Police in Georgia fired water cannon and tear gas to disperse protesters in Tbilisi, the capital, who opposed the government's decision to suspend talks on joining the European Union, while some were detained, Russian agencies said on Monday.
Police in Georgia fired water cannon and tear gas to disperse protesters in Tbilisi, the capital, who opposed the government's decision to suspend talks on joining the European Union, while some were detained, Russian agencies said on Monday.
Thousands of protesters had taken to the streets for several days in the nation of 3.7 million, accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party of pursuing increasingly authoritarian, anti-Western and pro-Russian policies.
Police ended hours of standoff early on Monday by moving demonstrators away from the parliament building and down the central Rustaveli Avenue towards the Tbilisi opera house and began erecting barricades with any material they could find.
Amid skirmishes with police, the demonstrators were forced off the avenue as they tossed fireworks at law enforcement officers, who responded with volleys of water cannon and tear gas, Russian agencies said.
After months of rising tension, the crisis has worsened since Thursday's announcement that the government would freeze EU talks for four years, with pro-EU demonstrators facing off against police.
It was not immediately clear how many protesters were detained by early on Monday, when Russia's Interfax news agency said only a small group was left near a metro station.
It said 113 police officers were injured during the Tbilisi protests of the last few days, citing the Georgian interior (home) ministry.
On Sunday, four opposition groups urged protesters to demand paid leave from their jobs in order to attend protests, as provided by labour law, and asked employers to permit time off.
Georgia's pro-Western President Salome Zourabichvili called for pressure to be brought on the Constitutional Court to annul elections last month won by Georgian Dream. Both the opposition and Zourabichvili say the poll was rigged.
The European Union and the United States said they were alarmed by what they see as Georgia's shift away from a pro-Western path back towards Russia's orbit.
Georgian Dream says it is acting to defend the country's sovereignty against outside interference.
Senior officials from the United States and Georgia met in Tbilisi to review bilateral relations and regional security amid ongoing diplomatic discussions.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze is in Hungary for high-level meetings focused on expanding bilateral engagement. The visit includes talks with Hungarian leaders and is expected to pave the way for new agreements across several key sectors.
Georgia has launched its first modern dry port near Tbilisi, aiming to become a vital logistics and trade hub linking the Caucasus and Central Asia.
The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, one of the most trusted branches of American defense analysis, has released its annual global threat assessment — and Georgia is firmly on its radar.
Georgia celebrated its 107th Independence Day on May 26 with patriotic festivities in Tbilisi, featuring military parades, aerial demonstrations, and speeches by top officials to honor the nation’s independence.
European Union governments have agreed on a 1.5 billion-euro scheme to fund defence investments, though some countries said its "buy European" rules are too restrictive, diplomats said on Wednesday.
The Dutch government has unveiled official guidelines aimed at limiting smartphone and social media use among children, responding to growing concerns about the negative impact of excessive screen exposure.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism on Wednesday that an agreement could be reached "in the coming days" in the ongoing tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union.
Nippon Steel closed its $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel on Wednesday after securing approval from the Trump administration, which obtained a rare “golden share” giving the U.S. government veto power over key corporate decisions.
As tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, the vital Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern, prompting commercial shipping to reroute and maritime agencies to issue urgent advisories.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
As tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, the vital Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern, prompting commercial shipping to reroute and maritime agencies to issue urgent advisories.
President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that unity between the government and the people is essential for overcoming national crises, urging swift action from officials and deeper cooperation with neighboring countries.
President Ilham Aliyev and Bulgarian National Assembly President Natalia Kiselova reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria during a meeting in Baku on June 18, highlighting strong political and energy ties.
Iran warned on Wednesday that it would respond firmly to any direct U.S. involvement in Israel’s military campaign, as tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv escalated sharply.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for unconditional surrender, warning that any American military action would bring severe consequences.
European Union governments have agreed on a 1.5 billion-euro scheme to fund defence investments, though some countries said its "buy European" rules are too restrictive, diplomats said on Wednesday.
The Dutch government has unveiled official guidelines aimed at limiting smartphone and social media use among children, responding to growing concerns about the negative impact of excessive screen exposure.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism on Wednesday that an agreement could be reached "in the coming days" in the ongoing tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union.
Nippon Steel closed its $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel on Wednesday after securing approval from the Trump administration, which obtained a rare “golden share” giving the U.S. government veto power over key corporate decisions.
As tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, the vital Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern, prompting commercial shipping to reroute and maritime agencies to issue urgent advisories.
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