Tbilisi, Georgia, Feb.6
By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend:
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Yangland, has arrived in Tbilisi on Feb.6 for an official visit. The main purpose of the visit is to officially present the action plan of the Council of Europe for Georgia, First Deputy Foreign Minister of Georgia David Zalkaliani said.
The plan includes the projects of 2013-2015 aimed at cooperation of the Council of Europe with the Georgian government in the sphere of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The action plan was adopted by the committee of ministers of the Council of Europe in October 2013 as a result of consultations between the Council of Europe and Georgian government.
The following areas have been included in the action plan: protection of human rights, independence and efficiency of justice, reform of the police and penitentiary system, freedom of the media, expression and assembly, free and fair elections, local democracy, tolerance and anti-discrimination policy and mechanisms to restore trust.
Projects included in the action plan will be implemented by the Council of Europe together with local partners, particularly with ministries, the Public Defender's office, parliament, judiciary, relevant professional organisations and civil sector.
Several projects are implemented under the joint programmes of the Council of Europe and the EU.
Translated by L.Z.
Edited by S.M.