants #Civil #Georgia

Professors, Students Vow to Resist ‘Unconstitutional’ Plan to Gut Ilia State University Students, professors, and management at Tbilisi’s Ilia State University (IliaUni) have pledged to resist what they describe as an “unconstitutional” academic overhaul that would gut one of Georgia’s leading and most outspoken universities of many of its popular and highly-rated academic programs. On February 12, under the “one city, one faculty” initiative, the Georgian Dream authorities announced that Ilia State University would retain only pedagogy and select STEM programs while most social sciences, humanities, and other disciplines would be eliminated. Student admissions would drop from 3,770 in the 2025–2026 academic year to just 300 places, which is a drastic 92% reduction. The plan was unveiled days after GD had to backpedal on its intention to merge Tbilisi State University (TSU) with Georgian Technical University (GTU) after hitting resistance even among the otherwise supportive academic staff at GTU. While IliaUni – which has repeatedly expressed criticism over Georgian Dream’s policies – appears to be the hardest hit, experts warn that the announced “reorganization” may extend to other state universities, potentially triggering wider restructuring across Georgia’s higher education system. Founded in 2006 through the merger of six higher education institutions, Ilia State University currently enrolls approximately 17,000 students, including 700 international students. The university comprises three faculties (Arts and Sciences; Natural Sciences and Medicine; Business, Technology, and Education) and one School of Law. Under the new plan, most of these academic units would be dismantled, leaving only pedagogy and ABET-accredited STEM programs. According to data from the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement, by 2024 university operated one international doctoral school, 26 institutes, 50 research centers, and six laboratories. It employed 353 faculty members, 17 emeritus professors, 218 researchers, 869 invited lecturers, and 1,289 administrative and support staff. Changes Under Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s approved quotas for the state university programs, Ilia State University’s undergraduate intake will be capped at 300 students across the following programs: Bachelor’s Programs: * Earth Sciences – 30 places * Mathematics, Physics, Biology, History, Georgian Philology, English Studies, French Studies (each with integrated one-year teacher preparation) – 20 places each * Applied German Studies (with teacher preparation) – 10 places * Liberal Arts – 20 places * Computer Engineering –  20 places * Civil Engineering – 20 places * Civil Engineering (English language) – 15 places * Computer Engineering (International, English-language) – 20 places * Electrical and Electronic Engineering (English-language) – 15 places * Early Childhood Development and Education – 20 places Master’s programs are also significantly reduced, with five places allocated per field in areas including Earth Sciences, Medieval Studies, Applied Genetics, Applied Genetics (English-language), Addiction Studies, Religious Studies, Communication, Language and Speech Therapy, Central and Eastern European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (CEERES), Education Administration, Lexicography and Terminology, Atmospheric and Near Space Sciences, and German Studies. Management and Students Protest In a February 12 statement, the university’s highest collegial governing bodies condemned the changes as unconstitutional and damaging to academic freedom. “This decision is unconstitutional and undermines higher education in Georgia, university autonomy, and academic freedom. It destroys internationally recognized research areas and academic programs, as well as the country’s prospects for European development,” the statement read. The Board further argued that the decree “strips Ilia State University of the ability to implement educational and research programs across all fields of science, including social sciences and humanities, life sciences, and Physical sciences – in which Ilia State University is the undisputed national leader according to international rankings.” “This harmful decision affects not only more than 17,000 students and up to 3,000 employees of Ilia State University, but also the broader society, to whose development the university makes a significant contribution,” the statement noted. Calling for the decision to be revoked, the university said the reform is not based on “evidence or research data,” and “destroys Ilia State University’s achievements in research and teaching.” Students gathered at the university’s campus on the evening of February 12 to protest the changes. “We, the students gathered here, unanimously demand the withdrawal of the so-called reform, the preservation of university autonomy, and the right to full-fledged education,” a representative of the student movement told demonstrators. They called on academic staff for “disobedience and resistance,” and not to comply with the cancellation of programs. “Strength lies in student unity, fall to the regime, and freedom to the regime’s prisoners,” students declared. Education scholars Shalva Tabatadze and Ketevan Chachkhiani analyzed admission data at state universities, with Tabatadze noting that Ilia State University’s intake will fall from 3,770 students in 2025-2026 to 300, accounting for a 92% decrease. They also estimate that bachelor’s admissions at state universities overall have been reduced by approximately 3,000 places compared to the previous academic year. Experts expect other institutions to be affected. „Reorganization will take place everywhere, and it will be carried out by the Ministry of Education and Science rather than by the universities themselves,“ Tabatadze further wrote. The plan envisions designating Tbilisi State University as what the authorities describe as a “mother university.” Under the broader restructuring, TSU would offer programs in Exact and Natural Sciences, Humanities (excluding pedagogy), Law, Economics, and Business Administration, as well as Social and Political sciences. Georgian Technical University will be reduced to Engineering and technical disciplines. Iago Kachkachishvili, Head of the Department of Sociology and Social Work at TSU, raised concerns, saying that the number of places for sociology studies has been reduced by 88.5% compared to 2025–2026. “For the 2025-26 academic year, sociology teaching at the bachelor’s level was provided by three state universities – TSU, Ilia State University, and Sokhumi State University – with a total of 260 places. Now this program remains only at TSU and only with 30 places,” Kachkachishvili said on Facebook. “Sociology becomes marginalized in an authoritarian society,” Kachkachishvili wrote, arguing that the authorities view public opinion as “a barrier on the path to absolute consolidation of power” and that the reform amounts to “a systemic reduction of free and critical academic programs.” Also Read: * 04/02/2026 – Disputed Parliament Adopts Controversial Changes to Education Laws * 28/01/2026 – Opinion | Georgia’s University Reform Is Not a Neutral Initiative. It’s a Political Act

Professors, Students Vow to Resist ‘Unconstitutional’ Plan to Gut Ilia State University #Civil #Georgia

Estonian Ambassador Ends Mission in Georgia, Moves to Armenia Estonian Ambassador Marge Mardisalu-Kahar will end her mission in Georgia on March 10 and move to Yerevan as ambassador to Armenia, while chargé d’affaires Gita Kalmet will lead the embassy in Tbilisi until a new ambassador is appointed. The Estonian Foreign Ministry notified Kalmet of the changes on February 11. Appointed Estonia’s ambassador to Georgia in 2024, Mardisalu-Kahar was accredited to both Georgia and Armenia but resided in Tbilisi. With Estonia set to open its embassy in Yerevan in March, she will become the first Estonian ambassador to live there. In its coverage, Estonia’s public broadcaster emphasized that the changes come amid “cooling relations between Estonia and the Georgian government, while contacts with Armenia are intensifying.” The official website of the Estonian Foreign Ministry states on Georgia, “Estonia has long contributed to Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, but due to the systematic drift of the Georgian authorities away from democracy, including the shortcomings in fulfilling the conditions set for EU candidate status, supporting Georgian institutions is no longer a foreign policy priority for Estonia.” It adds that “Estonia contributes to the development of civil society and free media” and “consistently supports the territorial integrity of Georgia. An Estonian expert is working in the EU monitoring mission in Georgia.” Relations between Georgia and Estonia, along with other Baltic states, have sharply deteriorated over the past several years amid Georgian Dream’s anti-democratic course and crackdown on dissent. Bilateral relations have been marked by repeated verbal attacks and accusations by Georgian Dream authorities against Estonian diplomats and officials, as well as Estonia’s sanctions in response to the government’s crackdown on protests. Also Read: * 10/03/2025 – Interview | Margus Tsahkna: Dignity, Values and Future of Democracy Are at Stake * 15/04/2025 – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania Expand Sanctions on Georgian Officials * 23/01/2025 – Estonian Parliament Adopts Statement in Support of Georgian People * 02/12/2024 – Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia Sanction Ivanishvili, MIA Official

Estonian Ambassador Ends Mission in Georgia, Moves to Armenia #Civil #Georgia

Russia Considers Restoring Rail Links with Georgia via Abkhazia Russia is considering restoring rail links with Georgia via the territory of occupied Abkhazia, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk told reporters, as quoted by TASS. “Work is underway to unblock all disrupted routes in the Caucasus, including the possibility of restoring rail service between the Russian Federation and Georgia through Abkhazia,” Overchuk said. He added that restoring the route is important for addressing the “major task” of “strengthening transport and logistics in the Caucasus,” which is “critically important for the peace, stability and economic prosperity of the peoples of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Turkey and Russia.” “We expect constructive cooperation from all regional states in addressing this important shared task,” Overchuk said. Georgian authorities have not commented on the statement. Tbilisi has consistently opposed the resumption of rail service until the country’s territorial integrity is restored. The statement follows reports that a new transit hub near the Enguri bridge, which links Abkhazia with the rest of Georgia, is nearing completion. Astamur Akhsalba, identified in local media as director of a “Transit and Logistics Company” and head of the Abkhaz branch of the “Assembly of the Peoples of the World,” said the project, based on a 2010–2011 customs deal with Moscow, could serve Iran, India, and Azerbaijan and is about 80% complete. Tbilisi has distanced itself from the reports. Also Read: * 03/05/2025 – Russia Launches Direct Flights to Occupied Abkhazia * 17/01/2013 – Saakashvili Against Reopening Railway via Abkhazia

Russia Considers Restoring Rail Links with Georgia via Abkhazia #Civil #Georgia

Croatian President Zoran Milanović Visits Georgia Croatian President Zoran Milanović visited Georgia on February 11-13. He met with Georgian Dream leaders, including GD-elected President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili. It was the first visit by a Croatian president to Georgia. President Milanović was accompanied by a delegation that included Head of the Office of the President Bartol Šimunić; defense adviser Neven Pelicarić; special economic adviser Velibor Mačkić; Croatia’s ambassador to Georgia, Branko Zebič; and representatives of the presidential administration. Meeting, Press Conference With Mikheil Kavelashvili On February 12, Mikheil Kavelashvili hosted Zoran Milanović at the Orbeliani Presidential Palace, where they held a one-on-one meeting to discuss “key issues on the bilateral agenda” as well as “prospects for deeper cooperation and global developments,” according to a press release. The statement said the leaders highlighted “existing bonds of friendship, cultural ties and shared values” as a “foundation for the further development of bilateral relations.” Kavelashvili underscored that Georgia “highly values Croatia’s steadfast support” for its sovereignty and territorial integrity and “highlighted Georgia’s firm support for Croatia’s territorial integrity.” According to the press release, the presidents also discussed economic ties and sector-specific cooperation. Following their meeting, the two leaders held a joint press conference, speaking in their native languages. Mikheil Kavelashvili said the first presidential-level visit will provide “additional impetus” for the “further deepening of bilateral ties” between the two countries, outlining the issues discussed during the talks. He then addressed the current relations between Georgia and the European Union, saying they are “facing a number of challenges.” “Nevertheless, we remain confident that through constructive and active dialogue it is possible to overcome the existing differences between Georgia and the European Union and to normalize relations,” he said. “It is also important to emphasize that the European Union’s enlargement policy should not serve as an instrument of manipulation through which certain actors within the European bureaucracy might seek to advance their own geopolitical interests,” he added, noting that Georgia has demonstrated over the past several years “exemplary resilience and principled commitment in safeguarding its sovereignty, national interests, and peace.” “Fortunately, within the EU, there are states that do not turn a blind eye to unjust approaches, that recognize and objectively assess Georgia’s progress, and that choose dialogue and diplomacy over the aggressive rhetoric of certain EU bureaucrats,” Kavelashvili said. “It is only through such an approach that genuine European values can be preserved,” he added, thanking his Croatian counterpart “for his commitment to these values” and expressing hope that “the number of such countries and political leaders will increase.” In his remarks, translated from Croatian to Georgian, President Milanović said his visit served as a “gesture of solidarity” amid the absence of high-level EU visits to Georgia, for which he apologized. He also criticized EU policy toward Georgia while praising the country’s achievements “in all parameters.” “In his remarks, Zoran Milanović stated that he does not grant European bureaucracy the authority to speak on his behalf,” the official press release said. “In response, Mikheil Kavelashvili underscored that he is the President of a dignified nation – Croatia – and that he speaks the truth,” the press release added. At the end of the briefing, Kavelashvili praised Milanović for his speech, saying, “It is precisely such candid discourse that we expect from the European bureaucracy and from representatives of those countries that apply double standards and adopt a different approach toward our country. This is the attitude of a truly dignified leader.” Meeting with PM Irakli Kobakhidze On the same day, President Milanović met with Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. They reviewed the “close partnership” between Georgia and Croatia and the “prospects for future cooperation,” according to a government press release. The two also discussed trade relations and sectoral cooperation, including tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Meeting with Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili On February 12, President Milanović also met with Georgia’s disputed Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili and several members of parliament. During the meeting, Milanović “stated that he finds the EU’s current attitude toward Georgia surprising and that his aim is to personally discuss the existing situation with the Georgian authorities,” the press release said. “According to him, Croatia firmly stands by Georgia.” “Shalva Papuashvili briefed the President of Croatia on recent developments in Georgia and on Georgia–EU relations,” the press release said, adding that Milanović  “positively assessed Georgia’s policy aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty and national interests.” Also Read: * 24/07/2023 – Georgian Prime Minister Visits Croatia * 09/02/2023 – Croatian Foreign Minister Visits Georgia

Croatian President Zoran Milanović Visits Georgia #Civil #Georgia

GD Defense Minister Attends 33rd Ramstein Group Meeting in Brussels Georgian Dream Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani attended the 33rd Ramstein format meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels. The gathering brought together defense ministries and senior officials from NATO member and partner countries to discuss the war situation in Ukraine and possible military aid. The Ramstein format, formally known as the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, was established under the U.S. initiative in April 2022 and serves as a key platform for coordinating international defense support to Ukraine against Russia. Since February 2025, the meetings have been co-coordinated by Germany and the United Kingdom. UK Secretary of State for Defense John Healey and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius co-chaired the meeting, according to the Georgia’s Defense Ministry press release. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov also addressed participants. During a subsequent briefing, Mykhailo Fedorov announced that partner countries committed about USD 38 billion in new military assistance. The funding, he noted, will support air-defense systems, drones, the development of drone-assault units, deep-strike capabilities, and interceptor drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said separately that the United Kingdom would provide “the new and timely air defense package worth over £500 million.” “I am also grateful that the UK has joined the PURL program with a substantial contribution of £150 million, which will allow us to purchase additional American-made weapons, primarily air defenses,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. Also Read: * 16/10/2025 – GD Defense Minister Participates in 31st Ramstein Group Meeting in Brussels * 10/09/2025 – GD Deputy Defense Minister Participates in 30th Ramstein Group Online Meeting * 22/07/2025 – GD Deputy Defense Minister Participates in 29th Ramstein Group Online Meeting * 05/06/2025 – GD Deputy Defense Minister Attends 28th Ramstein Group Meeting

GD Defense Minister Attends 33rd Ramstein Group Meeting in Brussels #Civil #Georgia

EU Ambassador, GD Deputy Foreign Minister Discuss Grants Law, Sanctions European Union Ambassador to Georgia Pawel Herczyński met with Georgian Dream’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Giorgi Zurabashvili on February 12 to discuss the EU’s concerns over the latest amendments to Georgia’s Law on Grants, which were passed in the first reading. The meeting also touched upon the bloc’s upcoming 20th sanctions package against Russia, which may include Kulevi port in Georgia. According to the EU Delegation to Georgia, the purpose of the meeting was “to convey the European Union’s serious concerns regarding the recently tabled package of amendments to the Law on Grants and related legislative acts. As adopted in first reading, the proposed amendments would represent another significant threat to civic space and political participation in Georgia.” The disputed parliament passed the amendments to the Law on Grants in the first reading on February 3, which broadens the definition of “grant”, requiring government approval, and if enacted, will impose criminal liability and jail terms for violations. Ambassador Herczyński underlined that “such measures are incompatible with Georgia’s commitments under the EU–Georgia Association Agreement and run counter to the commitments sovereignly taken by Georgia as a candidate country for EU membership.” He also warned that if adopted, “the amendments could directly and adversely affect the work of diplomatic missions operating in Georgia, in contradiction with the provisions and principles of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.” “The Georgian side also raised the issue of EU sanctions,” the press release said, adding that Ambassador Herczyński informed the Georgian side that the European Commission’s proposed 20th package of sanctions against Russia is currently under discussion among EU Member States. “Both sides agreed to remain in contact on upcoming developments,” the statement concluded. The meeting comes amid media reports suggesting that the Kulevi port on Georgia’s Black Sea coast may be included in the European Union’s upcoming 20th sanctions package against Russia. The Kulevi port has recently come under scrutiny over a possible role in facilitating Russian oil exports. Foreign Ministry’s Statement Shortly after the EU delegation’s statement, Georgia’s Foreign Ministry also reported on the meeting. According to the Ministry’s statement, the talks presented “Georgia’s position regarding the country’s efforts to uphold the restrictive measures imposed by the European Union against Russia and to prevent and combat cases of sanctions circumvention.” Deputy Minister Zurabashvili provided the Ambassador with “comprehensive information” on steps taken by the Georgian Dream government and state agencies, according to the MFA. These include “monitoring the movement of cargo and vessels in Georgian territory, identifying sanctioned entities, exposing international activities related to the so-called ‘shadow fleet,’ and implementing restrictive measures imposed by international financial institutions,” the statement said. The MFA said that Zurabashvili also addressed the possible inclusion of the Kulevi port in the EU sanction list, describing it as “completely incomprehensible” and “unfounded,” lacking any “factual basis.” He reportedly stated that “no case of receiving sanctioned vessels and/or sanctions circumvention has been recorded at Kulevi port.” According to the statement, the deputy minister added that no questions have been received from EU institutions regarding the functioning of Kulevi port and, in this context, underlined “the good cooperation practices between Georgia and the EU on restrictive measures, which is evidenced by positive assessments from the EU Sanctions Envoy, David O’Sullivan.” The Georgian side expressed hope that EU institutions and member state will take into account “the large-scale actions” taken by Georgia to prevent and combat cases of sanctions circumvention, and will not “harm the strategic Caspian – Black Sea – Europe corridor and the EU’s ‘Middle Corridor’ initiative through the imposition of any type of restrictions, of which Kulevi port is an integral part,” the MFA said. Also Read: * 28/01/2026 – GD Announces New Restrictions on Receiving Grants, Party Membership, ‘External Lobbying’ * 19/12/2025 – UK Calls on Georgia to Curb Russian Oil Imports Amid Wider Sanctions

EU Ambassador, GD Deputy Foreign Minister Discuss Grants Law, Sanctions #Civil #Georgia

Tbilisi TV Tower Lit for Iran’s Revolution as Deputy FM Attends Commemoration Event Georgian Dream’s deputy foreign minister attended an event marking the 47th anniversary of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, while Tbilisi’s TV tower was illuminated in the colors of the Iranian flag on the night of February 11 to commemorate the anniversary, a move criticized by Israel. The developments come as many in Georgia have voiced support for Iranian protesters following recent deadly crackdowns in Iran. According to the Embassy of Iran in Georgia, the February 11 event in Tbilisi commemorating the Islamic Revolution was attended by Georgian Dream Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia, who recently visited Washington on a working trip. The embassy noted “up to 500” guests attended, including “ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions from various countries, military attachés, prominent figures from the fields of culture, economy, and media, and members of Georgia’s Iranian community.” “At the event, after the national anthems of both countries were played, a video was shown highlighting the achievements of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, as well as opportunities and potential in various fields,” the embassy said, adding that Ambassador Seyed Ali Mojani then spoke about the “successes” Iran’s Islamic Republic has achieved in various sectors over the past 47 years. “He emphasized Iran’s determination to strengthen its position regionally and internationally,” the embassy said, adding, “He also noted the special role the Islamic Republic assigns to diplomacy and negotiations in addressing challenges, and stressed that Iran is fully ready to confront any threats from its adversaries.” The embassy further said Lasha Darsalia “congratulated the people and government of Iran on the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution” and noted that “Iran was one of the first countries to officially recognize Georgia’s independence.” “Darsalia emphasized that the Georgian government is ready to continue cooperating with Iran to advance a positive regional agenda,” the embassy added. The embassy statement did not mention it, but the media reported that Anzor Chubinidze, head of Georgia’s Special State Protection Service, also attended the event. Meanwhile, Tbilisi’s TV tower on Mtsatsminda was illuminated in the colors of the Iranian flag. Tbilisi City Hall told Publika that the decision followed a request from the Iranian Embassy to mark “Iran’s national holiday.” Ambassador Seyed Ali Mojani, posting a video of the illuminated tower on Facebook, described the move as “a clear symbol that the respect for today’s Iran is recognized officially and internationally, not in the false reports of certain news networks.” The Embassy of Israel reacted to the illumination of the TV tower in a Facebook statement on February 12, writing, “While Iran’s murderous, terror-supporting regime slaughters thousands in the streets of its cities, suppresses its own citizens, and is actively engaged in terror in the region and worldwide, in Tbilisi they choose to celebrate the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran with that very regime by lighting the Mtatsminda TV tower in the colors of its flag.” “What message is Tbilisi sending to the region, the world, and to the citizens of Iran who have long been striving for freedom and democracy?” the Israeli embassy added. Georgian Dream officials have largely remained silent on the January unrest in Iran. Disputed Parliament Vice Speaker Gia Volski said on January 19, “It is not in our interest for Iran to be upended because that would trigger a chain of destabilization stretching as far as the Persian Gulf…There are huge issues that could set off a chain of events in which Georgia could find itself involved against its will.” Volski added that the ruling party was “being pressed” by the opposition to make stronger statements, which he said could harm Georgia. Iranians living in Georgia and some Georgians held several nightly protests outside the Iranian Embassy in Tbilisi amid unrest in Iran to show support for demonstrators and denounce Tehran’s deadly crackdown. Also Read: * 02/07/2025 – GD Deputy Foreign Minister Attends Memorial Event at Iranian Embassy * 30/07/2024 – PM Kobakhidze Meets President Pezeshkian During Visit to Iran to Attend President’s Inauguration

Tbilisi TV Tower Lit for Iran’s Revolution as Deputy FM Attends Commemoration Event #Civil #Georgia

Karimli and Mehdiyev are accused of attempting a coup in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan's State Security Service announced the uncovering of a plot against the country's authorities involving former high-ranking officials and members of the Azerbaijani opposition. Among those named in the case are former head of the presidential administration Ramiz Mehdiyev and Popular Front Party leader Ali Karimli.

Karimli and Mehdiyev are accused of attempting a coup in Azerbaijan. #cknot #Azerbaijan

Georgian Dream Reshuffles University Disciplines Under ‘One City, One Faculty’ Plan Georgian Dream announced a major reshuffle of public university programs under its “one city, one faculty” plan, allocating some disciplines to specific universities while effectively eliminating others at key institutions. Under the plan, Tbilisi State University is set to serve as what Georgian Dream described as the “mother university,” offering most disciplines, while Ilia State University, one of the country’s major institutions with a government-critical rector and academic staff, will retain only pedagogy and STEM disciplines. Speaking at a February 12 briefing, Georgian Dream Education Minister Givi Mikanadze said that the move, which is part of a widely disputed university reform, aims to align higher education with labor market needs. “Today, student quotas for Georgia’s higher education institutions were approved, based for the first time since independence on labor market analysis,” he said, arguing that student enrollment has not often matched labor market needs, leaving graduates with limited opportunities. “As a result of labor market research, we already know how many students it is advisable to enroll in universities for specific specialties,” he said, adding, “Accordingly, this year, student enrollment will be largely based on labor market demands.” Below are the key public universities and the disciplines they will offer under Georgian Dream’s changes: * Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University: Exact and natural sciences; humanities (except pedagogy); law; economics and business administration; social and political sciences. * Georgian Technical University: Engineering and technical disciplines. * Tbilisi State Medical University: Medical sciences. * Ilia State University: Pedagogy programs and ABET-accredited STEM disciplines. * Sokhumi State University: Agrarian specialties; Georgian-Abkhaz language and literature; engineering and pedagogy specialties. Mikanadze further said that arts and sports universities will accept students in “relevant disciplines,” universities in Batumi and Kutaisi will retain a “multifunctional” focus, while institutions in Zugdidi, Gori, Akhaltsikhe, and Telavi will emphasize “agrarian studies, tourism, and pedagogy.” According to Mikanadze, the reallocation “largely reflects each university’s traditional profile,” making Tbilisi State University the “mother university.” “As a result of the changes, Tbilisi State University will regain its status as the ‘mother university,’” Mikanadze said, adding that while TSU “will not be the only public university in Georgia,” it will regain its “original mission as the leading, multi-disciplinary university in the capital,” a role he said was “partly lost after developments in the 1990s and stripped entirely during 2004–2012 under the targeted policies of the then-government.” The new allocation, however, also means major public institutions, including Georgian Technical University and Ilia State University, will lose a number of disciplines and faculties they currently offer. “The decision effectively dismantles Ilia State University,” Giorgi Gvalia, deputy rector of Ilia State University, wrote on Facebook. The move comes days after Georgian Dream scrapped the merger of Georgian Technical University with Tbilisi State University, a plan opposed by students and professors at both institutions. Also Read: * 04/02/2026 – Disputed Parliament Adopts Controversial Changes to Education Laws * 28/01/2026 – Opinion | Georgia’s University Reform Is Not a Neutral Initiative. It’s a Political Act

Georgian Dream Reshuffles University Disciplines Under ‘One City, One Faculty’ Plan #Civil #Georgia

OSCE Moscow Mechanism Expert Mission on Georgia Begins Work The OSCE Moscow Mechanism expert mission on Georgia began work on February 11, two weeks after 24 countries invoked it over Georgia’s “deteriorating human rights situation.” The organization provided an email address in a post on X for the submission of “any relevant information” until February 24. According to the OSCE, the mission will “document recent developments in Georgia in respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms; assess the impact of these developments including for Georgian civil society, freedom of the media, the rule of law and independence of the judiciary, political pluralism and other structural components of a democratic society which underpin the OSCE’s comprehensive definition of security; and provide recommendations on how to address matters of concern.” The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), a local human rights watchdog, said it submitted seven thematic reports to the expert mission, documenting a broad pattern of rights violations and democratic backsliding in Georgia since spring 2024. The organization said that the submitted information covers “the violent crackdown on the spring 2024 protests, cases of ill-treatment and arbitrary detention, as well as the systematic practice of torture and ill-treatment, the culture of impunity, and ineffective investigations documented since November 2024.” It added that the communication “also draws attention to the disproportionate and dangerous practice of mixing chemicals in water cannons and the need for an objective investigation into this.” Georgian Dream officials dismissed concerns about the deterioration of the human rights situation in the country. GD parliamentary majority leader Irakli Kirtskhalia said that foreign institutions and organizations meant to promote cooperation have in recent years been used “to punish undesirable political opponents.” He claimed that human rights in Georgia are today “better protected” than in most of the countries that invoked the mechanism. It is the first time the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism has been invoked on Georgia. Since its establishment in 1991, before being invoked on Georgia, the Moscow Mechanism had been used sixteen times, with the last ten directed at human rights concerns in Belarus and Russia, as well as abuses against prisoners of war in the context of Russian aggression on Ukraine. The invocation of the Moscow Mechanism on Georgia followed an earlier use of the Vienna Mechanism, another OSCE “Human Dimension” tool for monitoring member states’ human rights and democracy commitments. In December 2024, 38 countries applied the Vienna Mechanism to Georgia, asking the government to respond to several human rights concerns amid ongoing pro-EU protests. “Even after Georgia’s response, these concerns only increased,” the OSCE noted in a recent statement. Also Read: * 25/07/2025 – Georgia Backs Invoking Moscow Mechanism Over Russia’s Abuse of Prisoners of War

OSCE Moscow Mechanism Expert Mission on Georgia Begins Work #Civil #Georgia

Dzambolat Tadtaev Named Head of De Facto Government in Occupied Tskhinvali Occupied Tskhinvali/South Ossetia’s de facto leader, Alan Gagloev, signed a decree on February 11 appointing Dzambolat Tadtaev as de facto government chairman after the region’s so-called parliament approved his nomination. Tadtaev, 35, a native of Tskhinvali, received his higher education in Russia’s Stavropol region. Since 2013, he has held various posts within the region’s de facto government. In October 2023, he was appointed deputy chairman of the de facto government and finance minister. In January 2026, Alan Gagloev dismissed the de facto government, removing de facto Prime Minister Konstantin Jussoev from office – citing his resignation letter – and appointed Tadtaev as acting prime minister. On February 3, Gagloev submitted Tadtaev’s candidacy to the so-called parliament for the post of government chairman. De facto lawmakers approved the nomination on February 11, and Gagloev signed the appointment decree later that day. Also Read: * 20/07/2022 – Tskhinvali Leader Makes Key Appointments * 20/05/2022 – New Tskhinvali Leader to Take Office on May 24

Dzambolat Tadtaev Named Head of De Facto Government in Occupied Tskhinvali #Civil #Georgia