Georgian PM urges ambassadors in country to “join public discussions” on transparency bill

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday urged ambassadors in Georgia to “join public discussions” regarding the controversial domestic bill on transparency of foreign influence “in case they have any arguments”.

"Once again, I urge the ambassadors representing respective countries in Georgia: if they have any arguments, let's engage in a public discussion about the Draft Law. We have been and remain prepared to consider reasoned recommendations from our partners at any time", he added.

Kobakhidze said claims made by officials of European Union countries had stated that Georgia “should not dare to adopt the law” was “non-European and non-Western” considering that “similar laws exist in most European countries”.

The bill calls for the 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 fact that these countries both interfere directly in Georgia's internal political debates and yet their official representatives decline to participate in public discussions speaks volumes. It suggests they lack substantive arguments against the Draft Law", he said.

"The fact that these countries both interfere directly in Georgia's internal political debates and yet their official representatives decline to participate in public discussions speaks volumes. It suggests they lack substantive arguments against the Draft Law", the Head of the Governmet noted.

The PM also said the Government “was and is ready at any time to consider reasoned recommendations” by the country’s partners.

Clashes between protesters against the Parliament’s hearings of the bill on Tuesday were followed by arrests of 63 individuals and injuries to 11.