**Georgia’s PM Explains Why Ruling Party Rejected Joint Working Group**
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told journalists that the ruling party, Georgian Dream, rejected creating a joint working group to introduce amendments to the “Foreign Influence Transparency” law. He explained that the government took this step because of the current situation in the country.
**No Reciprocal Step from Opposition**
Kobakhidze said that instead of seeing a reciprocal move from the opposition, they continued with their attempts to stage a revolution. This included blocking Rustaveli Avenue daily by 400 people and imposing sanctions. The government felt that under these circumstances, discussing the creation of a format around the Transparency Law was unnecessary.
**Government Conveyed Position to Council of Europe**
The Prime Minister stated that the government conveyed its position on this matter to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset. He explained that they had discussions about creating a working format to refine the Transparency Law, but given the recent developments, it had lost its original significance.
**Recent Developments and Decisions**
Kobakhidze mentioned that the government’s delegation was only granted status with reservations by PACE (the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe). He stated that under these circumstances, discussing the softening of the Transparency Law or creating a working format on opacity is unnecessary. The Prime Minister reiterated that the government followed all principles and rules when conveying this position to Mr. Berset.
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