Meeting with non-governmental organizations

Another meeting with civil society representatives was held at the Ministry of Defense. The goal of the meeting was to discuss the Draft Law on “The Defense of Georgia”. Deputy Ministers of Defense Mikheil Darchiashvili and Tamar Karosanidze received recommendations and remarks from the NGOs and independent experts regarding the Draft Law. The members of civil society organizations submitted their standpoints in written form ahead of time, which were discussed at the meeting.

“This is the most important law, that will regulate Georgia`s defense system and defense planning, as well as define the rights and obligations of parliament, government and the President of Georgia in the defense area. We have received very important and valuable recommendations from the NGOs which I think will be maximally taken into consideration. MoD carries on an inclusive process while working on such important laws and strategic documents,” said Mikheil Darchiashvili. As Deputy Minister Tamar Karosanidze outlined, MoD attributes a great importance to holding discussions with NGOs: “We receive very necessary and interesting recommendations from them on how to better regulate defense sector and to carry out reforms in the MoD”. Draft Law on “theDefense of Georgia” was developed by the work group elaborating legislative changes in the MoD, which was created under the Order of Minister of Defense. After holding discussions at the Government session, the Draft Law will be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia.