Bektenov is a relatively little-known figure on the country's political scene.
The Georgian government has consistently accused Kiev of attempting to draw Georgia into its conflict with Russia.
Livestock losses rise from 49,000 to around 285,000 in less than three months. Towards 20,000 herder families on the move looking for pasture.
Though Uzbekistan is hailed as a “significant improver”, Transparency International says region as a whole struggling with “dysfunctional rule of law, rising authoritarianism and systemic corruption”.
Chairman of Georgian Dream Irakli Kobakhidze, a former speaker of the parliament, is seen as Garibashvili's successor.
The news opens a new chapter in the ruling regime’s campaign to wrest all the levers of control in the country from shadowy, behind-the-scenes operators.
Americans should make their move before China looks to corner sector, experts say. The soft heavy metals are important to the green energy revolution and some latest weapons systems.
Gone is the plainer “comprehensive strategic partnership”. What could it realistically mean?
George Birnbaum has worked on campaigns for Hungary's Viktor Orban and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu, where he focused on creating polarisation and exploiting societal divisions.
PACE highlights "very serious concerns" regarding Azerbaijan's capability to conduct free and fair elections, the independence of its judiciary, and respect for human rights.
Three firefighters among dead. Shocked city dwellers ask how it is that such vehicles carrying dangerous loads are permitted to travel into a residential neighbourhood, containing many schools.
Expanded EU with 35 members cannot function with the current rules, says report backed by European Parliament committees.
Fully half of Uzbekistan’s exports go to just four markets: Russia, China, Kazakhstan and Turkey.
Residents flee houses, gather outside in cold weather in pyjamas. Quake centred on Kyrgyzstan-Xinjiang, China border region.
Subsidised stores in border areas are limiting how many eggs people can buy.
Strongman seen as dismantling Kyrgyzstan’s celebrated independent news providers piece by piece.
Armenian premier warns against Azerbaijan's alleged attempts to assert territorial claims against Armenia.
Country's sole refinery Lukoil Neftochim Burgas has not imported any oil from Russia in January, as Bulgaria ends dependence on Russian hydrocarbons.
France's criticism of Azerbaijan over the Lachin corridor blockade and its support for Armenia, including provision of military equipment, has strained relations.
Choice of Mukhtar Babayev, a former SOCAR executive, follows the contentious leadership of Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber from the UAE during last month’s COP28.