By Kevin McCauley
Podesta Group has a $600K contract with the National Security Council of Georgia for lobbying, government relations, PR and media management services.
The pact with the former Soviet republic went into effect Feb. 1 and runs through December. It automatically renews for a six-month period Jan. 1. Both sides are to meet in November to discuss the scope of work and fees for the renewal period, according to the agreement.
Georgia is a key ally of the U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Mikheil Saakashvili met at the White House in January to talk about greater Georgia integration with NATO and the possibility of a free trade agreement with the U.S.
The NSCG, on March 16, ran a simulated crisis management session with 40 government officials from 15 agencies, including the foreign ministry and intelligence services. The program seeks to put Georgia’s crisis response capability in line with NATO and European Union countries.
Tony Podesta’s firm represents Georgia before the U.S. government, media, and non-governmental organizations.
The contract requires PG to “use its best efforts to avoid any and all behavior” that might damage the interests, reputation or assets of the Government of Georgia.
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