Mikheil Saakashvili: Difference between revisions
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| alma_mater = [[Kiev State University]]<br>[[Columbia University]]<br>[[George Washington University]] |
| alma_mater = [[Kiev State University]]<br>[[Columbia University]]<br>[[George Washington University]] |
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| spouse = [[Sandra E. Roelofs]] |
| spouse = [[Sandra E. Roelofs]] |
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| To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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| children = Eduard Saakashvili<br>Nikoloz Saakashvili |
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| religion = [[Georgian Orthodox Church]] |
| religion = [[Georgian Orthodox Church]] |
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| residence = [[Tbilisi]], Georgia |
| residence = [[Tbilisi]], Georgia |
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| party = [[National Movement - Democrats|ENM]] |
| party = [[National Movement - Democrats|ENM]] |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Mikheil Nik'olozis dze Saak'ashvili''' ({{lang-ka|მიხეილ ნიკოლოზის ძე სააკაშვილი}}) (born [[December 21]], [[1967]]) is a [[Georgians|Georgian]] [[politician]], the [[President of Georgia]] and leader of the [[National Movement - Democrats|ENM]]. Saakashvili was elected to replace President [[Eduard Shevardnadze]], who stepped down in Georgia's 2003 bloodless [[Rose Revolution]], led by Saakashvili and his major political allies, [[Nino Burjanadze]] and [[Zurab Zhvania]], and took office on [[25 January]], [[2004]]. Saakashvili resigned from his position on [[25 November]], [[2007]] in order to re-run for the early [[Georgian presidential election, 2008|Georgian presidential election]], of [[5 January]] [[2008]], and was reelected as President with the majority of votes. |
'''Mikheil Nik'olozis dze Saak'ashvili''' ({{lang-ka|მიხეილ ნიკოლოზის ძე სააკაშვილი}}) (born [[December 21]], [[1967]]) To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''is a [[Georgians|Georgian]] [[politician]], the [[President of Georgia]] and leader of the [[National Movement - Democrats|ENM]]. Saakashvili was elected to replace President [[Eduard Shevardnadze]], who stepped down in Georgia's 2003 bloodless [[Rose Revolution]],To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' led by Saakashvili and his major political allies, [[Nino Burjanadze]] and [[Zurab Zhvania]], and took office on [[25 January]], [[2004]]. Saakashvili resigned from his position on [[25 November]], [[2007]] in order to re-run for the early [[Georgian presidential election, 2008|Georgian presidential election]], of [[5 January]] [[2008]], and To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''was reelected as President with the majority of votes. |
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Some non-Georgian sources spell Saakashvili's name via the [[Russian language|Russian]] (Михаил Саакашвили) as '''Mikhail'''. In Georgia, he is commonly known as "Misha," a [[hypocorism]] for Mikheil. It is also transliterated '''Mixeil Saakašvili'''. |
To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''Some non-Georgian sources spell Saakashvili's name via the [[Russian language|Russian]] (Михаил Саакашвили) as '''Mikhail'''. In Georgia, he is commonly known as "Misha,"To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' a [[hypocorism]] for Mikheil. It is also transliterated '''Mixeil Saakašvili'''. |
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He is married to [[Sandra E. Roelofs]], of [[Netherlands|Dutch]] origin, and has two sons, Eduard and Nikoloz. Apart from his native [[Georgian |
He To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''is married to [[Sandra E. Roelofs]], of [[Netherlands|Dutch]] origin, and has two sons, Eduard and Nikoloz. Apart from his native [[Georgian lanTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''guage|Georgian]], he speaks fluent [[English language|English]], [[French language|French]], [[Russian language|Russian]] and [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3231852.stm |title=Profile: Mikhail Saakashvili |accessdate=2008-08-09 |date=[[2004-01-25]] |work=[[BBC News]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://topics.nytimes.com/toTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''p/reference/timestopics/people/s/mikhail_saakashvili/index.html |title=Mikheil Saakashvili |accessdate=2008-08-09 |date=2008 |work=[[The New York Times]] }}</ref> and has some command of [[Ossetic language|Ossetian]] and [[Spanish language|Spanish]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/reportsfromabroad/murray/20080229.html |title=Can bountiful Georgia escape the Russian bear? |accessdate=2008-08-09 |author=Murray, Don |date=[[2008-02-29]] |work=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurasianetTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''.org/departments/insight/articles/eav081304.shtml |title=As prospect of South Ossetian conflict grows, Georgia prepares to send troops to Iraq |accessdate=2008-08-09 |author=Smock, John |date=2004-08-13 |work=EurasiaNet }}</ref> |
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==Early life and career== |
==Early life and career== |
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Mikheil Saakashvili was born in [[Tbilisi]], capital of what was then the [[Georgian SSR|Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic]] in the [[Soviet Union]], to a Georgian [[intelligentsia]] family. His father, Nikoloz Saakashvili, is a physician who still practices medicine in Tbilisi and directs a local [[Balneological]] Center. His mother, [[Giuli Alasania]], is a historian who lectures at [[Tbilisi State University]]. |
Mikheil SaakashviTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''li was born in [[Tbilisi]], capital of what was then the [[Georgian SSR|Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic]] in the [[Soviet Union]], to a Georgian [[intelligentsia]] family. His father, Nikoloz Saakashvili, is a physician who still practices medicine in Tbilisi and directs a local [[Balneological]] Center. His mother, [[Giuli Alasania]], is a historian who lectures at [[Tbilisi State University]]. |
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Saakashvili graduated from the School of International Law of the [[Kyiv University|Kiev State University]] ([[ |
SaakasTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''hvili graduated from the School of International Law of the [[Kyiv University|Kiev State University]] ([[UkraTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''ine]]) in 1992. He briefly worked as a [[human rights]] officer for the interim State Council of Georgia following the overthrow of President [[Zviad Gamsakhurdia]] before receiving a fellowship from the [[United States State Department]] (via the [[Edmund S. Muskie]]/FREEDOM Support Act (FSA) Graduate Fellowship Program). |
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He received an [[LLM]] from [[Columbia Law School]] in 1994 and took classes at [[The George Washington University Law School]] the following year. In 1995, he also received a diploma from the International Institute of Human Rights in [[Strasbourg]], [[France]]. |
He received an [[LLM]] from [[Columbia Law School]] in 1994 and took classes at [[The George Washington University Law School]] the following year. In 1995, he also received a diploma from the International Institute of Human Rights in [[Strasbourg]], [[France]]. |
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After graduation, while on internship in the [[New York City|New York]] law firm of [[Patterson Belknap |
After graduation, while on internship in the [[New York City|New York]] law firm of [[Patterson Belknap WebbTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' & Tyler]] in early 1995, Saakashvili was approached by [[Zurab Zhvania]], an old friend from Georgia who was working on behalf of President [[Eduard Shevardnadze]] to recruit talented young Georgians to enter politics. He stood in the December 1995 elections along with Zhvania, and both men won seats in [[Parliament of Georgia|parliament]], standing for the [[Union of Citizens of Georgia]], Shevardnadze's party. |
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Saakashvili soon made a name for himself as chairman of the parliamentary committee charged with creating a new electoral system, an independent judiciary and a non-political police force. He achieved a high degree of public recognition, with opinion surveys finding him to be the second most popular person in Georgia, behind Shevardnadze. He was named " |
Saakashvili To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''soon made a name for himself as chairman of the parliamentary committee charged with creating a new electoral system, an independent judiciary and a non-political police force. He achieved a high degree of public recognition, with opinion surveys finding him to be the second most popular person in Georgia, behind Shevardnadze. He was named "mTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''an of the year" by a panel of journalists and human rights advocates in 1997. In January 2000, Saakashvili was appointed Vice-President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the [[Council of Europe]]. |
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On [[October 12]], 2000, Saakashvili became Minister of Justice for the government of President Shevardnadze. He initiated major reforms in the decrepit, corrupt and highly politicised |
On [[October 12]], 2000, Saakashvili became Minister of Justice for the government of President Shevardnadze. He initiated major reforms in the decrepit, corrupt and highly politicised GeorgianTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' criminal justice and prisons system. This earned praise from many international observers and human rights activists. But in mid-2001 he became involved in a major controversy with the Economics Minister Ivane Chkhartishvili, State Security Minister Vakhtang Kutateladze and Tbilisi police chief Ioseb Alavidze, accusing them of profiting from corrupt business deals.To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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Saakashvili resigned on [[September 5]], 2001, saying that "I consider it immoral for me to remain as a member of Shevardnadze's government." He declared that corruption had penetrated to the very centre of the Georgian government and that Shevardnadze lacked the will to deal with it, warning that "current developments in Georgia will turn the country into a criminal enclave in one or two years." |
SaakashviliTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' resigned on [[September 5]], 2001, saying that "I consider it immoral for me to remain as a member of Shevardnadze's government." He declared that corruption had penetrated to the very centre of the Georgian government and that Shevardnadze lacked the will to deal with it, warning that "current developments in Georgia will turn the country into a criminal enclave in one or two years." |
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==In the United National Movement== |
==In the United National Movement==To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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{{see|Rose Revolution}} |
{{see|Rose Revolution}} |
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To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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Having resigned from the government and quit the Shevardnadze-run Union of Citizens of Georgia party, Saakashvili founded the [[United National Movement]] (UNM) in October 2001, a left-of-center political party akin to the [[Social Democracy|Social Democrats]] in [[Europe]] with a touch of [[nationalism]], to provide a focus for part of the Georgian reformists leaders. In June 2002, he was elected as the Chairman of the [[Tbilisi Assembly]] ("Sakrebulo") following an agreement between the United National Movement and the [[Georgian Labour Party]]. This gave him a powerful new platform from which to criticize the government. |
Having resigned from the government and quit the Shevardnadze-run Union of Citizens of Georgia party, Saakashvili founded the [[United National Movement]] (UNM) in October 2001, a left-of-center political party akin to the [[Social Democracy|Social Democrats]] in [[Europe]] with a touch of [[nationalism]], to provide a focus for part of the Georgian reformists leaders. In June 2002, he was elected as the Chairman of the [[Tbilisi Assembly]] ("Sakrebulo") following an agreement between the United National Movement and the [[Georgian Labour Party]]. This gave him a powerful new platform from which to criticize the government. |
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To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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Georgia held [[Georgia legislative election, 2003|parliamentary elections]] on [[November 2]], [[2003]] which were denounced by local and international observers as being grossly rigged. Saakashvilli claimed that he had won the elections (a claim supported by independent exit polls), and urged Georgians to demonstrate against Shevardnadze's government and engage in nonviolent [[civil disobedience]] against the authorities. Saakashvili's UNM and Burdjanadze-Democrats united to demand the ouster of Shevardnadze and the rerun of the elections. |
Georgia held [[Georgia legislative election, 2003|parliamentary elections]] on [[November 2]], [[2003]] which were denounced by local and international observers as being grossly rigged. Saakashvilli claimed that he had won the elections (a claim supported by independent exit polls), and urged Georgians to demonstrate against Shevardnadze's government and engage in nonviolent [[civil disobedience]] against the authorities. Saakashvili's UNM and Burdjanadze-Democrats united to demand the ouster of Shevardnadze and the rerun of the elections. |
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To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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Massive political demonstrations were held in Tbilisi in November, with over 100,000 people participating and listening to speeches by Saakashvili and other opposition figures. The [[Kmara]] ("Enough!") youth organization (a Georgian counterpart of the [[Serbia]]n "[[Otpor]]") and several [[Non-governmental organization|NGO]]s, like [[Liberty Institute (Georgia)|Liberty Institute]], were active in all protest activities. After an increasingly tense two weeks of demonstrations, Shevardnadze [[Eduard Shevardnadze#Political Downfall|resigned as President]] on [[November 23]], to be replaced on an interim basis by parliamentary speaker [[Nino Burjanadze]]. While the revolutionary leaders did their best to stay within the constitutional norms, many called the change of government a popular coup dubbed by Georgian media as the [[Rose Revolution]]. |
To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''Massive political demonstrations were held in Tbilisi in November, with over 100,000 people participating and listening to speeches by Saakashvili and other opposition figures. The [[Kmara]] ("Enough!") youth organization (a Georgian counterpart of the [[Serbia]]n "[[Otpor]]") and several [[Non-governmental organization|NGO]]s, like [[Liberty Institute (Georgia)|Liberty Institute]], were active in all protest activities. After an increasingly tense two weeks of demonstrations, Shevardnadze [[Eduard Shevardnadze#Political Downfall|resigned as President]] on [[November 23]], to be replaced on an interim basis by parliamentary speaker [[Nino Burjanadze]]. While the revolutionary leaders did their best to stay within the constitutional norms, many called the change of government a popular coup dubbed by Georgian media as the [[Rose Revolution]]. |
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On [[February 24]], [[2004]] the ''United National Movement'' and the ''United Democrats'' had amalgamated. The new political movement was named the [[National Movement - Democrats]] (NMD). The movement's main political priorities include raising pensions and providing social services to the poor, its main base of support; fighting corruption; and increasing state revenue. |
On [[February 24]], [[2004]] the ''United National Movement'' and the ''United Democrats'' had amalgamated. The new political movement was named the [[National Movement - Democrats]] (NMD). The movement's main political priorities include raising pensions and providing social services to the poor, its main base of support; fighting corruption; and increasing state revenue. |
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To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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==Presidency==To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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==Presidency== |
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===First Term===To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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===First Term=== |
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[[Image:Amtseinführung Saakaschwili.jpg|thumb|240px|Saakashvili's inauguration as President of Georgia]] |
[[Image:Amtseinführung Saakaschwili.jpg|thumb|240px|Saakashvili's inauguration as President of Georgia]] |
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On [[January 4]], [[2004]] Mikheil Saakashvili won the presidential elections in Georgia with more than 96% of the votes cast, making him the youngest national president in Europe. Saakashvili ran on a platform of opposing corruption and improving pay and pensions. He has promised to improve relations with the outside world. Although he is strongly pro-Western and intends to seek Georgian membership of [[NATO]] and the [[European Union]], he has also spoken of the importance of better relations with Russia. He faces major problems, however, particularly Georgia's difficult economic situation and the still unresolved question of separatism in the regions of [[Abkhazia]] and [[South Ossetia]]. Abkhazia regards itself as independent of Georgia and did not take part in the elections, while South Ossetia favours union with its [[North Ossetia|northern counterpart]] in [[Russia]]. |
On [[January 4]], [[2004]] Mikheil Saakashvili won the presidential elections in Georgia with more than 96% of the votes cast, making him the youngest national president in Europe. Saakashvili ran on a platform of opposing corruption and improving pay and pensions. He has promised to improve relations with the outside world. Although he is strongly pro-Western and intends to seek Georgian membership of [[NATO]] and the [[European Union]], he has also spoken of the importance of better relations with Russia. He faces major problems, however, particularly Georgia's difficult economic situation and the still unresolved question of separatism in the regions of [[Abkhazia]] and [[South Ossetia]]. Abkhazia regards itself as independent of Georgia and did not take part in the elections, while South Ossetia favours union with its [[North Ossetia|northern counterpart]] in [[Russia]]. |
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To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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Saakashvili was sworn in as President in Tbilisi on [[January 25]], [[2004]]. Immediately after the ceremony he signed a decree establishing a new state flag. On [[January 26]], in a ceremony held at the Tbilisi Kashueti Church of Saint George, he promulgated a decree granting permission for the return of the body of the first President of Georgia, [[Zviad Gamsakhurdia]], from [[Grozny]] ([[Chechen Republic]]) to Tbilisi and renaming a major road in the capital after Gamsakhurdia. He also released 32 Gamsakhurdia supporters (political prisoners) imprisoned by the Shevardnadze government in 1993-94. |
To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''Saakashvili was sworn in as President in Tbilisi on [[January 25]], [[2004]]. Immediately after the ceremony he signed a decree establishing a new state flag. On [[January 26]], in a ceremony held at the Tbilisi Kashueti Church of Saint George, he promulgated a decree granting permission for the return of the body of the first President of Georgia, [[Zviad Gamsakhurdia]], from [[Grozny]] ([[Chechen Republic]]) to Tbilisi and renaming a major road in the capital after Gamsakhurdia. He also released 32 Gamsakhurdia supporters (political prisoners) imprisoned by the Shevardnadze government in 1993-94. |
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To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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In the first months of his presidency, Saakashvili faced a major [[Adjara crisis|political crisis]] in the southwestern [[Autonomous Republic]] of [[Adjara]] run by an authoritarian regional leader, [[Aslan Abashidze]], who largely ignored the central Georgian government and was viewed by many as a pro-Russian politician. The crisis threatened to develop into an armed confrontation, but Saakashvili's government managed to resolve the conflict peacefully, forcing Abashidze to resign on [[May 6]] 2004. Success in Adjara encouraged the new president to intensify his efforts towards bringing the breakaway South Ossetia back under the Georgian jurisdiction. The separatist authorities responded with intense militarization in the region, that led to armed clashes in August 2004. A stalemate ensued, and despite a new peace plan proposed by the Georgian government in 2005, the conflict remains unresolved. Recently, in late July 2006, Saakashvili's government managed to deal successfully with [[2006 Kodori crisis|another major crisis]], this time in Abkhazia's [[Kodori Gorge]] where Georgia's police forces disarmed a defiant militia led by a local warlord [[Emzar Kvitsiani]]. |
In the first months of his presidency, Saakashvili faced a major [[Adjara crisis|political crisis]] in the southwestern [[Autonomous Republic]] of [[Adjara]] run by an authoritarian regional leader, [[Aslan Abashidze]], who largely ignored the central Georgian government and was viewed by many as a pro-Russian politician. The crisis threatened to develop into an armed confrontation, but Saakashvili's government managed to resolve the conflict peacefully, forcing Abashidze to resign on [[May 6]] 2004. Success in Adjara encouraged the new president to intensify his efforts towards bringing the breakaway South Ossetia back under the Georgian jurisdiction. The separatist authorities responded with intense militarization in the region, that led to armed clashes in August 2004.To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' A stalemate ensued, and despite a new peace plan proposed by the Georgian government in 2005, the conflict remains unresolved. Recently, in late July 2006, Saakashvili's government managed to deal successfully with [[2006 Kodori crisis|another major crisis]], this time in Abkhazia's [[Kodori Gorge]] where Georgia's police forces disarmed a defiant militia led by a local warlord [[Emzar Kvitsiani]]. |
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To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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Although the reforms initiated by President Saakashvili are considered to have mixed success, still the rate of corruption in the country has drastically reduced. According to the [[World Bank]] accounts, Georgia is named as the number one economic reformer in the world and the country ranks as 18 in term of ''ease of doing business'', when most of the country's neighbours' are in the 100s of the World Bank's rank.<ref>[http://www.doingbusiness.org/EconomyRankings/ Rankings - Doing Business] World Bank Group</ref> |
Although the reforms initiated by President Saakashvili are considered to have mixed success, still the rate of corruption in the country has drastically reduced. According to the [[World Bank]] accounts, Georgia is named as the number one economic reformer in the world and the country ranks as 18 in term of ''ease of doing business'', when most of the country's neighbours' are in the 100s of the World Bank's rank.<ref>[http://www.doingbusiness.org/EconomyRankings/ Rankings - Doing Business] World Bank Group</ref> |
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To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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| ⚫ | In his foreign policy, Saakashvili maintains close ties with the [[U.S.]] leadership, as well as other [[NATO]] countries, and remains one of the leaders of the [[GUAM]] organization. The Saakashvili-led [[Rose Revolution]] has been described by the [[White House]] as one of the most powerful movements in the modern history<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/06/20060619-2.html President Bush to Welcome President Saakashvili] White House</ref> that has inspired others to seek freedom.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europe/05/10/bush.tuesday/ Bush: Georgia 'beacon of liberty'] CNN</ref>.To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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====Economic policy====To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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| ⚫ | In his foreign policy, Saakashvili maintains close ties with the [[U.S.]] leadership, as well as other [[NATO]] countries, and remains one of the leaders of the [[GUAM]] organization. The Saakashvili-led [[Rose Revolution]] has been described by the [[White House]] as one of the most powerful movements in the modern history<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/06/20060619-2.html President Bush to Welcome President Saakashvili] White House</ref> that has inspired others to seek freedom.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europe/05/10/bush.tuesday/ Bush: Georgia 'beacon of liberty'] CNN</ref>. |
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====Economic policy==== |
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Saakashvili is a popular supporter of [[free market]] and believes that less government involvement in businesses is a good idea.{{Fact|july|date=July 2007}} During his administration Georgian economy advanced to a new level and increased tax collection after lowering the tax rates. In addition, Georgia is becoming involved in International market transactions and in 2007 [[Bank of Georgia]] sold bonds at premium, when $200m five-year bond was priced with a coupon of 9 per cent at par, or 100 per cent of face value, after initially being priced at 9.5 per cent and investors pushed orders up to $600m.<ref>[http://search.ft.com/ftArticle?queryText=sweet+georgia&y=0&aje=true&x=0&id=070202001027 Sweet Georgia] Financial Times</ref> |
Saakashvili is a popular supporter of [[free market]] and believes that less government involvement in businesses is a good idea.{{Fact|july|date=July 2007}} During his administration Georgian economy advanced to a new level and increased tax collection after lowering the tax rates. In addition, Georgia is becoming involved in International market transactions and in 2007 [[Bank of Georgia]] sold bonds at premium, when $200m five-year bond was priced with a coupon of 9 per cent at par, or 100 per cent of face value, after initially being priced at 9.5 per cent and investors pushed orders up to $600m.<ref>[http://search.ft.com/ftArticle?queryText=sweet+georgia&y=0&aje=true&x=0&id=070202001027 Sweet Georgia] Financial Times</ref> |
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====Foreign relations====To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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====Foreign relations==== |
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[[Image:Saakashvili n bush.jpg|thumb|250px|Mikheil Saakashvili with [[George W. Bush]].]] |
[[Image:Saakashvili n bush.jpg|thumb|250px|Mikheil Saakashvili with [[George W. Bush]].]] |
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President Saakashvili sees membership of the [[NATO]] as a premise of stability for Georgia and offered an intensified dialogue with the ''de facto'' Abkhaz and Ossetian authorities. Until his attempted invasion of South Ossetia in August 2008 he was thought to favour a diplomatic solution to these conflicts. Saakashvili's administration doubled the number of its troops in [[Iraq]], making Georgia one of the biggest supporters of [[Coalition Forces]], and keeping its troops in [[Kosovo]] and [[Afghanistan]] to promote Global Security.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6433289.stm/ Georgia to double troops in Iraq] BBC</ref> |
President Saakashvili sees membership of the [[NATO]] as a premise of stability for Georgia and offered an intensified dialogue with the ''de facto'' Abkhaz and Ossetian authorities. Until his attempted invasion of South Ossetia in August 2008 he was thought to favour a diplomatic solution to these conflicts. Saakashvili's administration doubled the number of its troops in [[Iraq]], making Georgia one of the biggest supporters of [[Coalition Forces]], and keeping its troops in [[Kosovo]] and [[Afghanistan]] to promote Global Security.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6433289.stm/ Georgia to double troops in Iraq] BBC</ref> |
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To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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Saakashvili's government maintains solid diplomatic relations with other Caucasian states and [[Eastern European]] countries, such as [[Armenia]], [[Azerbaijan]], [[Estonia]], [[Latvia]], [[Lithuania]], [[Poland]], [[Romania]], [[Turkey]] and [[Ukraine]]. In 2004, Saakashvili visited Israel to attend the official opening of the modern energy problems research center and Dr. Brenda Schaffer, the director of the center, described Saakshvili as Nelson Mandela of the 21st century.<ref>[http://www.fjc.ru/news/newsArticle.asp?AID=212105 Georgian President Meets Jewish Leaders For Georgian-Jewish Friendship Week] FJC</ref> In August of the same year, Saakashvili, who holds an honorary doctorate from [[Haifa University]] travelled to Israel to attend the opening of the official Week of Georgian-Jewish Friendship, held under the auspices of the Georgian President, for which the Jewish leaders were invited as honored guests.<ref>[http://www.fjc.ru/news/newsArticle.asp?AID=212105 Georgian President Meets Jewish Leaders For Georgian-Jewish Friendship Week] FJC</ref> |
Saakashvili's government maintains solid diplomatic relations with other Caucasian states and [[Eastern European]] countries, such as [[Armenia]], [[Azerbaijan]], [[Estonia]], [[Latvia]], [[Lithuania]], [[Poland]], [[Romania]], [[Turkey]] and [[Ukraine]]. In 2004, Saakashvili visited Israel to attend the official opening of the modern energy problems research center and Dr. Brenda Schaffer, the director of the center, described Saakshvili as Nelson Mandela of the 21st century.<ref>[http://www.fjc.ru/news/newsArticle.asp?AID=212105 Georgian President Meets Jewish Leaders For Georgian-Jewish Friendship Week] FJC</ref> In August of the same year, Saakashvili, who holds an honorary doctorate from [[Haifa University]] travelled to Israel to attend the opening of the official Week of Georgian-Jewish Friendship, held under the auspices of the Georgian President, for which the Jewish leaders were invited as honored guests.<ref>[http://www.fjc.ru/news/newsArticle.asp?AID=212105 Georgian President Meets Jewish Leaders For Georgian-Jewish Friendship Week] FJC</ref> |
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To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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On 12 October 2007 Saakashvili officially visited [[Åland Islands]], an autonomous region of [[Finland]], and was informed about how the autonomy is organised<ref>[http://www.nyan.ax/nyheter/?news_id=26904]</ref>. |
On 12 October 2007 Saakashvili officially visited [[Åland Islands]], an autonomous region of [[Finland]], and was informed about how the autonomy is organised<ref>[http://www.nyan.ax/nyheter/?news_id=26904]</ref>. |
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To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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Georgia maintains good relations with the [[United States]], a fact much disliked by [[Government of Russia|the Kremlin]], and the Russian tabloid ''[[Pravda]]'' published a derogatory article about Georgia titled ''Another Georgia to appear on the US map''.<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/world/20/92/371/15658_Georgia.html/ Another Georgia to appear on the US map] Pravda</ref> |
Georgia maintains good relations with the [[United States]], a fact much disliked by [[Government of Russia|the Kremlin]], and the Russian tabloid ''[[Pravda]]'' published a derogatory article about Georgia titled ''Another Georgia to appear on the US map''.<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/world/20/92/371/15658_Georgia.html/ Another Georgia to appear on the US map] Pravda</ref> |
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To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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Saakashvili believes that the long-term priority for the country is to advance its membership in the [[European Community]] and during a meeting with [[Javier Solana]], he said that in contrast with new and old [[Europe]]an states, Georgia is an Ancient European state. |
Saakashvili believes that the long-term priority for the country is to advance its membership in the [[European Community]] and during a meeting with [[Javier Solana]], he said that in contrast with new and old [[Europe]]an states, Georgia is an Ancient European state. |
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====Criticism====To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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====Criticism==== |
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There have been some concerns about Saakashvili monopolizing power since his coming to office in 2004. However, the government's [[Human rights in Georgia (country)|human rights record]] has shown improvement in many areas compared to that of the [[Eduard Shevardnadze|Shevardnadze]] |
There have been some concerns about Saakashvili monopolizing power since his coming to office in 2004. However, the government's [[Human rights in Georgia (country)|human rights record]] has shown improvement in many areas compared to that of the [[Eduard Shevardnadze|Shevardnadze]] eraTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''', though some problems still remain.<ref name="HRW2005">The [[Human Rights Watch]][http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/01/18/georgi12229.htm ''overviw of Georgia, 2005'']</ref><ref>The [[United States]] [[Department of State]] [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41682.htm ''Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2004'']</ref><ref>The [[Freedom House]] [http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=22&year=2005&country=6741 ''Country report: Georgia (2005)'']. See also [[Freedom in the World 2006]]</ref>To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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Saakashvili has occasionally used aggressive language, an example of which was reported by [[Amnesty International]] around the time of the President's inauguration. At a news briefing on 12 January, Saakashvili advised the then Justice Minister "to use force when dealing with any attempt to stage prison riots, and to open fire, shoot to kill and destroy any criminal who attempts to cause turmoil. We will not spare bullets against these people." Saakashvili in his inaugural speech stated that "now it is time for the government to be afraid of people."<ref>[http://www.president.gov.ge/ The official site of the President of Georgia]</ref> |
Saakashvili has occasionally used aggressive language, an example of which was reported by [[Amnesty International]] around the time of the President's inauguration. At a news briefing on 12 January, Saakashvili advised the then Justice Minister "to use force when dealing with any attempt to stage prison riots, and to open fire, shoot to kill and destroy any criminal who attempts to cause turmoil. We will not spare bullets against these people." Saakashvili in his inaugural speech stated that "now it is time for the government to be afraid of people."<ref>[http://www.president.gov.ge/ The official site of the President of Georgia]</ref> |
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To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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| ⚫ | In 2004 a new media law sparked controversy, with fourteen Georgian [[civil society]] leaders and Georgian experts writing an open letter to the President, published in several national [[newspapers]], claiming "Intolerance towards people with different opinions is being planted in Georgian politics and in other spheres of social life".To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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| ⚫ | On March 27 2006 the government announced that it had prevented a nation-wide prison riot plotted by criminal kingpins. The police operation ended with the deaths of 7 inmates and at least 17 injuries. While the Parliamentary opposition has cast doubts over the official version and demanded an independent investigation, the ruling party has been able to vote down such initiatives.<ref>[http://www.jamestown.org/edm/article.php?article_id=2370939 PROTESTS, ACCUSATIONS, AND RIOTS SHAKE GEORGIA]</ref>.To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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| ⚫ | In 2004 a new media law sparked controversy, with fourteen Georgian [[civil society]] leaders and Georgian experts writing an open letter to the President, published in several national [[newspapers]], claiming "Intolerance towards people with different opinions is being planted in Georgian politics and in other spheres of social life". |
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| ⚫ | To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''The conduct of the [[Sandro Girgvliani Murder Case]] has also raised eyebrows at home and abroad. Several senior Interior Ministry officials were alleged to have played active roles in the murder, yet despite a series of resignations and sackings, only four low-ranking individuals, that were directly engaged in the case have been prosecuted. In addition to this, Georgian businessman [[Badri Patarkatsishvili]],To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' has claimed that pressure has been exerted on his financial interests after [[Imedi Media Holding|Imedi Television]] broadcast several accusations against officials. On October 25, 2007, former defence minister [[Irakli Okruashvili]] accused his former ally president in planning Patarkatsishvili's murder.<ref>[http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/09/95075e67-2429-48bd-8731-1591a00cb7f7.html Praise, Scorn For Accusations Against Georgia President]To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''</ref>.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/09/26/ap4157991.html Georgia's Ex-Minister Assails President] - Forbes, Associated Press</ref><ref>[http://www.geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=6946 Okruashvili Ups Ante on Former Allies] - ''The Georgian Times''</ref> Okruashvili was detained two days later on charges of extortion, money laundering, and abuse of office.<ref>To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''[http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/09/2D3437D8-DFF1-4E8B-8411-7B7738FA60E3.html Former Defense Minister Detained In Georgia]. [[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]]. [[September 27]], [[2007]].</ref> However, in a video taped confession released by the General Prosecutor's Office on [[October 8]], [[2007]]; in which Okruashvili pleaded guilty to large-scale bribery through extortion and negligence while serving as minister; he retracted his accusations against the president and said that he did so to gain some political benefit and that [[Badri Patarkatsishvili]] told him to do so To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=15975 Okruashvili May Be Freed on Bail after Pleading Guilty]. Civil Georgia, 2007-10-08.</ref> Okruashvili's lawyer and other opposition leaders said his retraction had been made under duress.<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/08/europe/EU-GEN-Georgia-Opposition.php Court sets Georgia's former defense minister free on bail]. [[International Herald Tribune]]. [[October 8]], [[2007]].</ref> To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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| ⚫ | On March 27 2006 the government announced that it had prevented a nation-wide prison riot plotted by criminal kingpins. The police operation ended with the deaths of 7 inmates and at least 17 injuries. While the Parliamentary opposition has cast doubts over the official version and demanded an independent investigation, the ruling party has been able to vote down such initiatives.<ref>[http://www.jamestown.org/edm/article.php?article_id=2370939 PROTESTS, ACCUSATIONS, AND RIOTS SHAKE GEORGIA]</ref>. |
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| ⚫ | The [[BHHRG]] has frequently claimed that the new government immediately set out to settle scores with Shevardnadze era officials. Many former ministers, local administrators and businessmen associated with the former regime were arrested for abuse of office. Some Western organisations were concerned by the live broadcasting of these arrests and by President Saakashvili's occasional appearances on television to denounce the suspects, before any charges were laid.To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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| ⚫ | The conduct of the [[Sandro Girgvliani Murder Case]] has also raised eyebrows at home and abroad. Several senior Interior Ministry officials were alleged to have played active roles in the murder, yet despite a series of resignations and sackings, only four low-ranking individuals, that were directly engaged in the case have been prosecuted. In addition to this, Georgian businessman [[Badri Patarkatsishvili]], has claimed that pressure has been exerted on his financial interests after [[Imedi Media Holding|Imedi Television]] broadcast several accusations against officials. On October 25, 2007, former defence minister [[Irakli Okruashvili]] accused his former ally president in planning Patarkatsishvili's murder.<ref>[http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/09/95075e67-2429-48bd-8731-1591a00cb7f7.html Praise, Scorn For Accusations Against Georgia President]</ref>.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/09/26/ap4157991.html Georgia's Ex-Minister Assails President] - Forbes, Associated Press</ref><ref>[http://www.geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=6946 Okruashvili Ups Ante on Former Allies] - ''The Georgian Times''</ref> Okruashvili was detained two days later on charges of extortion, money laundering, and abuse of office.<ref>[http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/09/2D3437D8-DFF1-4E8B-8411-7B7738FA60E3.html Former Defense Minister Detained In Georgia]. [[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]]. [[September 27]], [[2007]].</ref> However, in a video taped confession released by the General Prosecutor's Office on [[October 8]], [[2007]]; in which Okruashvili pleaded guilty to large-scale bribery through extortion and negligence while serving as minister; he retracted his accusations against the president and said that he did so to gain some political benefit and that [[Badri Patarkatsishvili]] told him to do so.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=15975 Okruashvili May Be Freed on Bail after Pleading Guilty]. Civil Georgia, 2007-10-08.</ref> Okruashvili's lawyer and other opposition leaders said his retraction had been made under duress.<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/08/europe/EU-GEN-Georgia-Opposition.php Court sets Georgia's former defense minister free on bail]. [[International Herald Tribune]]. [[October 8]], [[2007]].</ref> |
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| ⚫ | To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''On June 30 2005 [[riot police]] and special military forces carrying machine guns violently dispersed hundreds of protesters blocking a major road in [[Tbilisi]]. It started as protest against the arrest of two well-known sportsmen accused in blackmail but soon grew into a demonstration against the central authorities. 25 people were arrested including 5 members of opposition parties.<ref>To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''[http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2005/07/ba946a62-216d-4e43-90f8-dd97d5bfe0d3.html Georgia: Opposition Lawmakers Protest Violence Against Demonstrators]</ref> In November 2007 [[2007 Georgian demonstrations|another series of demonstrations]] forced Saakashvili to set the prescheduled presidential elections for [[January 5]], 2008.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/detail.php?id=16262 Saakashvili Calls Snap Presidential Polls, Referendum]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-08.</ref>To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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| ⚫ | The [[BHHRG]] has frequently claimed that the new government immediately set out to settle scores with Shevardnadze era officials. Many former ministers, local administrators and businessmen associated with the former regime were arrested for abuse of office. Some Western organisations were concerned by the live broadcasting of these arrests and by President Saakashvili's occasional appearances on television to denounce the suspects, before any charges were laid. |
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| ⚫ | To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''In spite of these criticisms many European and U.S. commentators have lauded the new government for taking bold measures in the fight against corruption. In addition, the [[U.S.]] [[State Department]] noted[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61649.htm] that during 2005 'the government amended several laws and increased the amount of investigations and prosecutions reducing the amount of abuse and ill-treatment in pre-trial detention facilities'. The status of religious freedom also improved due to increased investigation and prosecution of those harassing followers of non-traditional faiths.<ref name="HRW2005"/><ref>The U.S. Department of State[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2005/51553.htm ''International Religious Freedom Report 2005: Georgia'']</ref>To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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| ⚫ | On June 30 2005 [[riot police]] and special military forces carrying machine guns violently dispersed hundreds of protesters blocking a major road in [[Tbilisi]]. It started as protest against the arrest of two well-known sportsmen accused in blackmail but soon grew into a demonstration against the central authorities. 25 people were arrested including 5 members of opposition parties.<ref>[http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2005/07/ba946a62-216d-4e43-90f8-dd97d5bfe0d3.html Georgia: Opposition Lawmakers Protest Violence Against Demonstrators]</ref> In November 2007 [[2007 Georgian demonstrations|another series of demonstrations]] forced Saakashvili to set the prescheduled presidential elections for [[January 5]], 2008.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/detail.php?id=16262 Saakashvili Calls Snap Presidential Polls, Referendum]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-08.</ref> |
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====Assassination attempt====To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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| ⚫ | In spite of these criticisms many European and U.S. commentators have lauded the new government for taking bold measures in the fight against corruption. In addition, the [[U.S.]] [[State Department]] noted[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61649.htm] that during 2005 'the government amended several laws and increased the amount of investigations and prosecutions reducing the amount of abuse and ill-treatment in pre-trial detention facilities'. The status of religious freedom also improved due to increased investigation and prosecution of those harassing followers of non-traditional faiths.<ref name="HRW2005"/><ref>The U.S. Department of State[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2005/51553.htm ''International Religious Freedom Report 2005: Georgia'']</ref> |
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| ⚫ | On [[May 10]], [[2005]], while [[U.S. President]] [[George W. Bush]] was giving a speech in Tbilisi's Freedom Square, [[Vladimir Arutyunian]] threw a live hand grenade at where Saakashvili and Bush were sitting. It landed in the crowd about {{convert|65|ft|m}} from the podium after hitting a girl and did not detonate. Arutinian was arrested in July of that year, but before his capture he managed to kill one law enforcement agent. He was convicted of the attempted assassinations of Saakashvili and Bush and the murder of the agent, and given a life sentence.<ref name="sentenced">{{cite newsTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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====Assassination attempt==== |
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| ⚫ | On [[May 10]], [[2005]], while [[U.S. President]] [[George W. Bush]] was giving a speech in Tbilisi's Freedom Square, [[Vladimir Arutyunian]] threw a live hand grenade at where Saakashvili and Bush were sitting. It landed in the crowd about {{convert|65|ft|m}} from the podium after hitting a girl and did not detonate. Arutinian was arrested in July of that year, but before his capture he managed to kill one law enforcement agent. He was convicted of the attempted assassinations of Saakashvili and Bush and the murder of the agent, and given a life sentence.<ref name="sentenced">{{cite |
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| author=Ryan Chilcote |
| author=Ryan Chilcote |
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| title= Bush grenade attacker gets life |
| title= Bush grenade attacker gets life |
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| Line 106: | Line 106: | ||
| work=CNN |
| work=CNN |
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| date=[[2006-01-11]] |
| date=[[2006-01-11]] |
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| accessdate=2007-03-22To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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| accessdate=2007-03-22 |
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}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Lech Kaczyński, Mikheil Saakashvili and Valdas Adamkus in Tblisi 2007.JPG|266px|thumb|right|[[Lech Kaczyński]], Mikheil Saakashvili and [[Valdas Adamkus]] in Tblisi November 2007]] |
[[Image:Lech Kaczyński, Mikheil Saakashvili and Valdas Adamkus in Tblisi 2007.JPG|266px|thumb|right|[[Lech Kaczyński]], Mikheil Saakashvili and [[Valdas Adamkus]] in Tblisi November 2007]] |
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====2007 crisis====To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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====2007 crisis==== |
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{{main|2007 Georgian demonstrations}} |
{{main|2007 Georgian demonstrations}} |
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Later in 2007, Georgia faced the worst crisis since the Rose Revolution. A series of anti-government demonstration were sparked, in October, by accusations of murders and corruption levelled by [[Irakli Okruashvili]], Saakashvili's erstwhile associate and former member of his government, against the president and his allies. The protests climaxed early in November 2007, and involved several opposition groups and the influential media tycoon [[Badri Patarkatsishvili]]. Although the demonstrations rapidly went downhill, the government's decision to use police force against the remaining protesters evolved into clashes in the streets of [[Tbilisi]] on November 7. The declaration of state of emergency by the president (November 7-16) and the restriction imposed on some massmedia sources led to harsh criticism of the Saakashvili government both in the country and abroad. |
Later in 2007, Georgia faced the worst crisis since the Rose Revolution. A series of anti-government demonstration were sparked, in October, by accusations of murders and corruption levelled by [[Irakli Okruashvili]], Saakashvili's erstwhile associate and former member of his government, against the president and his allies. The protests climaxed early in November 2007, and involved several opposition groups and the influential media tycoon [[Badri Patarkatsishvili]]. Although the demonstrations rapidly went downhill, the government's decision to use police force against the remaining protesters evolved into clashes in the streets of [[Tbilisi]] on November 7. The declaration of state of emergency by the president (November 7-16) and the restriction imposed on some massmedia sources led to harsh criticism of the Saakashvili government both in the country and abroad.To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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On [[November 8]], [[2007]], President Saakashvili announced a compromise solution to hold [[Georgian presidential election, 2008|early presidential elections]] for [[January 5]] [[2008]]. He also proposed to hold a [[Georgian legislative election date referendum, 2008|plebiscite in parallel]] to snap presidential elections about when to hold [[Georgian legislative election, 2008|parliamentary polls]] – in spring as pushed for by the opposition parties, or in late 2008. Several concessions in the election code were also made to the opposition.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/detail.php?id=16262 Saakashvili Calls Snap Presidential Polls, Referendum]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-08.</ref> |
To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''On [[November 8]], [[2007]], President Saakashvili announced a compromise solution to hold [[Georgian presidential election, 2008|early presidential elections]] for [[January 5]] [[2008]]. He also proposed to hold a [[Georgian legislative election date referendum, 2008|plebiscite in parallel]] to snap presidential elections about when to hold [[Georgian legislative election, 2008|parliamentary polls]] – in spring as pushed for by the opposition parties, or in late 2008. Several concessions in the election code were also made to the opposition.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/detail.php?id=16262 Saakashvili Calls Snap Presidential Polls, Referendum]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-08.</ref> |
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On [[November 23]], [[2007]], the ruling [[United National Movement]] party officially nominated Saakashvili as its candidate for the upcoming elections. Pursuant to the [[Constitution of Georgia]], Saakashvili resigned on November 25 to launch his pre-election campaign for early presidential polls.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16425 Saakashvili Steps Down to Run for Re-Election]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-25.</ref><ref>[http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=12107072 Tass article Nov 25 2007]</ref> |
On [[November 23]], [[2007]], the ruling [[United National Movement]] party officially nominated Saakashvili as its candidate for the upcoming elections. Pursuant to the [[Constitution of Georgia]], Saakashvili resigned on November 25 to launch his pre-election campaign for early presidential polls.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16425 Saakashvili Steps Down to Run for Re-Election]. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-25.</ref><ref>[http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=12107072 Tass article Nov 25 2007]</ref> |
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===Second Term===To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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===Second Term=== |
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====Changes in the Cabinet==== |
====Changes in the Cabinet====To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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Saakashvili publicly announced about his plans of modernising the [[Cabinet of Georgia]] well before [[Georgian presidential election, 2008|Georgian presidential elections]]. Shortly after being re-elected, the president formally re-appointed the [[Prime Minister of Georgia]] [[Lado Gurgenidze]] and asked him to present a renewed cabinet to the [[Parliament of Georgia]] for final approval. |
Saakashvili publicly announced about his plans of modernising the [[Cabinet of Georgia]] well before [[Georgian presidential election, 2008|Georgian presidential elections]]. Shortly after being re-elected, the president formally re-appointed the [[Prime Minister of Georgia]] [[Lado Gurgenidze]] and asked him to present a renewed cabinet to the [[Parliament of Georgia]] for final approval. |
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Gurgenidze changed most ministers, leaving Ivane Meabishvili, controversial Minister for Home Affairs, Defence Minister David Kezerashvili and Minister of Finance Nika Gilauri on their former positions. Gia Nodia was appointed as the Minister of Education and Science. Zaza Gamcemlidze, former director of Tbilisi Botanic Garden, took over the position of the Minister of Human Resources and Nature Protection. Famous archaeologist, and already the eldest minister in the cabinet, Iulon Gagoshidze was appointed on a newly designated position of the Minister of State for Diaporas. |
To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''Gurgenidze changed most ministers, leaving Ivane Meabishvili, controversial Minister for Home Affairs, Defence Minister David Kezerashvili and Minister of Finance Nika Gilauri on their former positions. Gia Nodia was appointed as the Minister of Education and Science. Zaza Gamcemlidze, former director of Tbilisi Botanic Garden, took over the position of the Minister of Human Resources and Nature Protection. Famous archaeologist, and already the eldest minister in the cabinet, Iulon Gagoshidze was appointed on a newly designated position of the Minister of State for Diaporas.To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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====Georgian-Russian relationships==== |
====Georgian-Russian relationships====To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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In his second term, Saakashvili placed more emphasis on improving the relationships with neighbouring [[Russian Federation|Russia]]. On [[22 February]] [[2008]], he held an official meeting with the [[President of Russia]] [[Vladimir Putin]], in Novo Yagorovo Residence of the President of Russia. The presidents discussed the issues of [[avia]] [[regulations]] between the two countries as well as the prospects of ending the [[Russia]]n economic sanctions, in effect since 2006 and which had caused significant damage to the Georgian economy. This would be Putin's last meeting as the President of Russia, having been succeeded by [[Dimitry Medvedev]]. Putin would continue in the position of the [[Prime Minister of Russia]]. |
To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''In his second term, Saakashvili placed more emphasis on improving the relationships with neighbouring [[Russian Federation|Russia]]. On [[22 February]] [[2008]], he held an official meeting with the [[President of Russia]] [[Vladimir Putin]], in Novo Yagorovo Residence of the President of Russia. The presidents discussed the issues of [[avia]] [[regulations]] between the two countries as well as the prospects of ending the [[Russia]]n economic sanctions, in effect since 2006 and which had caused significant damage to the Georgian economy. This would be Putin's last meeting as the President of Russia, having been succeeded by [[Dimitry Medvedev]]. Putin would continue in the position of the [[Prime Minister of Russia]].To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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==Elections==To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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==Elections== |
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[[Image:Vote Saakashvili.JPG|right|150px|thumb|[[Graffiti]] in Tbilisi]] |
[[Image:Vote Saakashvili.JPG|right|150px|thumb|[[Graffiti]] in Tbilisi]] |
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===2004 presidential election=To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''==To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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===2004 presidential election=== |
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<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Misha.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Supporters of Saakashvili holding [[Georgian flag]]s]] --> |
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Misha.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Supporters of Saakashvili holding [[Georgian flag]]s]] --> |
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The 2004 presidential election were carried out on [[4 January]], [[2004]]. The election was an outcome of the bloodless [[Rose Revolution]] and a consequent resignation of [[President of Georgia|President]] [[Eduard Shevardnadze]]. It is well-known for a very high level of [[voter turnout|electoral turnout]] and also for the number of votes cast for one particular presidential candidate - Mikheil Saakashvili (96%). All other candidates received less than 2% of the votes. In total, 1,763,000 eligible voters participated in the election. |
The 2004 presidential election were carried out on [[4 January]], [[2004]]. The election was an outcome of the bloodless [[Rose Revolution]] and a consequent resignation of [[President of Georgia|President]] [[Eduard Shevardnadze]]. It is well-known for a very high level of [[voter turnout|electoral turnout]] and also for the number of votes cast for one particular presidential candidate - Mikheil Saakashvili (96%). All other candidates received less than 2% of the votes. In total, 1,763,000 eligible voters participated in the election. |
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===2008 presidential election=== |
===2008 presidential election==To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''= |
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On [[5 January]] [[2008]], the [[Georgian presidential election, 2008|presidential election]] was held nationwide with the exception of highland village [[Shatili]], where the [[polling station]] was not opened due to the high levels of snowfall. The earliest [[exit polls]], carried out by the group of [[non-governmental]] organisations and [[mass-media]], suggested the victory of Mikheil Saakashvili with more than half of all the votes (52.5%), securing a full victory to Saakashvili, in turn, avoiding the need for the second run-off. [http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyid=2008-01-05T172049Z_01_L04543346_RTRUKOC_0_UK-GEORGIA-ELECTION.xml]Later results of archevnebi.ge [http://archevnebi.ge/index.php?module=text&link_id=57] showed Saakashvili had won with 53.5% whereas other source ukMSN stated Saakashvili had gathered 53.8% of all votes. The exit polls of all different sources reported Saakashvili's victory. Georgian opposition criticised the exit polls, as did some outside observers, declaring they were biased towards the former president. The central election commission announced that Saakaashvili had won 53.4% of votes cast on Saturday, almost 2 times his opponent, 43-year-old wine producer [[Levan Gachechiladze]], with 27%.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL0539702720080107 Reuters, Saakashvili wins Georgian presidential election]</ref> |
On [[5 January]] [[2008]], the [[Georgian presidential election, 2008|presidential election]] was held nationwide with the exception of highland village [[Shatili]], where the [[polling station]] was not opened due to the high levels of snowfall. The earliest [[exit polls]], carried out by the group of [[non-governmental]] organisations and [[mass-media]], suggested the victory of Mikheil Saakashvili with more than half of all the votes (52.5%), securing a full victory to Saakashvili, in turn, avoiding the need for the second run-off. [http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyid=2008-01-05T172049Z_01_L04543346_RTRUKOC_0_UK-GEORGIA-ELECTION.xml]Later results of archevnebi.ge [http://archevnebi.ge/index.php?module=text&link_id=57] showed Saakashvili had won with 53.5% whereas other source ukMSN stated Saakashvili had gathered 53.8% of all votes. The exit polls of all different sources reported Saakashvili's victory. Georgian opposition criticised the exit polls, as did some outside observers, declaring they were biased towards the former president. The central election commission announced that Saakaashvili had won 53.4% of votes cast on Saturday, almost 2 times his opponent, 43-year-old wine producer [[Levan Gachechiladze]], with 27%.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL0539702720080107 Reuters, Saakashvili wins Georgian presidential election]</ref> |
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[[Image:Saakashvili meets Bush, 2008.jpg|280px|thumb|Meeting President Bush in 2008]] |
[[Image:Saakashvili meets Bush, 2008.jpg|280px|thumb|Meeting President Bush in 2008]] |
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According to Georgian Central Electoral Commission, as of [[8 January]] [[2008]], which already included the votes from more polling stations than the earlier reports, Saakashvili was leading with 52.21%,<ref>[http://www.results.cec.gov.ge/ Results 2008] Central Election Commission</ref> Gachechiladze following him with only 25.26%<ref> of the votes. [http://www.results.cec.gov.ge/Results 2008] Central Election Commission</ref> Major protests occurred in the Capital Tbilisi after the election results were announced and the opposition continues to declare that the election was riddled with massive fraud. The OSCE's criticism of the Georgian elections had no impact on the government as the irregularities and mass-fraud still has not yet been investigated. |
According to Georgian Central Electoral Commission, as of [[8 January]] [[2008]], which already included the votes from more polling stations than the earlier reports, Saakashvili was leading with 52.21%,<ref>[http://www.results.cec.gov.ge/ Results 2008] Central Election Commission</ref> Gachechiladze following him with only 25.26%<ref> of the votes. [http://www.results.cec.gov.ge/Results 2008] Central Election Commission</ref> Major protests occurred in the Capital Tbilisi after the election results were announced and the opposition continues to declare that the election was riddled with massive fraud. The OSCE's criticism of the Georgian elections had no impact on the government as the irregularities and mass-fraud still has not yet been investigated. |
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:===2008 parliamentary polls=== |
:===2008 parliamentary polls=To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''== |
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Saakashvili on [[May 22]], 2008 announced his confident victory for his ruling party in parliamentary polls amid fears of political unrest, and rising tensions between Georgia and Russia. Early official results indicated his [[United National Movement]] had 63% of the votes against the opposition's 13%, with about a quarter of the 3,664 precincts.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7413482.stm news.bbc.co.uk, Georgian leader set for poll win]</ref> |
Saakashvili on [[May 22]], 2008 announced his confident victory for his ruling party in parliamentary polls amid fears of political unrest, and rising tensions between Georgia and Russia. Early official results indicated his [[United National Movement]] had 63% of the votes against the opposition's 13%, with about a quarter of the 3,664 precincts.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7413482.stm news.bbc.co.uk, Georgian leader set for poll win]</ref> |
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== ReferencesTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' == |
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== References == |
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*[http://www.president.gov.ge/ The official site of the President of Georgia] |
*[http://www.president.gov.ge/ The official site of the President of Georgia] |
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*[http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/georgfa.htm ''Journal: Modern Georgia's Young Founding Fathers''] by [[Stephen Kinzer]], ''[[The New York Times]],'' [[June 4]], [[1998]] |
*[http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/georgfa.htm ''Journal: Modern Georgia's Young Founding Fathers''] by [[Stephen Kinzer]], ''[[The New York Times]],'' [[June 4]], [[1998]] |
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*[http://www.caspianbusinessnews.com/preview/supplements/sups/pdf/5april2002/page6.pdf ''Caspian Business News'' article] on Mrs. Saakashvili-Roelofs |
*To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''[http://www.caspianbusinessnews.com/preview/supplements/sups/pdf/5april2002/page6.pdf ''Caspian Business News'' article] on Mrs. Saakashvili-Roelofs |
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*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3231852.stm BBC News Online profile] of Mikhail Saakashvili |
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3231852.stm BBC News Online profile] of Mikhail SaakashviliTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! ''''' |
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*[http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110009074 Unprovoked Onslaught] by Mikheil Saakashvili in ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' |
*[http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110009074 Unprovoked Onslaught] by Mikheil Saakashvili in ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' |
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| title = [[President of Georgia]] |
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| start = 2008 |
| start = 2008 |
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| before = [[Nino Burjanadze]] <br><small>Acting</small> |
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| years = 2004 – 2007 |
| years = 2004 – 2007 |
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| after = [[Nino Burjanadze]] <br><small>Acting</small> |
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|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=სააკაშვილი, მიხეილ (Georgian); Saakašvili, Mixeil |
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=სააკაშვილი, მიხეილ (Georgian); Saakašvili, Mixeil |
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|SHORT DESCRIPTION=[[President of Georgia]] |
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=[[President of Georgia]] |
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|DATE OF |
|DATE OF BITo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''RTH=[[December 21]], [[1967]] |
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|PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Tbilisi]] |
|PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Tbilisi]] |
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[[az:Mixail Saakaşvili]] |
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[[be-x-old:Міхаіл Саакашвілі]] |
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[[bs:MikTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''hail Saakashvili]] |
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[[cy:Mikheil Saakashvili]] |
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[[de:MichTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''eil Saakaschwili]] |
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[[fa:میخائیل ساکاشویلی]] |
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[[fr:Mikheil Saakachvili]] |
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[[ko:미하일 사카슈빌리]] |
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[[nl:Michail Saakasjvili]] |
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[[sq:Mihail SaTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''kashvili]] |
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[[sv:Micheil STo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making [[genocide]] of [[Ossetians]]. '''''Mourn over them! '''''aakasjvili]] |
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Revision as of 11:00, 17 August 2008
 |
Mikheil Saakashvili მიხეილ სააკაშვილი | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| President of Georgia | |
| Assumed office 20 January 2008 | |
| Prime Minister | Lado Gurgenidze |
| Preceded by | Nino Burjanadze (Acting) |
| In office 25 January 2004 – 25 November 2007 | |
| Prime Minister | Zurab Zhvania Zurab Noghaideli Lado Gurgenidze |
| Preceded by | Nino Burjanadze (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Nino Burjanadze (Acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! 21 December 1967 Tbilisi, Georgian SSR, Soviet Union |
| Died | To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! |
| Resting place | To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! |
| Political party | ENM |
| Spouse | Sandra E. Roelofs |
| Parent | |
| Residence(s) | Tbilisi, Georgia |
| Alma mater | Kiev State University Columbia University George Washington University |
Mikheil Nik'olozis dze Saak'ashvili (Georgian: მიხეილ ნიკოლოზის ძე სააკაშვილი) (born December 21, 1967) To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! is a Georgian politician, the President of Georgia and leader of the ENM. Saakashvili was elected to replace President Eduard Shevardnadze, who stepped down in Georgia's 2003 bloodless Rose Revolution,To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! led by Saakashvili and his major political allies, Nino Burjanadze and Zurab Zhvania, and took office on 25 January, 2004. Saakashvili resigned from his position on 25 November, 2007 in order to re-run for the early Georgian presidential election, of 5 January 2008, and To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! was reelected as President with the majority of votes.
To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! Some non-Georgian sources spell Saakashvili's name via the Russian (Михаил Саакашвили) as Mikhail. In Georgia, he is commonly known as "Misha,"To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! a hypocorism for Mikheil. It is also transliterated Mixeil Saakašvili.
He To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! is married to Sandra E. Roelofs, of Dutch origin, and has two sons, Eduard and Nikoloz. Apart from his native [[Georgian lanTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! guage|Georgian]], he speaks fluent English, French, Russian and Ukrainian,[1][2] and has some command of Ossetian and Spanish.[3][4]
Early life and career
Mikheil SaakashviTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! li was born in Tbilisi, capital of what was then the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic in the Soviet Union, to a Georgian intelligentsia family. His father, Nikoloz Saakashvili, is a physician who still practices medicine in Tbilisi and directs a local Balneological Center. His mother, Giuli Alasania, is a historian who lectures at Tbilisi State University.
SaakasTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! hvili graduated from the School of International Law of the Kiev State University ([[UkraTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! ine]]) in 1992. He briefly worked as a human rights officer for the interim State Council of Georgia following the overthrow of President Zviad Gamsakhurdia before receiving a fellowship from the United States State Department (via the Edmund S. Muskie/FREEDOM Support Act (FSA) Graduate Fellowship Program).
He received an LLM from Columbia Law School in 1994 and took classes at The George Washington University Law School the following year. In 1995, he also received a diploma from the International Institute of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.
After graduation, while on internship in the New York law firm of [[Patterson Belknap WebbTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! & Tyler]] in early 1995, Saakashvili was approached by Zurab Zhvania, an old friend from Georgia who was working on behalf of President Eduard Shevardnadze to recruit talented young Georgians to enter politics. He stood in the December 1995 elections along with Zhvania, and both men won seats in parliament, standing for the Union of Citizens of Georgia, Shevardnadze's party.
Saakashvili To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! soon made a name for himself as chairman of the parliamentary committee charged with creating a new electoral system, an independent judiciary and a non-political police force. He achieved a high degree of public recognition, with opinion surveys finding him to be the second most popular person in Georgia, behind Shevardnadze. He was named "mTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! an of the year" by a panel of journalists and human rights advocates in 1997. In January 2000, Saakashvili was appointed Vice-President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
On October 12, 2000, Saakashvili became Minister of Justice for the government of President Shevardnadze. He initiated major reforms in the decrepit, corrupt and highly politicised GeorgianTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! criminal justice and prisons system. This earned praise from many international observers and human rights activists. But in mid-2001 he became involved in a major controversy with the Economics Minister Ivane Chkhartishvili, State Security Minister Vakhtang Kutateladze and Tbilisi police chief Ioseb Alavidze, accusing them of profiting from corrupt business deals.To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
SaakashviliTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! resigned on September 5, 2001, saying that "I consider it immoral for me to remain as a member of Shevardnadze's government." He declared that corruption had penetrated to the very centre of the Georgian government and that Shevardnadze lacked the will to deal with it, warning that "current developments in Georgia will turn the country into a criminal enclave in one or two years."
==In the United National Movement==To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! Having resigned from the government and quit the Shevardnadze-run Union of Citizens of Georgia party, Saakashvili founded the United National Movement (UNM) in October 2001, a left-of-center political party akin to the Social Democrats in Europe with a touch of nationalism, to provide a focus for part of the Georgian reformists leaders. In June 2002, he was elected as the Chairman of the Tbilisi Assembly ("Sakrebulo") following an agreement between the United National Movement and the Georgian Labour Party. This gave him a powerful new platform from which to criticize the government. To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! Georgia held parliamentary elections on November 2, 2003 which were denounced by local and international observers as being grossly rigged. Saakashvilli claimed that he had won the elections (a claim supported by independent exit polls), and urged Georgians to demonstrate against Shevardnadze's government and engage in nonviolent civil disobedience against the authorities. Saakashvili's UNM and Burdjanadze-Democrats united to demand the ouster of Shevardnadze and the rerun of the elections. To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! Massive political demonstrations were held in Tbilisi in November, with over 100,000 people participating and listening to speeches by Saakashvili and other opposition figures. The Kmara ("Enough!") youth organization (a Georgian counterpart of the Serbian "Otpor") and several NGOs, like Liberty Institute, were active in all protest activities. After an increasingly tense two weeks of demonstrations, Shevardnadze resigned as President on November 23, to be replaced on an interim basis by parliamentary speaker Nino Burjanadze. While the revolutionary leaders did their best to stay within the constitutional norms, many called the change of government a popular coup dubbed by Georgian media as the Rose Revolution.
On February 24, 2004 the United National Movement and the United Democrats had amalgamated. The new political movement was named the National Movement - Democrats (NMD). The movement's main political priorities include raising pensions and providing social services to the poor, its main base of support; fighting corruption; and increasing state revenue. To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! ==Presidency==To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! ===First Term===To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
On January 4, 2004 Mikheil Saakashvili won the presidential elections in Georgia with more than 96% of the votes cast, making him the youngest national president in Europe. Saakashvili ran on a platform of opposing corruption and improving pay and pensions. He has promised to improve relations with the outside world. Although he is strongly pro-Western and intends to seek Georgian membership of NATO and the European Union, he has also spoken of the importance of better relations with Russia. He faces major problems, however, particularly Georgia's difficult economic situation and the still unresolved question of separatism in the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Abkhazia regards itself as independent of Georgia and did not take part in the elections, while South Ossetia favours union with its northern counterpart in Russia. To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! Saakashvili was sworn in as President in Tbilisi on January 25, 2004. Immediately after the ceremony he signed a decree establishing a new state flag. On January 26, in a ceremony held at the Tbilisi Kashueti Church of Saint George, he promulgated a decree granting permission for the return of the body of the first President of Georgia, Zviad Gamsakhurdia, from Grozny (Chechen Republic) to Tbilisi and renaming a major road in the capital after Gamsakhurdia. He also released 32 Gamsakhurdia supporters (political prisoners) imprisoned by the Shevardnadze government in 1993-94. To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! In the first months of his presidency, Saakashvili faced a major political crisis in the southwestern Autonomous Republic of Adjara run by an authoritarian regional leader, Aslan Abashidze, who largely ignored the central Georgian government and was viewed by many as a pro-Russian politician. The crisis threatened to develop into an armed confrontation, but Saakashvili's government managed to resolve the conflict peacefully, forcing Abashidze to resign on May 6 2004. Success in Adjara encouraged the new president to intensify his efforts towards bringing the breakaway South Ossetia back under the Georgian jurisdiction. The separatist authorities responded with intense militarization in the region, that led to armed clashes in August 2004.To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! A stalemate ensued, and despite a new peace plan proposed by the Georgian government in 2005, the conflict remains unresolved. Recently, in late July 2006, Saakashvili's government managed to deal successfully with another major crisis, this time in Abkhazia's Kodori Gorge where Georgia's police forces disarmed a defiant militia led by a local warlord Emzar Kvitsiani. To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! Although the reforms initiated by President Saakashvili are considered to have mixed success, still the rate of corruption in the country has drastically reduced. According to the World Bank accounts, Georgia is named as the number one economic reformer in the world and the country ranks as 18 in term of ease of doing business, when most of the country's neighbours' are in the 100s of the World Bank's rank.[5] To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! In his foreign policy, Saakashvili maintains close ties with the U.S. leadership, as well as other NATO countries, and remains one of the leaders of the GUAM organization. The Saakashvili-led Rose Revolution has been described by the White House as one of the most powerful movements in the modern history[6] that has inspired others to seek freedom.[7].To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
====Economic policy====To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! Saakashvili is a popular supporter of free market and believes that less government involvement in businesses is a good idea.[citation needed] During his administration Georgian economy advanced to a new level and increased tax collection after lowering the tax rates. In addition, Georgia is becoming involved in International market transactions and in 2007 Bank of Georgia sold bonds at premium, when $200m five-year bond was priced with a coupon of 9 per cent at par, or 100 per cent of face value, after initially being priced at 9.5 per cent and investors pushed orders up to $600m.[8]
====Foreign relations====To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
President Saakashvili sees membership of the NATO as a premise of stability for Georgia and offered an intensified dialogue with the de facto Abkhaz and Ossetian authorities. Until his attempted invasion of South Ossetia in August 2008 he was thought to favour a diplomatic solution to these conflicts. Saakashvili's administration doubled the number of its troops in Iraq, making Georgia one of the biggest supporters of Coalition Forces, and keeping its troops in Kosovo and Afghanistan to promote Global Security.[9] To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! Saakashvili's government maintains solid diplomatic relations with other Caucasian states and Eastern European countries, such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. In 2004, Saakashvili visited Israel to attend the official opening of the modern energy problems research center and Dr. Brenda Schaffer, the director of the center, described Saakshvili as Nelson Mandela of the 21st century.[10] In August of the same year, Saakashvili, who holds an honorary doctorate from Haifa University travelled to Israel to attend the opening of the official Week of Georgian-Jewish Friendship, held under the auspices of the Georgian President, for which the Jewish leaders were invited as honored guests.[11] To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! On 12 October 2007 Saakashvili officially visited Åland Islands, an autonomous region of Finland, and was informed about how the autonomy is organised[12]. To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! Georgia maintains good relations with the United States, a fact much disliked by the Kremlin, and the Russian tabloid Pravda published a derogatory article about Georgia titled Another Georgia to appear on the US map.[13] To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! Saakashvili believes that the long-term priority for the country is to advance its membership in the European Community and during a meeting with Javier Solana, he said that in contrast with new and old European states, Georgia is an Ancient European state.
====Criticism====To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! There have been some concerns about Saakashvili monopolizing power since his coming to office in 2004. However, the government's human rights record has shown improvement in many areas compared to that of the Shevardnadze eraTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! , though some problems still remain.[14][15][16]To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
Saakashvili has occasionally used aggressive language, an example of which was reported by Amnesty International around the time of the President's inauguration. At a news briefing on 12 January, Saakashvili advised the then Justice Minister "to use force when dealing with any attempt to stage prison riots, and to open fire, shoot to kill and destroy any criminal who attempts to cause turmoil. We will not spare bullets against these people." Saakashvili in his inaugural speech stated that "now it is time for the government to be afraid of people."[17] To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! In 2004 a new media law sparked controversy, with fourteen Georgian civil society leaders and Georgian experts writing an open letter to the President, published in several national newspapers, claiming "Intolerance towards people with different opinions is being planted in Georgian politics and in other spheres of social life".To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
On March 27 2006 the government announced that it had prevented a nation-wide prison riot plotted by criminal kingpins. The police operation ended with the deaths of 7 inmates and at least 17 injuries. While the Parliamentary opposition has cast doubts over the official version and demanded an independent investigation, the ruling party has been able to vote down such initiatives.[18].To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! The conduct of the Sandro Girgvliani Murder Case has also raised eyebrows at home and abroad. Several senior Interior Ministry officials were alleged to have played active roles in the murder, yet despite a series of resignations and sackings, only four low-ranking individuals, that were directly engaged in the case have been prosecuted. In addition to this, Georgian businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili,To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! has claimed that pressure has been exerted on his financial interests after Imedi Television broadcast several accusations against officials. On October 25, 2007, former defence minister Irakli Okruashvili accused his former ally president in planning Patarkatsishvili's murder.[19].[20][21] Okruashvili was detained two days later on charges of extortion, money laundering, and abuse of office.[22] However, in a video taped confession released by the General Prosecutor's Office on October 8, 2007; in which Okruashvili pleaded guilty to large-scale bribery through extortion and negligence while serving as minister; he retracted his accusations against the president and said that he did so to gain some political benefit and that Badri Patarkatsishvili told him to do so To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! .[23] Okruashvili's lawyer and other opposition leaders said his retraction had been made under duress.[24] To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
The BHHRG has frequently claimed that the new government immediately set out to settle scores with Shevardnadze era officials. Many former ministers, local administrators and businessmen associated with the former regime were arrested for abuse of office. Some Western organisations were concerned by the live broadcasting of these arrests and by President Saakashvili's occasional appearances on television to denounce the suspects, before any charges were laid.To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! On June 30 2005 riot police and special military forces carrying machine guns violently dispersed hundreds of protesters blocking a major road in Tbilisi. It started as protest against the arrest of two well-known sportsmen accused in blackmail but soon grew into a demonstration against the central authorities. 25 people were arrested including 5 members of opposition parties.[25] In November 2007 another series of demonstrations forced Saakashvili to set the prescheduled presidential elections for January 5, 2008.[26]To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! In spite of these criticisms many European and U.S. commentators have lauded the new government for taking bold measures in the fight against corruption. In addition, the U.S. State Department noted[2] that during 2005 'the government amended several laws and increased the amount of investigations and prosecutions reducing the amount of abuse and ill-treatment in pre-trial detention facilities'. The status of religious freedom also improved due to increased investigation and prosecution of those harassing followers of non-traditional faiths.[14][27]To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
====Assassination attempt====To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! On May 10, 2005, while U.S. President George W. Bush was giving a speech in Tbilisi's Freedom Square, Vladimir Arutyunian threw a live hand grenade at where Saakashvili and Bush were sitting. It landed in the crowd about 65 feet (20 m) from the podium after hitting a girl and did not detonate. Arutinian was arrested in July of that year, but before his capture he managed to kill one law enforcement agent. He was convicted of the attempted assassinations of Saakashvili and Bush and the murder of the agent, and given a life sentence.[28]
====2007 crisis====To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
Later in 2007, Georgia faced the worst crisis since the Rose Revolution. A series of anti-government demonstration were sparked, in October, by accusations of murders and corruption levelled by Irakli Okruashvili, Saakashvili's erstwhile associate and former member of his government, against the president and his allies. The protests climaxed early in November 2007, and involved several opposition groups and the influential media tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili. Although the demonstrations rapidly went downhill, the government's decision to use police force against the remaining protesters evolved into clashes in the streets of Tbilisi on November 7. The declaration of state of emergency by the president (November 7-16) and the restriction imposed on some massmedia sources led to harsh criticism of the Saakashvili government both in the country and abroad.To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! On November 8, 2007, President Saakashvili announced a compromise solution to hold early presidential elections for January 5 2008. He also proposed to hold a plebiscite in parallel to snap presidential elections about when to hold parliamentary polls – in spring as pushed for by the opposition parties, or in late 2008. Several concessions in the election code were also made to the opposition.[29]
On November 23, 2007, the ruling United National Movement party officially nominated Saakashvili as its candidate for the upcoming elections. Pursuant to the Constitution of Georgia, Saakashvili resigned on November 25 to launch his pre-election campaign for early presidential polls.[30][31]
===Second Term===To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! ====Changes in the Cabinet====To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
Saakashvili publicly announced about his plans of modernising the Cabinet of Georgia well before Georgian presidential elections. Shortly after being re-elected, the president formally re-appointed the Prime Minister of Georgia Lado Gurgenidze and asked him to present a renewed cabinet to the Parliament of Georgia for final approval.
To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! Gurgenidze changed most ministers, leaving Ivane Meabishvili, controversial Minister for Home Affairs, Defence Minister David Kezerashvili and Minister of Finance Nika Gilauri on their former positions. Gia Nodia was appointed as the Minister of Education and Science. Zaza Gamcemlidze, former director of Tbilisi Botanic Garden, took over the position of the Minister of Human Resources and Nature Protection. Famous archaeologist, and already the eldest minister in the cabinet, Iulon Gagoshidze was appointed on a newly designated position of the Minister of State for Diaporas.To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
====Georgian-Russian relationships====To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! In his second term, Saakashvili placed more emphasis on improving the relationships with neighbouring Russia. On 22 February 2008, he held an official meeting with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin, in Novo Yagorovo Residence of the President of Russia. The presidents discussed the issues of avia regulations between the two countries as well as the prospects of ending the Russian economic sanctions, in effect since 2006 and which had caused significant damage to the Georgian economy. This would be Putin's last meeting as the President of Russia, having been succeeded by Dimitry Medvedev. Putin would continue in the position of the Prime Minister of Russia.To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
==Elections==To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
===2004 presidential election=To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! ==To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
The 2004 presidential election were carried out on 4 January, 2004. The election was an outcome of the bloodless Rose Revolution and a consequent resignation of President Eduard Shevardnadze. It is well-known for a very high level of electoral turnout and also for the number of votes cast for one particular presidential candidate - Mikheil Saakashvili (96%). All other candidates received less than 2% of the votes. In total, 1,763,000 eligible voters participated in the election.
==2008 presidential election==To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
On 5 January 2008, the presidential election was held nationwide with the exception of highland village Shatili, where the polling station was not opened due to the high levels of snowfall. The earliest exit polls, carried out by the group of non-governmental organisations and mass-media, suggested the victory of Mikheil Saakashvili with more than half of all the votes (52.5%), securing a full victory to Saakashvili, in turn, avoiding the need for the second run-off. [3]Later results of archevnebi.ge [4] showed Saakashvili had won with 53.5% whereas other source ukMSN stated Saakashvili had gathered 53.8% of all votes. The exit polls of all different sources reported Saakashvili's victory. Georgian opposition criticised the exit polls, as did some outside observers, declaring they were biased towards the former president. The central election commission announced that Saakaashvili had won 53.4% of votes cast on Saturday, almost 2 times his opponent, 43-year-old wine producer Levan Gachechiladze, with 27%.[32]
According to Georgian Central Electoral Commission, as of 8 January 2008, which already included the votes from more polling stations than the earlier reports, Saakashvili was leading with 52.21%,[33] Gachechiladze following him with only 25.26%[34] Major protests occurred in the Capital Tbilisi after the election results were announced and the opposition continues to declare that the election was riddled with massive fraud. The OSCE's criticism of the Georgian elections had no impact on the government as the irregularities and mass-fraud still has not yet been investigated.
- ===2008 parliamentary polls=To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! ==
Saakashvili on May 22, 2008 announced his confident victory for his ruling party in parliamentary polls amid fears of political unrest, and rising tensions between Georgia and Russia. Early official results indicated his United National Movement had 63% of the votes against the opposition's 13%, with about a quarter of the 3,664 precincts.[35]
ReferencesTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
- ^ "Profile: Mikhail Saakashvili". BBC News. 2004-01-25. Retrieved 2008-08-09.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making %5b%5bgenocide%5d%5d of %5b%5bOssetians%5d%5d. Mourn over them! p/reference/timestopics/people/s/mikhail_saakashvili/index.html "Mikheil Saakashvili". The New York Times. 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-09.
{{cite web}}: Check|url=value (help) - ^ Murray, Don (2008-02-29). "Can bountiful Georgia escape the Russian bear?". CBC. Retrieved 2008-08-09.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Smock, John (2004-08-13). night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making %5b%5bgenocide%5d%5d of %5b%5bOssetians%5d%5d. Mourn over them! .org/departments/insight/articles/eav081304.shtml "As prospect of South Ossetian conflict grows, Georgia prepares to send troops to Iraq". EurasiaNet. Retrieved 2008-08-09.
{{cite web}}: Check|url=value (help) - ^ Rankings - Doing Business World Bank Group
- ^ President Bush to Welcome President Saakashvili White House
- ^ Bush: Georgia 'beacon of liberty' CNN
- ^ Sweet Georgia Financial Times
- ^ Georgia to double troops in Iraq BBC
- ^ Georgian President Meets Jewish Leaders For Georgian-Jewish Friendship Week FJC
- ^ Georgian President Meets Jewish Leaders For Georgian-Jewish Friendship Week FJC
- ^ [1]
- ^ Another Georgia to appear on the US map Pravda
- ^ a b The Human Rights Watchoverviw of Georgia, 2005
- ^ The United States Department of State Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2004
- ^ The Freedom House Country report: Georgia (2005). See also Freedom in the World 2006
- ^ The official site of the President of Georgia
- ^ PROTESTS, ACCUSATIONS, AND RIOTS SHAKE GEORGIA
- ^ Praise, Scorn For Accusations Against Georgia PresidentTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
- ^ Georgia's Ex-Minister Assails President - Forbes, Associated Press
- ^ Okruashvili Ups Ante on Former Allies - The Georgian Times
- ^ To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! Former Defense Minister Detained In Georgia. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. September 27, 2007.
- ^ Okruashvili May Be Freed on Bail after Pleading Guilty. Civil Georgia, 2007-10-08.
- ^ Court sets Georgia's former defense minister free on bail. International Herald Tribune. October 8, 2007.
- ^ To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! Georgia: Opposition Lawmakers Protest Violence Against Demonstrators
- ^ Saakashvili Calls Snap Presidential Polls, Referendum. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-08.
- ^ The U.S. Department of StateInternational Religious Freedom Report 2005: Georgia
- ^ {{cite newsTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! | author=Ryan Chilcote | title= Bush grenade attacker gets life | url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/01/11/georgia.grenade/ | work=CNN | date=2006-01-11 | accessdate=2007-03-22To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! }}
- ^ Saakashvili Calls Snap Presidential Polls, Referendum. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-08.
- ^ Saakashvili Steps Down to Run for Re-Election. Civil Georgia. 2007-11-25.
- ^ Tass article Nov 25 2007
- ^ Reuters, Saakashvili wins Georgian presidential election
- ^ Results 2008 Central Election Commission
- ^ of the votes. 2008 Central Election Commission
- ^ news.bbc.co.uk, Georgian leader set for poll win
External links
- The official site of the President of Georgia
- Journal: Modern Georgia's Young Founding Fathers by Stephen Kinzer, The New York Times, June 4, 1998
- To night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! Caspian Business News article on Mrs. Saakashvili-Roelofs
- BBC News Online profile of Mikhail SaakashviliTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them!
- Unprovoked Onslaught by Mikheil Saakashvili in The Wall Street Journal
Leaders of Georgia since 1918 | |
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| Democratic Republic of Georgia Prime Minister | .svg) |
| Georgian SSR Chairmen of the Revolutionary Committee | |
| Georgian SSR First Secretaries of Georgian Communist Party | .svg) |
| Modern Georgia Presidents | .svg)  |
| Elections | |
* Acting head of state | |
Template:Persondata [[Category:GTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! eorgian jurists]] [[CategoryTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! :Columbia Law School alumni]] [[CategoryTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! :Living people]] [[bs:MikTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! hail Saakashvili]] [[de:MichTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! eil Saakaschwili]] [[gl:MikheiTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! l Saakashvili]] [[ja:ミヘイル・サアTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! カシュヴィリ]] [[sq:Mihail SaTo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! kashvili]] [[sv:Micheil STo night 7-8 august 08.08.08 Saakashvili started making genocide of Ossetians. Mourn over them! aakasjvili]]