NPR News: 04-13-2024 4AM EDT
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Day: April 13, 2024
Experts about “foreign agents” bill
“The Civil Platform for Peace,” comprising over 60 civil society organizations and independent experts dedicated to peacebuilding in Georgia, condemns the ruling party’s reintroduction of the “foreign agents” bill.
“We believe that this bill undermines the process of European integration and the democracy chosen by the people. Moreover, its enactment poses a real threat to civil peace, risks dividing society, and restricts freedom of speech in the country,” the platform stated.
- “This is a bad law. It is neither European nor American.” – EU Ambassador on Georgia’s foreign agents law
- “If something worries your friend and pleases the occupier, it’s better to think twice” – USA Ambassador to Georgia
- “A law on foreign agents: If adopted, Georgia won’t join the EU,” legal expert comments
Furthermore, according to the participants of the platform, this bill will significantly damage the peacebuilding process.
The statement highlights that the platform and its member organizations and experts make a significant contribution to reconciliation and rebuilding trust between communities divided by conflicts, serving the interests of the Georgian people and peace policy, rather than foreign forces:
“All actions undertaken by civil society organizations are transparent and open, often in active collaboration with government representatives, made possible with the support of international partners, especially the European Union,” they said.
It is also mentioned that the Peace Fund, created by the government itself as part of the peace initiative “Step to a Better Future” and providing grants to support economic projects along the dividing line, is funded by international partners.
“To rebuild trust, it is necessary to continue fostering contacts between people, which is possible through public diplomacy. In this context, the adoption of the bill poses a significant threat to channels of communication with the Abkhaz and Ossetian communities, which is particularly concerning given the lack of alternative sustainable dialogue formats.”
● On April 3, it became known that the ruling party “Georgian Dream” initiated the consideration of the draft law “On the Transparency of Foreign Influence” for the second time.
● The government’s main argument is that the transparency of non-governmental organizations operating in Georgia is in question, posing a threat to the country’s security. However, neither independent experts, nor the opposition, nor civil society believe this argument and consider that “Georgian Dream” is attempting to prolong its stay in power and laying the groundwork for the parliamentary elections in October 2024 to suppress alternative views in the country.
● The draft law on “foreign agents” was first initiated by the ruling party a year ago, in March 2023. At that time, it was passed by parliament in the first reading but was later withdrawn due to mass protests by citizens.
The majority of member organizations and experts of the “Civil Platform for Peace” actively collaborate with the Georgian Parliament and other state agencies.
These organizations are members of the “Expert Advisory Council” established by the Ministry’s apparatus for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in developing a plan for peaceful conflict resolution, regularly participate in meetings of the Geneva International Mechanism for Preventing and Responding to Incidents, and also in sessions of the temporary commission on the restoration of territorial integrity and de-occupation in Parliament.
In the event of the bill’s adoption, as asserted by platform participants, their work in these formats will be hindered:
“This, in our profound conviction, will significantly harm the process of peaceful conflict resolution and negatively impact the situation of the population affected by the conflict,” the statement forecasts.
Taking all these details into account, the “Civil Platform for Peace” demands that the government withdraw the bill, fulfill its obligations towards European integration, and implement the declared peace policy.
Olaf Scholz on the law on foreign agents in Georgia
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during a joint briefing with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, expressed hope that Georgia would not adopt the “foreign agents” law.
“We, like the entire European Union, view the so-called ‘foreign agents’ law critically, and after the consideration of the corresponding bill in Georgia was suspended in March 2023, we had high hopes that it would no longer be on the agenda.
The new draft law is almost the same as last year’s, and we very much hope that Georgia will not adopt this law and that the parliament will take into account our critical position and the position of the country’s population,” said Scholz.
The Chancellor emphasized that despite assurances from the Georgian government that many countries have adopted similar laws, there is nothing similar in the European Union
“There is no such legislation in the European Union. Although there is a discussion about establishing transparency in various areas, it’s an entirely different concept. It has not yet been passed, and it’s unlikely to be passed.“
In turn, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated at the briefing that the sole purpose of this law is financial transparency:
“We are ready to discuss it with our European, American, or local Georgian partners. Though our positions are very firm. The only purpose of this law is for non-governmental organizations to provide annual public financial reports. No one can say that financial disclosure can negatively affect the activities of any organization.
We are open to discussion. I am deeply convinced of the importance of such a discussion, which did not happen last year. I am confident that the positions of the authorities in Georgia are very strong. We are convinced that there is no alternative to transparency in a democratic society.“
- The president of Georgia pardoned an activist sentenced to 9 years in prison
- “This is a bad law. It is neither European nor American.” – EU Ambassador on Georgia’s foreign agents law
At the joint press conference with Irakli Kobakhidze, Olaf Scholz also spoke about Russia’s imperialistic ambitions:
“We know that Russia continues to harbor its imperialistic plans, and this extends beyond aggression towards Ukraine. We must not forget that Georgia itself fell victim to Russian aggression in 2008. Some parts of Georgia remain under Russian occupation. We cannot and will not tolerate this. Germany continues to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within internationally recognized borders.“
The chancellor also mentioned the importance of parliamentary elections scheduled to take place in Georgia in October 2024 and emphasized that free and fair elections “will be the foundation” for the country’s path towards Euro-integration.
On April 11th, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze embarked on an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany.
During the visit, the Georgian Prime Minister will meet with the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and the President of the Bundestag, Berbel Basse.
The Georgian delegation, led by the Prime Minister, also includes the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of the Government Administration.