Project manager:
Email: szaalishvili@gmail.com
As the only political correspondent who was neither a Chechen nor a Muslim, I headed the Chechen-Press desk in Georgia and was allowed to enter and report from many of the hottest regions fraught with conflict.
Conducted several successful hostage negotiations to free38 persons including 2 women journalists 1 tv reporter who were captured by terrorists engaged in political and personal kidnapping.
Due to my excusive published material the circulation of "New Generation" that averaged approximately 1500 copies a week from 1993 - 1999 increased to 20,000 copies per day and became one of the most widely read newspapers in Georgia.
Actively prevented the building of the so called “Road to Life” in Georgia to thwart Islamic fundamentalist from gaining direct access for transporting drugs, weapons, and supplies between Afghanistan and Turnkey. Similar to his efforts in Sudan, the project was strongly lobbied by Osama Bin Laden as part of Islamization of the Caucuses.
Professional Experience:
Terrorism and Political Violence Research Center – Tbilisi, Georgia
Founder, January 2003 – Present
The purpose of the foundation is to educate the public and government agencies about issues of political violence and terrorism in Georgia. The establishment of the center came as a direct result of personal experience.
One of its key objectives is to increase public awareness on how to behave in extreme situations such as political kidnapping and survival as a hostage.
As a writer, publish analytical articles to illuminate current political issues.
Create a research database of local and international organizations, experts, politicians and psychologists engaged in aiding citizens and government agencies against terrorism and kidnapping in a challenging environment where personal relationships are at times more binding than legislature.
Organize press-conferences aimed at raising awareness on how to uncover alleged businesses financed by persons that may be planning or concealing terrorist activities.
Provide training to border patrol personnel and other government agencies responsible for ensuring public safety on how to recognize potential terrorist activities and threats.
Manage and approve logistical and financial elements of the center.