At the joint sitting, the Human Rights and Civil Integration, the Legal Issues, the Defense and Security, and the Procedural Issues and Rules Committees discussed the vote of confidence for the Cabinet of Ministers.

At the sitting, the Committees heard the candidates for the Ministers, Juansher Burchuladze, Gocha Lortkipanidze, Tea Akhvlediani and Vakhtang Gomelauri.

The candidate for the Defense Minister, J. Burchuladze reported about the reforms and NATO inter-operability programs, defense capacity of the country and military cooperation with the partner states.

He stressed two documents developed by the Ministry – the 10-year plan of development of the defense capacity, and the 4-year plan of defense strategic overview. Speaking about the plans, he dwelt on the importance of local military production and modernization of the aviation park. “Modernization of the air forces is a very important direction which will result in completely restored and rehabilitated airpark. At this stage, defense forces have already received the French air surveillance radars, mobile command point and “Mistal-3” rackets. We also actively implement the agreement signed with the largest Israeli military industry envisaging the modernization of air defense systems”.

He dwelt on the NATO inter-operability program and security of the country noting that Georgia is ready to take final steps for accession to the EU and NATO and end Russian aggression in the country. “I am glad and honored to enjoy the opportunity to contribute in this process and make it irreversible”.

The candidate for the Justice Minister, G. Lortkipanidze congratulated the attendees on the 100th jubilee of the Constitution and informed MPs about the Ministry priorities and activity. He dwelt on the enforcement of the ECHR decision and informed the Committees about the bills developed by the Ministry.

As of the plans, he stressed the construction of the Public Service Halls and Public Centers for simplification and accessibility to public services.

The candidate for the State Minister, T. Akhvlediani introduced the part of the Governmental program based on the peacekeeping initiative and stability. She stressed the gross human rights violations in the occupied regions, humanitarian and social crisis and importance of the peaceful resolution of the challenges. “We set as the priority to enhance the non-recognition policy at the international theatre, full de-occupation and human-oriented reconciliation and engagement policy envisaging the approximation of conflict-divided societies, facilitation of restoration of dialogue and creation of dignified conditions for these people”.

The candidate for the Interior Minister, Vakhtang Gomelauri reported on the reforms, engagement of the Ministry in countering the pandemic, and types and statistics of the registered crimes.

He stressed the importance of the reforms and mentioned reforming of the criminal policy and updated armament for the police, qualification of the personnel, stricter drug policy etc. “Within the reform of the criminal police, we have set up the Main Office for Juveniles in Tbilisi Police Department to respond to the administrative offenses and crimes committed by the juveniles in the Capital. The Ministry keeps the creation of the environment adjusted to the juveniles, updating the armament of the police personnel and implementing the stricter drug policy. In 2020, 71 drug dealers have been punished by criminal responsibility for the sale of the drugs. The key challenge in this direction was the internet sale of drugs, which is an increasing tendency in the world. In response, we have set up the specialized division in the Central Criminal Police Department”.

He dwelt on the patrol and border police, rescue service, and new services by Service Agency.

The candidates answered the questions concerning their spheres of activity.

After the report, the Committees approved the vote of confidence.