This January, the Georgian government signed a six-month contract with one of the most powerful lobbying firms in Washington – the Podesta Group. According to the deal, worth $300,000, the company will support the Georgian authorities in Congress and in relations with the executive powers of the U.S., as well as provide mass-media management services. According to documentation presented to the U.S. Justice Department, Podesta will also organize meetings between the representatives of the Georgian authorities and members of Congress and executive authorities. The Podesta Group was founded in 1988 by the brothers Tony and John Podesta – reports Business Georgia.
Today Tony Podesta is known in Washington as one of the most powerful lobbyists and his brother John Podesta was co-head of Barack Obama’s pre-inauguration committee after his victory in the 2008 presidential polls.
Also in January, the Georgian government employed the lobbying firm of former Congressman and democrat Richard Gefhart, signing an annual contract for $436,000. Both contracts were signed for Georgia by National Security Council Secretary Eka Tkeshelashvili.
09.03.2010
