Georgia
Constitutional Background
President Edward Shevardnadze signed a symbolic cooperation agreement with Azerbaijan and Armenia which acts as a reinforcement of independence from neighbouring Russia. Russia still has troops stationed in bases leased from Georgia.
A secessional movement of Vladislav Ardzinba tries for the independence of Abkhazia, the north-western tip of Georgia straddling the Black Sea. The Abkhaz are a distinct ethnic group which got Russian support in driving Georgian military out. Their "Republic" is not recognized internationally.
Georgia has signed a cooperation agreement with the EU.
History and News
- 2003: A popular movement later called "Rose Revolution" replaces Shevardnadze's government with a new one led by Mikheil Saakashvili.
- 11 Sep 2002: Russian President Putin threatens a strike into Georgia if Chechnian rebels are allowed to hide in Georgia's Pankisi Gorge.
- July 1996: After having secured a new resolution of support from the United Nations Security Council, Shevardnadze starts talks to Abkhaz leader Vladislav Ardzinba.
- April 1996: Shevardnadze signs a cooperation agreement with Azerbaijan and Armenia.
- 5 Nov 1995: Parliamentary and Presidential Elections.
- 1993: Georgia becomes a member of Russia's Commonwealth of Independent States; Russia, in return, backs Shevardnadze against Abkhaz rebels.
- 1993: Abkhazia declares its independence, but is not recognized by Georgia or other states.
- April 1989: Troops of Russian General Igor Rodionov kill 29 demonstrators in Tbilisi.