Latest news with #Russian-inspired
Euronews
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Georgia's PM meets European leaders in Tirana, signalling EU thaw
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's participation in the 6th Summit of the European Political Community (EPC) in Tirana on Friday marked a thaw in the strained relations between Tbilisi and the European Union, after both parties hit pause on the South Caucasus country's EU accession talks. A short, but warm encounter between the Georgian premier and French President Emmanuel Macron during the summit signalled that Georgia and the EU are turning the page on their past differences. Kobakhidze underlined this moment by telling journalists that 'there was a period of limited communication (between Georgia and the EU) and it seems our European partners were eager to restore ties with Georgia.' The Georgian prime minister explained the thaw by his country's 'vital role for Europe' adding that 'everyone understands the need to engage with Georgia and its leadership, and this is likely why many initiatives have come from European leaders.' 'Everyone should recognise Georgia's strategic importance for Europe, especially for the eurozone. Our role in the region is significant, and that's why the need for dialogue with Georgian leaders is increasingly acknowledged,' he said. The EU gave Georgia candidate status in December 2023 but halted its membership application process indefinitely and cut financial support last June after the passage of a "foreign influence" law that the bloc considered to be Russian-inspired and authoritarian, on the backdrop of massive anti-government protests in the capital Tbilisi. Then after winning the general elections last October, Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would pause discussions on its bid to join the EU until 2028 due to what the prime minister described then as "blackmail and manipulation" from some of the bloc's politicians. In an interview with Euronews in November, Kobakhidze said the ball was in Brussels' court, emphasising that he was still "very optimistic" that his country would obtain EU membership by 2030, describing it as key strategic objective for Georgia. Kobakhidze was reappointed in November as prime minister by the ruling Georgian Dream party, in power since 2012, but his election victory sparked massive demonstrations. Opposition forces — including Georgia's former president Salome Zourabichvili —condemned the election results as a "total falsification" of the vote. The European Parliament in November adopted a resolution condemning the vote and calling for new elections to be held under international supervision. And then on Friday, Kobakhidze announced that he chose the EPC as 'a significant event where discussions will focus on the main messages concerning our country's fundamental national interests.' The European Political Community summit in Tirana which brings together heads of state and government of almost 40 countries, both EU and non-members. 'I am ready to speak with everyone—let's see how it unfolds. This format allows us to engage with many leaders on issues related to our country's development, regional stability, and Georgia's European integration,' the Georgian prime minister signalled to participating leaders. And then as the summit was about to start, Macron approached Kobakhidze to have a brief but apparently warm exchange, amounting to a symbolic change of tone between Georgia and the EU. The summit video also showed Kobakhidze talking to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The Georgian prime minister also held formal talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a long-time supporter of the Georgian government. Kobakhidze explained this political evolution as a result of Georgia's 'key position' in the South Caucasus region. 'Over the years, we have made significant contributions to strengthening peace and stability in the region, and we remain committed to acting in this spirit moving forward,' Kobakhidze told Georgian journalists in Albania. 'We are connecting two neighbouring countries—Azerbaijan and Armenia—with Europe. Moreover, Georgia is undertaking several important projects with its neighbours that significantly improve connectivity," Kobakhidze said. "I believe this is of utmost importance not only for Georgia but also for Europe and the European Union, as it helps forge stronger links between the EU and our region,' the Georgian prime minister concluded.
The Independent
01-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
The minerals deal is advantageous for Ukraine – but also for the United States
Maybe Volodymyr Zelensky had some 'cards' after all. Contrary to the worst fears aroused after his infamous encounter in the Oval Office in February, the president of Ukraine appears to have secured a remarkably fair and generous minerals deal from the United States. The 'Art of the Deal' may have been Donald Trump's abiding contribution to literature, but it is Mr Zelensky, it now seems, who used his personal diplomacy with the US president during the funeral for Pope Francis to excellent effect. Free of the barracking and malign influence of vice-president JD Vance – and away from the Russian-inspired propaganda relayed by some of his advisers – Mr Trump was able to listen to his Ukrainian counterpart's case directly. The deal, as now signed and published, is far superior to earlier versions – not just for Ukraine, but also for the United States. The initial versions were grotesquely exploitative, reducing Ukraine to a vassal state – and so impoverishing and weakening the country that it rendered the agreement unsustainable. Now, US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent, the man responsible for the negotiations, has said the text 'clearly signals the Trump administration's commitment to a free, sovereign, prosperous Ukraine". In terms of protecting Ukrainian security, those words are probably worth as much as the critical minerals lurking in the subsoil of Ukraine's remaining eastern regions. It is true that the deal is far from a US security guarantee, which is unlikely to appear even in the final settlement, but as Mr Trump declares: 'We've got an American presence on the site, it helps keep bad actors out of the country or at least out of the area.' 'Bad actors' has not hitherto been Mr Trump's preferred way of referring to Vladimir Putin. For her part, Mr Bessent's opposite number, Yulia Svyrydenko, is pleased with the agreement and noted that the deal refers to future projects – revenues from existing projects or those already accounted for in the budget will not be included. That adds an incentive to the Americans to make sure that the Russian occupation of the territories rich in these resources under any wider peace accord is minimised. Gone is the idea that Ukraine owes any inflated financial debt to the US for military assistance freely donated by the previous administration and approved by Congress; or that the Americans would own the mineral resources of another sovereign nation. The Americans will bring capital and expertise to Ukraine's natural resources sector – and both sides will reap the financial benefits via a shared wealth fund, one that can also help pay for Ukraine's reconstruction. Optimistically, this initiative could lead to closer industrial and technological links with the US – as well as Ukraine potentially joining the European Union, with the transformative effect that implies. A prosperous, powerful Ukraine much more capable of looking after its own defence is the vision. For now, though, attention turns to the wider peace settlement. In recent weeks, there are hopeful signs that President Putin has made it a little too obvious that he is playing the US along – and that he is as content to continue his war as to sign the deal the Americans have out to him as the basis for negotiation. Mr Trump has expressed increasing exasperation with the Kremlin, although never quite as viciously as he has with Mr Zelensky. Still, the emphasis once again is on securing the ceasefire the US leader has been seeking for many months as the first move in the peace process – and not in appeasing Russian attempts to gain concessions and dictate preconditions for talks. If Mr Trump's patience is running out with Putin – and he is beginning to understand that he is being manipulated – then that is good news for Ukraine and for European security, too. Since the illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, there have been few moments of hope, yet the establishment of the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund is one. It is significant in itself because of its symbolism and because it marks a shift in how Washington perceives Russian intentions. A long-term partnership with Putin probably remains Mr Trump's goal, despite the contradictions and dangers involved – but there seems to be some increasing realism about whether the Russians can be trusted. Mr Zelensky, who keeps his word and speaks honestly, is proving to be the more cooperative and reliable man to do business with.
Euronews
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Breaking news."We are still very optimistic that Georgia's EU membership by 2030 is achievable", Georgia's PM says
In his first interview after the South Caucasus country hit pause on its EU accession talks, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told Euronews that the ball was in Brussels' court, and that the bloc needed to be more flexible in its approach to new members. Kobakhidze said Georgia was facing "some significant challenges with the European bureaucracy" but emphasised that he was still "very optimistic" that his country would obtain EU membership by 2030. "(We) will be consistent in following this goal and then hopeful that the approach to Georgia will be more fair in the next coming years," he told Euronews. In November, Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would pause discussions on its bid to join the EU until 2028 due to what the prime minister described then as "blackmail and manipulation" from some of the bloc's politicians. The EU gave Georgia candidate status in December 2023, but halted its membership application process indefinitely and cut financial support last June after the passage of a "foreign influence" law that the bloc considers to be Russian-inspired and authoritarian. Kobakhidze told Euronews that Tbilisi's policies were not to blame for the fact that there are currently not "healthy relations" between Georgia and the EU. "It's because of the European bureaucracy and the policies towards Georgia," he said. "So, if that policy changes, everything will be in a better shape." Kobakhidze was reappointed in November as prime minister by the ruling Georgian Dream party, whose disputed victory in October's parliamentary election has sparked massive demonstrations and led to an opposition boycott of parliament. Opposition forces — including Georgia's former pro-Western president Salome Zourabichvili — have condemned the results as a "total falsification" of the vote. The European Parliament in November adopted a resolution condemning the vote and calling for new elections to be held under international supervision. The ruling party, which has been in power since 2012, has denied any wrongdoing. Realism with Russia relations Meanwhile, protesters and critics have accused Georgian Dream — established by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire who made his fortune in Russia and is widely considered to be the country's de facto leader — of turning away from the West and towards Moscow. Kobakhidze told Euronews that Georgia had "no space for restoring diplomatic relations (with Russia) because of the occupation of our two historic regions". Moscow recognised the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states in 2008 after Russian troops repelled a Georgian attempt to retake South Ossetia in a brief war. The two breakaway territories make up 20% of Georgia's territory. "This territorial integrity is recognised by the international community and of course we have to defend our national interests in this respect, but our vision is peaceful," Kobakhidze said, adding that a "non-peaceful solution is absolutely impossible". "We would like to restore our territorial integrity — there's no alternative — and we are hopeful at some point this will be realistic. Let's see," he said. "But we run with a pragmatic policy and that's the key content of our policy towards Russia," Kobakhidze added. "We are keeping trade and economic relations with Russia and that's how we are going to run it for now." When asked about Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the prospect of a peace agreement, Kobakhidze said there was "no alternative" to a ceasefire. Ukraine is "suffering a lot", the prime minister said, citing the loss of life, damage to infrastructure and Russia's occupation of large swathes of Ukrainian territory. "The international community should be fully concentrated on promoting this ceasefire agreement and peace," Kobakhidze said. "That's the key for improving the overall situation in the region and the world."
Euronews
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Brussels needs to be more flexible in EU membership talks, Georgia's PM tells Euronews
In his first interview after the South Caucasus country hit pause on its EU accession talks, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told Euronews that the ball was in Brussels' court, and that the bloc needed to be more flexible in its approach to new members. Kobakhidze said Georgia was facing "some significant challenges with the European bureaucracy" but emphasised that he was still "very optimistic" that his country would obtain EU membership by 2030. "(We) will be consistent in following this goal and then hopeful that the approach to Georgia will be more fair in the next coming years," he told Euronews. In November, Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would pause discussions on its bid to join the EU until 2028 due to what the prime minister described then as "blackmail and manipulation" from some of the bloc's politicians. The EU gave Georgia candidate status in December 2023, but halted its membership application process indefinitely and cut financial support last June after the passage of a "foreign influence" law that the bloc considers to be Russian-inspired and authoritarian. Kobakhidze told Euronews that Tbilisi's policies were not to blame for the fact that there are currently not "healthy relations" between Georgia and the EU. "It's because of the European bureaucracy and the policies towards Georgia," he said. "So, if that policy changes, everything will be in a better shape." Kobakhidze was reappointed in November as prime minister by the ruling Georgian Dream party, whose disputed victory in October's parliamentary election has sparked massive demonstrations and led to an opposition boycott of parliament. Opposition forces — including Georgia's former pro-Western president Salome Zourabichvili — have condemned the results as a "total falsification" of the vote. The European Parliament in November adopted a resolution condemning the vote and calling for new elections to be held under international supervision. The ruling party, which has been in power since 2012, has denied any wrongdoing. Realism with Russia relations Meanwhile, protesters and critics have accused Georgian Dream — established by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire who made his fortune in Russia and is widely considered to be the country's de facto leader — of turning away from the West and towards Moscow. Kobakhidze told Euronews that Georgia had "no space for restoring diplomatic relations (with Russia) because of the occupation of our two historic regions". Moscow recognised the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states in 2008 after Russian troops repelled a Georgian attempt to retake South Ossetia in a brief war. The two breakaway territories make up 20% of Georgia's territory. "This territorial integrity is recognised by the international community and of course we have to defend our national interests in this respect, but our vision is peaceful," Kobakhidze said, adding that a "non-peaceful solution is absolutely impossible". "We would like to restore our territorial integrity — there's no alternative — and we are hopeful at some point this will be realistic. Let's see," he said. "But we run with a pragmatic policy and that's the key content of our policy towards Russia," Kobakhidze added. "We are keeping trade and economic relations with Russia and that's how we are going to run it for now." When asked about Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the prospect of a peace agreement, Kobakhidze said there was "no alternative" to a ceasefire. Ukraine is "suffering a lot", the prime minister said, citing the loss of life, damage to infrastructure and Russia's occupation of large swathes of Ukrainian territory. "The international community should be fully concentrated on promoting this ceasefire agreement and peace," Kobakhidze said. "That's the key for improving the overall situation in the region and the world." Watch the entire interview on Euronews' The Europe Conversation this week.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Yahoo
Rare Amur tiger 'settling in well' at safari park
A rare Amur tiger has been introduced to a safari park by conservationists. Five-year-old female Yuki has been taken to Knowsley Safari Park on Merseyside to take part in a breeding programme designed to help ensure the survival of the endangered species. Only 450 Amur tigers are thought to remain in the wild. Yuki, whose name translates as both "happiness" and "snow" in Japanese, was part of the biggest family group of Amur tigers in the UK at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire. As part of a European breeding programme, Yuki joins six-year-old male tiger Makari, who came to Knowsley in 2023. Amur tigers, formerly known as Siberian tigers, are under threat because of poaching, declining prey populations and deforestation in their natural habitats. According to the Wildcats Conservation Alliance, they can only be found in the wild in the Russian Far East, across the border into China, and possibly into North Korea. Yuki has been described as "incredibly intelligent" and is said to have had a great relationship with her previous keepers. Visitors can see Yuki in her new 10,000 square metre Russian-inspired home, which she shares with Makari. Knowsley Safari Park's head of carnivores, Pete Johnson, said Yuki was "settling in wonderfully well". "Our priority is protecting the future of rare species, such as the Amur tiger, and Yuki's arrival marks the start of a vital aspect of the European breeding programme," he added. Knowsley Safari Park also works with the Wildcats Conservation Alliance to support Amur tigers. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. Southern white rhino born at safari park Rare Somali wild ass foal born at safari park Rare 'Paddington' bears find new home Knowsley Safari
