Georgia

Aslan Bzhania, the president of Abkhazia, has stepped down following discussions with the opposition, according to a Telegram message and a signed document reported by Reuters. His resignation comes after widespread protests in the region, sparked by a controversial investment agreement signed with Moscow.

Georgia has launched a probe into the alleged "falsification" of its parliamentary elections, prosecutors said on Oct. 30, after the pro-Western opposition said the vote was "stolen" and Western countries criticized irregularities.

Around 20,000 people gathered in the Georgian capital, rallying against what they called electoral fraud in the recent parliamentary elections held on Saturday. The opposition, alongside citizens from Tbilisi, demanded fresh elections, insisting they be conducted independently from Georgia's current election commission.

In this handout picture taken and released by the Georgian presidential press service on October 27, 2024, Georgia's President Salome Zurabishvili, flanked by leaders of opposition parties, speaks during a press conference at the presidential palace in Tbilisi, a day after the parliamentary elections.

The Georgian musical group Trio Mandili returns to Athens on September 21 for a concert at the Arch Club (111 Konstantinoupoleos). Known for their unique voices, Trio Mandili will bring traditional Georgian songs and Caucasian melodies to a Greek audience. Tickets cost 18 euros at more.com.

European leaders have cautioned Georgia that its efforts to align with the EU have effectively stalled due to the enactment of a law concerning foreign agents, as reported by BTA.

According to the conclusions reached at the EU summit, the law governing non-governmental organizations is seen as regressive in terms of meeting the EU's accession criteria for Georgia.

The United States has introduced a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals in Georgia who are complicit in undermining democratic processes and institutions. The restrictions will apply to those involved in suppressing civil society and peaceful assembly through violence or intimidation, as well as their family members, according to a statement from the US State Department.

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has put a mostly symbolic veto on the "foreign influence" law which has sparked unprecedented protests and warnings from Brussels that the measure would undermine Tbilisi's EU aspirations.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has hosted Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to further boost the two countries' already close ties and cooperation in various fields, including economy and trade.