Media.ge, Tbilisi, 29 Sep 2008 – Speaking at the Parliamentary sitting MP Jondi Baghaturia, leader of the opposition Kartuli Dasi party initiated to set up a foundation to support freedom of speech.
Baghaturia’s suggestion was preceded by the information on commencing debates on GPB provided to MPs by Giorgi Tortladze, leader of the Strong Georgia-Christian-Democratic opposition faction.
“It is surprising why TV debates are to be held on the Georgian Public Broadcaster only and why other TV companies such as Rustavi 2, Mze or Alania are not going to do the same,” Baghaturia enquired.
He suggested the MPs to set up a foundation to support freedom of speech that would not cost the state a fortune but would be fruitful. “This foundation might be linked to the MPs’ salary. Unless we subsidize journalism the situation will be the same as nowadays,” Baghaturia pointed out.
“7-10 print journalists,” Baghaturia said, “will receive salaries from the foundation, aside from the editor.”
The initiative by the opposition MP was rejected by MPs of the governing United National Movement party.
Speaking at the sitting the Juridical Committee Chairman Pavle Kublashvili assessed the suggestions as “unmatched with general theory and reality.”
“According to the law we are unable to oblige private TV companies to launch political talk shows or debates on air,” head of the Committee clarified.
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