Minister of Internal Affairs visits Strasbourg
By Keti Arjevanidze
Wednesday, March 27
Georgia's Minister of Internal Affairs (MIA) Irakli Gharibashvili met with Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjorn Jagland, within the framework of the official visit to Strasbourg.
Money laundering, the investigation of cases of illegal income received through criminal activity, financing terrorism and confiscation, were only some of the issues for which documents were signed.
In the attendance of the Georgian Minister, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, signed a document of joint action plan in the field of healthcare with regard to the situation in Georgia's penitentiary facilities.
The Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe also spoke about the importance of Georgia’s and the Council of Europe's cooperation. “This cooperation is going to be framed in a concrete plan of action, which will deal with the promotion of human right, the rule of law and democracy in Georgia,” said Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni. According to her, the plan of action will be submitted to the Georgian authorities in two weeks.
Gharibashvili has also held meetings with Ambassadors from other countries. During the meeting the sides discussed the current political situation in Georgia, current reforms and issues of cooperation with the Council of Europe.
The Georgian delegation also held a meeting with the Director of the Directorate General on Human Rights and Rule of Law.
Within the framework of the official visit, the delegation also met with Philippe Boillat, Secretary of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
It is the internal affairs minister’s first visit to the Council of Europe. “We signed three important documents, which brings us closer to the CoE. I received the confirmation from them that they support new government in Georgia.” Gharibashvili explained.
Gharibashvili concluded that he was very content with his visit to Strasbourg and with the meetings.
