The News in Brief
Thursday, March 17
More tangible support must be given not only to Ukraine, but also to Moldova and Georgia - Linas Linkevicius
“More tangible support must be given to the Eastern partners, not only Ukraine, but also Moldova and Georgia,” Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevicius told EurActiv.com in an exclusive interview.
According to him, a discussion on Russia was held at the Foreign Affairs Council.
“For a third year in a row, we [Lithuania] are organising the Russian Forum, a very successful event I believe, speaking in Russian. We invited the Russian opposition, politologists, journalists and other creative people to discuss the future of Russia, the future of Russia together with Europe, as well as how we should communicate our messages to Moscow. That was very useful,” said Linkevicius.
He also talked about Ukraine’s visa liberalisation and noted that “it’s not a gesture. It should be done according to the progress they have made. They passed four very important laws. They are very well on track, and visa liberalisation should happen. I personally think this must be done". (IPN)
Construction of multifunctional hotel
The construction of multifunctional residential complex and hotel (Porta Batumi Tower) is approaching completion in Batumi. The construction process was visited by the Prime Minister on March 16.
This is one of the most avant-garde projects and the highest residential complex and hotel in Georgia, in which 70 million dollars have been invested. The design of the Porta Tower is in line with world-class standards and it was constructed in compliance with the highest criteria. Construction is scheduled to be completed in the summer of this year.
The Porta Tower is equipped with various studio type and two-three bedroom apartments as well as 12 penthouses with a view of the sea and mountains.
A two-storey underground car park is available to the residents, while 12 spaces for shops are located on the ground floor. A 100-suite-hotel with a terrace restaurant and fitness spa center will be accommodated in the complex. Establishing a cafe and office spaces is also envisaged by the project. (Government.gov.ge)
NPM Continues to Monitor Joint Return Operation of Migrants
The Department of Prevention and Monitoring of the Public Defender's Office carried out monitoring of a joint return operation of migrants for the third time on March 10, 2016. Representatives of the Department of Prevention and Monitoring went from Tbilisi International Airport to the airports of the German city of Dusseldorf and the Greek capital of Athens, where they attended the deportation of 44 Georgian citizens from various countries of Europe.
The deported people were handed over to the escort of the Ministry of Internal Affairs by border police officers of Germany, Spain, Belgium, Greece and Hungary on board. The deportation was coordinated by the European organization FRONTEX.
The process of checking and travelling was monitored non-stop. The trip was calm; during the return operation no violation of human rights of the deported persons was reported. (Ombudsman.ge)
Georgian, Azerbaijani and Turkish young people against terrorism
Georgian, Azeri and Turkish students marched from Ilia University to the Turkish Embassy in order to express their solidarity with the Turkish people.
The protesters condemned terrorism and expressed their support and solidarity with the families of the victims of the tragedy in Ankara.
They have transmitted a letter of condolences to Turkish Embassy representatives. (Rustavi 2)
“More tangible support must be given to the Eastern partners, not only Ukraine, but also Moldova and Georgia,” Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevicius told EurActiv.com in an exclusive interview.
According to him, a discussion on Russia was held at the Foreign Affairs Council.
“For a third year in a row, we [Lithuania] are organising the Russian Forum, a very successful event I believe, speaking in Russian. We invited the Russian opposition, politologists, journalists and other creative people to discuss the future of Russia, the future of Russia together with Europe, as well as how we should communicate our messages to Moscow. That was very useful,” said Linkevicius.
He also talked about Ukraine’s visa liberalisation and noted that “it’s not a gesture. It should be done according to the progress they have made. They passed four very important laws. They are very well on track, and visa liberalisation should happen. I personally think this must be done". (IPN)
Construction of multifunctional hotel
The construction of multifunctional residential complex and hotel (Porta Batumi Tower) is approaching completion in Batumi. The construction process was visited by the Prime Minister on March 16.
This is one of the most avant-garde projects and the highest residential complex and hotel in Georgia, in which 70 million dollars have been invested. The design of the Porta Tower is in line with world-class standards and it was constructed in compliance with the highest criteria. Construction is scheduled to be completed in the summer of this year.
The Porta Tower is equipped with various studio type and two-three bedroom apartments as well as 12 penthouses with a view of the sea and mountains.
A two-storey underground car park is available to the residents, while 12 spaces for shops are located on the ground floor. A 100-suite-hotel with a terrace restaurant and fitness spa center will be accommodated in the complex. Establishing a cafe and office spaces is also envisaged by the project. (Government.gov.ge)
NPM Continues to Monitor Joint Return Operation of Migrants
The Department of Prevention and Monitoring of the Public Defender's Office carried out monitoring of a joint return operation of migrants for the third time on March 10, 2016. Representatives of the Department of Prevention and Monitoring went from Tbilisi International Airport to the airports of the German city of Dusseldorf and the Greek capital of Athens, where they attended the deportation of 44 Georgian citizens from various countries of Europe.
The deported people were handed over to the escort of the Ministry of Internal Affairs by border police officers of Germany, Spain, Belgium, Greece and Hungary on board. The deportation was coordinated by the European organization FRONTEX.
The process of checking and travelling was monitored non-stop. The trip was calm; during the return operation no violation of human rights of the deported persons was reported. (Ombudsman.ge)
Georgian, Azerbaijani and Turkish young people against terrorism
Georgian, Azeri and Turkish students marched from Ilia University to the Turkish Embassy in order to express their solidarity with the Turkish people.
The protesters condemned terrorism and expressed their support and solidarity with the families of the victims of the tragedy in Ankara.
They have transmitted a letter of condolences to Turkish Embassy representatives. (Rustavi 2)