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Amy W. Diaz Assumes U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Role in Georgia
The U.S. Embassy announced on July 30 that Amy W. Diaz has assumed the position of Chargé d’Affaires in Georgia, becoming the embassy’s top diplomatic representative as Washington has yet to appoint a new ambassador to Tbilisi. She replaces Alan Purcell, who has served as Chargé d’Affaires and acting U.S. ambassador to Georgia since Ambassador Robin Dunnigan retired from the diplomatic service and departed the country in July 2025. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Diaz previously served as Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe, Malawi; Deputy Director of the Department of State’s Office of Policy and Global Issues for Europe; Consular Section Chief at the U.S. Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe; and head of U.S. Embassy Kabul’s Counternarcotics Team. “Other postings include Rule of Law Advisor and Coordinator for the Summit of the Americas at U.S. Embassy Panama City; Internal Political Unit Chief at U.S. Embassy Tbilisi; Vice Consul at the U.S. Embassy Harare; and Vice Consul at the U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey, Mexico,” the U.S. Embassy said. Diaz joined the U.S. State Department in 2002 as a Presidential Management Fellow and entered the Foreign Service in 2005. She is graduate of St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, and received her Juris Doctor from University of Arizona.
Georgian Prime Minister inspects container and fertiliser terminals at Batumi Sea Port
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, alongside the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, and the Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Zurab Pataradze, has inspected the container and fertiliser terminals at Batumi Sea Port. The Head of Government inspected the facilities’ operational capacities and reviewed plans for future infrastructure expansion. The Prime Minister highlighted the crucial importance of Batumi Port’s infrastructure and terminals in bolstering the nation’s transport and logistics capabilities. “Freight throughput at Batumi Port has reached a record high. Based on data from the first seven months, we can state with certainty that this year will set a record for cargo volumes at Batumi Port. Every effort must be made to maximise the development of our port infrastructure going forward. Poti Port is also very important, and we are actively working on establishing the infrastructure for Anaklia Port. By 2029, the completion of phase-one project works and the arrival of the first vessels at Anaklia Port are already scheduled,” Irakli Kobakhidze noted. A multimodal cargo transshipment terminal officially opened in Batumi, Georgia, in 2021, connecting products from Asia to various markets in Europe as well as around the world. Its capacity is up to 1.5 million tons of cargo per year. US-based giant Trammo invested in the multimodal seaport project in Georgia, which represents the first major American direct investment in Adjara. Mineral Fertilizers Multimodal terminal, the strategic logistic hubs plays one of the key roles in the development of the Middle Corridor. The terminal is able to process and transport 1.5 million tons of mineral fertilizers a year. The Batumi Mineral Fertilizer Multimodal Terminal is a huge project and a good example of a symbiotic partnership between the United States, Uzbekistan, and Georgia.
Republic of Nauru severs “diplomatic ties“ with occupied Abkhazia and so-called South Ossetia
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia welcomes the decision taken on July 21, 2026, by the Cabinet of Nauru, the executive body of the Republic of Nauru, to annul diplomatic relations “between the Republic of Nauru and the Republic of South Ossetia, also known as the State of Alania” and “between the Republic of Nauru and the Republic of Abkhazia”,” reads the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. As noted in the statement, this decision reaffirms that respect for and observance of international legal norms constitute the foundation of healthy international relations. “Georgia expresses its readiness to establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Nauru and to foster the intensification of bilateral co-operation based on shared interests,” the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia read. According to the so-called "Ministry of Foreign Affairs" of occupied Abkhazia, "unprecedented pressure" was exerted on Nauru in order to sever diplomatic relations with them. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia regrets the forced decision of the Republic of Nauru to sever diplomatic relations with the Republic of Abkhazia, which was made against the background of unprecedented and systematic external pressure… The development of cooperation between the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of Nauru has constantly encountered resistance from Georgia and its Western partners. After the initiatives began to move into practical space, an aggressive external pressure campaign was launched against the Republic of Nauru. A whole arsenal of unacceptable methods of coercion was launched - starting with unprecedented political blackmail and harsh diplomatic pressure, ending with open financial and economic repression and punitive sanctions aimed at making the Republic of Nauru reconsider its sovereign decision,” reads the statement issued by the so-called "Foreign Ministry". Nauru recognized Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia regions by establishing diplomatic relations with them in 2009. It has been among five countries that recognized their independence, alongside Russia, Syria, Venezuela and Nicaragua. Vanuatu and Tuvalu also previously recognized the occupied regions but withdrew their recognition in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Uzbekistan Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov and Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov visited Wondernet Company
Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Tamar Ioseliani, Uzbekistan Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan's Transport Minister, Ilkhom Makhkamov, and the General Director of JSC Georgian Railway Lasha Abashidze visited Wondernet company in Batumi. The guests observed the fertilizer terminal and its working process. A multimodal cargo transshipment terminal officially opened in Batumi, Georgia, in 2021, connecting products from Asia to various markets in Europe as well as around the world. Its capacity is up to 1.5 million tons of cargo per year. US-based giant Trammo invested in the multimodal seaport project in Georgia, which represents the first major American direct investment in Adjara. Mineral Fertilizers Multimodal terminal, the strategic logistic hubs plays one of the key roles in the development of the Middle Corridor. The terminal is able to process and transport 1.5 million tons of mineral fertilizers a year. The Batumi Mineral Fertilizer Multimodal Terminal is a huge project and a good example of a symbiotic partnership between the United States, Uzbekistan, and Georgia.
Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia passes away at 93
Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, has died at the age of 93. The official announcement was made by Bishop Shio at the Caucasus Medical Center. The Patriarch was hospitalized at the Caucasus Medical Center with massive bleeding from the stomach. He was placed in the critical care unit. Ilia II was elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia on December 23, 1977. With the blessing of Ilia II, the Bible, theological collections, brochures, books, magazines, three types of calendars were published in modern Georgian; newspapers were founded. In 1988, under the leadership of Ilia II, the Mtskheta Theological Seminary was transferred to Tbilisi and the Tbilisi Theological Academy-Seminary was founded; Theological schools were opened in various parts of Georgia: theological seminaries in Batumi, Akhaltsikhe and Kutaisi. A theological school and a gymnasium were established in Khulo; after centuries, the Gelati Theological Academy and the Gelati Academy of Sciences under the auspices of the church were revived; over the course of twenty years, the number of dioceses of the Georgian Church increased from 15 to 33; monasteries - up to 53; clergy - up to 1,000; new saints were canonized; the Holy Trinity Cathedral was built. In 1960, the Catholicos-Patriarch defended his thesis on the topic: “The History of the Iverian Monastery of Mount Athos” at the Moscow Theological Academy to obtain the degree of Candidate of Theology. In 1978-1983 he was the President of the World Council of Churches, and since 1997 he has been a full member of the International Academy of Informatization at the United Nations and an honorary member of the Theological Academy of Crete. He is also an honorary doctor of theology of the New York Theological Academy and a doctor of theology of the St. Tikhon Theological Seminary of the Orthodox Church in the USA.
Mediterranean states say adrift Russian tanker poses 'imminent and serious' threat
Reuters Italy, France and seven other nations told the European Commission that a Russian liquefied natural gas tanker adrift in the Mediterranean represents an ecological threat, and they urged swift action, a letter showed on Monday. Russia's Foreign Ministry acknowledged that the vessel was adrift in the Mediterranean and said Russia's further involvement in resolving the situation depended on "concrete circumstances". The letter from EU states to the European Commission said the Arctic Metagaz was drifting in waters between Malta and Italy. Its state posed a "dual challenge" -- upholding maritime safety and preventing an ecological disaster against the background of EU sanctions imposed on Russia. "The precarious condition of the vessel, combined with the nature of its specialised cargo, gives rise to an imminent and serious risk of a major ecological disaster in the heart of the Union's maritime space," the letter seen by Reuters said. The EU said the vessel was part of Russia's "Shadow Fleet" intended to circumvent sanctions imposed in connection with Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Action to resolve the situation, including surveillance, monitoring and other technical support, risked "undermining the integrity, effectiveness and the deterrent value of the EU sanctions regime". Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on the ministry website that Moscow was in touch with the vessel's owner and foreign "competent bodies". It had no crew, she said, and was carrying 700 metric tons of different types of fuel and "a substantial amount of natural gas". "The international legal norms applicable to the current situation imply the responsibility of coastal countries ... for resolving the situation with the drifting vessel and preventing an environmental disaster," Zakharova wrote. "Further involvement by the shipowner and Russia as the flag state will depend on the specific circumstances." Russia's Transport Ministry earlier this month said the Arctic Metagaz, carrying LNG from the Arctic port of Murmansk, was attacked by Ukrainian naval drones and said the weapons had been launched from the Libyan coast. Libya's maritime agency reported on March 4 that the vessel sank in waters between Libya and Malta after catching fire a day earlier. Kyiv has not claimed responsibility for any such attack.
NATO appoints new special rep for South Caucasus
Kevin Hamilton has been appointed as NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia. Hamilton is responsible for carrying forward the Alliance's policy in these two strategically important regions. He is also Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Partnerships, in the Political Affairs and Security Policy Division. A career member of the Canadian Foreign Service, he served from 2023 to 2026 as Canada's Ambassador to Türkiye, with concurrent accreditation to Azerbaijan and Georgia. He earlier served as Ambassador to Romania, Bulgaria, and the Republic of Moldova (2016–2020).
US asked Ukraine for help fighting Iranian drones, Zelensky says
The US has asked Ukraine for help defending Gulf allies against Iranian drones, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.He said Ukraine's partners had been reaching out and there had been "requests from the American side".Zelensky said he had given instructions "to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the necessary security".Asked about the Ukrainian offer, US President Donald Trump said: "I'll take any assistance from any country."Earlier Zelensky had made clear Ukraine would help on condition that its own defence was not weakened and that there were diplomatic gains for Kyiv. He suggested, in particular, that Ukraine would be willing to swap its interceptor drones for more US Patriot air defences to protect against Russian ballistic missiles. He has spoken to counterparts across the Gulf - in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait - and is promising what he calls "concrete steps" to help them defend their military bases and civilian infrastructure from Iranian attack. Ukraine has for years been subject to strikes by Russian-made Shahed drones - one-way unmanned aircraft based on an Iranian design. The US has ceased direct military support under his administration but continues to provide vital intelligence that helps Ukraine both defend against drones and missiles, and strike targets deep within Russia.
UK to allow the US to take defensive action from British military bases - Starmer
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has just shared a video statement on X. He says the UK is going to allow the US to take defensive action from British military bases. "The US has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose," he says in a pre-recorded video. "We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risks and hitting countries that have not been involved."
Dimitri Abdushelishvili Signs Agreement with French Specialist on the “National Swimming Center” and Other Large-Scale Projects
The President of the Georgian National Federation of Aquatic Sports, Dimitri Abdushelishvili, has signed an agreement with French specialist Olivier Sangaria on the development of a swimming strategy for Georgia. The agreement on the swimming development strategy includes large-scale projects, among them the establishment of a “National Swimming Center,” which will operate under the Federation. Olivier Sangaria is a renowned swimming specialist and has coached multiple Olympic, World, and European champions. He is also known for his unique programs for swimmers, aimed at refining swimming techniques, retraining coaches, and promoting overall athletic development. The signing ceremony was attended by members of the Georgian National Federation of Aquatic Sports and representatives of the Federation’s Board.
Journalism in Conflict and Post-Conflict Environments
In an era where conflicts increasingly unfold across both physical and informational domains, the role of independent media has become central to prevention, stabilization, and post-conflict dialogue. Within ongoing European discussions on civilian crisis management and mediation frameworks, media governance and editorial responsibility are recognized as structural components of peacebuilding strategies. In this interview, we speak with Gvantsa Pipia, media manager and Editor-in-Chief of an independent analytical news agency (Accentnews.ge) operating in conflict-sensitive environments. She reflects on the evolving responsibilities of journalists, the ethical dilemmas of war reporting, and the institutional role of editorial leadership in safeguarding professional standards amid political and informational pressures. Q: International institutions increasingly emphasize the role of media in conflict prevention. Why has this become a strategic priority? Contemporary conflicts are no longer confined to physical battlefields. They simultaneously unfold within information ecosystems, where public perception, political positioning, and international responses are shaped. Within European policy discussions on civilian crisis management and mediation frameworks, media is increasingly recognized not merely as a channel of communication, but as a structural actor influencing escalation and de-escalation processes. When information environments become monopolized or heavily politicized, polarization deepens and space for compromise narrows. Conversely, professionally governed, pluralistic media contributes to informed discourse, mitigates manipulation, and strengthens the conditions necessary for conflict prevention. Q: Media is often described as a mobilizing force during conflict escalation. Can it also serve peace-oriented objectives? Media naturally influences public mobilization, particularly during moments of war or acute crisis. However, its professional mandate does not end there. Peace-oriented journalism does not imply minimizing facts or softening realities. It requires: * rigorous fact verification,* terminological precision,* contextual depth,* and the avoidance of dehumanizing language. Editorial decisions—ranging from headline formulation to analytical framing—have tangible societal effects. Responsible journalism does not suppress difficult truths, but it refrains from uncontrolled amplification of emotionally charged or strategically manipulative narratives. In conflict environments, framing can intensify hostility or create space for reflection. The distinction lies in professional discipline. Q: What ethical and operational dilemmas do journalists face when covering war? War reporting is inherently high-risk and ethically complex. Journalists frequently operate under direct threats to personal safety in order to deliver timely and verified information to the public. However, the dilemmas extend beyond physical risk. Journalists must continuously evaluate how information is presented, contextualized, and interpreted. In polarized environments, even accurate reporting can be instrumentalized if separated from sufficient analytical framing. The challenge is not only reporting events accurately, but preventing inadvertent reinforcement of strategic narratives. Verification and contextual integrity therefore become not merely technical standards, but conflict-sensitive imperatives. When journalists are citizens of countries directly affected by war, the emotional and psychological burden intensifies. Maintaining editorial balance and professional detachment requires heightened discipline. Q: What is the significance of post-conflict media engagement? The post-conflict phase is frequently underestimated from an informational perspective. Although active hostilities may cease, societal distrust, competing narratives, and unresolved grievances often remain. Media institutions play a critical role in rebuilding trust through structured reporting on transitional processes, accountability mechanisms, and governance reconstruction. Many media platforms now provide online spaces for moderated dialogue, expert interviews, and analytical discussion of conflict-related issues. When managed professionally, these platforms can contribute to social stabilization rather than fragmentation. Peacebuilding is not solely a diplomatic undertaking; it is also sustained through the quality, consistency, and credibility of public communication. Q: In today’s fragmented and high-risk information environment, what is the role of the contemporary journalist? The role of the contemporary journalist has become critically significant. Professional responsibility now extends beyond the transmission of events. It includes understanding the structural causes of conflict, identifying manipulative narratives, and recognizing how media processes influence political and societal dynamics. Journalists operate not only as information providers, but as analytical interpreters of complex realities. Verified sourcing, contextual rigor, and narrative scrutiny are essential components of professional integrity. In fragile environments, journalistic discipline can function as a stabilizing factor within the broader information ecosystem. Q: From the perspective of a media manager and editor-in-chief, what responsibilities emerge in conflict-sensitive environments? In conflict settings, editorial leadership expands well beyond content approval. It involves: * defining and safeguarding editorial policy,* preserving professional standards under pressure,* implementing internal review and verification mechanisms,* managing institutional risk,* and ensuring long-term credibility. A media organization operating in such environments requires structural discipline. Quantity cannot replace quality. Speed cannot replace accuracy. Editorial leadership becomes an institutional function: ensuring that journalistic output maintains analytical integrity over time and that reputational stability is protected across political cycles. Q: What conditions are essential for media to contribute effectively to conflict prevention and peacebuilding? Several interconnected conditions are fundamental: full editorial independence free from political interference and corruption; transparent governance and internal accountability structures; professional staffing supported by adequate technological capacity; strategic orientation toward quality rather than purely quantitative output; context-sensitive international support adapted to language, culture, and societal realities; trust-building frameworks connecting international actors, national institutions, civil society, and media stakeholders; coordinated engagement with civic networks; and effective use of diverse communication formats, including digital platforms, mobile technologies, documentary reporting, and long-form analytical content. Without these structural conditions, media becomes reactive. With them, it can assume a preventive and stabilizing function. Q: How is institutional credibility sustained in volatile environments? Professional standards in conflict contexts do not emerge spontaneously. They require sustained editorial experience, structured governance, clearly articulated ethical frameworks, and consistent organizational discipline. Media institutions engaged in long-term conflict analysis depend not only on individual journalistic competence, but on strategic editorial oversight. Content direction, terminology control, source diversification, and narrative framing must remain aligned with methodological rigor. In such settings, the editor-in-chief’s function extends beyond evaluating articles; it includes safeguarding institutional sustainability, risk management, and credibility continuity. This is what ultimately defines a responsible media institution within a contested information ecosystem.
UK sanctions Georgia’s Imedi and POSTV over ‘Russian disinformation’
The UK has sanctioned Georgian media outlets Imedi and POSTV for ‘involvement in Russian disinformation’. The UK imposed the same three sets of sanctions on both entities — ‘asset freeze, trust services sanctions, director disqualification sanctions’ — meaning that all assets or properties held by the companies in the UK will be frozen, it will become illegal for UK citizens to help create or manage trusts for the companies, and the individuals running the companies will be barred from running any other UK-based company. In total, the UK has now imposed sanctions on over 3,000 individuals, companies, and vessels under its Russia sanctions regime.
Antonio Silva, congratulates Dimitri Abdushelishvili on being elected as the President of the Georgian Aquatics Sports National Federation
The President of European Aquatics, Antonio Silva, congratulates Dimitri Abdushelishvili on being elected as the President of the Georgian Aquatics Sports National Federation. The letter reads: Dear Mr. Abushelishvili, Dear Colleagues of Georgian Aquatics, On behalf of the President of European Aquatics, Mr António Silva, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations on your election as President of the Georgian Aquatic Sports National Federation. Your appointment marks an important moment for Georgian Aquatics, and we are confident that under your leadership the Federation will continue to grow and strengthen its position within the European aquatic community. We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank former President Aleksandre Nikolaishvili for the constructive cooperation and commitment demonstrated throughout his mandate. The collaboration between Georgian Aquatics and European Aquatics has been highly valued, and we look forward to building upon this positive foundation together with you.European Aquatics remains fully committed to supporting Georgian Aquatics across all disciplines, and we look forward to continued close cooperation in the years ahead." Dimitri Abdushelishvili is the new President of the Georgian Aquatics Sports Federation. ▪ For reference, Dimitri Abdushelishvili was born on June 18, 1973, in Tbilisi. ▪ He graduated from the Faculty of International Economics at Tbilisi State University. ▪ For a certain period, he worked at the National Bank of Georgia. ▪ He was one of the experienced and seasoned players of the 1973 generation of water polo, playing as a forward. He played in the national team. ▪ From the late 1990s, his career developed abroad. ▪ Dimitri Abdushelishvili is a patron, businessman, and veteran water polo player — he recently established a new water polo team, “Apollo,” which became the champion of Georgia in its very first year. He founded his own company in Central Asia and continues to work in the private sector to this day. His business activities cover the logistics field and include large-scale projects such as the Middle Corridor and the transit hub. He was one of the investors and a passionate supporter of the construction of Anaklia. After returning to Georgia, he laid the foundation for the construction of the Batumi port terminal, which became one of the key hubs in the direction of the Middle Corridor. He is the author of the idea and financial supporter of many nationally significant projects, such as the unique edition of The Knight in the Panther’s Skin, with the participation of the internationally renowned artist, Guji Amashumeli. The original version of this edition is preserved at the United Nations Headquarters. He is also a supporter of numerous patriotic and nationally important initiatives. ▪ He has a spouse and four children.
24 Countries Invoke OSCE Moscow Mechanism on Georgia
Twenty-four countries have invoked the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism on January 29, to launch an expert mission on the deteriorating human rights situation in Georgia, according to a statement published on the UK government’s website. The countries that backed invoking the mechanism include Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. The Moscow Mechanism, part of the OSCE’s human dimension framework, allows participating countries to establish an expert mission to investigate serious human rights violations in any member country. It is administered by the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). This marks the 17th invocation of the mechanism since its establishment in 1991. The mechanism is meant “to establish a fact-finding mission to assess Georgia’s implementation of its OSCE commitments, with a particular focus on developments since spring 2024.” The move follows the earlier invocation of the Vienna Mechanism – another OSCE “Human Dimension” tool to monitor the implementation of human rights and democracy commitments by member states – against Georgia by 38 states in December 2024. At the time, the countries invited Georgia to provide concrete and substantive responses to a number of human rights concerns amid ongoing pro-EU protests. “We have followed closely and with increasing concern the human rights situation in Georgia. As an OSCE participating State, Georgia has undertaken to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms. It has also recognised that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is an essential factor for the peace, justice and well-being necessary to ensure the development of friendly relations and co-operation among States. In December 2024, 38 participating States invoked the OSCE Vienna Mechanism, in order to express concern about developments in Georgia and to request more information. Georgia’s response at the time left unanswered questions about accountability for police brutality against protestors in December 2024 and January 2025. Indeed those acts were at that time assessed as “unlawful violence against citizens…that may amount to torture.” To this day no official has been held accountable for such violence. Moreover, questions persist about respect for the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, association, and freedom of expression. Since the invocation of the Vienna Mechanism, dozens more Georgians have been detained on politicised charges, including journalists and opposition leaders. Our delegations as well as others have repeatedly raised our concerns in the Permanent Council, believing the Council is an important forum to promote dialogue and consultations among participating States. However our concerns about implementation of shared human dimension commitments and international human rights obligations by the Georgian authorities have only increased. On 28 October the Georgian Parliament announced a lawsuit to ban leading opposition parties. Nine opposition leaders have since been indicted and some face up to fifteen years in prison if found guilty. Such a step represents a major escalation in the erosion of democratic norms in Georgia and is incompatible with OSCE principles and commitments. Our concerns include, but are not limited to: legislative reforms designed to supress dissenting voices and restrict space for civil society and independent media to operate; legal actions designed to ban opposition parties; election integrity, especially in the light of the local elections; active spreading of disinformation by media outlets affiliated to the ruling party; campaigns against diplomatic representatives; constraints on freedom of association, expression and the media; politically motivated arrests and prosecutions; misuse of the judicial system to enforce a system of repression; allegations of mistreatment of persons deprived of liberty; excessive violence and arbitrary detentions; as well as harassment and intimidation of opposition politicians, human rights defenders and journalists. Recalling that all participating States have committed to co-operative review of implementation of commitments in the field of the human dimension and in particular participating States’ agreement at Astana that “commitments undertaken in the field of the human dimension are matters of direct and legitimate concern to all participating States”, we invoke paragraph 12 of the 1991 Document of the Moscow meeting of the Conference on the Human Dimension of the then CSCE in order to establish a fact-finding mission to assess Georgia’s implementation of its OSCE commitments, with a particular focus on developments since spring[] 2024. We note Georgia’s response to questions raised in the 2024 Vienna Mechanism and urge Georgia to cooperate with and facilitate the work of the Mission, as per paragraph 6 of the Moscow Document. We recall that in accordance with paragraph 10 of the Moscow Document, one member of the Mission may be chosen by Georgia from the List of Experts for the Human Dimension Mechanism maintained by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. The Mission should give an objective and unbiased report and recommendations, establishing the facts and providing recommendations and advice. It will be tasked, inter alia, to: 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 Provide recommendations on how to address matters of concern. Bearing in mind the ongoing Russian military presence in Georgia’s occupied breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the Mission will confine its report to areas of Georgian territory under Tbilisi control. We encourage the Mission to apply a gender-sensitive approach to its assessment. We look forward to working with the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights on arrangements for the Mission,” the joint statement reads. Under the OSCE’s human-dimension mechanisms, Georgia has a set period, typically 10 days, to respond to the request about inviting an expert mission. If Georgia declines or does not formally invite the mission, a group of at least six OSCE participating States can instead appoint a mission of independent rapporteurs to visit Georgia and produce a report, without Tbilisi’s agreement on the composition of that group. Should Georgia accept the fact-finding mission, it can participate in appointing three human rights experts from the pre-established roster.
US Embassy: Georgia is one of 8 partner nations chosen to participate in prestigious exercise Phoenix Express 2026
Georgia is participating in the international maritime exercise Phoenix Express 2026, the US Embassy in Georgia announced on social media. “Georgia is one of 8 partner nations chosen to participate in this prestigious exercise,” the Embassy wrote. The Georgian Border Police reported that the exercise was held in Tunis, Republic of Tunisia, and lasted four days. During the training, personnel from the Coast Guard Department of the Georgian Border Police carried out their assigned tasks at the Training Management Center. Phoenix Express is an international maritime security exercise aimed at strengthening cooperation, interoperability, and maritime safety among partner nations.
The Trump administration indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing from 75 countries
The Trump administration has indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries, marking one of its most expansive efforts yet to restrict legal pathways to the United States. The freeze, which takes effect on 21 January, targets applicants officials deem likely to become a “public charge” – people who they believe may rely on government benefits for basic needs. According to a Wednesday state department cable obtained by the Guardian, the sweeping list cuts across every major region of the world, spanning countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and eastern Europe. According to the cable, exceptions include dual nationals with a valid passport for a country not on the list or if the applicant is able to demonstrate their travel would service an “America First” national interest. If a visa has already been approved but the visa has not been printed the consular officer “must refuse the case”. Here is the full list, which includes war-torn nations, US allies, and countries with long-standing migration ties to America: Afghanistan Albania Algeria Antigua and Barbuda Armenia Azerbaijan Bahamas Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belize Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina Brazil Myanmar Cambodia Cameroon Cape Verde Colombia Côte d’Ivoire Cuba Democratic Republic of the Congo Dominica Egypt Eritrea Ethiopia Fiji The Gambia Georgia Ghana Grenada Guatemala Guinea Haiti Iran Iraq Jamaica Jordan Kazakhstan Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Liberia Libya North Macedonia Moldova Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Nepal Nicaragua Nigeria Pakistan Republic of the Congo Russia Rwanda St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Vincent and the Grenadines Senegal Sierra Leone Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Tanzania Thailand Togo Tunisia Uganda Uruguay Uzbekistan Yemen
NATO's Rutte warns allies they are Russia's next target
NATO chief Mark Rutte on Thursday urged allies to step up defence efforts to prevent a war waged by Russia, that could be "on the scale of war our grandparents and great-grandparents endured." In a speech in Berlin, Rutte said too many allies of the military alliance did not feel the urgency of Russia's threat in Europe and that they must rapidly increase defence spending and production to prevent a war on the scale of that seen by past generations. "We are Russia's next target. I fear that too many are quietly complacent. Too many don't feel the urgency. And too many believe that time is on our side. It is not. The time for action is now," Rutte said. "Conflict is at our door. Russia has brought war back to Europe. And we must be prepared," he added. Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years, Rutte said.
Major General Eray Üngüder Conducted Official Visit to Georgia
From 8 to 11 December 2025, Major General Eray Üngüder, Director of the Cooperative Security Division of NATO's International Military Staff, conducted an official visit to Georgia. During the visit, Major General Üngüder, who was appointed to his current position in August 2025, received comprehensive briefings on the ongoing and planned activities of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia. The discussions highlighted cooperation across the full range of available partnership tools. Major General Üngüder visited the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP) Office, where he met with the NATO Core Team to exchange views on current initiatives implemented under the SNGP. He also paid a courtesy call on Paata Patiashvili, Deputy Minister of Defence, and senior military leadership of the Georgian Defence Forces and visited the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center (JTEC), and the Defence Institution Building School (DIBS). Concluding his visit, Major General Üngüder officially opened the NATO-Georgia Military Staff Talks, held for the fourth time in 2025.
Russia has been ordered to pay more than 253 million euros in compensation to Georgia relating to the case of the continued occupation
On October 14, 2025, the Strasbourg Court announced its decision on compensation in the case of Georgia v. Russia (IV) for the so-called continued occupation, the Ministry of Justice report. According to the agency, the court shared the complex legal position and evidence presented by the Georgian government and, as a result, imposed an obligation on the Russian Federation to pay 253,018,000 euros in favor of more than 29,000 affected citizens of Georgia. “As is known to the public, a decision was made on this case on April 9, 2024, which held Russia fully responsible for the mass harassment, detention, attacks, murders of the Georgian population in the occupied territories and along the occupation line, which is taking place against the background of the occupation of the territories of Georgia and the so-called borderization. Today’s decision is a logical continuation of the historical cases won against Russia. In the so-called deportation case “Georgia v. Russia (I)”, which was related to the mass expulsion of Georgians from Russia, the Strasbourg Court imposed an obligation on the Russian Federation to pay up to 10 million euros for the mass deportation of ethnic Georgians and gross violations of their human rights. The public is also aware of the decision “Georgia v. Russia (II)” in the case of the August War of 2008, the Russian Federation was ordered to pay up to 130 million euros for mass violations committed against Georgian citizens during the August War and the subsequent period. Although the Russian Federation is no longer a member of the Council of Europe, it remains legally obligated to enforce the decisions and is subject to appropriate fines for every day that passes. Work on the enforcement of the aforementioned decisions is underway within the framework of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe with the active involvement of Georgia. The Ministry of Justice of Georgia expresses its gratitude to the state agencies involved in collecting evidence and congratulates all of Georgia on this historic victory,” reads the information released by the Ministry of Justice.
EU Hands Visa Liberalization Plan To Armenia
More than a year after launching official talks on visa liberalization with the European Union, Armenia has received from Brussels an action plan outlining the steps the country must take to qualify for visa-free travel. Armenia’s Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsian met on Wednesday with Johannes Luchner, Deputy Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission, who visited Yerevan to present the plan to the Armenian side. According to Sargsian, the action plan serves as a strategic framework for reforms in citizen mobility and public security and represents a “key stage in strengthening trust and cooperation” between Armenia and the EU. During the meeting, the main directions of the action plan were reportedly discussed, with the EU official praising Armenia’s steps toward visa liberalization. The delivery of the action plan follows the launch of official visa liberalization talks between Armenia and the EU in September 2024. At that time, Armenian and EU officials outlined a process that focuses on crucial areas for eventual visa-free travel, including document security, border and migration management, the fight against corruption and organized crime as well as upholding fundamental rights. EU representatives have emphasized that all benchmarks must be fully met before the Council of the EU and the European Parliament can make a final decision. In March, the Armenian parliament passed a bill calling on the government to begin the process of applying for European Union membership. The bill, known as the EU Integration Act, was signed into law by the country’s president the following month, making it formally part of Armenia’s legislation.
