By empty (11/3/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Voting in the 2 November Georgian parliamentary elections was marred by chaos and numerous reported violations. Up to 10 percent of voters, including opposition National Movement (EM) Chairman Mikhail Saakashvili, found their names were omitted from electoral rolls, but they were nonetheless permitted to cast ballots upon producing reliable identification in line with a ruling the previous day by Central Election Commission Chairwoman Nana Devdariani. Some polling stations in Kutaisi opened late, and remained open for an additional two hours after polls closed elsewhere so that all those waiting in line would be able to vote.

By empty (11/3/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Igor Ivanov on 1 November reacted angrily to a 2 November statement by U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher in which he said the Yukos situation \"raised serious questions about the rule of law in Russia, and we\'ve noted that it sparks concerns among domestic and international investors about respect for ownership rights in Russia,\" RTR reported.

By empty (11/2/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

A high-level United Nations delegation is in Afghanistan to underline support for the country\'s leader, Hamid Karzai. The team - including representatives from all 15 members of the UN Security Council - has met Mr Karzai at the beginning of the trip. They are due to travel to key cities to urge powerful provincial commanders to co-operate with the government.