Statement by Georgian Association of Regional Broadcasters

Georgian Association of Regional Broadcasters (GARB) welcomes the result reached through the effort by international organizations, cooperation with opposition and governmental political forces, support by civil society and solidarity of media organizations followed by President Saakashvili's proposal on financial amnesty for regional broadcasters.

The recommendation on the financial amnesty for regional broadcasters was worked out in November 2009 in the framework of the EU-Georgia dialogue. It was publicized at the presentation of the project by Eurasia Partnership Foundation. The initiative was supported by the parliamentary opposition Christian-Democrats Movement which enabled regional broadcasters to make their problems reach the Parliament. It is also important that 22 Association member broadcasters, whether being in arrears or not, demanded amnesty.

The Association would like to clarify that tax amnesty doesn't mean avoiding tax liabilities by our members. The demand for amnesty referred to artificially crafted arrears applied by former authorities as a tool of pressure upon regional media.

Solution to the issue through financial amnesty is a timely step forward to be followed by improvement of environment to enable free work of media which is to be conducive to advancement of local democracy.