Welcome to the January 31 Weekly Summary with Mark Mullen. This week Mark discusses that Russian media sources spread information about starting negotiations for Georgia’s returning to CIS. Also, Bidzina Ivanishvili attended the closed Russian breakfast in Davos. Mark mentions that UNM members posted a statement, saying that the Georgian Patriarch shouldn’t make assessments about Russia that harm Georgia’s interests. They also said that the church shouldn’t be involved in the country’s domestic and foreign affairs.
Mark reviews how Financial Police of the Finance Ministry detained Tsezar Chocheli and he was released on bail. In addition, the main topics of the weeks are: Georgian-Armenian activist Vahagn Chakhalian was released. Mark discusses the assessments of Saakashvili and other leaders of the UNM about his release. Heads of the Tbilisi Opera House and Rustaveli Theatre resigned. They said that the main reasons of their resignation are differences with the officials.
Other topics of the week are: Hidden network cameras were found in Gldani N8 prison, Shalva Natelashvili is back in politics, Former Security Minister Valeri Khaburdzania about founding a pro-Russian party in Georgia, Saakashvli at the International Defense Academy in Gori, mini bus drivers’ went on strike, family of Badri Patarkatsishvili confirmed the sale of controlling share of Borjomi to the Russian company and much more - So sit back and enjoy.

The original audio podcast version of this content can be found at TBLpod.com, recorded locally on Rustaveli Avenue. Each week Mark and his excellent team of researchers, experts and analysts put together a summary of what has happened in Georgia and why. Years of experience and contacts in this country help them provide a context for the news each week. Their discussions give a uniquely candid perspective, which is difficult to find anywhere else, even in Georgian, and which [we must note] is their personal opinion and not that of any organization or company they or we may work for or represent, including Palitra. For this reason Mark and his team have an audience from all over the world and, even more interestingly, a devoted audience of Georgian listeners interested in their outlook on current events. Thanks for tuning in. Please come back next week.