The Spokesperson for the President of Georgia Manana Manjgaladze started traditional briefing with the summary of important topics of the last week. She stressed attention on the visit of the Prime Minister to America and noted that after the President's visit, the visit of the Prime Minister to Washington and meetings held there are rather important.   

"Naturally, the meeting with the State Secretary of the United States - Hilary Clinton - is to be specially noted; those messages and accents that were made towards Georgia.  Of no less importance were negotiations with American Congressmen, World Bank, Millennium and Monetary Fund leadership, meeting with the Government members of the United States. Works already implemented within the frames of the Strategic Partnership Charter were evaluated and summarized and new course of action was developed - for directions of the trade, economical, educational, security and political issues", noted the spokesperson.   

Another important issue that Manana Manjgaladze voiced at the briefing was the President's position in connection with cancellation of visa system for the population of North Caucasian republics.   

"You know that the Decree on the visa system cancellation for the population of North Caucasian republics of the Russian Federation entered into force. Namely, for citizens of Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, North Ossetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachai-Cherkess and Adygei republics. I want to remind you that several days ago the President of Georgia expressed important initiative - about the Joint Caucasia at the UN General Assembly meeting. Naturally, this decision is connected with this initiative of the President and is directed to the deepening of dialogue between Caucasian peoples.     

I have to note that the population of these republics of North Caucasia had to get Georgian visas in Moscow, at the Embassy of Switzerland. While it takes maximum two-three hours to get from each of these republics to the nearest border checkpoint, like Zemo Larsi checkpoint. Anyway, security in the region is controlled not by issuance or not issuance of visas, but with completely different methods and means", stated Manana Manjgaladze. 

The spokesperson touched upon the events, connected with Svetitskhovloba holiday and noted that this day is celebrated specially this year. She said that the importance of this holiday is even greater this year, since all of us together will have opportunity to celebrate thousand year's eve of Svetitskholeli Cathedral construction - Svetitskholeli is 10 centuries old.    

"Based on the decision of the President of Georgia, many events were planned in renewed Mtskheta this day that will end with the festive concert. The festive events will take place nearby Svetitskhoveli. Naturally, in connection with the celebration of the holiday the President's Administration actively collaborates with the Church/Patriarchate.     I use the opportunity and want to congratulate everybody with this holiday. The President wants to congratulate the population of Georgia and all the Orthodox Christians with this day in advance", - she said.