Press Scanner

Patriarch appeals to diplomatic corps for assistance with elections

Interpressnews reports that Georgian Orthodox Patriarch Ilia II has appealed to the diplomatic corps for assistance during the upcoming election period.

"I would be glad if you visit frequently, we [are] having a difficult period. Parliamentary elections are forthcoming and I appeal to you for assistance," he said at a meeting with representatives of foreign missions.

The Patriarch met with the American Ambassador John Bass and his diplomat wife Holly Holzer Bass, Ambassadors of the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, Israel, Lithuania, Japan, and Greece, as well as representatives of the UN and the EU, at an event celebrating the 95th anniversary of the Georgian church’s independence on March 23.



Georgian market lacks standards for baby food

Rezonasi reports that the Georgian market may not be protected from harmful baby food, as imported products may not conform to safety standards.

There is a lack of information about ingredients and proper amounts of sugar or salt, unless a diligent parent is willing to investigate a company. Georgian consumer bodies are equally uninformed. No control mechanism operates in this field in Georgia, unlike the special bodies for monitoring children's products found in European countries.



Ivanishvili's lawyer warns government in citizenship row

Akhali Taoba recently published an interview with Eka Beselia, Bidzina Ivanishvili's lawyer.

Beselia noted that the Georgian Dream opposition coalition suspects that President Mikheil Saakashvili will not restore their leader's citizenship. However, for the President to refuse Ivanishvili's request "will be very difficult, especially after [National Democratic Institute] research [showing] 70% of Georgian citizens support the granting of citizenship to Ivanishvili. If Saakashvili rejects the process, he will oppose the Constitution, the law, and the will of Georgians,” Beselia said, asserting that this will open a confrontation with the Georgian public that would not benefit either Saakashvili or his government.

Beselia also mentioned Georgian Dream's "Plan B", which will be put into action if Ivanishvili's citizenship is not restored before the elections. The plan is suspected to involve the use of Ivanishvili's wife, Ekaterine Khvedelidze, as a figurehead leader. Beselia maintained that whatever happens, "the course of the coalition will not be changed and the real leader of the coalition will be Bidzina Ivanishvili”.