Georgian Dream secured 54% of the vote, but President claims the election was stolen. Opposition parties allege violations, while the EU and US call for an investigation. The Kremlin denies any interference in the voting process.
Thousands protested outside Georgia's parliament in Tbilisi on Monday after the governing Georgian Dream party won an election marred by voting irregularities.
Demonstrators, some holding anti-Russia banners, viewed the election as pivotal for the country's future, with Georgian Dream deepening ties with Russia while the opposition aims for quicker integration with Europe. Despite Georgia's application for EU membership, its candidate status was frozen due to legislation on foreign agents.
Georgian Dream, in power since 2012, received nearly 54% of the vote, according to the election commission. The four main opposition parties, rejecting the results, announced a boycott of parliament.
President Salome Zourabichvili urged citizens to protest, stating, "You did not lose the elections. Your vote was stolen, and they tried to steal your future as well." She called for peaceful defense of their constitutional right to have their votes respected.
Monitors from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe noted incidents of vote-buying, voter intimidation, and ballot-stuffing but did not declare the election rigged.
The election outcome poses a challenge to the EU's expansion plans in former Soviet states. NATO and the EU called for a full investigation. The US is in discussions with European partners regarding an appropriate investigative body and has warned of potential consequences if the Georgian government does not address its "anti-democratic actions."
Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister Ali Asadov and Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze inspected the plot of land in Baku designated for the new Georgian embassy. The site, in the Yasamal district, was allocated under a 2023 Cabinet Decree following a directive from Azerbaijan's President.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze highlighted the importance of strengthening ties with Azerbaijan. At a joint press conference with President Ilham Aliyev, Kobakhidze emphasized Azerbaijan as a key trading partner and the strategic role both nations play in connecting Europe and Asia.
Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze arrived in the Republic of Azerbaijan for a working visit on January 17.
Baku, Azerbaijan – Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze is set to visit Baku to participate in the 10th anniversary session of the Azerbaijan-Georgia Intergovernmental Commission.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus co-chairs honour the 35th anniversary of January 20, reflecting on its impact as a pivotal moment in Azerbaijan's fight for independence.
Thousands in Belgrade held a silent protest outside RTS, honouring victims of a roof collapse. University students demanded justice for the tragedy, blaming Serbian authorities.
South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court to contest his detention extension on insurrection charges tied to his martial law declaration.
Reports of a two-month halt in Azerbaijani gas supplies to Serbia are false. Despite a technical issue at Shah Deniz Alpha, Shah Deniz Bravo ensures steady exports, with supplies set to resume soon. BP confirms no damage or environmental impact.
Coast Guard divers Chuck Fox and Corey Smith from the US Cutter *Polar Star* successfully repaired a leaking shaft in the freezing waters of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica.
Azerbaijan has temporarily halted its contracted natural gas supply to Bulgaria following a technical issue at BP's Alpha platform in the Shah Deniz gas field.
As we welcome the new year, it’s time to focus on species needing urgent conservation in 2025. From delicate lizards to mighty hornbills and massive sharks, all face the threat of extinction.
Over 100 Paris 2024 Olympic medals were returned due to quality issues linked to EU regulations and an untested varnish formula. The IOC has pledged to replace all defective medals.
U.S. Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus co-chairs honour the 35th anniversary of January 20, reflecting on its impact as a pivotal moment in Azerbaijan's fight for independence.
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been reached, with hostages set to be released after over 15 months of conflict. The deal also includes a prisoner exchange, offering hope for peace despite ongoing violence in Gaza.
Russia and Iran have agreed to intensify cooperation in developing international transport corridors, especially the North-South corridor. The move aims to improve trade flows and create smoother transportation conditions for goods traveling through both countries.
The Houthis, ruling northern Yemen, have claimed responsibility for the seventh drone attack on the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman since its arrival in the Red Sea. The group also warned it is monitoring developments in the Gaza Strip.
Kazakh political scientist Dimash Alzhanov claims that the leaked transcripts of alleged conversations between AZAL pilots and Russian ground services are an attempt to exert informational pressure on Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan during the investigation into the December crash
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus co-chairs honour the 35th anniversary of January 20, reflecting on its impact as a pivotal moment in Azerbaijan's fight for independence.
Thousands in Belgrade held a silent protest outside RTS, honouring victims of a roof collapse. University students demanded justice for the tragedy, blaming Serbian authorities.
South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court to contest his detention extension on insurrection charges tied to his martial law declaration.
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