“Lelo – Strong Georgia” Bolnisi mayoral candidate withdraws in favour of Georgian Dream
Asaf Chiragov, the “Lelo – Strong Georgia” mayoral candidate in Bolnisi, has withdrawn his candidacy in favour of the Georgian Dream candidate, Zamur Chitanava.
“The public, especially the people of Bolnisi, are well aware that the political party Lelo nominated me as its mayoral candidate. I accepted this offer only because I sincerely wanted to use my abilities to contribute to the well-being of my native land.
Unfortunately, I soon realised that certain individuals were attempting to exploit my resources and genuine intentions to serve their own political interests. At the same time, I became convinced that the Georgian Dream candidate, Mr Zamur Chitanava, if elected, would truly work for the development of Bolnisi and protect the interests of its population,” Chiragov wrote on social media.
Irakli Kupradze, Tbilisi mayoral candidate and secretary general of the “Lelo – Strong Georgia” party, stated that just a few days ago, Chiragov told coalition members that his friend, a high-ranking police official, had offered him money in exchange for withdrawing his candidacy. Kupradze suggested that Chiragov was subsequently pressured to step aside.
Georgian Interior Minister Meets with Sanctioned Belarusian Official in China
Georgian Interior Minister Gela Geladze has met with Dmitry Gora, the sanctioned Chairman of the Belarusian Investigative Committee, during a visit to China.
According to the Belarusian Investigative Committee, the meeting focused on “the provision of legal assistance in criminal cases.” It took place in the Chinese city of Lianyungang, where the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum is being held.
Belarusian media reported that the discussions also covered potential areas of future cooperation, including the digitisation of investigative processes, the use of modern analytical tools, and the professional development of staff.
Dmitry Gora is currently under sanctions imposed by the United States and all 27 member states of the European Union.
Ivanishvili Meets with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Bidzina Ivanishvili has met with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
According to Georgian Dream, the meeting was also attended by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs Maka Bochorishvili, and Head of the Government Administration Levan Zhorzholiani.
“I am glad that you are in Georgia and that I have the honour to host you in our country. In recent years, relations between our countries have deepened further, for which I would like to thank you.
It is encouraging that the economic ties between Georgia and the United Arab Emirates are becoming stronger, which will benefit both countries in the future. The investment you are making in Georgia will bring our countries even closer. I thank you for your warm and friendly attitude towards Georgia and hope that we will meet again to further deepen our partnership,” Ivanishvili said during the meeting.
This is the only meeting involving Ivanishvili in recent months about which Georgian Dream has released information. A few months ago, then-U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan reportedly requested a meeting with Ivanishvili, but he declined.