news
Zelensky says all those who help the aggressor will receive a response from Ukraine and the world
The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, warned that anyone supporting the invader will face repercussions from both Ukraine and the rest of the world.This is how he replied to Ukraine's approval of more sanctions in a video message on Saturday. "Today, another package of Ukraine's sanctions against those who help Russia wage this terrorist war has been published. In particular, there are sanctions against almost 300 legal entities and about 200 individuals. And these are not only Russian citizens. Anyone in the world who helps the aggressor will receive a response from Ukraine and the whole world," he said. The President has imposed new sanctions against more than 190 individuals and 291 legal entities, mostly Russians, their factories and companies, as well as Georgian Airways, which has resumed flights to Russia, and its owner, Tamaz Gaiashvili," said the head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak.
The United States recognizes the opportunities for developing the Middle Corridor concept and supports the EU-EBRD study
In response to the questions of Europetime, the State Department stated that the United States supports the EU-EBRD study and looks forward to its results. „The United States has long supported Georgia’s economic development, along with other countries in the post-Soviet space. We recognize the opportunities for developing the infrastructure necessary to further develop the Middle Corridor concept. We support the EU-EBRD study and look forward to its results“, - a State Department spokesperson said. The United States has long supported Georgia’s economic development and recognizes the opportunities for developing the needed infrastructure to support the Middle Corridor concept. According to a State Department official speaking to Europetime, the United States strongly supports the development of the Anaklia deep-water port, which is critical infrastructure for Georgia to develop. State Department: The United States strongly supports the development of the Anaklia deep water port, which is critical infrastructure for Georgia to develop
EU Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan to arrive in Georgia today
The EU Sanctions Envoy, David O’Sullivan, will arrive in Tbilisi today, on 26 June, for a two-day visit to discuss with the Georgian authorities issues of common interest, notably sanctions and their effective implementation, EU Delegation to Georgia reports. According to them, the objective of this visit is to open a direct channel of communication and establish a cooperative dialogue for the future. „The Georgian authorities have been very forthcoming on issues of particular importance for the Envoy’s visit and we look forward to continuing our close cooperation. During the visit, (from tomorrow) meetings will be held with Prime Minister Garibashvili, Foreign Minister Darchiashvili, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Davitashvili, Minister of Finance Khutsishvili, Acting Governor of the National Bank Mestvirishvili and Prosecutor General Shotadze. David O’Sullivan will also be meeting representatives of the business community. A press point with Mr O’Sullivan will be held during the visit – the venue and time will be communicated additionally. This will be a joint visit with Ambassador James O’Brien, Head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination, US Department of State and Mr Kumar Iyer, Director General, Economics, Science and Technology at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), UK Government," reads the statement
President pardons Nika Gvaramia
The President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, signed the act of pardoning Nika Gvaramia, the general director of Mtavari TV. The President announced the mentioned decision a few minutes ago at a briefing. According to the President, she is not going to make an explanation about the decision, because the pardon is her discretionary right. "Today I signed the act of pardoning Nikoloz Gvaramia. I made this decision after all legal steps were exhausted on June 19, when the Supreme Court did not accept the lawsuit. I am not going to make any explanation about this decision, because it is my discretionary right, which I use today," said Salome Zurabishvili. For information, the founder of Mtavari TV Nika Gvaramia, who was found guilty by the court, was arrested on May 16, right in the court session hall. The judge of the Tbilisi City Court, Lasha Chkhikvadze, found Nika Gvaramia partially guilty, reclassified part of the charges brought against him under Article 220, and sentenced him to 3 years and 6 months. As a reminder, on September 6, 2020, the General Prosecutor's Office indicted Nika Gvaramia in the Rustavi 2 case. Nika Gvaramia was accused of embezzlement of a large amount of property rights belonging to Rustavi 2 by the group with a prior agreement, commercial bribery, forging of fake official documents, and legalization of illegal income. Nika Gvaramia is also accused of abuse of official authority. Gvaramia was given a bail of 40,000 GEL as a preventive measure. In addition, he had limited right to leave the country.
EU Sanctions Envoy David O'Sullivan will arrive in Georgia on June 26–28
EU Sanctions Envoy David O'Sullivan will visit Georgia on June 26–28. A Commission spokesperson told Europetime about this. David O'Sullivan discusses the EU's work on sanctions implementation and measures against sanction circumvention. In March, David O'Sullivan, the European Union's special envoy for the implementation of sanctions, called on Kazakhstan and other Central Asian nations in Moscow’s political and economic sphere to avoid assisting Moscow's attempts to evade sanctions imposed on Russia. David O'Sullivan is a long-serving EU diplomat and EU Ambassador to the United States in 2014-2019. Since the start of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, the EU and the United States have sanctioned thousands of entities and individuals, while the U.S. Commerce Department has imposed prohibitive controls on exports to Russia and its ally Belarus.
Governor Kemp to Visit Georgia
On Tuesday, June 13, Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp will lead a delegation of state officials on an international mission, beginning in the Country of Georgia capital of Tbilisi and ending in Paris, France. This visit marks the first time a sitting U.S. governor has visited the Country of Georgia, as Governor Kemp demonstrates the state’s commitment to this ally in the face of territorial aggression from neighboring Russia. The overall mission will focus on reinforcing strategic partnerships while promoting economic development opportunities with industries in Europe. “I’m looking forward to visiting the brave National Guardsmen stationed in the Country of Georgia as we meet with officials in that country to reinforce our commitment to our partnership with their military,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “That partnership has endured for over 28 years, as we remain a friend and ally to freedom-loving people around the world. I’m also eager to promote our No. 1 state for business to the job creators and major industry leaders we’ll meet during this busy trip. In all of the back-to-back conversations, we’ll be able to share why Georgia is the best state in which to invest and bring opportunity.” The first leg of the foreign mission will include meetings with Country of Georgia Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Rian Harris, and Minister of Defence Juansher Burchuladze, among other dignitaries. While in the Country of Georgia, the state delegation will consist of Major General Tom Carden of the Georgia National Guard and Department of Defense, as well as representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). Governor Kemp and the delegation will conduct bilateral meetings with national officials, visit a humanitarian shelter built in partnership with the State of Georgia’s National Guard, meet with members of the Marietta Fire Department currently leading swift water rescue training exercises, and hold other meetings designed to strengthen the relationship between the state and the country. “This historic visit reinforces the importance of the National Guard’s State Partnership Program,” said Major General Tom Carden, Adjutant General of the Georgia Department of Defense. “Our teammates from the Country of Georgia have fought shoulder to shoulder with us since 9/11. We are very excited about taking our partnership to the next level under Governor Kemp’s leadership.” Governor Kemp and representatives from GDEcD will continue the mission with a second leg in Paris, France, to participate in the Paris Air Show. The delegation will meet with aerospace industry companies who have already invested in or are considering investing in the state. Through a packed schedule, the delegation will promote all the assets that set Georgia apart as the No. 1 state for business nine times over. “Connectivity leads to business, and it starts with building relationships,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Missions reinforce these relationships and create new ones, opening the door for new opportunities. Georgia is a global logistics hub, with a diverse economy of global exporters. Leveraging our position in the international community bolsters our business ecosystems, drives trade, and fosters innovation.”
Germany hosts biggest ever air exercise of NATO forces
Allied air forces began the largest deployment exercise in NATO’s history on Monday (12 June 2023). Twenty-five nations are taking part in the two-week long “Air Defender” exercise, with around 10,000 personnel and 250 aircraft. “Air Defender sends a clear message that NATO is ready to defend every inch of Allied territory”, said NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu, adding, “Air Defender is necessary because we live in a more dangerous world. As we face the biggest security crisis in a generation, we stand united to keep our countries and our people safe.” The exercise, she added, “is a strong display of Germany’s commitment, and capabilities and we thank Germany for hosting this record exercise. With 250 aircraft, including around 100 from the United States, Air Defender also demonstrates the strong bond between Europe and North America, working together in NATO.” Exercise “Air Defender” has been planned for several years. Hosted and led by Germany, it will help ensure NATO air forces are trained and ready to respond together. Most of the aircraft will be stationed on several German air bases. Training missions will primarily take place over the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and Southern Germany. The drills are aimed at boosting interoperability and preparedness to protect against aircraft, drones and missiles attacks on cities and critical infrastructure. Other training events will include supporting ground troops and evacuation missions. Air Defender will run until 23 June.
Council of Europe Summit creates register of damage for Ukraine as first step towards an international compensation mechanism for victims of Russian aggression
Council of Europe Summit creates register of damage for Ukraine as first step towards an international compensation mechanism for victims of Russian aggression Reykjavik, 17.05.2023 – This morning, Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland, Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland and President of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine, and Denis Malyuska, Minister of Justice of Ukraine, announced the establishment of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation Against Ukraine through an Enlarged Partial Agreement. 43 countries and the European Union have joined or indicated their intention to join the Register set up by the participants to the Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe held in Reykjavik on 16-17 May 2023. (*) “Support and solidarity with Ukraine is one of the main priorities of the Icelandic Presidency and we have worked hard to ensure that the outcome of the Reykjavik Summit addresses the need for comprehensive accountability for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” said Katrín Jakobsdóttir. She emphasised that “the Council of Europe can and should play an important role in ensuring accountability. The Register is an important step towards accountability for crimes committed in Russia’s brutal war and a strong message of support to Ukraine.” Marija Pejčinović Burić said : “The decision to set up the Register of Damage under the auspices of the Council of Europe is an historic decision”. She said : “It will support victims in recording their losses and is vital for any compensation mechanism. Supported by a very large coalition of member and non-member states, and by the EU, it is one of the first legally binding decisions to hold Russia accountable for its acts.” The European Union, represented by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has provided a substantial contribution towards the startup costs. The Register will have its seat in The Hague (the Netherlands), with a satellite office in Ukraine and Mark Rutte underlined that “Russia must be held accountable, including for damage suffered by Ukraine and its people. We are therefore proud that the seat of the Register of Damage will be in The Hague, the legal capital of the world”. The Register is established for an initial period of three years and will serve as a record of evidence and claims information on damage, loss or injury caused by the Russian aggression against Ukraine. It paves the way towards a future international comprehensive compensation mechanism for the victims of the Russian aggression. Denys Shmyhal said that “Ukraine welcomes the establishment of the Register of Damage. We are grateful to the Council of Europe and all the participating states for such a high level of support. We invite other states, from all corners of the world, to join the Register of Damage as a sign of support for the important issue of Russia's accountability for its war against Ukraine. The Register is an important milestone on the road to justice and reparations for Ukraine and the Ukrainians who have suffered so much from this war. The hard work begins now - we need to ensure that the Register becomes operational soon, so that victims of Russian aggression could submit their claims. We also emphasise that the establishment of the Register is only the first step towards the establishment of a comprehensive compensation mechanism that will ensure that Russia pays full reparations to Ukraine in accordance with international law, including by means of its internationally located assets. We look forward to working with our partners on this important issue.” See Resolution on the Enlarged Partial Agreement ----------------- (*) Forty countries have joined the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Register set up within the Council of Europe : Albania, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Republic of Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and United Kingdom; as well as Canada, Japan and the USA. The European Union has also joined, while three other countries (Andorra, Bulgaria and Switzerland) have expressed their intention to join.
Peter Stano: The EU regrets the decision by Georgia to resume flights to and from Russia, this decision by Georgian authorities raises concerns
The EU regrets the decision by Georgia to resume flights to and from Russia, - EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano said at the press briefing. According to him, the latest decision by Georgian authorities raises concerns in terms of Georgia's EU path. „We regret Georgia’s decision to resume flights with Russia following Russia’s decision to lift the air travel ban last week. Due to the illegal Russian war against Ukraine, the EU and a number of other countries have sanctioned the Russian aviation, and do not allow flights from, to or over Russia. This step raises concerns in terms of Georgia’s EU path and its commitment to align with the EU in the foreign policy as per the EU-Georgia Association Agreement. Regrettably, Georgia’s alignment rate with EU CFSP decisions and declarations has gone from a low 44% last year to only 31% so far this year. Moreover, we recall that the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has raised significant concerns over the safety of Russian aircrafts“, - Peter Stano said. The EU membership is Georgia’s stated top foreign and security policy priority and more than 80% of the population support EU integration. Georgia is awaiting the EU decision on granting the EU candidate status at the end of the year. Georgia has Association Agreement and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and visa free travel with the EU. Also Read: EEAS Spokesperson says Georgia should not allow unsafe Russian aircrafts into its territory State Department: The people of Georgia would likely prefer the withdrawal of Russian troops rather than see direct flights restored or the visa regime changed State Department: We would be concerned if flights between Russia and Georgia resumed
Ambassador Degnan: Georgia does not have to rely and become dependent on Russia again
U.S. Ambassador Kelly Degnan responded to a question about Moscow’s decision to restore flights with Georgia and said that while it is not for the United States to say whether this will impact Georgia’s chances for the EU candidacy, “it does raise the question as to why Putin would give this to Georgia.” Ambassador Degnan noted that no one believes Putin cares about the convenience of Georgian travelers. Responding to the question on why in 2019 the U.S. Embassy had called for the restoration of air links with Russia, Ambassador Degnan said there is an important difference in the fact that Russia has invaded Ukraine in the meantime. „I would say an important difference between today and 2019 is the fact that Russia has invaded Ukraine. Again, Russia has destabilized the entire region with this unjustified, brutal war that is purely aimed at taking Ukrainian territory and trying to eliminate Ukraine’s identity. That is a significant change from before. Another important detail is that Georgia doesn’t rely on Russian tourism, and Russian business as much as it did in 2019. We saw after the ban was put into effect a surge in visitors from many other countries. Georgia does not have to rely and become dependent on Russia again. That is giving Russia dangerous leverage over your economy, and we have seen in many other countries how Russia will use that against your country when it wants to. Georgia does not need to fall into that trap again. On the sanctions, We need more information as to how the Georgian government is going to respond to this, what the details of these potential flights are going to be before we can establish whether there are export control or sanctions that apply to this situation, but I would imagine that there will be some“, - the US Ambassador to Georgia, Kelly Degnan said. Russia canceled the visa regime for Georgian citizens. The relevant decree was issued by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. According to Putin's decree, the visa regime will be abolished from May 15. Vladimir Putin also lifted the ban on flights to Georgia for Russian airlines. State Department: We would be concerned if flights between Russia and Georgia resumed
The United States urges the Georgian government to implement the necessary reforms to acquire EU candidate status
In response to the questions of Europetime, the US State Department urges the Georgian government to implement the necessary reforms to acquire EU candidate status. „From the beginning, the American people have stood in solidarity with the people of Georgia and their desire to be a free and sovereign country within its internationally recognized borders. Over the last 30 years, we have become strategic partners, working together toward our shared vision of Georgia, fully integrated into the Euro-Atlantic family of nations and part of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. The United States has allocated more than $6 billion in assistance funds to Georgia, training tens of thousands Georgian soldiers, and sending thousands more to the United States for cultural and education exchanges. We have helped promote economic growth, the rule of law, and democratic governance, among many other initiatives. We are open with the Georgian government about the need to strengthen democratic institutions and processes, the rule of law, and human rights for all. The democratic backsliding we have all observed over the last several years is taking Georgia away from its stated goal of Euro-Atlantic integration, but even more importantly, weakening its own democracy. Our assistance goes to improve the quality of life of Georgians. We listen to the people of Georgia to determine where our assistance goes. We work with the government but also work with the people to reach all corners of the country, to help and support the people in realizing their dreams. We will continue to partner with the people of Georgia as they pursue a democratic, prosperous, peaceful, and Euro-Atlantic future and we urge the Georgian government to implement the necessary reforms to acquire EU candidate status; we stand ready to assist the government in doing so“, the State Department said.
State Department: The people of Georgia would likely prefer the withdrawal of Russian troops rather than see direct flights restored or the visa regime changed
In response to Vladimir Putin’s decision to restore direct flights to Georgia and lift the visa policy for Georgian citizens, the US State Department said that instead of all this, the Georgian people “would probably prefer that Putin withdraw Russian troops from 20 percent of the Russian-occupied territory of Georgia” . „Many Western countries, including the U.S. prohibit, Russian aircraft from entering their airspace. If direct flights between Russia and Georgia resume, we of course would be concerned that companies at Georgian airports could be at risk for sanctions if they service aircraft subject to import and export controls. The entire Western community has distanced itself from the Russian regime, and now is not the time for any country to increase its engagement with Russia. The people of Georgia would likely prefer that President Putin withdraw Russian troops from the 20 percent of Georgian territory that Russia occupies, rather than see direct flights restored or the visa regime changed“, - the State Department said. Russia canceled the visa regime for Georgian citizens. The relevant decree was issued by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. According to Putin's decree, the visa regime will be abolished from May 15. Vladimir Putin also lifted the ban on flights to Georgia for Russian airlines. State Department: We would be concerned if flights between Russia and Georgia resumed
EEAS Spokesperson says Georgia should not allow unsafe Russian aircrafts into its territory
The EU encourages Georgia, aspiring to become EU candidate country, to align with the EU and other countries in their sanctions against Russia also in the aviation sector, and to remain vigilant regarding any possible attempt to circumvent them. Peter Stano, lead spokesperson for the foreign affairs and security policy of the European Union, said that due to the illegal Russian aggression against Ukraine, the EU and a number of other countries sanctioned Russian aviation and do not allow flights from, to, or over Russia. „We took note of the decision by the Russian authorities to lift the air travel ban with Georgia. Due to the illegal Russian aggression against Ukraine, the EU and a number of other countries sanctioned the Russian aviation, and does not allow flights from, to or over Russia. The EU encourages Georgia, aspiring to become EU candidate country, to align with the EU and other countries in their sanctions against Russia also in the aviation sector, and to remain vigilant regarding any possible attempt to circumvent them. Moreover, in light of the significant safety concerns notified to Russia by the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Georgia should not allow unsafe Russian aircrafts into its territory. Due to EU sanctions, 95% of the Russian airplane fleet is not able to update and upgrade their airplanes, which is essential to maintain the necessary international technical and safety standards“, - Peter Stano said.
State Department: Our first priority must be to ensure Ukraine defends itself against Russian aggression
According to a State Department spokesperson, there is no question that the biggest threat to the Black Sea region is Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine. According to the comment, Russia’s war has turned parts of the Black Sea into a warzone. Missiles fired by Russian warships in the Black Sea have hit Ukrainian towns. Russian forces blockaded Ukrainian ports, causing the worst global food crisis in years. „Our first priority must be to ensure Ukraine defends itself against Russian aggression. At the same time, we continue to deepen our already multifaceted engagement in the region. The United States and NATO have expanded our presence in in the Black Sea region since February 24, 2022. NATO Allies Romania, Turkiye, and Bulgaria especially contribute to the security of the Black Sea area“, - a State Department spokesperson told Europetime.
Nestan Abdushelishvili’s solo exhibition
TBC Concept Flagship is hosting Nestan Abdushelishvili’s solo exhibition Vardobistve (May) within the framework of the Kolga Tbilisi Photo 2023 at Marjanishvili 7. The show focuses on the concept of caring and research of its multidimensionality where this notion is manifested through individual and collective representations. The photos explore the entire spectrum of care ranging from indifference to an excessive one, care for animals and humans, care as a form of relationship with the environment, others, and oneself. A prominent place is devoted to the phenomenon of individual alienation and lack of empathy, presence of indifference and care in the utilitarian chaos of the modern world. The artist touches upon the instinctive, maternal nature of caring and the mysticism of caring for others. The exhibition combines landscapes, portraits, still lives, static and moving images, flowers, and people, abandoned sculptures that are transformed by weather and environment. This collection of works openly demonstrates the artist's flow of thought. Curator: Mariam Tsikaridze Duration of the exhibition: May 11 - June 20, 2023Working hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 20:00 also read: The exhibition, Laughter for Laughter and Sorrow for Lies, by Nestan Abdushelishvili
The United States and Georgia mutually decided to focus resources on in-country, multi-national exercises, the U.S. embassy says
The United States Embassy released a statement on military cooperation with Georgia in 2023. According to the statement, the United States remains committed to enhancing the U.S-Georgia strategic partnership, working together to make both Georgia and America safer and more secure. „In 2023 the United States and Georgia continue to do more across a broad range of cooperative military activities. This year, the United States and Georgia are jointly focused on maximizing beneficial training opportunities to enhance Georgia’s critical capabilities. As part of that effort, we mutually decided to focus resources on in-country, multi-national exercises – Agile Spirit and Noble Partner – and build on their previous success to most effectively strengthen Georgia’s interoperability and its capacity for resilience and defense," reads the statement.
NATO and Georgia strengthen scientific cooperation to tackle new security challenges
NATO and Georgia reaffirmed the importance of their long-standing scientific cooperation at an Information Day in Tbilisi on Wednesday (3 May 2023). The event was organized with support from Georgia’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Education and Science, and brought together over fifty participants from public and not-for profit research institutions. The event highlighted recent activities carried out through NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme, including research on resilience and the protection of infrastructure from geological hazards and underground explosions. "We are glad to showcase the SPS Programme in Tbilisi. I hope that this Information Day will enable greater participation of Georgia in research activities relevant to our shared security challenges and priorities," said James Appathurai, NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges. Georgian scientists have been engaged with NATO’s Science for Peace and Security Programme since 1994 on a broad range of themes, including environmental and energy security; counter-terrorism; cyber defence; defence against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents; and Women, Peace and Security. Through the recent launch of a new call for proposals, the SPS Programme is providing an opportunity for scientists in Georgia, as well as other NATO partner countries, to develop innovative security-related scientific initiatives in cooperation with their counterparts from NATO countries.
U.S. Air Force Reserve A-10s coming to Europe, support Army-led DEFENDER 23 exercise
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany - Activities begin this month across ten European countries and continue through June as part of a U.S. Army-led exercise DEFENDER 2023, which U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa is supporting in several ways. Ten Air Force Reserve Command A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft assigned to the 442nd Fighter Wing, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, are slated to arrive in the USAFE-AFAFRICA area of operations to support DEFENDER 23. The aircraft will be primarily based in Spain and Greece during the exercise. DEFENDER 23 is a USEUCOM-directed multinational joint exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S. and NATO Allies and partners. DEFENDER 23 consists of three separate but related exercises. Those exercises are Swift Response, Immediate Response and Saber Guardian. Each of these exercises focuses on unique and challenging objectives. As an example, Swift Response tests the exercise participants’ ability to conduct three separate yet simultaneous joint forcible entry airborne operations. Exercise Immediate Response allows the participating nations and individuals to work through the complexities of rapidly building combat power arriving from the U.S. Finally, Exercise Saber Guardian affords participating units unique challenges such as conducting a forward passage of lines, contested wet gap crossings and joint forceable entry operations to seize key terrain objectives. USAFE-AFAFRICA has significant participation in all three exercises. "This annual, nearly two-month long exercise is focused on the strategic deployment of U.S.-based forces, employment of Army pre-positioned stocks and interoperability with European allies and partners," said Sabrina Singh, deputy Pentagon press secretary, during a briefing April 6, 2023, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. DEFENDER 23 is led by U.S. Army Europe and Africa and has been planned since 2021. USAFE-AFAFRICA is the supporting command. The exercise is designed to demonstrate the U.S. military's ability to rapidly deploy combat-credible assets and equipment to assure allies, deter those who would threaten the peace of Europe and defend the continent from aggression. The exercise also demonstrates European nations’ commitment to increasing their militaries’ scale, capability and interoperability. DEFENDER 23 will include multinational troops from more than 20 Allied and partner nations. The large-scale movement of troops and equipment from the continental U.S for this exercise involve extensive support from each of the host nations, demonstrating the importance of ally and partner investment in European military readiness and defense. The United States is a coalescing force in Europe improving interoperability and readiness, and strengthening resolve across the Alliance. Air Force Reserve is supporting USAFE-AFAFRICA operations for DEFENDER 23 in various capacities, specifically with A-10C aircraft from its reserve wing at Whiteman AFB. This year, AFR is commemorating 75 years of service, providing combat-proven Airmen at a moment’s notice to address national security priorities worldwide. USAFE-AFAFRICA’s ability to support and integrate with U.S. allies and partners continually strengthens solidarity, collective resolve, and ability to adapt in a dynamic warfighting environment. The A-10 is the U.S. Air Force’s primary low-altitude close air support aircraft and is the first Air Force aircraft designed specifically for close air support to ground forces. These capabilities provide essential support to the joint force land component and afford the U.S. military flexibility in projecting power in highly contested regions.
Strasbourg Court holds that Russia is to pay more than 129 million euros in compensation to Georgia relating to August 2008 war
The European Court of Human Rights ordered Russia to pay more than 129 million euros in compensation to Georgia for violations of the European Convention on Human Rights and damages caused to citizens as a result of the August 2008 war. In today’s Grand Chamber judgment in the case of Georgia v. Russia (II), the European Court of Human Rights examined the question of just satisfaction (Article 41). The case concerned allegations by the Georgian Government of administrative practices on the part of the Russian Federation entailing various breaches of the Convention, in connection with the armed conflict between Georgia and the Russian Federation in August 2008. „In today’s Grand Chamber judgment concerning the question of just satisfaction, the Court held, unanimously: - that it had jurisdiction under Article 58 of the Convention to deal with the applicant Government’s claims for just satisfaction under Article 41 of the Convention notwithstanding the cessation of the Russian Federation’s membership of the Council of Europe, and that the respondent Government’s failure to cooperate did not present an obstacle to their examination; - that Article 41 of the Convention was applicable to the present case in respect of the victims of the administrative practice of killing of civilians in Georgian villages in South Ossetia and in the “buffer zone”, the victims of the administrative practice of torching and looting of houses in the “buffer zone”, the victims of the administrative practice of inhuman and degrading treatment and arbitrary detention of Georgian civilians held by the South Ossetian forces in the basement of the “Ministry of Internal Affairs of South Ossetia” in Tskhinvali between approximately 10 and 27 August 2008, the victims of the administrative practice of torture of Georgian prisoners of war detained by the South Ossetian forces in Tskhinvali between 8 and 17 August 2008, the victims of the administrative practice of preventing the return of Georgian nationals to their respective homes in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and the victims of the respondent Government’s failure to comply with their procedural obligation to carry out an adequate and effective investigation into the deaths which had occurred during the active phase of the hostilities or after the cessation of hostilities; - that the respondent State was to pay the applicant Government, within three months, EUR 3,250,000 (three million two hundred and fifty thousand euros) in respect of non-pecuniary damage suffered by a group of at least 50 victims of the administrative practice of killing of civilians in Georgian villages in South Ossetia and in the “buffer zone” and of the respondent Government’s failure to comply with their procedural obligation to carry out an adequate and effective investigation into those killings; - that the respondent State was to pay the applicant Government, within three months, EUR 2,697,500 (two million six hundred and ninety-seven thousand five hundred euros) in respect of non-pecuniary damage suffered by a group of at least 166 victims of the administrative practice of inhuman and degrading treatment and arbitrary detention of Georgian civilians held by the South Ossetian forces in the basement of the “Ministry of Internal Affairs of South Ossetia” in Tskhinvali between approximately 10 and 27 August 2008; - that the respondent State was to pay the applicant Government, within three months, EUR 640,000 (six hundred and forty thousand euros) in respect of non-pecuniary damage suffered by a group of at least 16 victims of the administrative practice of torture of Georgian prisoners of war detained by the South Ossetian forces in Tskhinvali between 8 and 17 August 2008; - that the respondent State was to pay the applicant Government, within three months, EUR 115,000,000 (one hundred and fifteen million euros) in respect of non-pecuniary damage suffered by a group of at least 23,000 victims of the administrative practice of preventing the return of Georgian nationals to their respective homes in South Ossetia and Abkhazia; and - that the respondent State was to pay the applicant Government, within three months, EUR 8,240,000 (eight million two hundred and forty thousand euros) in respect of non-pecuniary damage suffered by a group of at least 412 victims of the respondent Government’s failure to comply with their procedural obligation to carry out an adequate and effective investigation into the deaths which had occurred during the active phase of the hostilities”, reads the Court’s press release. The Court also notes that the principal judgment in the present case was delivered on 21 January 2021 and since the question of the application of Article 41 of the Convention was not ready for decision, the Court reserved it and invited the applicant Government and the respondent Government to submit their observations on the matter.
Secretary General: Georgia is one of NATO’s closest partners
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili at NATO Headquarters on Tuesday (25 April 2023) for talks about strengthening the NATO-Georgia partnership. Calling Georgia “one of NATO’s closest partners”, the Secretary General stressed that “Allies fully support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He further noted that Georgia “can count on NATO’s continued political and practical support. In turn, I count on Georgia to redouble efforts on domestic reforms, and uphold democratic standards.” Speaking about Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Mr Stoltenberg warned: “We do not know when the war will end. But we know that Russian aggression is a toxic pattern that must be stopped once and for all.” He added: “Ukraine is upholding its right to self-defence under the UN Charter, and we expect all NATO partners to support this aim.”
