As a part of the campaign “Constitution for All”, the President of Georgia, H.E. Giorgi Margvelashvili has held a meeting with Georgian youth. The meeting was organized by the broadcasting company, “Art Area”. The President has responded to the questions of the audience on accessibility to education, drug policy in Georgia, balance between the Governmental branches, transition to the parliamentary republic, abolition of the majoritarian system, Presidential veto, and other issues. The President has encouraged the youth to actively participate in public life and to open up a discussion on the Constitutional issues. “We should build a free society. When we describe a society in which we should live in, we give opportunity to each citizen to express oneself and thus recognize the right to freedom of opinion of each individual. And why do we recognize the right to freedom of opinion of each citizen? Because freedom does not only mean granting some rights to oneself, but recognition of others freedom. We need to hold a discussion, in which we will achieve a certain agreement. This is the Constitutional process in which the entire society should be involved. This means that each of us will write a phrase in the Constitution. This means that each of us has a right to communicate with decision-makers on those viewpoints that unite our society. The Constitution is an expression of one’s spirit; the spirit, which is more than the mere words and specific phrases of the content. I strongly believe that every citizen has a right to express one’s opinion in the Constitutional amendment process. A citizen’s opinion will not necessarily be reflected in the Constitution; however, it will be heard and considered. Through the clash of such opinions, we will reach an agreement. This is the Constitutional discourse through which we exercise the freedom of our citizens. Therefore, I believe that by expressing our views, we help the ones who work on the form and content of the amended Constitution. When these people establish a postulate, its form and content should be in compliance with our order. These people should consider what Georgian society, Georgian people order”, - stated the President.

The President of Georgia, H.E. Giorgi Margvelashvili has vetoed the so-called draft law on wiretapping and sent it, together with motivated remarks, back to the Parliament. As the President pointed out at the press conference, held today at the Presidential Palace, the time has come all to realize that Presidential vetoes are not difficult to override and work to develop a better legislation. “I am sending back the so-called draft law on wiretapping with my motivated remarks to the Parliament. This legislative package includes a number of controversial issues, but as a result of our consultations and cooperation, we have identified its two major shortcomings: firstly, independence of the Agency, according to the draft law, is not ensured; therefore, it contradicts the decision of the Constitutional Court, made on this issue. Secondly, this draft law imposes unnecessary and unpredictable costs to the communication companies. I would like to remind everyone that this legislation has a history. On November 29, 2014, I vetoed the same draft law. The Parliamentary majority overrode my veto and informed public about it, as if it was a great triumph. But soon the Constitutional Court suspended the law and today we work within the given deadline of the Constitutional Court, which ordered the Parliament to develop a new law until March 31, 2017. I would like to remind the public about the history of vetoes, as we are once again discussing this topic. I vetoed the draft law on the National Bank and in couple of days I received a new draft law on the same issue. I would like to remind you that the Parliamentary majority, then too, informed public about overriding this veto with a great success, but soon the Constitutional Court suspended the law. Now we see another draft law, which literally repeats the points that I have written in the veto and which were overridden with such a great triumph by the majority. On January 25, I vetoed the draft law on courts of general jurisdiction. Then, too, the Parliamentary majority informed public that the veto was overridden and it was a step taken forward; however, very soon, on February 15, the Constitutional Court suspended one of the points of the draft law, considered in my veto. Society can observe the history of vetoes and the outcomes that not only the Parliamentary majority, but the entire country receive once they are overridden. Now, I would like to address the Parliamentary majority, the Constitutional majority, as I have often heard statements that this veto will also be overridden. Dear members of the majority, I know that you have a Constitutional majority and the entire Georgian society is aware of this. Everyone knows that this veto can be overridden, but in the process of writing the veto, before adopting the draft law, we were holding consultations with non-governmental organizations, political parties, as well as companies involved in this field. During the process of writing the veto, we were calling on the majority to hold consultations with us; therefore, we know that the “Georgian Dream” can override this veto; the time has come all to realize that Presidential vetoes are not difficult to override and work to develop a better legislation. The time has come to examine this draft law and our motivated remarks in details and instead of demonstrating how this veto is overridden, develop a better legislation for Georgia”, - stated the President.

The President of Georgia, H.E. Giorgi Margvelashvili has described his visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan as important and affirmed that as a part of this visit Georgia had another opportunity of stating positions at the international level. “Our visit to Azerbaijan and collaboration with our colleagues is very important, as Azerbaijan is our strategic partner with which we implement numerous projects. We also had an opportunity to state Georgia’s positions on Russian occupation and efficiency of international institutions’ operation at the international level, in order to overcome occupation and similar cases of injustice with our united efforts. We were given the opportunity to state our positions in front of leaders of various countries. We have also held tete-a-tete meetings, as a part of which we have strengthened our cooperation with East European countries, which play important role in putting Georgia forward, both in the EU and NATO context", - stated the President, following the 5th Baku Global Forum.

The President of Georgia, H.E. Giorgi Margvelashvili has held a political consultation with the members of the “United National Movement” on the draft law on wiretapping. The President has heard the views of the faction members and shared own perspectives on the mentioned draft law. “We have discussed two major problems of the draft law. First – how independent the newly established agency will be and how compatible will it be with the decision of the Constitutional Court; second – this law may impose unjustified burden to business, because, as specified in the law, the agency uses business and in this case, resources of the communication companies without any charges”, - stated the Parliamentary Secretary of the President of Georgia, Mrs. Ana Dolidze, following the meeting. The President has already held a meeting with the members of the “European Georgia” today. The meeting with the representatives of the “Alliance of Patriots of Georgia” is also scheduled for tomorrow. The Administration of the President of Georgia has invited all parliamentary factions; however, the ruling party has not yet responded to the proposal.

The President of Georgia, H.E. Giorgi Margvelashvili has begun to hold consultations with parliamentary factions on the draft law on wiretapping. The Administration of the President of Georgia has invited all parliamentary factions; however, the ruling party has not yet responded to the proposal. The President has held a meeting with the representatives of the “European Georgia”, heard their views and shared own perspectives on the draft law on wiretapping. The President will also hold a meeting with the members of the “United National Movement” today, while with the representatives of the “Alliance of Patriots of Georgia” tomorrow.

The President of Georgia, H.E. Giorgi Margvelashvili, together with the Georgian delegation, has visited Belarus High Technologies Park, where he has obtained information about activities and successful projects carried out in the organization. As noted, Georgia is interested in learning from the experience of the republic of Belarus in high technologies. Belarus High Technologies Park, being one of the major computer technology organizations in Eastern and Central Europe, was established in 2006. Since its establishment, it has been strongly supported by the Government of the Republic of Belarus. The organization aims at helping young people with creative ideas to achieve success. According to the representatives of the Park, among the customers of the organization are the world’s largest companies, such as Microsoft, Google, Facebook and others. The organization exports products to the United States, Canada, Europe, Russia, and CIS countries. In 2016 the exported products amounted about 1 billion US dollars. Well-known applications such as Viber and MSQRD, which are available both for iOS and Android systems, were created in Belarus High Technologies Park. It was noted that a joint cooperation memorandum was signed between Belarus High Technologies Park and the Innovation and Technology Agency of Georgia. As a part of the memorandum, the parties will collaborate to develop scientific, technological, and innovative areas, implement joint projects, exchange information, and hold meetings in groups.

The President of Georgia, H.E. Giorgi Margvelashvili has made a statement on the introduction of a visa-free regime for the citizens of Georgia in the EU member states: “I would like to congratulate our citizens on this important step taken toward the European integration. This is a mutual achievement of the Georgian society, the Georgian state, and the friendly nations of our country. As a result of this step, we are presented with more opportunities of integration with Europe in order to achieve the main goal for which our state and society collaborate – the full integration with Europe", - stated the President.

As a part of the official visit to the Republic of Belarus, the President of Georgia, H.E. Giorgi Margvelashvili has held a tete-a-tete meeting with the President of the Republic of Belarus, H.E. Aleksandr Lukashenko. The meeting was mainly focused on the prospects of further strengthening cooperation in political, trade-economic, and cultural areas. One of the main talking points was the issues of regional security. The parties have also discussed the situation in the occupied territories of Georgia. President Margvelashvili has thanked President Lukashenko for his support of Georgia’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and non-recognition policy. According to President Margvelashvili, by signing the so-called Treaty on Alliance and Integration, the Russian Federation has begun annexation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region. If conducted, the announced referendum on integrating Tskhinvali to the Russian Federation will have extremely negative outcomes for the security of Georgia and the entire region. President Margvelashvili has underscored the extreme importance of the international community’s firm position in regard to illegal actions taken by the Russian Federation, in order to avoid annexation of the occupied territories of Georgia. The President of Georgia has expressed concern on the fact that Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region are still inaccessible for the international community and the European Union Monitoring Mission is the only international mechanism on site, which, despite the mandate, is not allowed to enter the occupied territories of Georgia. This further worsens the situation of human rights. The conversation has also touched upon the incident that took place on May 19, 2016 in the village Khurcha. The parties have also discussed the growing dynamics of economic and trade relations between Georgia and the Republic of Belarus and the importance of further strengthening this cooperation. According to President Margvelashvili, Georgian side expresses readiness to share its experience in regard to economic reforms, e-governance, and fight against corruption with Belarusian colleagues. As noted at the meeting, the Republic of Belarus is interested in those opportunities, which Georgia opens up for its partners through the Free Trade Area Agreement (DCFTA) and active cooperation with other regions. The two presidents have also expressed their readiness to strengthen cooperation in the areas of education and innovation. As highlighted at the meeting, opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus to Georgia, announced in April, 2015 during President Lukashenko's visit to Georgia, significantly contributes to the further development of bilateral relations between the two countries. The parties have expressed hope that this visit will further strengthen the existing relationship between Georgia and the Republic of Belarus.

The President of Georgia, H.E. Giorgi Margvelashvili has held a meeting with the representatives of the International Monetary Fund. The meeting was focused on the new, three-year plan developed by the International Monetary Fund, the economic situation in Georgia, fiscal and monetary policy, the country's economic growth rates, the pension reform, and the issues of capital market development. “We have discussed important issues, such as Georgia’s fiscal and monetary policy and the factor that hinders the development of the country’s agriculture, namely the issues related to the land registration. We plan to activate the land registration process; however, we believe that in order the development of agriculture to be more dynamic, it is critical legislative initiatives to be implemented more actively. We have also discussed the pension reform and the issues of capital market development. We believe that aside the loans from commercial banks, businesses should also have access to the capital market, in order to search for additional resources. The factors that hinder the development of small and medium businesses are also important. As the President considers it critical to reduce the unemployment rate and increase the employment rate, he believes that small and medium businesses require promotion. This issue was a subject of critical discussion and the International Monetary Fund has expressed readiness to consider those factors that will promote the development of small and medium businesses. It should also be noted that according to the International Monetary Fund, the country's current economic growth plan is about 3-3.5%. We believe that this is realistic; however, it is important that everything complies with both fiscal and monetary policy", - stated the Advisor to the President of Georgia in Economic Issues, Mrs. Maia Melikidze The meeting was also attended by the Head of the Administration of the President of Georgia Mr. Giorgi Abashishvili and the Advisor to the President in Economic Issues, Mrs. Maia Melikidze.

The President of Georgia, H.E. Giorgi Margvelashvili has opened the international conference "Good Governance – Promoting Democratic Values and Practices through Education”.
The President has addressed the audience, thanked the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA) for organizing the conference, and noted that in the process of implementing a new law on the public service, Georgian people will face new challenges.
If the standards of the public service do not develop, the public service and the state fail to overcome the challenges of the society and the voters.
According to the President, in this regard, a constant increase of the public service standards is crucial, both for the professional qualification and the ethics. Implementation of the above is impossible without a constant increase of qualification and improvement of education system.
“Increase of qualification and improvement of education system should co-occur naturally with the public service, a system being in a constant motion, so that the public service remains in motion and continues a successful operation.
This is a difficult challenge, facing every government which wants to respond to the voters’ confidence", - stated the President.
As the President pointed out at the opening, Georgia has a noticeable success in terms of the public administration which we share with our friends and partners; however, the most important is our readiness to acquire a new knowledge.
The public service should simultaneously be successful and highly qualified, carrying high moral values.
The speeches at the conference were also delivered by the Ambassador of the United States to Georgia Mr. Ian Kelly, the Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia Mr. Janos Herman, the Ambassador of Italy to Georgia Mr. Antonio Enrico Bartoli, and the Rector of GIPA Mrs. Maka Ioseliani.
The main attention was drawn to the problems facing the countries of South Caucasus and Black Sea region, namely Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine.
The participants of the conference have discussed both theoretical and practical approaches of successful governance mechanisms and reinforcement of the democratic institutions, within the framework of the public administration reform.
The participants have also focused on enhancing the skills of public servants and implementation of ethical standards in the public service through promoting public governance courses and professional programs.
The conference was also attended by the Head of the Administration of the President of Georgia Mr. Giorgi Abashishvili, the Secretary of the National Security Council Mr. Davit Rakviashvili and the advisors to the President.