The News in Brief
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
Parliament Adopts 'Agents Law' with 83 Votes in Favor during First Reading
With a vote count of 83 in favor and none against, the so-called 'Agents Law' was adopted by the Parliament in its first reading during the plenary session. Mamuka Mdinaradze, the leader of the parliamentary majority, acted as the speaker for the draft law.
Subsequent to the discussion of the draft law, the opposition staged a protest. Speaker of the Parliament Shalva Papuashvili exited the hall, accompanied by Chairman of the United National Movement Levan Khabeishvili, leader of Strategy Agmashenebeli Giorgi Vashadze, Chairman of the faction of the National Movement Tina Bokuchava, and Lelo member Ana Natsvlishvili. According to the procedure, the Parliament undergoes three readings to consider and vote on the draft law.
Prime Minister Kobakhidze: Nothing Will Hinder Law Adoption
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze addressed the first reading of the 'Agents Law' during a briefing at the government administration. He asserted that nothing would hinder the law's adoption.
"Nothing can stand in the way of the protection of state sovereignty and, accordingly, the final adoption of the law. Towards Europe with dignity, transparency, and sovereignty. This is our motto and our spirit. We believe that we can become a member of the European Union only with dignity, transparency, and sovereignty. So, forward to Europe with dignity," said Kobakhidze.
Kobakhidze criticized the statements of politicians from Georgia's international partner countries regarding the reintroduced law. He once again offered Western diplomats to hold a discussion on the draft law.
"It is unfortunate that no arguments were given. We saw the statements from Scholz and Stoltenberg, and today another statement from a specific diplomat working in Georgia was published. Not a single argument against the law was provided - zero argument. We are told that the law is against European values, but in which part? Which article? Why? - No argument is presented. In such circumstances, of course, unsubstantiated statements cannot become the basis for revising our decision," Kobakhidze said.
President Zourabichvili Meets with Ambassadors to Discuss 'Agents Law'
At a meeting with the accredited diplomatic corps in Georgia, President Salome Zourabichvili discussed the developments in the country and addressed the draft law on 'Agents Law' (transparency of foreign influence).
According to the President's administration, during the meeting held at the Orbeliani Palace, Zourabichvili emphasized the importance of the international community's support for Georgia's European path. She highlighted that Russia's goal is to destabilize the country and divide society, objectives that should not be achieved in Georgia.
"Your support is important for the country, and I urge you to continue this support," the president addressed the ambassadors.
Furthermore, President Zourabichvili stressed the significance of activating high-level visits of European leaders, viewing them as expressions of support in themselves.
Amidst the current situation in the country, the president also emphasized the importance of people freely expressing their opinions and making their choices during the elections.
Parliament Adopts 'Agents Law' with 83 Votes in Favor during First Reading
Subsequent to the discussion of the draft law, the opposition staged a protest. Speaker of the Parliament Shalva Papuashvili exited the hall, accompanied by Chairman of the United National Movement Levan Khabeishvili, leader of Strategy Agmashenebeli Giorgi Vashadze, Chairman of the faction of the National Movement Tina Bokuchava, and Lelo member Ana Natsvlishvili. According to the procedure, the Parliament undergoes three readings to consider and vote on the draft law.
Prime Minister Kobakhidze: Nothing Will Hinder Law Adoption
"Nothing can stand in the way of the protection of state sovereignty and, accordingly, the final adoption of the law. Towards Europe with dignity, transparency, and sovereignty. This is our motto and our spirit. We believe that we can become a member of the European Union only with dignity, transparency, and sovereignty. So, forward to Europe with dignity," said Kobakhidze.
Kobakhidze criticized the statements of politicians from Georgia's international partner countries regarding the reintroduced law. He once again offered Western diplomats to hold a discussion on the draft law.
"It is unfortunate that no arguments were given. We saw the statements from Scholz and Stoltenberg, and today another statement from a specific diplomat working in Georgia was published. Not a single argument against the law was provided - zero argument. We are told that the law is against European values, but in which part? Which article? Why? - No argument is presented. In such circumstances, of course, unsubstantiated statements cannot become the basis for revising our decision," Kobakhidze said.
President Zourabichvili Meets with Ambassadors to Discuss 'Agents Law'
According to the President's administration, during the meeting held at the Orbeliani Palace, Zourabichvili emphasized the importance of the international community's support for Georgia's European path. She highlighted that Russia's goal is to destabilize the country and divide society, objectives that should not be achieved in Georgia.
"Your support is important for the country, and I urge you to continue this support," the president addressed the ambassadors.
Furthermore, President Zourabichvili stressed the significance of activating high-level visits of European leaders, viewing them as expressions of support in themselves.
Amidst the current situation in the country, the president also emphasized the importance of people freely expressing their opinions and making their choices during the elections.