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Stories related to the internal politics of states and various domestic issues. 

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More clashes between police and protestors in Tbilisi as government pushes through "foreign agents law"

More clashes between police and protestors in Tbilisi as government pushes through "foreign agents law"

On May 1, the Georgian government passed through Parliament the controversial “Foreign Agents Law” in its second reading with 83 votes in favor and 23 against, despite strong opposition from international partners, large segments of Georgian society and opposition MPs and politicians. Outside parliament massive public protests saw clashes between police and protestors President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili addressed the protesters in the evening of May 1, when the situation on Chitadze Street, by the gate of the parliament, became tense as several youths tried to break through the closed gates into the yard of the parliament. She said she stands by the protesters’ side. She called the rallies “extraordinary” saying that the whole world is watching Georgians demonstrate the attitude, determination, and perseverance. She said these qualities are important in order to win in the long term struggle, the final stage of which will be the Parliamentary elections, which “will show that Georgia will never be Russia.” Salome Zurabishvili addressed the youth “with flame in their hearts” as she called them, saying that “some things are not necessary” and appealed “to leave along the gates of the Parliament” saying that “nothing happens there”. Noting that “our struggle” is no longer about the Foreign Agents Law”, she said that the longer-term struggle is about the elections” and about “all the laws that this government has passed that distance us from the EU”. That is the goal, she stressed. Noting that it’s Holy Week, she appealed for peaceful protests and to avoid provoking violence, saying: “We will show the world what Georgia and its youth can do.”
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issues statement on Tbilisi protests

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issues statement on Tbilisi protests

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has expressed concern about the situation in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, amid ongoing anti-government protests against a new foreign influence law, which critics fear could be used to limit press freedoms. The protests, which have attracted international attention, highlight growing discontent in the country and calls for a closer alignment with European ideals.

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Ethiopians celebrate second filling of controversial Nile dam

Ethiopians celebrate second filling of controversial Nile dam

Thousands of Ethiopians gathered at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa as the government announced the completion of the second filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). While Egypt is relieved by the quick ending of the filling, joined by Sudan, it still calls to reach a final trilateral agreement with Ethiopia on the operation of the dam. 
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Tunisia under the mercy of Covid-19

Tunisia under the mercy of Covid-19

Tunisia is witnessing a quickly deteriorating health situation as Covid-19 cases reach an all-time high with public hospitals struggling to cope. The Delta variant is to blame along with poor vaccination performance.  With only 7 per cent of the country’s population fully vaccinated, the virus exasperates the already tense political and economic situation.  
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Georgian prime minister under pressure to resign following the death of a journalist

Georgian prime minister under pressure to resign following the death of a journalist

Georgian civil society organisations have called for the resignation of the prime minister and the interior minister holding them responsible for the death of a journalist who was among dozens attacked by right wing vigilantes on Monday as they covered an attempt by gay rights supporters to hold a march in Tbilisi.