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6 Steps to Tyranny: How Russia Spreads Its Venom

By Nicola Jennings/The Guardian

ANALYSIS BY MICHAEL GODWIN

By now, most have seen how Putin’s ilk oozes into his neighbor's territory, brainwashes the inhabitants, and then creates a frozen confl ict to force the oppressed into gridlock. However, not all have closely examined the formula he has created to reclaim old Soviet lands. Close observation of this formula is the fi rst phase of putting a stop to it, and allowing the people to diagnose this spreading “disease” before it takes them.

This process has been played out live in front of Georgians, but also in Ukraine, Moldova, and could possibly be brewing in Azerbaijan and Armenia. These 6 steps focus on information warfare and manipulation, sabotage, false fl ag operations, and even offensive military operations. The foundation of this is the careful manipulation of media sources and propaganda. While the term “fake news” has been used quite a bit in recent times, sometimes erroneously, it is not a mistake to use this to describe the tactics used by the Kremlin.

STEP 1: CONVERSION OF THE POPULACE

This fi rst phase often happens without the notice of authorities, the government, or even raising serious concerns among the local population under its effect. Months, or even years, before visible signs of encroachment appear, the people are slowly brought to view the world through a “Russifi ed” lense. Western elements and values are ostracized and made to seem perpendicular to the values and customs of the target populace.

An example of this still being used today is the subtle weaponization of the Church. It’s lost on few that the Orthodox Church is one of the few cultural similarities between the Eastern European world and the Russo-slavic world. This connection is a strong one, tying the two to a shared sense of cultural values and traditional societal standards.

With Georgia, Ukraine, and much of the region becoming more enamored with European inclusion, the Russian propagandists have driven a peculiar wedge in between the two worlds; a distaste for “alternative” lifestyles. The Orthodox Church has been rather open about its disapproval of the LGBT agenda and the infl uence this has on the culture. Russian information operations have used this to portray NATO and the EU as violators of religious and cultural tradition, even as opposed to the Orthodox model of family and society.

For many, this can be a deal-breaker if it were true. Of course, anyone with experience of living in the West knows the inclusion of others is not the downfall of their society. However, those who have lived their lives in the same small town or village that are told by local authority fi gures that this will come if they don’t seek the help of the Russian world are easily manipulated.

STEP 2: ASSISTED SEPARATION THROUGH FORCE

As the populace becomes more discontent with the way they believe their country is going and the morals and traditions at stake, the resistance begins to form. Soon, armed groups are assuming control over police departments, and local leaders that were democratically elected are being ousted and militant leaders are seizing control of village and town centers.

Often these armed groups are not purely composed of local militia members. These groups are bolstered by “volunteers” from neighboring regions or even Russian intelligence and special operations elements themselves. In addition, they are often well armed and funded, more so than any local militia ought to be.

In response to this, the regional and national government will react predictably in an effort to restore order and rule of law. Police, State Security Services, and even military forces are deployed to combat this armed insurrection. In Abkhazia, the Georgian security forces had virtually eliminated this resistance force until Russian troops entered the battlefi eld.

STEP 3: DEPLOYMENT OF A “PEACEKEEPING” FORCE

Under the guise of peacemaking and protection of an “oppressed” or ethnically Russian people in the region, the Kremlin sends its uniformed regulars to take ground and work bilaterally with irregular units and militias.

This force operates with an aggressive operations tempo and utilizes the full spectrum of armaments available to the Russian Battalion Tactical Groups (BTGs). Naturally, Russia’s technology, particularly after the 2008-2009 military reforms, places them in a much more advantageous position over their opponents.

During this, to keep public opinion behind their soldiers, a structured media campaign both at home and in the region in question is pushed at every level. Russian soldiers are portrayed as bringers of peace and stability, and the aggressor, such as Georgians in South Ossetia, are portrayed as an abusive overlord.

STEP 4: OCCUPATION

As the nation's security forces are defeated on the fi eld by the Russian “peacekeeping” force, fortifi cations and occupation bases are constructed. The Kremlin forces the nation to the negotiations table while Putin keeps his tactical positions and strength as heavy leverage. These forces are now transitioned administratively to permanent posting in the captured region.

Under this occupation, a complete blackout of free media, free speech, human rights, and freedom of movement is enforced. Knowing that any crack in this facade could spell doom, the occupying forces heavily restrict the fl ow of information coming in, and out, of the area. This is very visible in Georgia’s occupied territories, where everything from politicians and journalists to medical personnel are virtually barred from accessing Tskhinvali. What little information does make its way out of these areas is bleak. Basic infrastructure is neglected and human services such as medical and social welfare are almost abandoned. Russia doesn't actually have any intention of true “liberation”: their real intention is to use these people as tokens of leverage against both the sovereign state that was invaded, and the West as a whole.

STEP 5: NOT-SOFROZEN CONFLICT

Many strategic analysts have coined the term “frozen confl ict” to refer to Russian occupation operations in Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova. However, those that live in those areas, as well as the security forces members that are tasked with containment, would say otherwise. Georgian farmers and police are constantly met with encroaching illegal borderization.

Ukrainian soldiers live under constant attack along the occupation line in Donbas. Artillery, sniper, and probing attacks constantly harass the defensive positions Ukraine has held since the war became stagnant, with casualties mounting every month on both sides. This is aimed both as an attempt to slowly erode the confi dence of the locals in the government and military, but also as a propaganda tool for the Russians.

In addition, any aggressive response by the sovereign nation is seen by the Russians as an attempt to reclaim their land, and the media is called to paint the enemy as a fascist, anti-Russian, and oppressive regime. Because the Kremlin likes to paint any of those that oppose them as neo-Nazis and fascists, as they did with Pro-Ukrainian protests, as well as the Saakashvili administration, they are able to portray themselves as the “good guy” in the confl ict.

STEP 6: ABSORPTION

The last step is a long process of annexing the occupied territory and bringing them full circle into the Russian sphere. The population is totally assimilated to become Russian in almost every way. The issuance of passports and legal documents, establishment of an easily manipulated puppet government, and a formal permanent posting of Russian soldiers all culminates in the Kremlin recognizing the occupied region as a free and independent state.

Abkhazia and South Ossetia were recognized by Russia as independent states, something almost the entire world denied. Only Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nauru continue to recognize this, though it’s doubtful this will mean anything for the fl edgling regions. Residents in these areas, while living in poverty compared to their Georgian brethren, have been offered Russian citizenship in some cases. Meanwhile, in Crimea, the Russians have simply taken a page from the annexation of Austria and Czechoslovakia by Germany in 1938. Crimea is viewed by Russians as simply Russian in the same way as any other oblast.

In sum, these steps are not meant to be like a recipe that must be followed strictly, but rather a loose guide the Kremlin has used to spread its infl uence and control through the former Soviet world, particularly with an aim toward the Black Sea. This should stand as a symptom guide, something that must be avoided, for people living within the reach of the Russian bear paw.

Just like any disease or infection, the best remedy is one taken early. When these disinformation campaigns and attempts at driving a wedge between a local populace and their home nation become visible, it is imperative to curb this immediately. Allowing the Russians to create this open wound lets them begin to fester and spread their decay through the host nation's body. State Security Services, government representatives, and even local and regional police members must have this in their training. People living in these areas must be informed and taught how to identify this tactic, and how to stop it before it even begins. Ultimately, it is the duty of every citizen to be the fi rst line of defense against Putin’s spreading pandemic of destruction.

Russia, the Middle East and the Changing World Order

ANALYSIS BY SOLOMON ALVARES

The latest escalation between Israel and Palestine initially seemed to have a local character: another round of violence. But, increasingly, reactions from major global and regional players says a lot about the changing global order. An important actor in the unfolding crisis would be Moscow, which would fortify its bargaining position to extract concessons from the West in other regions of geopolitical interest.

Russia is the player to watch. As rockets were falling on Israel and the latter retaliated, Moscow called on Israel and Hamas to exercise restraint. Russia’s statements not only seemed inconspicous but tended to refl ect the thinking of many other states. In reality though, Moscow is a critical player. Putin, in a meeting with government offi cials, said the latest escalation directly concerns Russia.

Following its involvement in Syria and successful operation of its peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh, Russia could position itself as a nimble power to manage intractable territorial crises. To this should be added America’s inability, following Trump’s peace plan, to present a long-lasting solution to the Israel-Hamas stalemate.

Russia has its own calculus. All moves made by Moscow in the Middle East are aimed at strengthening the Kremlin’s position in the region. Another feature of Russia’s approach to the crisis has been its consistent efforts, despite being a member of the Middle East quartet (along with the EU, US, and United Nations) on settlement to consistently try to undermine the role of the other parties. When the Trump administration proposed a peace plan for the IsraeliPalestinian confl ict, Russia (as it had with many other American initiatives) fl atly rejected it, citing "one-sidedness". Russia increasingly sees itself as a potential arbiter in Middle East peace negotiations.

But what is more important here, Russian efforts refl ect the changing world order, where the collective West is no longer seen as a primary, decisive actor in the resolution of crucial crises around the globe. For instance, Putin urged Israel and the Arabs to cease fi ghting during a call with his Turkish colleague, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "Serious concern was expressed about the continuing clashes and the growing number of people killed and wounded," the Kremlin said in a statement, adding that Putin had "called on the parties to de-escalate tensions and peacefully resolve the emerging issues." The Turkish President mentioned the need to have a peacekeeping mission sent to the place to prevent further violence. Erdogan asked Putin to support this initiative, drawing attention to the commonality of views of Moscow and Ankara in the context of the emerging crisis.

The fact that the positions of the two countries are close was proven by the statements from the Russian side on adherence to the UN Security Council resolutions, which relate to the illegality of the expropriation of Palestinian lands, as well as support for the two-state principle, Erdogan said in a conversation with Putin. It is not the fi rst time that statements regarding sending a peacekeeping mission to the Gaza Strip have been fl oated by the Turkish leadership. Erdogan expressed the idea in 2018 at the summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, when confrontation erupted between Israelis and Palestinians following the opening of the American Embassy in Jerusalem.

The underlying trend is clear: Regional powers working together to squeeze out the collective West. In many cases, in Nagorno-Karabakh, for instance, it was successful. In Israel-Hamas, the case will be tougher, but the efforts by the outside, non-Western powers to act, is nevertheless symptomatic of the extreme fl uidity of the international system. Moscow pursues the formation of such a system of international relations, where the “great powers” have more rights and can dictate their decisions to weaker participants in world politics.

Crises create opportunities, and Moscow expects that the more violent the confl ict gets between Israelis and Arabs, the more the US will have to be involved in the process and seek Russia’s benevolence. This, in turn, could be used for extracting geopolitical benefi ts on the Ukrainian front or elsewhere.

Indeed, Russia enjoys a peculiar position in the Israeli-Arab confl ict. Moscow historically has nurtured close ties with Hamas. First, Hamas, an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood organization banned in the Russian Federation, has not been banned itself. This is all the more interesting as Hamas, according to various unconfi rmed sources circulating in the Russian media, allegedly participated in the preparation of the terrorist attacks in Russia during the war in Chechnya.

There is even suspicion that when fi ghting between Hamas and Israel breaks out, the Russian position has tended to be balanced, signaling that Moscow’s behavior is motivated by a larger geopolitical calculus. Russia’s close ties with Hamas were often a source of friction between Russia and Israel. Even during the latest escalation, Russian deputy FM Mikhail Bogdanov held a telephone conversation with the Deputy Chairman of the Hamas Politburo Moussa Abu Marzouk. As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia stated, the dialogue took place on the initiative of the Palestinians. This causes concerns in Israel and at times affects its ties with Russia.

Unfolding tensions between Israel and Hamas will not change Moscow's position: it will keep friendly ties with both sides of the confl ict, hoping to strengthen its bargaining position vis-à-vis Israel and the US in particular. Russia will try to increase its infl uence via cooperating with regional powers which are interested in sidelining the collective West from the confl ict resolution. What is crucial is that the unfolding crisis refl ects the transformation of the world order and how old norms, bargains and the prestige of the collective West is in trouble, ushering in an area of greater competition from illiberal states with alternative mechanisms for solving vital territorial confl icts.

Image source: hurriyetdailynews.com

Source: Euronews

Euronews has published a joint op-ed by Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili and European Council President Charles Michel, entitled ‘Georgia’s Future is European.’

On 19 April, Georgia’s political leaders signed a major political agreement following weeks of mediation by the European Union. The following op-ed is penned by those that initiated and supported this mediation – the President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. Together, they look ahead at what this agreement means for Georgia, for the EU and for EU-Georgia relations.

Opinions expressed in View articles are solely those of the authors.

As it recovered its independence 30 years ago, Georgia renewed its historic aspiration to rejoin the European family. Since 2004, the European Union responded by opening a steady process which has brought Georgia closer to Europe from the European Neighborhood (2004) to the Eastern Partnership (2009). In the past decade, the movement accelerated with the signing of the Association Agreement of 2014, which also included a free trade area; and in 2017, visa liberalization was concluded allowing Georgians to travel to the EU without visas for short-term stays. Connections between Georgia and the EU are far more profound than ever before, an achievement which no one could have contemplated when the country broke free from Soviet rule in 1991.

Yet in early 2021, Georgia faced a political deadlock. Latent polarisation pitted the ruling and opposition parties against each other. Despite facilitation efforts by the EU and US envoys, tensions morphed into a political crisis. With the region’s stability challenged by the confl ict between Armenia and Azerbaijan reigniting in Autumn 2020, it became essential to consolidate Georgia’s democracy and stability. With the full backing of the President of Georgia, the President of the European Council offered EU mediation in the political dialogue relaunched during his 1 March visit to Georgia.

We, the President of Georgia and the President of the European Council, want to express our deep satisfaction in seeing this deal agreed and signed by the ruling and opposition parties. This agreement puts an end to a crisis that could have disrupted the democratic advancement achieved over the past decades and weakened Georgia’s progress along its European path. Through dialogue, leadership and compromise, Georgian political leaders put differences aside for the greater good of the country. This was done in a truly European spirit reviving Georgia’s image as a democratic anchor in the region. The political crisis is over, constructive political engagement needs to be sustained. We call on each and everyone to live up to their commitments.

This agreement is a win for Georgia, its people and the European Union.

Georgia’s Future is European: Op-ed by Salome Zurabishvili and Charles Michel

A WIN FOR ROBUST DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS IN GEORGIA

With European support, this Agreement will deepen the reforms of the country’s institutions. The electoral process will meet the highest standard and reforms of the judicial system should end any perceived politicization of justice.

Power-sharing procedures will make the Georgian Parliament one of the most pluralistic. These changes will not only make Georgian democracy more vibrant, it will ensure that reforms are inclusive and viable.

A WIN FOR THE PEOPLE OF GEORGIA

Away from partisan feuds, the focus will move to meeting the pressing issues which face the country: dealing with the pandemic as well as its economic and social consequences; maintaining stability; investing in the future. Georgians have seen they were not alone to overcome the crisis. To this day, the EU has been Georgia’s largest donor with over 200 concrete ongoing projects and a total budget of 500 million euros. The European Investment Bank has invested some 1.85 billion Euros in economic development, agriculture, education and infrastructure to name a few.

More tangible support from Europe will follow. The agreement – entitled “A way ahead for Georgia” – paves the way for closer cooperation with the EU; fi nancial support to soften the blow of the post-COVID recovery; enhanced participation in the EU’s programmes; and a renewed focus on physical and digital infrastructure projects that can increase connectivity of Georgia and the Caucasus and Black Sea regions with Europe, with the potential to further increase growth. A WIN FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION

The EU can count on a stable, fi ercely pro-European partner in a region essential to Europe’s values, security and connectivity. At a time when the regional landscape is being reshaped, Georgia matters more than ever.

With mutual interests at stake, the EU and Georgia now need to further deepen the implementation of the Association Agreement and further strengthen their cooperation. In addition to bilateral agendas, we will continue to work for a renewed and deepened Eastern Partnership that expands areas for cooperation, increases EU support and extends the links between our peoples. In parallel, to mark the special relationship between the EU and its Associated partners in the Eastern Partnership, we propose to hold, in the coming months, a leaders’ meeting, with the Presidents of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.

At a time of increased geopolitical pressures in the region, there is no better answer than the demonstration just given by Europe and Georgia. On the one hand, decisive European political support to a small but vibrant democracy and to avoid any form of destabilization. On the other hand, Georgia’s determination to continue undeterred on its chosen path towards its Euro-Atlantic future.

Learning to Communicate

OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE

The western way of thinking did not stop where Socrates, Plato and Aristotle left off. Tens of other great philosophers have embarked on the genesis of their philosophical legacy, having fi nally ushered us into the 21st-century type of thinking, their prolifi c pens now being held in even more powerful hands to continue helping Mankind to fi nd the most reasonable ways to live.

Some of those contemporary geniuses are telling us that civilizations clash and defy each other; some maintain that the economy is not what we see on the surface, but that the truth is buried in certain freaky fi ndings. Yet others say that modern and post-modern human behavior is being substituted by meta-modern political philosophy. The gist of the matter is that their logic seems to be ironstrong and is as precious as gold. Only, we the rank-and-fi le have to look better and deeper into their unconventional thinking and make conclusions thereof, presumably, in our own favor.

It is certainly impossible to read every single book written by Man throughout history, including the ones that come to light today, but we can at least make some rational choices for self-development, or listen to those who have somehow managed to acquire a workable knowledge in subjects that we tend to perceive, so that we make not only good speakers of ourselves but good listeners too. In a word, we have to learn how to listen to each other, otherwise, the communication that is indispensable for all of us to survive might become impossible.

Why such a lengthy prologue to a matter that is very simple to understand and even simpler to adopt as a way of action? Because we are growing as we live (in the best case scenario of course), and this article is meant for those politicians of ours who want to grow and become more effective. I never fret over crises, be they political, relational or entrepreneurial, because I take a crisis as an impetus for further development. What has lately happened and is still happening in the Georgian political arena is an obvious token of development to the better, certainly, the only regrettable thing being the fact that we have recently fallen so fl agrantly as an independently managing nation that we were compelled to use external help to put ourselves together, even though we think of ourselves as among the smartest and the most talented people in the world.

Talented we might be, but I doubt the ‘smart’ part, because the political savvy would probably mean the capability to solve problems independently in the minimum of time with the least amount of sweat, and with the best outcome for the nation. What I have happily noticed is that our current constellation of politicians is clearly tending to answer to that particular standard of action and interaction: healthy and fruitful communication within our political spectrum, on the one hand, and beyond the spectrum, on the other.

I feel and see that our sharp, but often stubborn and cocky, political animals have found time and zeal for reading into the wisdom of those modern philosophical gurus who are dictating the world to communicate in a more extensive and comprehensible fashion. As a result, the politicians of almost every ilk, except the ones who want to continue their street-wise political activity with an asinine obstinacy, have joined the legislative debates of the country, thus making it as meaningful as one could dream of at this very moment of shattered parliamentary life. All of us are tired to death, the electorate and the elected, poised to let our European guardian angels know that we have heard them and will hear them in the future too, if need be.

And the fi nal piece of the opinion that bothers almost anybody who wants either to vote or to be voted for: the face-saving pains! This is what keeps many of the politicians from decidedly knocking at the door of Georgia’s legislative body. Those who once thoughtlessly sabotaged and categorically refused to take their due seats in Parliament are now looking for some good reason to start functioning as law-makers, but saving face at this moment seems to be more important than any vested interest of the country. To help themselves out, they will have to pick the minds of those wise authors who know very well the price of healthy communication: to listen fi rst.

BUSINESS Borjomi Workers Strike for Better Pay

BY TEAM GT

Up to 350 workers of the Borjomi Mineral Water Bottling Factories No 1 and 2 went on strike on May 18. Prior to this, there was a 21-day mediation between the company, employees and Trade Union of Agriculture, Trade and Industry, which ended without an agreement, after which the employees went on a legal strike. They say they are fi ghting for decent working conditions, their main demands being a salary increase, the right to rest and have breaks, and better working conditions in general.

Employer company 'IDS Borjomi Georgia' released a statement regarding the strike of its employees, saying that even during the pandemic, 100% of the employees were retained and the salary fund was increased by 10%. However, the company added, while they are ready to consider increasing salaries again, the demand of the striking employees is a 50% increase, which is why no agreement had been reached.

The protesters claim that their salaries were reduced by 200-250 GEL during one year. Further, they could not take a break due to lack of staff and were paid only a small amount for overtime work.

The organizer of the strike is the Trade Union of Agriculture, Trade and Industry, which fully shares the strikers' demands and complaints.

Police are mobilized outside the Borjomi factory to prevent any incidents.

On May 19, Acting Mayor of Borjomi Davit Zaalishvili arrived at the rally being held outside the factory and announced his intention to meet with their employer.

The next day, the striking employees of Borjomi Mineral Water Bottling Factories No 1 and 2 held a protest march, which was also joined by the local population. "The company is not communicating with its striking employees. No negotiations have taken place between the company and the employees. They wanted the talks to happen without the involvement of the trade unions, but the strikers do not agree. We are continuing the protest today and will continue until the demands of the employees are met,” Giorgi Diasamidze, Chairman of the Trade Union of Agriculture, Trade and Industry, told BM. ge. "During the two days of the strike, the company discriminated against employees through direct intimidation and threats from the administration for participating in a legal strike and appearing on television," the trade union claimed.

Gov’t Signs EUR 85,000,000 Agreement with World Bank for MSMEs

Gov’t Signs EUR 85,000,000 Agreement with World Bank for MSMEs On May 17, the Georgian government signed an agreement with the World Bank within the scope of which 85,000,000 Euros will be allocated to the country as a postpandemic support of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)

The Prime Minister noted that the project envisages new, innovative systems to be established for express payments, thus benefi ting enterprises by effectively gaining greater access to cash upon its implementation by the National Bank of Georgia (NBG).

“The Referred Agreement on Financial Assistance has resulted from successful negotiations between the World Bank and Ministry of Finance of Georgia. The Executive Board of the World Bank made the decision on May 11. Minister of Economy – Natia Turnava – was also actively engaged in the process.

“We receive very signifi cant support from our donor countries and agencies to benefi t the enterprises affected by the pandemic. I wish to express my gratitude to the World Bank and its Regional Director for South Caucasus for supporting the project.

“Enterprise Georgia – a legal entity of public law (LEPL) will be carrying out the oversight of the referred project.

“Development of small and medium enterprises (SME) is one of our key priorities and we will be designing other additional incentives to be presented in the near future,” PM Garibashvili stated.

USAID and Gazelle Finance Launch Program to Support SMEs, Economic Recovery in Georgia

USAID and Gazelle Finance announced a three-year program to provide technical assistance and COVID resiliency support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Georgia. The Program will enhance the capacity and fi nancial performance of more than 30 SMEs in high-potential economic sectors, helping them attract the private sector investment needed to return to growth in the pandemic and post-pandemic economic environment.

The Program will target its support toward a group of high-potential SMEs, helping them attract private sector fi nancing, expand their businesses and generate employment opportunities in their communities. The Program will help benefi ciary businesses secure access to new export markets, effectively compete with imports, strengthen their management, and improve environmental, social, and governance performance. Ultimately, this assistance will support the development of these companies into leaders in the Georgian economy, creating jobs and setting an example for other dynamic fi rms to follow.

“The pandemic has really strained Georgia’s small and medium-sized businesses. As we begin to look toward a post-COVID recovery, it’s crucial that businesses get the fi nancing they need to return to growth, and to develop innovative products and services that can drive Georgia’s smart, long-term economic development,” said USAID/Georgia Mission Director Peter Wiebler.

“Our new partnership with Gazelle Finance is another great example of how USAID/Georgia is transforming the way we work with the private sector, helping forward-looking companies grow and contribute to the country’s development goals – including creating greater employment opportunities for Georgians across the country. ”

“This program is targeted to support over 30 SMEs, result in creating over 1,677 new jobs, and catalyze more than $15 million in foreign direct investment in the country of Georgia,” said the CEO of Gazelle Finance, Jeffrey Liebert. “This blended fi nance approach, a combination of know-how transfer and investment capital, is the key ingredient to create long-term sustainable businesses, which are currently underserved by the local capital markets.

As we begin to look toward a post-COVID recovery, it’s crucial that businesses get the fi nancing they need to return to growth, and to develop innovative products and services that can drive Georgia’s smart, long-term economic development. Source: itu.int

Georgia Received $1.9 billion from Int’l Partners during Pandemic

BY ANA DUMBADZE

Kakauridze told journalists Wednesday.

“Mainly, it was a loan, the grant is a small part, about 100 million Euros, the rest is a loan resource. The total amount given due to the pandemic was about $1.9 billion, most of which has already been transferred.

“Some of the programs, such as the World Bank’s program, were for health expenditures, including a vaccine component, and additional resources can be allocated from the World Bank,” Kakauridze said.