The Committee at the sitting presided by the Chair, Beka Odisharia approved the set-up of the Scientific-Advisory Council on National Minorities at the Diaspora and Caucasus Issues Committee.

“When we speak about the national minorities, the toponym in case of Georgia is conditional. Despite the ethnic origin, religious confession or skin color – we consider them all as equal citizens. Georgian citizens residing abroad, ethnic minorities are similarly native and interesting for us as ethnic Georgians. We build the multiethnic country and our Capital is one of the most multiethnic cities in the world, which we are proud of”, - B. Odisharia stated.

He named Rima Beradze as the Chair of the Council and nominated the Council members including the executive and legislative authority representatives, as well as the representatives from various associations.

The Council will strive to ensure employment of the youths of ethnic minorities and their cultural directions.

“Ethnic minorities are a significant part of our society. Most of them are Georgian citizens contributing to the development of our country. At this stage, the Council will unite 16 communities and will be open to various organizations and experts. I believe, the Council will be successful and will play important role in the engagement of the national minorities in the Parliamentary activity and bilateral integration”, - the Deputy Chair of the Faction “Georgian Dream”, R. Beradze noted.

The sitting was attended by the Deputy State Minister for Reconciliation and Equality, Lia Gigauri.

“The citizens residing in our country – all of us need harmonic co-existence, equality and collaboration in democratic development of Georgia”, - she stated.

As noted, the representative of the Ministry will be actively engaged in the Council.

The Committee also approved the Articles and the 3-month action plan of the Council, as well as the set-up of the Scientific-Advisory Council on Diaspora and Caucasus Issues to be presided by B. Odisharia.

The Committee determined the composition and the activity of the Council and heard the positions of the experts and organizations.