AGP Executive Report

Russia-Georgia Migration Pressure: Huge one-way queues at Upper Lars show Russians fleeing mobilisation fears, with 113,000 people and 33,000 vehicles leaving Russia via the crossing in late August; Georgia’s visa-free access and “accommodating” stance are fueling a fast-growing Russian presence, raising concerns about rents, social tension, and possible security risks. Regional Connectivity & Borders: Armenia and Azerbaijan say delimitation will proceed north to south, including around the TRIPP route; Armenia’s parliament also flags “localized” delimitation where rail, pipelines, or power lines run. TRIPP Advisory Move: Former Armenian Security Council chief Armen Grigoryan joins PMCG as a senior adviser and is already involved in assessing TRIPP feasibility. Aviation & Local Development: A $15m “Aviation Village” opened in Kachreti, adding an airfield, aviation school, service hub, and hangar villas for light aircraft. Culture & Heritage: Roadworks on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue uncovered a rare 10th-century pottery cache. Justice Watch: Tbilisi Court of Appeals kept businessman Tamaz Elizbarashvili in custody in a threats case.

Human Rights in Focus: Council of Europe rights commissioner Michael O’Flaherty has intervened at the European Court of Human Rights, arguing Georgia’s Foreign Agents Registration Act fits a wider pattern of pressure on civil society and critical groups. Pro-European Protests: Supporters of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course kept up demonstrations in Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi for the 650th day, again calling for political prisoners’ release and repeal of “repressive laws.” Regional Politics: Georgia abstained in the UN vote backing the “Equal Earth” world map projection, while the U.S. was the only country voting against; the resolution encourages more accurate depictions of Africa’s size. Economy Watch: Georgia’s foreign exchange reserves hit a record $8.14 billion in August, with the PM citing strong year-on-year growth and reserve diversification including gold purchases. Security & War Links: Former Georgian prosecutor general Otar Romanov-Partskhaladze is reported to have formed a volunteer unit in Russia to fight in Ukraine, raising new legal and political questions for Georgia.

US-Georgia Diplomacy: Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili met newly appointed US Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Courtney Austrian to discuss deepening bilateral ties. Ukraine War Fallout: Former Georgian prosecutor general Otar Romanov-Partskhaladze says he has formed the “Georgievsky” volunteer unit to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine, drawing sharp condemnation from Georgian officials. Justice & Rights: The Council of Europe human rights commissioner has submitted a third-party intervention in Georgia’s “FARA-style” case at the Strasbourg court, with GYLA saying it warns against restrictions on civil society. Education Watch: Georgia’s Ministry of Education says the country improved across all core areas in the 2025 PISA study, including top gains in science. Middle Corridor Logistics: Azerbaijan and partners say the Trans-Caspian/Middle Corridor needs tighter coordination and more backhaul cargo to keep freight moving efficiently through Georgia and the region. Regional Context: The UN adopted the “Equal Earth” map projection, with Georgia among the abstainers. Health & Security: The US charged a Georgian national over a record $1.3 billion healthcare fraud scheme, while Georgia’s PISA gains and court developments continue to shape the week’s domestic agenda.

Tbilisi Aviation & Tourism: Georgia opened a $15 million “Ambassadori Aviation Village” in Kakheti, featuring a new airfield, flight school, aviation club, hangar capacity for up to 12 aircraft, and plans to train pilots with internationally recognized licenses. Protests & Prisoners: Pro-European demonstrators kept up a 649th day of protests in Tbilisi and Batumi, again demanding the release of political prisoners and highlighting cases including Zviad Tsetskhladze. Russia-Ukraine Fallout: Former Georgian prosecutor general Otar Partskhaladze (now in Russia) announced an international volunteer unit “Georgievsky” to fight in Ukraine on Russia’s side, drawing fresh attention to Georgian-Russian political and legal tensions. Regional Trade Talks: Armenian and Turkish business leaders urged reopening borders and simplifying crossings, arguing it would boost trade, investment, tourism, and trust. UN Map Politics: The UN backed the “Equal Earth” projection to better reflect Africa’s true size; Georgia abstained while the US voted against, keeping the debate over representation and ideology alive. Environment: Georgia’s agriculture agency says it found 1,090 yellow-legged hornets and 60 nests in August, stepping up traps to protect honeybees.

UN Map Vote: The UN General Assembly backed the “Equal Earth” push to show Africa’s true relative size, passing 164-1 with Georgia among six abstainers—while the US voted no. Armenia-Georgia Connectivity: Ministers in Batumi discussed expanding direct air routes and boosting transport and energy cooperation, aiming for more flights and stronger logistics links. Middle Corridor Momentum: Georgia’s PM said the country’s 10-year plan targets doubling rail capacity, cutting cargo times, and expanding ports and airports—tying it to growing freight along the Middle Corridor. Aviation Village in Kakheti: Georgia opened the $15m Ambassadori Aviation Village to spur tourism and train young pilots, with European crews already arriving. Court Watch: Grigol Liluashvili’s wife was questioned in Tbilisi City Court as the bribery case continues. Sports Incident: A Georgian judoka was accused after an assault on a German opponent following a match in Leipzig, with police investigating. Regional Context: Kobakhidze said Georgia has “very close relations” with Azerbaijan and Armenia and is prioritizing ties with neighbors.

UN Cartography Push: The UN General Assembly adopted “Correct the Map,” backing equal-area projections like Equal Earth to stop making Africa look smaller; the vote was 164-1, with the U.S. opposing and Georgia among six abstainers. Tbilisi Protests: On Rustaveli Avenue, demonstrators marked a 648th straight day, calling for Eurointegration and the release of political prisoners, with animal-rights activists also demanding an end to stray-dog “extermination” and support for Tamaz Elizbarashvili. Court on Russian Activist: Georgia’s Tbilisi City Court let Russian citizen Denis Kulanin leave for a third country within seven days and rejected extradition to Russia. Legal Move on Gaza: The Hind Rajab Foundation filed a criminal complaint in Georgia against an Israeli contractor, alleging war crimes and genocide tied to demolitions in Gaza. Sports Spotlight: Georgian fighter Lasha Abramishvili notched a major win at BRAVE CF 108, while Andi Vrtacic won by stoppage in Croatia.

Georgia Courts & Migration: Tbilisi City Court let Russian activist Denis Kulanin leave Georgia for a third country within seven days and rejected extradition to Russia, after his pardon and detention over alleged protest-related damage. UN World Maps: The UN General Assembly backed the “Correct the Map” push, endorsing the Equal Earth projection to better reflect Africa’s size; the U.S. voted no, while Georgia abstained. UN Crimea Dispute: Ukraine abstained too, saying the map’s lighter shading of occupied Crimea separates it from Ukraine, while other occupied areas in Georgia and Moldova were not similarly marked. Georgia in Sports: Figure skaters Diana Davis and Gleb Smolkin, competing for Georgia, won the Kinoshita Group Cup 2026 in Tokyo. Georgians Abroad in Business: An International Business Council delegation met Georgian business groups in Tbilisi to discuss trade, investment, and B2B cooperation, including links toward Kyrgyzstan. Georgia in the Spotlight Overseas: A Georgian national was indicted in the U.S. over alleged money laundering tied to a $1.3B healthcare fraud scheme.

UN World Map Vote: The UN General Assembly backed the “Correct the Map” push, endorsing equal-area projections like Equal Earth to show Africa’s true size; the resolution passed 164-1, with the U.S. the only no vote and Georgia among six abstentions. Tbilisi Protests: In Tbilisi, supporters of Euro-integration marched for the 647th day, calling out “Georgian Dream” and demanding political prisoners’ release, with President Salome Zourabichvili joining. Regional Energy Ties: Social media in the Caucasus debated Azerbaijan’s diesel fuel shipments to Armenia, with analysts framing it as both price pressure and a political gesture amid an unresolved conflict. Sports—Georgia in the Spotlight: Georgian fighter Lasha Abramishvili scored a major win at BRAVE CF 108 in Croatia, while Georgia’s Amy Hunt and Georgia Hunter Bell both featured at the Diamond League Final in Brussels. International Culture: Armenia’s EXPO 2026 opened in Yerevan, while Georgia is set to host Armenian Culture Days starting October 7.

UN Map Vote: The UN General Assembly backed a resolution urging wider use of the Equal Earth projection, which shows Africa in more accurate proportions, passing 164–1 with the US voting against and Georgia among six abstentions. Georgia-EU Diplomacy: Georgia’s foreign minister met Germany’s ambassador to discuss bilateral ties, regional security, and cooperation with the EU. Transport & Safety at Home: Georgia’s autumn legislative plan says mandatory motor third-party liability insurance could be introduced to ensure compensation after road accidents. Energy Links: Batumi officials met Caspian Energy Club leaders to discuss new partnerships, while Azerbaijan sent diesel via Georgia to Armenia. Sports Spotlight: Arsenal agreed a deal to sign 17-year-old Georgian midfielder Andria Bartishvili, with him staying on loan in Georgia before joining in 2027. Regional Politics: Russia’s security council deputy said Moscow sees room for expanded economic cooperation with Georgia, including joint production models.

Georgia Politics & Justice: Tbilisi City Court ordered the extradition of Mikhail Timofeev to Russia, a move tied to the wider Furgal case; the decision can be appealed within seven days. Pro-European Protest Watch: Supporters of Eurointegration kept up the 646th straight day of demonstrations on Rustaveli, again calling for political prisoners’ release and free elections. Migration & Rights: Russian activist Denis Kulanin, pardoned by Georgia’s president, has left for a third country after a court gave him seven days to leave; activists had warned about deportation risks. Health in Georgia: The Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug givinostat is set to arrive in Tbilisi early next week, with the health ministry saying preparations and training are already done. International Spotlight: The UN General Assembly backed an African-led push to encourage use of the Equal Earth map projection, with the U.S. voting against and Georgia abstaining. Sports (Georgia link): BRAVE CF 108 goes ahead tonight in Croatia, featuring Georgian bantamweight Lasha Abramishvili in a key bout. Culture: Yerevan’s ninth international book festival opened at the National Gallery, themed around language and reading.

Deportation Update: Russian-born activist Denis Kulanin, pardoned after a protest conviction, has left Tbilisi after a court ordered he be expelled but allowed him to choose a destination and leave within seven days. Court & Public Safety: Businessman and animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili remains in pre-trial detention over alleged threats; prosecutors say charges could be upgraded to weapons offenses, while the defense disputes any firearm involvement. Media Freedom: Armenia’s Factor TV won a 2026 Free Media Award for independent reporting, and Belarusian journalist Andrei Aliaksandrau was named a contender for the same awards. Health: Georgia’s Health Minister says the Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug Givinostat will arrive in Tbilisi at the start of next week. Culture & Diplomacy: Armenia’s Days in Georgia are set for October 7–Nov. 8, kicking off with a gala concert and an exhibition of Yervand Kochar. Energy & Business: SOCAR Georgia Petroleum imported its first direct petrol shipment from Italiana Petroli, diversifying supply sources. Urban Planning: Tbilisi City Hall approved rezoning for Ivanishvili-linked construction on central recreational land near Dry Bridge.

Euro-Atlantic Pressure in Tbilisi: Supporters of Georgia’s EU path kept up a 645th day of continuous protests, demanding free elections and the release of political prisoners, with flags of Georgia, the EU, Ukraine, the USA—and a memorial-linked Abkhazia flag—at Rustaveli and near the Parliament. Justice Probe Over Jorbenadze Death: Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office will question 11 people, including jailed ex-PM Irakli Garibashvili and other public figures, after Garibashvili challenged the official suicide conclusion in the death of human rights defender Lazare Jorbenadze. Abkhaz Blogger Burial: Daur Buava, an Abkhaz TikTok blogger and Georgian citizen, was buried in Tbilisi after his death in August, with family and supporters framing it as punishment for his views on Georgian-Abkhaz dialogue. Regional Connectivity Talk: A European forum in Austria highlighted the “Middle Corridor” push to make Eurasian transit faster and more workable for investors, linking Central Asia to the Black Sea via Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. Military and Security Signals: Reports say Russia may be preparing for broader manpower calls as losses mount, even as Putin denies full mobilization—raising pressure across the region.

Human Rights & Courts: Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office filed threat charges against Tamaz Elizbarashvili after an August restaurant confrontation, while rights groups are also pushing to stop the deportation of Russian activist Denis Kulanin to Russia, warning of persecution and ill-treatment. Political Tensions: Jailed former PM Irakli Gharibashvili’s latest prison letter questioning “real reasons” behind suicides tied to Lazare Jorbenadze has triggered a prosecutor response and plans to question multiple figures. Abkhazia Flashpoint: Outside Abkhazia’s Supreme Council, National Movement members clashed verbally with deputy Rudik Tsatava over allegations that fuel is entering occupied Abkhazia from Georgian-controlled territory. Security Council Signals: A Russian Security Council deputy said Russia sees “significant potential” for cooperation with countries including Georgia, framing it as interregional economic ties. EU/Media Monitoring: Ombudsman Media reports international institutions are monitoring the case of journalist Irakli Chikhladze ahead of a September 9 trial, citing concerns over fair-trial standards. Economy & Trade: Georgia dismissed registration of a new political party, while Armenia’s PM says the first Armenia-Azerbaijan goods export deal is effectively concluded; separately, Armenia and Turkey business talks in Yerevan were described as “historic.” Earthquake Update: A 3.2 quake near Dmanisi was felt in Armenia.

Euro-Atlantic Protest Watch: Supporters of Georgia’s EU integration kept up a 644th day of demonstrations in Tbilisi, again calling for Denis Kulanin to be allowed to leave for a third country and for answers around the death of Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava. Human Rights Pressure: Amnesty International urged Georgian authorities not to deport Kulanin to Russia, warning of risks of imprisonment and ill-treatment. Regional Security & Transit: A new push around the TRIPP corridor highlights how Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia’s connectivity plans are increasingly tied to wider geopolitics, with the Middle Corridor’s future in the spotlight. Anaklia Port Update: Work on Georgia’s Anaklia deep-sea port continues, including marine dredging as the project shifts toward a multi-investor model. Agriculture & Local Production: Environment and Agriculture Minister Davit Songulashvili toured regional farms and food producers, including a convent dairy operation and a Marneuli processing plant, stressing value-added local production and vocational training. Sports (Georgia Abroad): Chicago Fire FC signed Georgian midfielder Anzor Mekvabishvili from Universitatea Craiova, adding another Georgia export to European and international football.

Energy & Trade: Armenia says the Iran–Armenia and Armenia–Georgia 400-kV power links are on track to run as one unified network by 2031–2033, boosting cross-border electricity flows. Human Rights & Deportation: Amnesty International urges Georgia not to deport Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin, warning of torture and imprisonment risk. Justice Watch: Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office opened a case over alleged police violence against lawyer Ia Siranashvili during a search tied to animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili, who has started a hunger strike. Public Safety & Economy: Georgia’s Kulevi refinery fully stopped processing Russian crude and switched to Libyan oil after the EU sanctions deadline. Migration Pressure: A Politico report says more than 113,000 Russians entered Georgia amid renewed mobilization fears. Sports & Talent: Arsenal is set to sign Georgian 17-year-old Andria Bartishvili, joining in 2027. Regional Spotlight: EU approved temporary zero-tariff trade liberalisation for Armenia, deepening ties as Russia tightens pressure.

Protest & Rights in Tbilisi: Supporters of Eurointegration kept up a continuous rally in front of parliament for a 643rd day, demanding Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin be allowed to leave Georgia for a safe third country after his pardon and amid deportation fears. Detention Case Watch: Amnesty International urged Georgia to respect non-refoulement and protect Kulanin from forced return to Russia, warning of risks of arbitrary prosecution and ill-treatment. Abkhaz Blogger Death: Georgia continues investigations into the death of Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava, with multiple arrests tied to the case and renewed attention on how authorities reconstructed the timeline from CCTV. Education Links: Tbilisi proposed deeper cooperation with Turkmenistan, including a possible Georgian university branch in Turkmenistan and an education fair. Business & Security: Police searched and placed businessman Tamaz Elizbarashvili under administrative arrest during a firearms-related probe, according to his lawyers. Sports Transfers: Liverpool completed a £30m deal for Genk goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans, while Georgia’s Denis Kulanin-related court process remains a top domestic rights story.