The Messenger - Georgia's English Language Daily

Two quit United Opposition bloc, citing internal ‘dictatorship’

Gia Tsagareishvili (left) and Gia Tortladze left the opposition coalition and may join parliament

The eight-party United Opposition coalition continued a slow disintegration yesterday as two leading members said they would leave the bloc. (more)

Little progress after diplomatic push over Abkhazia

United States envoy to the region Matthew Bryza

Moscow yesterday welcomed the “new approach” of foreign officials who visited Abkhazia in a Western diplomatic push to cool tensions over the breakaway region, but gave no signal compromise with Tbilisi was at hand. (more)

Majority offers posts, power to entice opposition into parliament

The ruling party is offering posts, perks and sway for opposition MPs in the new parliament in an effort to entice them into ending a shaky boycott of the legislature. (more)

Women prisoners on hunger strike in Tbilisi jail

About 100 female inmates in a Tbilisi prison are on hunger strike over poor conditions, the Georgian prison department confirmed yesterday. (more)

The News in Brief

MPs hit back at Moscow mayor. (more)

Russia’s intractability

The St Petersburg meeting between Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev and President Saakashvili was never expected to provide breakthroughs—it was a first meeting for two men at the top of countries very much at odds. (more)

Economist: Russia’s economic growth set to slow

Russia’s economic growth looks set to slow over the next decade, Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O’Neill said over the weekend. (more)

EU repeats call for Armenia to close power station

The EU repeated an offer last week to provide financial support to the Armenian government in shutting down the Metsamor nuclear reactor. (more)

Press Scanner

“Tsagareishvili may leave politics”