Paolo Gentiloni earlier had meetings in Tbilisi with the Georgian leadership during which he expressed his support for Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations

The former President of Georgia accused Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko of handing over Odessa to corrupt clans, and the enemies of Ukraine.

The visit of the head of the Farnesina to the region comes as Italy prepares to take on important roles in various international organisations over the coming two years

The meeting took place at a new border crossing between the two countries where a new "friendship" bridge is also to constructed

Peaceful change is in demand in the South Caucasus this autumn. All three countries face important challenges, and need the necessary political model that can respond to them.

The Defence Ministry said that the purpose of the exercises will be to test the armed forces command and control capacity and check weapon systems.

The case of Ildar Dadin has attracted unprecedented attention, despite the fact that Russians seem to be more ready than most to close their eyes at abuses by their government officials

"Yesterday's second round reconfirmed that Georgia's 2016 parliamentary elections enabled candidates to campaign freely and voters to make informed choices about their options," said Ignacio Sanchez Amor, the Special Co-ordinator and leader of the short-term OSCE observer mission.

The period of democratic transition is over, and a new phase, where the emphasis must be on state and democratic consolidation, has opened. The October 2016 Parliamentary elections in Georgia were not perfect, but they were the best the country ever had, and within the accepted international standards. Well organised, competitive and fair elections now need to become a habit, so that politicians and voters alike can focus on policies and substance.

The elections were held in those single seat contituencies where candidates failed to secure 50% of the vote in the 8 October polls.