Sunday, January 06, 2008

Russia condemns Georgian Polls

According to Georgia Online, the Russian Foreign Ministry today said:
Media sources, non-governmental organizations and representatives of opposition are reporting about numerous cases of violation of the electoral laws by the authorities. It was not a surprise if we take into account the entire electoral campaign, which can hardly be described as “free and fair.” It was actually launched against the background of state of emergency. The presidential race was marked with widespread use of administrative resources, unhidden pressure on opposition candidates and strictly limiting their access to financial and media sources.
This coming from Putins capo regime in Moscow, who did everything they could do to sabotage their own elections lately is hillarious! What a tragic joke Putins Russia has become.

Why does Georgia matter?

I sometimes have been asked why I am so interested in Georgia, and I have a lot of answers to the variety of people asking. But today, I saw a particulary good answer when it comes to international politics in the BBC World's website, talking about the elections in Georgia:
Why does Georgia matter? Georgia's proximity to Iraq, Iran and Turkey makes it strategically important. A key oil export pipeline from the Caspian Sea also runs through it. The West regards Georgia as a key test of Russia's readiness to respect other ex-Soviet states' independence, while Moscow is sensitive to any potential source of instability along its border in the Caucasus.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Chess & Politics

Being a passionate chessplayer back in my younger days, I couldn’t help noticing that the five times female worldchampion in chess, Nona Gaprindashvili, has teamed up with tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili in an attempt of building a new party. I am not sure if that particular move was on par with her former achievments at the chess table. I have always believed in taking particular care of my peasants, remembering that one of them, with some help, could always reach the other side and transform into a queen. I fear this strategy might work the other way around when dealing with Mr.P in the political game taking place in Georgia.