Thousands of pro-EU protesters in Tbilisi clashed with police using water cannons and tear gas after Georgia's ruling party froze EU accession talks, sparking widespread outrage in the country.
Police deploying water cannon, tear gas and pepper spray confronted thousands of pro-European protesters erecting barricades in the center of Tbilisi on Saturday (November 30) after Georgia's ruling party said it was halting EU accession talks until 2028.
European Union accession is overwhelmingly popular in Georgia according to opinion polls, and the move saw thousands mass outside the parliament building in Tbilisi on Thursday before they were dispersed by riot police using water cannon and gas.
The freezing of application talks has been met with widespread anger in Georgia, which has the aim of EU membership written into its constitution.
Protesters carrying Georgian and EU flags pressed towards the Soviet-built fortress-like parliament building and hurled fireworks at police officers. Police forced them away from the assembly and down Rustaveli Boulevard toward the opera house.
Still in their thousands, demonstrators seized anything to hand and stood atop ramshackle barricades in a standoff with officers well past midnight. Fires were ablaze on the boulevard.
The ruling Georgian Dream party, which won almost 54% of the vote in an October election that opposition parties say was rigged, said on Thursday that it was freezing membership talks over what it said was EU "blackmail" of Georgia.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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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