DOCSLIB.ORG

Georgia's Position Worsens in EIU's Democratic Index Report by THEA MORRISON

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Georgia's Position Worsens in EIU's Democratic Index Report by THEA MORRISON Issue no: 1115 • JANUARY 11 - 14, 2019 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50 In this week’s issue... Georgia’s Khachapuri Listed among Top 100 Dishes NEWS PAGE 2 Future of Russia’s “Breakaway Empire” POLITICS PAGE 4 TBC Denies Slander POLITICS PAGE 6 FOCUS Sales of HUAWEI ON H1N1 Smartphones Exceed 200 A look at the toll so mln Units in 2018 far and preventative measures you can take PAGE 2 Georgia's Position Worsens in EIU's Democratic Index Report BY THEA MORRISON he Economist Intelligence Unit (the BUSINESS PAGE 9 EIU), which is the research and analysis division of The Economist Group, the sister company to The City Full of Love, or... Economist newspaper, released its T2018 Democratic Index Report, where Georgia’s position has dropped by 5.50 points compared to 2017. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index provides a snapshot of the state of democ- racy worldwide for 165 independent states and two territories. This covers almost the entire population of the world and the vast majority of the world’s states. The Democracy Index is based on fi ve catego- ries: electoral process and pluralism; civil liber- ties; the functioning of government; political participation and political culture. Based on its scores on a range of indicators within these cat- egories, each country is then itself classifi ed as one of four types of regime: “full democracy”, “flawed democracy”, “hybrid regime” and “authoritarian regime”. Continued on page 2 Image source: Economist Intelligence Unit CULTURE PAGE 11 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS JANUARY 11 - 14, 2019 Georgia's Position Worsens in Ajara Visited by an Unprecedented EIU's Democratic Index Report Continued from page 1 over the opposition,” the report stressed. Number of Visitors in 2018 The index added that in comparison to The report reads that Georgia’s fall, Georgia, Armenia saw the most improve- 5.50 down from 5.93 in 2017, was the ment among all “hybrid regime” countries steepest in the entire region. The coun- in Eastern Europe in 2018, raising its score try is in the category of “hybrid regime.” to 4.79, from 4.11 in 2017. This led to a The index underlines that Georgia’s jump in its ranking from 111 to 103. billionaire former Prime Minister, Bidzina This is the 11th edition of the Democ- Ivanishvili, returned to politics in May, racy Index, which began in 2006. It resumed leadership of the ruling party, records how global democracy fared in Georgian Dream (GD), and despite not 2018. holding an elected offi ce, “redirected The report says that for the fi rst time government policy. “ in three years, the global score for democ- “The Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikash- racy remained stable. According to it, a vili, resigned in June, citing his disagree- total of 42 countries experienced a decline ments with Mr. Ivanishvili, rather than in their total score compared with 2017; widespread popular discontent with the 48 registered an increase in total score. government, as the key factor in his deci- But as a percentage of the world’s popu- sion. Under Mr Ivanishvili’s infl uence, lation, fewer people lived in some form the government also intervened in the of democracy (47.7%, compared with second-round presidential election, offer- 49.3% in 2017). Very few of these (4.5%) ing a debt write-off to 600,000 citizens were classifi ed as living in a full democ- two weeks after the election day. This racy. Around one-third of the population appeared to provide the government lived under authoritarian rule, with a with a sizeable campaigning advantage large share represented by China. H1N1 Flu in Georgia: What You Should Know ism and Resorts of Ajara has been run- media platforms, press-info tours, par- TRANSLATED BY KETEVAN ning advertising campaigns since 2017. ticipation in international exhibitions, KVARATSKHELIYA • Estonia +88.2% online advertising, and other market- • Germany +79.2% ing activities. BBC, Euronews, CNN, • Great Britain +33.9% and Deutsche Welle are the television jara was visited by an • Lithuania +33.2% companies through which promotion unprecedented number of • Poland +11.5% videos about Ajara were discovered by travelers in 2018. The total “Two million visitors represents an millions of spectators worldwide,” he amount of international unprecedented number,” said the Chair- said, going on to note that the high tourists reached 1,931.179 man of the Department of Tourism and level of popularity of the region is also Alast year, which exceeds the fi gure of Resorts of Ajara, Sulkhan Glonti. “This emphasized by the fact that Airbnb has 2017 by 14.7%. is the fi rst time we have seen such a named Batumi among the top 19 trend- The indicator for the growth in the fi gure. It comprises the data of three ing cities of 2019. Airbnb is a platform number of international visitors shows administrative zones of Ajara (Sarpi, with more than 500 million consumers Batumi International Airport as leader, Batumi International Airport, and and is a valuable recommendation where international travel increased by Batumi Port). 86.74% of tourists were source for visitors. 23.7% in 2018 year-on-year. represented by travelers from our tar- “Analysis of the time period of visits The positive dynamics of international get counties, which is vital for us as gives us the opportunity to state that tourist fl ow escalation were maintained we have put a lot of effort into achiev- Ajara is no longer just a summer desti- from traditional markets as well as from ing the given result and have actively nation: it is becoming attractive year- new target countries of the European worked for the promotion of our region round, which is our paramount aim,” Union, where the Department of Tour- and country through international Glonti said. free-of-charge for pregnant women, BY AMY JONES children, socially vulnerable persons, pensioners, and those suffering with certain diseases. he H1N1 fl u strain, com- It is also recommended to regularly wash Georgia’s Khachapuri Listed monly known as swine fl u, your hands with warm water or an alcohol- is spreading throughout based hand sanitizer to prevent the spread Georgia. The Minister of of the fl u. Moreover, taking care of your Health of Georgia stated general well-being by exercising, sleeping Tthat 640 people are currently being enough, and eating a balanced can among Top 100 Dishes treated with the virus in the country, of strengthen the body against the fl u. which 39 are in intensive care units. 10 khachapuri can often be consumed as a BY THEA MORRISON people are known to have died from the WHO IS AT RISK? full meal. It can also be bought at numer- sickness so far. Although the current Anyone could become sick with H1N1. ous kiosks located alongside Georgian numbers are far from epidemic levels, However, children, pregnant women, roads, however, it is also served at it is important to take precautions to the elderly, and people suffering with asteAtlas has specialized restaurants, known prevent the spread of the disease. Here certain diseases are most at risk. The included as khachapurnayas,” the arti- is everything you need to know about government is offering Tamifl u medica- Georgian tradi- cle reads. H1N1 fl u. tion to such people. tional dish The website also listed khachapuri in the other famous Geor- WHAT IS H1N1 FLU? WHAT IS THE Tlist of top 100 dishes of the world. gian traditional H1N1 fl u, often known as swine fl u, is a GOVERNMENT DOING? “This simple cheese bread dishes. subtype of infl uenza A virus, which is a On 9 January, the Ministry of Education known as 'khachapuri' is the common cause of infl uenza. announced that children would not return most famous dish in Georgia. to school or kindergarten until 21 Janu- The pastry is traditionally topped SYMPTOMS ary, prolonging their winter holidays by with melted cheese, eggs and The symptoms are similar to seasonal one week in order to slow the spread of butter,” the website says. fl u symptoms. You will typically suffer swine fl u. Moreover, they are getting The article reads that there are from a cough, fever, sore throat, runny ready for next season with plans in place different types of khachapuri, nose, headache, body aches, chills, and to purchase double the amount of anti- adding the most common addi- fatigue. As symptoms progress, more fl u vaccines in autumn 2019, up from tions include traditional Georgian serious problems such as pneumonia, a 41,000 last year to 80,000 for 2019. Sulguni or Imeretian cheese. lung infection, or breathing problems TasteAtlas says khachapuri is shaped can occur. NO NEED TO PANIC into different forms and, depending on Deputy Director of the NCDC Paata the baking procedure and its form, can HOW TO AVOID Imnadze, stated “there is no threat of an be consumed individually or shared. CATCHING THE FLU epidemic. Infl uenza morbidity is about 195 “Two of the most common varieties Vaccination is the best prevention cases per 100,000 people, while the epi- include the Imeretian khachapuri, shaped method. Amiran Gamkredlidze, the demic rate is 400. There are 277 cases per into a circular form, and Adjaran Head of the National Disease Control 100,000 people. We are far from the peak khachapuri, the open-faced version Center has stated that there is a ready for the time being as the epidemic limit topped with butter and a raw egg on top. supply of Tamifl u medication available for our country is 500 cases per 100,000.” Although it is considered a snack, GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS JANUARY 11 - 14, 2019 Future of Russia’s “Breakaway Empire” blesome for Moscow as Kiev and Chis- BY EMIL AVDALIANI inau at times consider constraining the breakaway territory, and Moscow can do little as it has no direct land or air s the West-Russia tensions route.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Law of Georgia Tax Code of Georgia
    LAW OF GEORGIA TAX CODE OF GEORGIA SECTION I GENERAL PROVISIONS Chapter I - Georgian Tax System Article 1 - Scope of regulation In accordance with the Constitution of Georgia, this Code sets forth the general principles of formation and operation of the tax system of Georgia, governs the legal relations involved in the movement of passengers, goods and vehicles across the customs border of Georgia, determines the legal status of persons, tax payers and competent authorities involved in legal relations, determines the types of tax offences, the liability for violating the tax legislation of Georgia, the terms and conditions for appealing wrongful acts of competent authorities and of their officials, lays down procedures for settling tax disputes, and governs the legal relations connected with the fulfilment of tax liabilities. Law of Georgia No 5942 of 27 March 2012 - website, 12.4.2012 Article 2 - Tax legislation of Georgia 1. The tax legislation of Georgia comprises the Constitution of Georgia, international treaties and agreements, this Code and subordinate normative acts adopted in compliance with them. 2. The tax legislation of Georgia in effect at the moment when tax liability arises shall be used for taxation. 3. The Government of Georgia or the Minister for Finance of Georgia shall adopt/issue subordinate normative acts for enforcing this Code. 4. (Deleted - No 1886, 26.12.2013) 5. To enforce the tax legislation of Georgia, the head of the Legal Entity under Public Law (LEPL) within the Ministry for Finance of Georgia - the Revenue Service (‘the Revenue Service’) shall issue orders, internal instructions and guidelines on application of the tax legislation of Georgia by tax authorities.
    [Show full text]
  • Decree on Approving the Provisional Regulation of the Financial Supervision Agency of Georgia
    GEORGIA DECREE ON APPROVING THE PROVISIONAL REGULATION OF THE FINANCIAL SUPERVISION AGENCY OF GEORGIA Important Disclaimer This translation has been generously provided by the Financial Supervision Agency of Georgia. This does not constitute an official translation and the translator and the EBRD cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracy or omission in the translation. The text should be used for information purposes only and appropriate legal advice should be sought as and when appropriate. DECREE N1 OF HEAD OF THE FINANCIAL SUPERVISION AGENCY OF GEORGIA April 24, 2008 Tbilisi On Approving Provisional Regulation of the Financial Supervision Agency of Georgia Pursuant to the Paragraph 5, Article 70 of the Organic Law of Georgia on National Bank of Georgia I decree: 1. Approve the attached Provisional Regulation of the Financial Supervision Agency of Georgia; 2. The Provisional Regulation shall become effective upon promulgation. 3. The validity period of the Provisional Regulation shall be defined according to Paragraph 7, Article 53 of the Organic Law of Georgia on National Bank of Georgia prior to approval of the Regulation of the Financial Supervision Agency of Georgia by the Council of the Financial Supervision Agency of Georgia. G. Kadagidze Annex Financial Supervision Agency of Georgia Provisional Regulation Chapter I General Provisions Article 1. Status and Grounds for Establishing of the Agency 1. Financial Supervision Agency of Georgia (hereinafter referred to as “the Agency”) is a legal entity of the public law, established with the National Bank of Georgia, pursuant to the Organic Law of Georgia on the National Bank of Georgia and its main objective is to exercise state supervision over the financial sector.
    [Show full text]
  • THE FUTURE of BANKING «Over 70% of Georgia’S Residents Prefer to Pay with a Smartphone»
    S GENERAL SPONSOR OF THE FORUM GOLDEN SPONSOR SPONSORS Media Partners PRIME ADS AD 30 April, 2018 News Making Money http://www.fi nchannel.com THE FUTURE OF BANKING «Over 70% of Georgia’s residents prefer to pay with a smartphone» well as customers have been During the last decade, the Igor Stepanov, forced to adapt. Mastercard development of smartphones Regional Director has made a number of im- has had a profound impact portant changes over the past on the way businesses oper- of Mastercard few years. Mastercard had to ate. With the percentage of overcome signifi cant chal- the global population using in Georgia and lenges to develop eff ective smartphones increasing ev- Central Asia digital tools that meet the dif- ery year, businesses are now fering needs of the countries expected to provide a fully it operates in. Also, by mod- integrated digital platform s the digitaliza- ernizing, particularly through that can provide diff erent tion process of digital services, banks cur- services. life faces sig- rently have an opportunity to nifi cant changes, diff erentiate themselves in a companies, as crowded market. A Continued on p. 4 Bank of Georgia Invests in Social Responsibility as Part of its Obligations See on p. 6 Why would we use crypto euros? See on p. 7 How DRC Carries out the Successful Resolution of Local and International Commercial Disputes See on p. 16 CARTU BANK: Strong Bank For Stronger Georgia See on p. 9 “Digitalization is the future of banks See on p. 10 CURRENCIES Bank of the future Apr 28 Apr 21 1 USD 2.4617 2.4402 is a bank oriented 1 EUR 2.9762 3.0017 100 RUB 3.9379 3.9729 on customers 1 TRY 0.6077 0.6036 See on p.
    [Show full text]
  • Analyzing the Russian Way of War Evidence from the 2008 Conflict with Georgia
    Analyzing the Russian Way of War Evidence from the 2008 Conflict with Georgia Lionel Beehner A Contemporary Battlefield Assessment Liam Collins by the Modern War Institute Steve Ferenzi Robert Person Aaron Brantly March 20, 2018 Analyzing the Russian Way of War: Evidence from the 2008 Conflict with Georgia Contents Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................................................ 1 Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 3 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 9 Chapter I – History of Bad Blood ................................................................................................................ 13 Rose-Colored Glasses .............................................................................................................................. 16 Chapter II – Russian Grand Strategy in Context of the 2008 Russia-Georgia War ................................... 21 Russia’s Ends ........................................................................................................................................... 22 Russia’s Means ........................................................................................................................................ 23 Russia’s Ways .........................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • National Bank of Georgia Achieves Scalable
    CUSTOMER CASE STUDY ENSURING THE STABILITY OF GEORGIA’S FINANCIAL SECTOR The National Bank of Georgia (the NBG) is the central bank providing services to commercial banks. Any failure in the operation of its data center may result in downtime for critical services provided to fi nancial institutions throughout the country. To mitigate CUSTOMER NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA this risk, NBG is implementing various modern technologies that contribute to high availability of its services. One of the major WEB SITE achievements in this direction was the implementation of a third WWW.NBG.GOV.GE disaster recovery data center based on VMware vSphere® INDUSTRY virtualization and VMware vSAN™ shared storage. FINANCIAL SERVICES Despite the physical distance between the new data center and the LOCATION core one, its implementation was fast and e ective. Thanks to vSAN, TBILISI, GEORGIA the National Bank of Georgia has built a scalable hyperconverged KEY CHALLENGES infrastructure not bound to a specifi c hardware vendor, supporting • Provide continuous services even in instant policy changes. Considering its benefi ts, NBG will consider the event of a disaster expansion of VMware solutions and vSAN to the core datacenters • Go to a more innovative and fl exible during the future upgrades. IT infrastructure The National Bank of Georgia was the fi rst organization in the SOLUTION country to use vSAN for building a DR data center. The National Bank of Georgia built a third DR data center with VMware The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) is the central bank of Georgia. Its status is vSAN 6 and VMware vSphere defi ned by the Constitution of Georgia.
    [Show full text]
  • GEORGIA (Acting Through the Ministry of Finance of Georgia) U.S.$500,000,000 2.750% Notes Due 2026 ISSUE PRICE: 99.422%
    GEORGIA (acting through the Ministry of Finance of Georgia) U.S.$500,000,000 2.750% Notes due 2026 ISSUE PRICE: 99.422% The U.S.$500,000,000 2.750% Notes due 2026 (the "Notes") to be issued by Georgia, acting through the Ministry of Finance of Georgia (the "Issuer" or "Georgia"), will mature on 22 April 2026 (the "Maturity Date") and, unless previously purchased and cancelled, will be redeemed at their principal amount on that date. The Notes will bear interest from, and including, 22 April 2021 at the rate of 2.750% per annum payable semi-annually in arear on 22 April and 22 October in each year, commencing on 22 October 2021. This Offering Circular comprises neither a prospectus for the purposes of Part VI of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) (the "FSMA"), a prospectus for the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the "UK Prospectus Regulation"), nor listing particulars given in compliance with the listing rules made under Part VI of the FSMA by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA") pursuant to the FSMA. Application has been made for the Notes to be admitted to the official list of the FCA (the "Official List") and to trading on the main market (the "Market") of the London Stock Exchange plc (the "London Stock Exchange"). The Notes are being offered (i) in offshore transactions in reliance on, and as defined in, Regulation S (the "Regulation S Notes") under the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Final Notice of Dispute
    In the Matter of BIDZINA IVANISHVILI - and - GEORGIA FINAL NOTICE OF DISPUTE Addressed to: H.E. Mikhail Saakashvili, President of Georgia H.E. Zurab Adeishvili, Minister of Justice of Georgia SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM (UK) LLP MEAGHER & FLOM LLP 40 Bank Street 1440 New York Avenue N.W. London E14 5DS Washington, D.C. 20005 United Kingdom United States of America Phone: +(44 20) 7519-7000 Phone: + (1 202) 371-7000 Fax: +(44 20) 7519-7070 Fax: + (1 202) 393-5760 Legal Advisers to Bidzina Ivanishvili Dated: 31 July 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................1 II. MEASURES GIVING RISE TO THE DISPUTE........................................................2 A. Georgia's Campaign of Intimidation and Expropriation: a Chronology.................2 B. Measures UnlawfullyExtinguishing the Security Interests of Cartu Bank ............5 C. Regulatory Harassment of Cartu Bank and Progress Bank..................................11 D. Seizure of Cartu Bank and Progress Bank..........................................................15 E. Denial of Justice bythe Georgian Courts............................................................16 III. JURISDICTION UNDER THE TREATY .................................................................18 IV. VIOLATIONS OF THE TREATY.............................................................................19 V. RELIEF REQUESTED...............................................................................................21
    [Show full text]
  • Depreciation of the Georgian Lari: Necessary and Effective
    1 NEWSLETTER Issue No. 6 | September – October 2015 Depreciation of the Georgian Lari: Necessary and effective The Georgian Lari has depreciated 26% against the US niably causing hardship. About 60% of the outstanding dollar over the last 12 months. The National Bank of loans in Georgia are denominated in US dollar. As a Georgia has been criticised for allowing this deprecia- result, many borrowers – for example individuals who tion to take place. Is this criticism warranted? We have taken out mortgages to purchase homes – must argue that it is not. The depreciation of the Lari was a make payments in US dollar but earn most or all of necessary and effective response to external eco- their income in Lari. As the Lari has depreciated nomic conditions, in particular economic stagnation against the US dollar, these borrowers have seen the and contraction in neighbouring countries such as costs of servicing their loans increase dramatically. Not Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. However, the deprecia- surprisingly, many are demanding that policy makers tion of the Lari against the US dollar is causing hard- provide relief. ship because the Georgian economy is highly dollar- The devaluation of the Georgian Lari: Necessary… ised. Indeed, it is not possible to pursue two goals (external economic stability and domestic financial While this political fallout is understandable, the de- stability) with one tool (exchange rate policy). Criti- preciation of the Lari must be seen in the context of cism of the depreciation - and the recent decision to economic conditions in neighbouring countries. In take the responsibility for bank supervision away 2014, 60% of Georgia’s exports went to the CIS coun- from the National Bank - could undermine the inde- tries and Turkey and 45% of Georgia’s imports origi- pendence of the National Bank.
    [Show full text]
  • Georgian-Dairy-Market-System-Analysis-And-Mapping-SQIL-External.Pdf
    Safety and Quality Investment in Livestock: Georgian Dairy Market System Analysis and Mapping May 2019 Georgian Dairy Market System Analysis and Mapping SQIL-2019-PROC-0001 Georgian Safety and Quality Investment in Livestock (SQIL) Project USDA Food for Progress 2018 www.landolakes.org Prepared by ISET Policy Institute www.iset-pi.ge This report is made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The contents do not necessarily reflect the views of USDA or the United States Government. 2 Contents TABLE OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................................................. 4 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS / ACRONYMS .................................................................................................................. 5 1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................... 7 1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................................... 7 1.2 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY ........................................................................................................................................... 7 1.3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................................................................... 7 2 GENERAL OVERVIEW
    [Show full text]
  • Country of Origin Information Report Republic of Georgia 25 November
    REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA COUNTRY OF ORIGIN INFORMATION (COI) REPORT Country of Origin Information Service 25 November 2010 GEORGIA 25 NOVEMBER 2010 Contents Preface Paragraphs Background Information 1. GEOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................ 1.01 Maps ...................................................................................................................... 1.05 2. ECONOMY ................................................................................................................ 2.01 3. HISTORY .................................................................................................................. 3.01 Post-communist Georgia, 1990-2003.................................................................. 3.02 Political developments, 2003-2007...................................................................... 3.03 Elections of 2008 .................................................................................................. 3.05 Presidential election, January 2008 ................................................................... 3.05 Parliamentary election, May 2008 ...................................................................... 3.06 Armed conflict with Russia, August 2008 .......................................................... 3.09 Developments following the 2008 armed conflict.............................................. 3.10 4. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS ..........................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Georgia RISK & COMPLIANCE REPORT DATE: March 2018
    Georgia RISK & COMPLIANCE REPORT DATE: March 2018 KNOWYOURCOUNTRY.COM Executive Summary - Georgia Sanctions: None FAFT list of AML No Deficient Countries US Dept of State Money Laundering Assessment Higher Risk Areas: Not on EU White list equivalent jurisdictions Failed States Index (Political Issues)(Average Score) Non - Compliance with FATF 40 + 9 Recommendations Medium Risk Areas: Corruption Index (Transparency International & W.G.I.) World Governance Indicators (Average Score) Major Investment Areas: Agriculture - products: citrus, grapes, tea, hazelnuts, vegetables; livestock Industries: steel, machine tools, electrical appliances, mining (manganese, copper, and gold), chemicals, wood products, wine Exports - commodities: vehicles, ferro-alloys, fertilizers, nuts, scrap metal, gold, copper ores Exports - partners: Azerbaijan 13.8%, US 8.5%, Germany 8.3%, Bulgaria 7.4%, Kazakhstan 7%, Turkey 6.4%, Ukraine 6.3%, Lebanon 5.7%, Canada 4.2% (2012) Imports - commodities: fuels, vehicles, machinery and parts, grain and other foods, pharmaceuticals Imports - partners: Turkey 13.9%, China 8.2%, Ukraine 8.2%, Russia 7.4%, Azerbaijan 7.1%, US 6%, Germany 5.6%, Bulgaria 4% (2012) 1 Investment Restrictions: Georgia is open to foreign investment, and the Georgia National Investment Agency is implementing an aggressive marketing campaign to encourage more foreign investors to come to Georgia. Exceptions to national treatment may be made by Georgia for investments in maritime fisheries; air and maritime transport and related activities; ownership of broadcast, common carrier, or aeronautical radio stations; communications satellites Foreign individuals and companies are restricted from holding agricultural land in Georgia. However, according to the US Department of State 2012, there is a loophole in which agricultural land can be purchased by non-nationals and then transferred under the name of a Georgian entity; thus, land can be up to 100% foreign-owned.
    [Show full text]
  • Georgia at the Crossroads
    Georgia at the Crossroads GEORGI GLONTI ith the exception of a short period from 1918 to 1921, the fall of the USSR W in 1991 was the first chance for Georgia to develop an independent polit- ical and economic system. Under the Soviet regime, Georgia possessed a stable industrial infrastructure and a developed agricultural system. The republic's geo- graphical location fostered economic and political stability: a long border with the Black Sea; a beautiful climate for the high-quality production of tea, citrus, wine, and vegetables; and beautiful resorts that attracted visitors from all over the former USSR. However, events took a turn for the worse. In 1990, nationalist leader Zviad Gamsakhurdia carne to power, aggravating the already tense ethnic problems that led to the war between Tbilisi and South Ossetia. Gamsakhurdia's tenure ended a year later when he was overthrown and the triumvirate of dictators- loseb loseliani, T. Kitivani, and Tigur Sigua-carne to power. That sparked more ethnic problems in Abkhazia. These three leaders led the country into complete disorganization and destroyed the economy. Since 1989, of a population of 5.5 million, more than one million have left the country; more than 300,000 became internally displaced, and more than 30,000 were killed in wars. Many cities and populated arcas were ruined, including the historic center in Tbilisi.) The aver- age income dropped from approximately $2,500 in 1989 to $200 in 1997.2 A serious energy crisis paralyzed industry and left the general population without electricity, natural gas, water, or heat in apartments, schools, and medical cen- ters.
    [Show full text]