2017 / 02 / 13

On February 13, 2017 the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies (Rondeli Foundation) organized a  panel discussion – “The State and the Citizen” for the representatives of ethnic Armenian community at its  regional office in Akhalkalaki, Samtskhe-Javakheti.

The discussion was conducted by Tina Khidasheli, the former Minister of Defense of Georgia and one of the former leaders of the Republican Party.

The speaker and the audience actively discussed the meaning, essence and functions of the state, the importance of engagement of citizens in developing the state institutions, human rights and freedoms. The discussion also focused on the dual citizenship, challenges of frequent changes in the Georgian Tax Code and some other ardent topics related to the problems of ethnic minorities in the respective region. 

The discussion was held under the series of lectures on issues of nationwide importance. The aim of the series of presentations is to increase the capacity-building of ethnic minority community of Javakheti and to forge a common understanding and vision of the Georgian state among the citizens of Georgia despite their ethnic origin and promote a national integration process in line with the principles of modern, democratic state. As a result the minority community representatives are better equipped and empowered to become agents of change.

Panel discussion in Akhalkalaki by Tina Khidasheli, Feb 13, 2017