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‘I don’t want to shoot anybody’: war-averse Russians seek sanctuary in Georgia

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2 years ago

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‘I don’t want to shoot anybody’: war-averse Russians seek sanctuary in Georgia


  • Georgia is widespread vacation spot for Russians fleeing draft
  • Russians reaching Georgia say they do not wish to kill individuals
  • They are saying draft is sweeping up individuals who must be exempted
  • Georgians apprehensive about such a big, fast inflow
  • Russia fought temporary struggle with Georgia in 2008

TBILISI, Oct 10 (Reuters) – Igor Tikhiy, a 49-year-old advertising skilled, has a easy reply to the query of why he fled to Georgia final week, crossing the border in the dark on his bicycle.

“I do not wish to shoot anyone. That is why I am right here.”

He’s one in every of hundreds of Russian males who’ve left their nation since President Vladimir Putin introduced a nationwide mobilisation drive in a bid to recruit new manpower for Moscow’s struggle on Ukraine.

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In keeping with the mobilisation legal guidelines handed by the Kremlin and reassurances by officers, Igor’s age ought to imply he isn’t topic to the draft.

“In Russia, what’s written down is one factor however what they really do is one other. There are 50 year-olds being despatched to the entrance. I do not wish to be amongst them,” he instructed Reuters in an interview within the Georgian capital of Tbilisi.

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“I noticed recruiters coming to my constructing with draft papers. I do not wish to be round to search out out if they’re coming for me,” he added.

After Putin ordered mobilisation, Igor, who lived in Moscow, packed his luggage – and his bike – and flew to the southern Russian metropolis of Vladikavkaz, some 32 km (20 miles) from the border with Georgia. Crossing in the course of the night time to keep away from heavy queues, he then took a taxi some three hours south to Tbilisi, the Georgian capital.

It’s a journey travelled by tens of hundreds of Russians within the first weeks of Russia’s chaotic mobilisation.

Alexey, a 33-year-old who works in media, spent six days queuing in his automobile on the Russian facet of the border. He did not sleep for the primary 48 hours for concern of shedding his place.

“It was a tricky choice to go away, I considered it for a very long time. However I realised if I did not go away proper now I’d by no means be capable of. Russia may shut the borders,” he stated.

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Rumours of border closures have swirled round Moscow for weeks, denied by the Kremlin however considered by many as credible.

Alexey stated he thought-about abandoning his automobile and crossing on foot or bike, the place the traces the place shorter. Native media experiences say dozens of automobiles needed to be moved by police after their house owners ditched them close to the border.

“I do not wish to go to struggle. I do not wish to struggle towards a brotherly nation,” Alexey stated of his motive for leaving.

FROSTY RECEPTION

On the streets of Tbilisi, the most recent inflow of Russians right into a metropolis of simply 1 million is clear.

Giant queues have fashioned exterior banks and outlets promoting SIM playing cards, whereas cafes are dotted with younger Russian males scouring AirBnB for a spot to remain.

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What number of will stay and for the way lengthy is an open query. For many who can’t work remotely, discovering a neighborhood job will probably be powerful and housing prices have rocketed, say volunteers serving to Russians to acclimatise.

Previous to mobilisation, greater than 45,000 Russians had already opened financial institution accounts in Georgia this 12 months, central financial institution knowledge reveals – greater than doubling the variety of Russian-held accounts within the nation within the area of simply six months.

The arrivals have stoked a mini financial growth, with an additional 1.2 billion Georgian lari ($430 million) flooding into Georgia by means of cross-border transfers, says the Institute for the Improvement of Freedom of Data, a Georgian think-tank.

However for some locals, there’s a feeling of apprehension.

Ex-Soviet Georgia and Russia fought a brief struggle in 2008 over Abkhazia and South Ossetia – two areas internationally recognised as a part of Georgia however below the management of Russian-backed separatists.

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The 2 international locations nonetheless don’t have any formal diplomatic relations and Georgian society was fiercely anti-Russian earlier than Putin invaded Ukraine.

Some Georgian activists need their authorities to limit Russian arrivals or shut the border altogether. Underneath Georgia’s liberal immigration guidelines, Russians can successfully keep within the nation indefinitely and not using a visa.

Round 300 individuals attended an anti-Russia protest exterior Georgia’s parliament final Friday.

“They are often like a mine – an explosive – which can be utilized anytime by Putin,” stated protester Tsotne Japaridze.

Many Russians, together with Igor and Alexey, say they’re towards the struggle and wish to combine into Georgian society, however locals are sceptical.

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“Even when we imagine that each one the Russians coming right here oppose Putin… it is nonetheless an issue,” stated Lana Ghvinjilia on the protest.

“That is an inflow of Russian tradition, which we have been attempting to liberate (ourselves from) over the past 30 years.”

($1 = 2.79 Georgian Lari)

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Reporting by David Chkhikvishvili and Jake Cordell; enhancing by Man Faulconbridge and Gareth Jones

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Belief Ideas.

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Georgia

1974 Alive at Georgia Tech

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21 mins ago

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June 25, 2024

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1974 Alive at Georgia Tech


Nine months after the sold-out show at Tech, Yes played at The Omni Nov. 30 for more than 16,000 fans. The next night, rock icon David Bowie performed the final show of his Diamond Dogs tour at the same arena — and within a year of their Fall 1974 shows, KISS and Lynyrd Skynyrd would each return to Atlanta as headliners at The Omni.

Throughout the 1970s, Tech would continue to host many of the decade’s most prominent bands and artists at Alexander Memorial Coliseum and Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Dog Day Afternoon festival in 1977 and Alex Cooley’s Champagne Jam concerts in 1978 and 1979 brought massive, sweaty crowds of music fans to campus for acts including Atlanta Rhythm Section, Bob Seger, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, Heart, The Cars, and Aerosmith.

The Georgia Tech Athletics Association has continued to open its facilities for music promoters in years since, and Tech has hosted Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, Ludacris, Big Boi, and the Rolling Stones (twice!). “We are approached periodically about hosting external events, including concerts featuring popular acts,” an Athletics spokesperson said. “We are proud to provide great entertainment opportunities for the Georgia Tech community and are always looking to drive revenue that can help us provide additional resources for our student-athletes.” Most recently, Athletics welcomed thousands of Yellow Jacket supporters and music fans for the Helluva Block Party series of pregame concerts on North Avenue.

Five decades on, many of the bands whose sounds reverberated within the metal rafters of Alexander Memorial Coliseum are revered by millions. Auslander explained why he thinks the popular music of the 1970s persists. “Today, there are more shared musical tastes and experiences across generations than in the past. Youth in the 1970s mostly rejected the music and culture of their parents — now, we see parents and their children listening to the same music and going to concerts together,” he said.

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Although his football experience was cut short due to injury, Ken Smith studied building construction, industrial management, and mechanical engineering at Tech and ran a successful HVAC company in the Augusta area. Over the past 50 years, Smith has seen the Doobie Brothers live more than 30 times, as well as Chicago and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

And Ned Barbre has continued returning to the Tech campus for concerts, including Pink Floyd, Jimmy Buffett, Arlo Guthrie, and the Stones.

Having experienced more than 40 KISS concerts from 1974 through the band’s farewell tour, David Dean said, “I will always remember that first show at Georgia Tech.”

 



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Georgia's tourism industry hit by loss of Israeli visitors

Published

8 hours ago

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June 25, 2024

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Georgia's tourism industry hit by loss of Israeli visitors


“Bookings have been cancelled, and projections for new bookings are very low” according to one restauranteur.

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Georgia’s summer season has begun but a significant share of visitors are missing: Israelis.

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has meant Israelis are less able or unwilling to travel internationally. This drop in numbers is being felt in Georgia which usually welcomes many visitors from Israel.

“The loss is noticeable. The situation in the region has affected the number of tourists from Israel,” says Levan Giorgadze from Tbilisi Free Walking Tours.

“Compared to previous years, the number of tourists from Israel has decreased noticeably. I wouldn’t say that they don’t come at all anymore, it’s just, of course, in smaller quantities.”

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Georgia’s capital Tbilisi is popular year-round with tourists, while the beaches along the Black Sea coast are a popular summer holiday destination.

Shota Burjanadze, Chairman of the Georgian Restaurateurs Association, expressed similar worries: “Bookings have been cancelled, and projections for new bookings are very low. Therefore, unfortunately, this year will not live up to expectations.”

But not everyone agrees. Maia Omiadze, Head of Georgia’s Tourist Association, believes the summer will be busy, bustling and successful. She notes that the 15 places from which tourists visit the most include Georgia‘s neighbouring countries, Persian Gulf nations and the European Union.

“The data for the first quarter of 2024 was very positive. This result allows us to have high expectations and to assume that the second quarter, the summer season and the general trend towards the end of the year in the tourism industry will be very positive,” she says.

“We expected tourists mainly from Asia, Persian Gulf and European countries. European countries made up 5% of the total number. Today, tourists are mainly expected to visit Adjara and are largely coming from our neighbouring countries, Turkey, Armenia and Russia,” Maia adds.

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Office for National Statistics data for the first quarter of 2024 shows these nations still hold the top three places for the most number of visitors to Georgia.

Watch the video above to see more about Georgia’s tourism industry in 2024.



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Local students’ Spring 2024 Graduation at Georgia State University

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15 hours ago

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June 25, 2024

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Local students’ Spring 2024 Graduation at Georgia State University


ATLANTA, GA (06/24/2024)– More than 3,500 students earned degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and graduate levels from Georgia State University during its 109th commencement exercises at the end of the spring 2024 semester this May.

Graduates from the local coverage area include:

  • Davey Barnes, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science In Nursing degree
  • Zachary Trotter, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Physics
  • Victoria Washington, of Monroe (30655), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Kinesiology And Health
  • Hillary Gutierrez, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Health Science Professions
  • Jada Harley, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Health Science Professions
  • Krea Holmes, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Health Science Professions
  • Nour Nassar, of Monroe (30656), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Health Science Professions
  • Yoneil Edwards, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Criminal Justice
  • Silina Hunter, of Monroe (30655), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Business Administration
  • Peyton Kelly, of Monroe (30655), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Business Administration
  • Melvin Perkins, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Business Administration
  • Silas Thornton, of Social Circle (30025), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Business Administration
  • Edwin Caballero, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Arts degree with studies in Film
  • Lidia Quero, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Arts degree with studies in Film
  • Mikayla Gmitter, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Social Work degree
  • Adrian Sinclair, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Social Work degree
  • Kela Gates, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Science degree in the university’s Family Nurse Practitioner program
  • Katie Flynn, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Science degree in Sport Administration
  • Parris Maguire, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Science degree in Geosciences with a concentration in Water Sciences
  • Amanda Lyons, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in Epidemiology
  • Jessica Stokes, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Education degree in Health And Physical Education
  • Elizabeth Shuford, of Monroe (30655), Earning a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies, with a concentration in Religion And Aging
  • Meredith Calhoun, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree
  • Jadia Bullock, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree
  • Rosemary Peters, of Monroe (30655), Earning a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree
  • Lesley Falcon-Estrada, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Social Work degree
  • Renee Wilson, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Social Work degree
  • Angelia Sack, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science In Nursing degree
  • Emily Hardwar, of Social Circle (30025), Earning a Bachelor of Science In Nursing degree
  • Akiyah McCrary, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Elementary Education, with a concentration in Special Education
  • Shiloh Coore, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Birth Through Five Education, with a concentration in Teacher Education
  • Mandy Lin, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy with a minor in Psychology
  • Harrison Duncan, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health
  • Donovan Prease, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health
  • Kadiatou Cisse, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in the Pre-Medical Track
  • Providence Mpano, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology
  • Sierra Chard, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition Science
  • Dominique Torres, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Anthropology
  • Felix Siame, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with a minor in Mathematics
  • Elisabeth Easley, of Social Circle (30025), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Legal Studies, and a minor in Psychology
  • Jessica Roopnarine, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Legal Studies
  • Scarlet Valencia, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Legal Studies
  • Emily Easley, of Social Circle (30025), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Crime and Justice, and a minor in Psychology
  • Deja Melchor, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Crime and Justice
  • Andrew Davis, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science
  • Aaron Rollings, of Monroe (30655), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science
  • Nadia Trigoso, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science
  • Varsha Khemraj, of Monroe (30655), Earning a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a concentration in Clinical Informatics
  • Ashley Cooper, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree
  • Baylon Faulkner, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing
  • Alexis Jimenez, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing
  • Diane Zahui, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing
  • Kayline Casimir, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Managerial Sciences
  • Kera Astin, of Monroe (30655), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance with a minor in Hospitality Administration
  • A’Kiriya Rucker, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Computer Information Systems
  • Adara Sewell, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Actuarial Science
  • Dylan Strickland, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology
  • Alexis Kirkland, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology
  • Mahogany Woods, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology
  • Jada Jackson, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film And Media with a minor in the Georgia Film Academy program
  • Kamal McAllister, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film And Media with a minor in Game Design & Development

Georgia State University, one of the largest, most innovative multi-campus public research universities, transforms the lives of students, advances the frontiers of knowledge and strengthens the workforce of the future. With campuses in and around metro Atlanta, Georgia State readies students for professional pursuits, educates future leaders and prepares citizens for lifelong learning. Enrolling one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation, Georgia State prioritizes student success ensuring that students from all backgrounds graduate at high rates. The university provides outstanding experiential educational opportunities and exceptional support for students seeking degrees from the associate to the doctoral level. One of the nation’s fastest-growing research institutions, Georgia State’s scholarship and research focus on solving complex issues ranging from the most fundamental questions of the universe to the most challenging issues of our day, while our creative activities expand and enrich the world.

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