(Tbilisi, Civil Georgia, August 9, 2002) – American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia expresses concern regarding the absence of rule of law and insecurity situation in Georgia. The Chamber sent an open letter to President Shevardnadze concerning the issue on August 7.
The letter highlights the kidnapping of Peter Shaw, Director of Agro-Business Bank and member of the American Chamber of Commerce.
“Such crimes are a disaster for Georgia, a country in desperate need of foreign investment. One of the main aims of the Chamber is to attract foreign investment to Georgia. In light of the present security situation and the absence of the rule of law, we find ourselves unable to encourage any newcomers,” the letter says.
The American Chamber of Commerce calls for the Georgian authorities to take appropriate measures to ensure safe release of British citizen Peter Shaw and also to arrest the criminals kidnapped two Spanish and Lebanese businessmen.
Last year, two Spaniards, Jose Tremino and Francisco Rodriguez were abducted and held for more than a year, and Charbel Aoun a Lebanese businessman and also a member of our Chamber was kidnapped and held for 77 days.
“After the release of Jose Tremino, Francisco Rodriguez and Charbel Aoun, representatives of the law enforcement bodies loudly proclaimed that they knew the identity of the kidnappers. However until now, no one has been prosecuted or arrested for these crimes. We wonder why?” the American Chamber of Commerce asks.