Mtskheta Reunion: May 2004

The first so-called "mini-reunion" took place in Georgia, 5-9 May 2004, spread over three locations: the capital, Tbilisi, Georgia's historical capital Mtskheta, and the region of Kakheti. It was themed around discussions of new leadership trends in the region, with an emphasis on the circumstances of Georgian CELA members in the wake of President Mikheil Saakashvili’s January 2004 election victory. Each of the country delegations and representatives made presentations on the latest political and socio-economic news from their countries, allowing for discussions of comparative developments. The CELA group spent a morning debating policy with the students of the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA) at the invitation of GIPA Dean Maka Ioseliani (CELA 2, GE). The mini-reunion also hosted a panel comprising the then Energy Minister Nika Gilauri (CELA 2, GE). Minister of Economy and Trade Irakli Rekhviashvili, Minister of Infrastructure and Development Tamar Sulukhia, Mayor of Tbilisi Zurab Tchiaberashvili, and the Ambassador of the United States to Georgia Richard Miles.