The legislative piece calls for registration of non-commercial legal entities and media outlets in the country as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they derive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad, and was supported by 83 MPs in the 150-member lawmaking body.It requires groups “considered to be an organisation pursuing the interests of a foreign power” to be registered in public registry with the status and publicise their received funding.The law empowers the Ministry of Justice to “conduct research and monitor the issue at any time in order to identify organisations pursuing the interests of a foreign power”.The Parliament will have further two hearings of the draft law before it can be approved and enter into force.
1713357907
- Roman Gitsiridze, before being kicked out of the session by Okhanashvili, only managed to ask this one question.And the Euro-optimist, together with the rest of the "optimists", found himself outside the door of the meeting hall.Gotsiridze had to rhetorically ask the remaining questions and condemn the unworthy actions of the leader of the session, along with other expelled people (Dekanoidze, Khabeishvili, Vashadze, Manjgaladze...).Gotsiridze would have managed to ask all the questions if he had not given a long introduction. According to him, the law of "agents" in the civilian world is in effect in three countries, USA/Israel/New Zealand, for security and not for transparency.So the Georgian (Russian) draft law is wrong both in terms of time and context.Roman Gotsiridze pointed out to Okhanashvili the potential risks that will follow the possible legalization of the project.How can survive the disabled, displaced or other social groups dependent on international aid, including more than 200 independent regional media?This question remained unanswered.However, Gotsiridze managed to list the countries where the law applies: Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan.
1713197460
Consideration of the draft law "On transparency of foreign influence" has begun. The legal issues committee of the Parliament is considering the initiative against the background of protests.The rally is taking place at the back entrance of the Parliament of Georgia. Representatives of civil organizations and media are gathered at the site, who have unfurled banners with the inscription "No to the Russian law!" Those present at the rally are protesting the draft law "On the transparency of foreign influence", which is being considered by the legal committee.
1713164581
The police are mobilized on the spot.In addition, it should be noted that in addition to the rally scheduled for the morning, the rally against the bill will be held in front of the Parliament in the evening at 19:00."The fight for the European future of Georgia continues. Don't stay at home, go out. "Russian law" applies to all citizens of Georgia! "Russian law" is a big wall between Georgia and Europe! Yes Europe! Not to the Russian law!" - is written in the information spread by the organizers on the social network.The Parliament starts considering the draft law "On the transparency of foreign influence". The draft submitted by the faction "Georgian Dream" is being discussed today by the Legal Affairs Committee in the first reading.
1713164467
According to Scholz, it is now very important to organize this process so well that all the necessary criteria for membership are developed.“Judicial and economic reforms are important here, but, above all, also the rule of law and democracy. We know that joining the European Union is not only the government’s aspiration but also the great desire of the citizens of Georgia, the people who support Georgia’s accession to the European Union and the acceleration of this process. That is why supporting European values is crucial, and the European Union and Europe should be very important,” said Olaf Scholz.The German Chancellor believes it is also crucial to discuss problems.“We, like the entire EU, are very critical of the so-called Agents Law, and since this bill has been suspended, we had high hopes that it would no longer be on the agenda. The new bill has remained virtually unchanged. This is almost the same as last year, and we really hope that Georgia and the Georgian Parliament will not adopt this law while taking into account our critical position and the position of the population of Georgia. Therefore, in our conversation, I once again emphasized the importance of civil society organizations and cooperation between the opposition and the government, which is very important for social development,” said Olaf Scholz.At the press conference, the German Chancellor was asked the question: “You commented on the law on Transparency of Foreign Influence and expressed hope that Georgia will not adopt the law in its current form. The Prime Minister of Georgia said that the European Commission also came up with a similar initiative. We observe that the regulations in this area are relevant in Europe, many countries have adopted the same or similar laws. We wonder why European partners are concerned, if the same regulations or similar rules apply in Europe and the USA,” to which Olaf Scholz remarked:“There is no such legislation in the European Union. There is a discussion about establishing transparency in various areas, but this is a completely different concept. This has not yet been decided and most likely will not be decided,” said Olaf Scholz.
1712926476
The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the signature of the document between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on mutual exemption from visa requirements for holders of ordinary passports.Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili and Chinese Ambassador to Georgia Zhou Qian inked the document.The visa-free travel regime to Georgia for Chinese citizens was enforced on September 11, 2023.
1712820228
According to the PM, he spoke with Zurab Azarashvili in the morning.“I could see problems in terms of management and communication. There was dissatisfaction in the medical community. The example of the Republican Hospital convinced me of such problems. We had an open conversation with the Minister and decided he would resign,” Kobakhidze said.Zurab Azarashvili, Georgian Minister of IDPs, Labor, Health and Social Affairs, resigned on March 1.
1709290884
The head of the government will introduce the new minister of health in the coming days.The government administration disseminated the above information.
1709279555
As the US Ambassador stated at the Foreign Relations Committee meeting, the US supports Georgia and her role as an Ambassador is to “deepen that special friendship and partnership.”“Georgians and Americans do share a special friendship, which I believe is rooted in our shared love of freedom and liberty. It is also rooted in a belief that if we have the freedom to do so through hard work and dedication, we can make the world a better place for our children.My top priority as the US Ambassador is to deepen that special friendship and partnership. But let me start before I look forward, to look backward and reflect on what our partnership has meant over the past 32 years. Mr. Chairman, I very much appreciate your remarks looking back on that partnership. On Sunday, we marked Soviet Occupation Day, remembering when the Red Army tragically annexed Georgia. In the years since Georgia regained its independence, I contend that no country has been a stronger supporter and friend of Georgia than the United States.Over the past 32 years, we have provided more than $6 billion in assistance to Georgia, but that number does not begin to tell the story of our friendship and how our partnership has benefited both countries. I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of Georgians I have met, whose lives have been changed by our special friendship. During my time here, I’ve met soldiers, Coast Guard officials and first responders who have been trained and equipped working together with the United States.I have met university professors and teachers and students who have told me that their partnerships and exchanges with Americans have changed their lives. I’ve met farmers and small business owners who told me that the financing and support that they received from the United States helped their businesses survive. U.S. Support has also contributed to helping Georgia defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Our funding helped build and equip most of Georgia’s border crossings. All but two, I believe. Our assistance helped establish, train and equip the Georgian Coast Guard to patrol your maritime border. 1,600 Georgians have been beneficiaries of U.S. military education in the United States. We’ve provided Georgia with NATO interoperable weapons and trained together in multinational exercises, including here in Georgia. So in some looking back over the past 32 years, the United States has been one of, if not the strongest supporter of Georgia, and we will continue to be,” she said.
1709117010
In his remarks, Kobakhidze noted Georgian nationals would be able to stay in China without a visa for up to 30 days.“China has decided to introduce visa-free travel for Georgian citizens. Citizens of Georgia will be able to spend 30 consecutive days in China without a visa. This is an important decision that will make it easier for our fellow citizens to travel to China and will create new opportunities for further development of political, economic and cultural ties between Georgia and China”, he said at a Government meeting.The Government head stressed the decision was “another important practical result” of the strategic partnership agreement signed between the two states last year.The Georgian Government last year announced visa-free travel to the country for Chinese citizens, citing attracting visitors and mutual economic investments among “main interests” behind the decision.
1708947301
Georgians spend the most in Turkey
1712848740
How to become "Virtual Zone Person in Georgia and what benefits you ca...
1713159188
Bank of Georgia issued bonds $300 million worth on the Irish Stock Exc...
1712844060
The NBG's mandate is expanding
1712587080
I will leave the hall on my own will, - after Gotsiridze’s leave, Usup...
1713197460