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PACE 51 members sign declaration on "Authoritarian backsliding in Geor...

The declaration warns that, should Georgia fail to make progress in reversing its authoritarian trajectory, the members will consider challenging the credentials of the Georgian delegation.“On 29 January 2025, the Parliamentary Assembly adopted Resolution 2585 (2025) ratifying the credentials of the Georgian delegation on the condition that Georgia meets democratic benchmarks by April 2025, including the release of political prisoners and the announcement of new parliamentary elections under improved electoral conditions.Instead, the situation has worsened dramatically. Senior opposition leaders have been imprisoned. Civil society activists and journalists face politically motivated criminal prosecution. This is no longer a series of isolated incidents but a sustained campaign to eliminate democratic opposition, restrict freedom of expression and silence civil society. Furthermore, the Georgian delegation has unilaterally withdrawn from the Assembly.This path of repression and disengagement violates Georgia’s obligations as a Council of Europe member and defies the Assembly’s authority. The Assembly must uphold its rules and resolutions. Ignoring authoritarian backsliding within a member State undermines the very foundation of this institution.If Georgia makes no progress in reversing its authoritarian course, we will challenge the credentials of the Georgian delegation on substantive grounds and call for the Assembly and the Committee of Ministers to begin the expulsion process of Georgia for serious violations of the basic principles of the Council of Europe mentioned in Article 3 of its Statute,” the declaration reads.

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Donald Trump: They took Crimea under Obama, and they took big chunk of...

The United States President believes that the Ukraine-Russia conflict could have evolved into World War III.“Crimea was the heart and soul of that country. It’s beautiful. And Obama said, You give it up to Russia. When Barack Hussein Obama gave away, he told them, You just give it up. It’s not going to be any fighting. And so they gave it up. And that was really the beginning of a disastrous, long period for that country. That was the beginning. And nobody talks about that. If I gave up that land, I’d be on the front page of every paper for the next 20 years. When Obama gave it up, they didn’t even talk about it. Can you imagine?” President Trump stated.“I didn’t give him Crimea. Crimea is massive. I would say like the size of Texas or something in the middle of the ocean. It’s gorgeous. And they gave it up because of Obama. And the press doesn’t even talk about it. Well, they don’t talk about part of Georgia that was taken under the Republican president,” Donald Trump stated.The U.S. President went on to say, “They took the whole thing under Biden. They took Crimea under Obama, and they took a big chunk of Georgia under Bush. Right. But with me, what was taken? Nothing was taken. Nothing. I came in, and this thing was raging. I think it was heading to World War III.”

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British Ambassador: UK continues to call on Russia to respect August 2...

According to the ambassador, the United Kingdom continues to call on Russia to respect the August 2008 ceasefire agreement.“Our support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remains unwavering. This August marks one year since I began my duties as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Georgia. During this period, I visited the village of Ergneti, which is located near the administrative boundary line with South Ossetia, and also visited the Enguri Bridge, which crosses the Rioni River toward Abkhazia. I had the opportunity to speak directly with people affected by the conflict, with Women Ambassadors for Peace who live in villages near the administrative line, as well as with young people from the Gali region. I witnessed firsthand the impact of the war-divided society on people’s daily lives.For more than 30 years, the United Kingdom has worked with Georgia toward peaceful conflict resolution and preventing escalation. The UK wants to see a successful, united Georgia that can freely choose its security partners. We regret Georgia’s government’s criticism of European efforts to restrain Russian aggression in Ukraine and Europe,” Gareth Ward added.It has been 17 years since the 2008 Russo-Georgian War. On August 7, 2008, separatist forces commenced intense shelling of Georgian villages, prompting a response from Georgian forces. The following day, Russian occupation troops entered the region. As a result of Russia’s military aggression against Georgia, 411 people lost their lives, approximately 130,000 citizens became IDPs in their own country, numerous villages were destroyed, and the city of Gori, along with strategic facilities, were heavily bombed. Russia continues to occupy 20 per cent of Georgia’s territory to this day.

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US Embassy: 17 years since Russia's invasion of Georgia. We reaffirm o...

“We stand in solidarity with the Georgian people and reaffirm our unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” reads the statement.It has been 17 years since the 2008 Russo-Georgian War. On August 7, 2008, separatist forces commenced intense shelling of Georgian villages, prompting a response from Georgian forces. The following day, Russian occupation troops entered the region. As a result of Russia’s military aggression against Georgia, 411 people lost their lives, approximately 130,000 citizens became IDPs in their own country, numerous villages were destroyed, and the city of Gori, along with strategic facilities, were heavily bombed. Russia continues to occupy 20 per cent of Georgia’s territory to this day.

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German Embassy: Germany calls on Russia to fully fulfill obligations o...

“The Federal Republic of Germany supports Georgia’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The unilateral recognition of Georgia’s separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by the Russian Federation and other states is unacceptable. Germany calls on Russia to fully fulfill the obligations outlined in the August 12 and September 8, 2008 agreements,” reads the statement.It has been 17 years since the 2008 Russo-Georgian War. On August 7, 2008, separatist forces commenced intense shelling of Georgian villages, prompting a response from Georgian forces. The following day, Russian occupation troops entered the region. As a result of Russia’s military aggression against Georgia, 411 people lost their lives, approximately 130,000 citizens became IDPs in their own country, numerous villages were destroyed, and the city of Gori, along with strategic facilities, were heavily bombed. Russia continues to occupy 20 per cent of Georgia’s territory to this day.

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EU Spokesperson: EU calls on Georgian government to release Mzia Amagl...

According to the statement, the EU calls on the Georgian authorities to “release Mzia Amaglobeli, as well as those unjustly detained.”“Media freedom and the right to freedom of expression are cornerstones of any democratic society. Journalists must be able to carry out their vital work without fear of persecution or undue restraint. The actions of the authorities targeting and silencing independent media undermine the very foundation of democracy, contradict Georgia’s international obligations and run counter to the European aspirations of the Georgian population.We call on the Georgian authorities to release Mzia Amaglobeli, as well as those unjustly detained, and to uphold and ensure the right to a fair trial, as a fundamental principle of justice and a key pillar of democratic governance.The EU stands with the Georgian people and their European aspirations and remains steadfast in its commitment to support civil society and independent media,” reads the statement released by the EU Delegation to Georgia.Batumi City Court sentenced Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of the Batumelebi and Netgazeti media outlets, to two years in prison.

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We need the MEGOBARI Act! - Joe Wilson

"For 250 consecutive days, the brave Georgian people have protested against the anti-American Georgian Dream regime. They demand an end to this regime’s total sellout of their country to Communist China, the terrorist regime in Tehran, and war criminal Putin. We need MEGOBARI!” writes Joe Wilson. For 250 consecutive days, the brave Georgian people have protested against the anti-American Georgian Dream regime. They demand an end to this regime’s total sellout of their country to Communist China, the terrorist regime in Tehran, and war criminal Putin. We need MEGOBARI! — Joe Wilson (@RepJoeWilson) August 4, 2025 In the process of protesting the results of the parliamentary elections of October 26, 2024, people began to take to the streets en masse after the Georgian Dream removed the issue of EU accession negotiations from the agenda for 4 years, until the end of 2028.More than 250 days have passed since then. Protests on the streets of Tbilisi and several major cities in Georgia have not yet subsided.Protesters accuse the government of stalling the European integration process and, along with new parliamentary elections, demand the release of political prisoners.

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US Embassy: Using a Visa Solely to Give Birth in the U.S. Is Grounds f...

"It is not permissible to use your visa solely for giving birth in America, with the aim of granting your child U.S. citizenship. Consular officers will refuse to issue a visa if they have reason to suspect that this is the purpose of your departure," the statement reads.Under U.S. law, any child born on American soil automatically receives U.S. citizenship, regardless of the parents' nationality. However, the embassy emphasizes that misrepresenting your travel intentions can lead to visa denial.

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Raufoglu: Three Senators Misled by Lobby Groups

“Sources tell me all three senators were misled by lobby groups claiming that the MEGOBARI Act sanctions the entire nation. This is incorrect,” Raufoglu wrote on social media.Earlier, Raufoglu reported that the senators’ stance was delaying the act’s passage in the Senate.Introduced by Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, the MEGOBARI Act aims to strengthen U.S.-Georgia relations while also sanctioning individuals involved in actions that undermine Georgian democracy. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on May 5, 2025, with bipartisan support.

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British Embassy: Georgian Dream Has Withdrawn from Euro-Atlantic Coope...

“The United Kingdom firmly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia,” the Embassy’s statement reads. “Unfortunately, Georgian Dream has withdrawn from Euro-Atlantic cooperation, but the threat from Russia remains, including in cyberspace.”The statement comes amid renewed international attention to Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics, including cyberattacks, disinformation, and intelligence operations targeting democratic institutions and allies across Europe.The UK’s criticism of the Georgian government aligns with broader Western concerns about Georgia’s political direction, particularly after the passage of the controversial “foreign influence” law and increasing signs of democratic backsliding. Georgian Dream has faced mounting domestic and international scrutiny for what critics call a shift away from Western integration and democratic norms.While expressing concern over Georgia’s current political course, the UK reiterated its long-standing support for the country’s independence and its right to choose its own alliances, values that remain under threat from Russian interference.The statement underscores the UK's continued partnership with the Georgian people and signals growing unease in Western capitals about Tbilisi’s political alignment in the face of Russia’s persistent destabilizing activities.

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