POLITICS
18.04.24 16:10
Mark Clayton, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Georgia, on Thursday told local media civil society was a “crucial component of democracy” and anything that hindered its ability to function was “concerning”, in comments on the controversial Georgian bill on transparency of foreign influence that sparked public protests this week.
Clayton was asked whether the bill hindered Georgia's democracy and European integration, and said European Union officials, the bloc’s Ambassador Paweł Herczyński and Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, had “clearly stated” their positions on the legislative piece in the context of the country’s European perspective.
Herczyński on Wednesday said Georgia was a “free and democratic country” and it was up to its citizens to decide the laws that would be adopted, adding the EU would respect “any decision” made in the country.
Michel on Tuesday commented on the bill by saying the draft Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence “is not consistent with” Georgia’s European Union aspiration and its accession trajectory.
Clayton noted since the UK was no longer a member of the EU he could not speak on behalf of the bloc, but added his Government was a “strong supporter” of democracy and human rights around the world.
The newly reintroduced Georgian bill 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.
The ruling party has brought it back after its original version was retracted last year following public protests, and has been met by criticism from the domestic opposition, non-governmental sector and some of Georgia’s foreign partner governments and diplomatic representations in the country.
agenda.ge
Read: 361
Write comment
(In their comments, readers should avoid expressing religious, racial and national discrimination, not use offensive and derogatory expressions, as well as appeals that are contrary to the law)
News feed
-
Georgian Defence Minister highlights “active” cooperation with US Defence Department
18:0026.07.24
-
Georgian PM says rehabilitation of historical Leuville Estate to conclude in 2026
17:1226.07.24
-
Culture Minister expects Georgian flag to fly, anthem played many times in Paris
16:4126.07.24
-
16:1026.07.24
-
Irakli Kobakhidze on terrorism threats: We have all the resources to oppose such plans
15:3826.07.24
-
15:0026.07.24
-
Speaker: Opposition's main goal to come into power, be puppet regime ruled by foreign forces
14:1026.07.24
-
Two missing citizens found in Svaneti
13:2726.07.24
-
13:0026.07.24
-
Georgia Global Utilities announces issuance of $300 Million Green Bonds
12:1726.07.24
-
Can Abkhazians calm down now that the law on housing in Abkhazia has been withdrawn?
11:4026.07.24
-
PM attends Sports Summit and a Reception in Paris
11:0026.07.24
-
NBG Acting President attends opening ceremony of 1st Authorised Investment Fund in Georgia
10:0526.07.24
-
18:0025.07.24
-
17:3025.07.24
-
Georgian passport advances 6 positions in int’l ranking on visa-free travel
16:4825.07.24
-
Georgian PM says “accelerating” economic growth Govt’s “most important national task”
16:0525.07.24
-
Media representatives were attacked while performing their professional duty in Tbilisi
15:3025.07.24
-
Levan Davitashvili: The construction partner of Anaklia port will be announced tomorrow
14:5025.07.24
-
NBG: National currency loans up by 785.90 million GEL, foreign currency by 180.28 million GEL
14:0525.07.24
-
13:3025.07.24
-
12:4825.07.24
-
Defense Minister: Increasing funding annually to strengthen defense capabilities
12:0325.07.24
-
11:3425.07.24
-
11:0525.07.24
-
10:2825.07.24
-
Iago Khvichia - The investigation started in SSS is based on conspiracy theories
18:0024.07.24
-
Until July 28, there will be occasional rainy weather in Georgia
17:3324.07.24
-
NDI is launching a long-term assessment mission for the 2024 parliamentary elections
17:0024.07.24
-
16:3524.07.24
-
Kakha Okriashvili about GD - Double and triple play will lead to war
16:0124.07.24
-
15:3024.07.24
-
Occupiers will 'burn' Abkhazians 'with a hot iron' for their 'Russophobia
14:5524.07.24
-
State Budget Received Record Revenue From Gasoline And Diesel Excise Tax
14:1024.07.24
-
13:0124.07.24
-
12:4124.07.24