Parliament official says criticism of transparency bill endangering EU integration “incomprehensible”
She noted discussions of similar legislation within the European Union. Photo: Parliament of Georgia
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Maka Botchorishvili, the Chair of the European Integration Committee of the Georgian Parliament, on Wednesday said it was “absolutely incomprehensible how transparency can endanger the country's integration” into the European Union.
Botchorishvili was commenting on public protests over the ruling party's reintroduction of a bill on transparency of foreign influence, 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.
She noted discussions of similar legislation within the European Union.
The same issues are being discussed in the European Union, and EU member states also consider guarantees of safety of their citizens to be important”, she said.
Botchorishvili on Tuesday said access to information was a “legitimate right of citizens”, in response to criticism from some member states of the European Union and domestic opposition over the reintroduction of the controversial bill.
She claimed the domestic opposition had “repeatedly demonstrated that they are not interested in participating” in this year's parliamentary elections, adding latest approval ratings meant the parties had “lost all hope” and were “looking to revolutionary scenarios for success” instead.
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Tuesday said the domestic bill on transparency of foreign influence was “compatible with the European human rights standards does not restrict the freedom of association”, in response to comments by Michael O'Flaherty, the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, who last week expressed concerns about the draft law.
Georgia cherishes and safeguards relations with partner countries. By taking into consideration the main priority of our foreign policy - EU integration - cooperation with high-ranking officials of the United States of America, European Union and EU Member States, including the ambassadors and exchange of ideas is a profound priority for us. We value every supportive step and statement of current ambassadors that are directed at solidifying the international positions of Georgia. Thus, every grounded advice and recommendation will further be accepted with special attention and care.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday said the controversial Georgian bill on transparency of foreign influence, resubmitted by the parliamentary majority last week, provided for only “minimum standard” of transparency.
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday told the media “hidden funding” of “radical” groups and domestic opposition parties had “increased instead of becoming more transparent”.