Parliament Speaker “ready for public discussion” on controversial bill on transparency of foreign influence
The comment comes on the backdrop of criticism towards the bill, which calls for 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, by domestic opposition, non-governmental sector and some diplomatic representations in the country. Photo: Parliament of Georgia
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Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Monday expressed his “readiness to participate in public discussion” on the domestic bill on transparency of foreign influence, after the debate was offered by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to ambassadors of the United States, European Union and EU member states.
The comment comes on the backdrop of criticism towards the bill, which calls for 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, by domestic opposition, non-governmental sector and some diplomatic representations in the country.
“Publicity is the basis of democracy. Therefore, I welcome the invitation of the Prime Minister of Georgia to ambassadors of the partner countries regarding a public discussion of the bill on the transparency of foreign influence”, Papuashvili said.
It is a strange thing for diplomatic activity when foreign diplomats consider themselves to be direct participants in the ongoing political debates in Georgia. As a rule, at such times, it is impossible for external participants to maintain objective assessments in heated political debates, which creates risks of reputational damage. We have always taken such issues with great responsibility and tried our best to exchange ideas in working formats”, he continued.
The lawmaker added despite the involvement of the diplomats, the Georgian authorities were still ready to participate in the discussion in order to “once again give the public a comprehensive answer to any questions” around the legislative piece.
“We believe that friends of our country will act in the best interests of Georgia and will responsibly deal with the issues of security and sovereignty of the country”, Papuashvili concluded.
Kobakhidze on Sunday said foreign diplomats “continue to be actively engaged in the current political debates” within the country “in line with the practice introduced in recent years” in Georgia.