Approval period for Georgian diplomats specified

Georgian official diplomats new to the post could soon be dismissed if the Government does not receive written approval within three months of their appointment.

Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced amendments to the Georgia Law about Diplomatic Service, to Parliament.

According to the modifications, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will have authority to appeal to the Government to dismiss the head of the diplomatic service if it does not receive confirmation from the recipient country within three months of the person’s appointment, after sending all agreement documents.

The same changes will come into effect in the case of consular appointments. If the Georgian Government sends all documents to a particular country and does not receive a written official recognition and authorization of a consular officer, issued by the Government to which the person is accredited, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has the right to dismiss the consular from his or her duties.

There have been instances where State have not agreed on some candidates sent on diplomatic or consular missions. In such cases, diplomatic practice involved no direct acceptance letter but a delayed response.

"It is also noteworthy from the moment of appointment, before the assignment of officials from diplomatic corps, [they will] received payment for [their] work, however they have no function, or any other kind of work,” wrote in the explanatory note attached to the Bill.

Since the new constitution came into power on November 17 last year, the President has the right to appoint or dismiss ambassadors upon nomination by the Government. Previously, Parliament's consent was required to appointing ambassadors.