Stevenson to Meet Georgian Justice Minister in Tbilisi

The SNP's Shadow Deputy Justice Minister, Stewart Stevenson MSP will be visiting the Republic of Georgia on Monday and Tuesday [18^th & 19^th September] to host a workshop on Civic Nationalism with local politicians in Marneuli and to meet Members of the Georgian Parliament in Tbilisi. Stewart Stevenson previously visited this area in March and met young political activists and aspiring local councillors.

Stewart plans to meet leaders of a number of Georgia's parliamentary parties and will discuss the local elections which will take place on 5^th October with the Georgian Parliament's Committee of Local Self-Governance.

Speaking ahead of a meeting with the Georgian Minister of Justice, Gia Qavtaradze, Stewart Stevenson said;

“Since Georgia regained its independence in 1991, it has faced many challenges. In particular the widespread protests that led to the resignation of then President Eduard Shevardnadze in 2003, created instability with which today's government has had to grapple.

“Mr Qavtaradze has difficulties within the country's prisons and in law enforcement generally. I am looking forward to an interesting exchange of views.

“We shall also, of course, be looking forward to next year's football matches between our two countries. As a token of friendship I shall be presenting a Scotland football strip to the Minister.”

The Westminster Foundation for Democracy, which is funding this visit, provides money to parliamentary parties represented in the UK Parliament. The SNP has chosen to focus its efforts on Malawi and the Caucuses, building on the work of SNP MP Angus Robertson in bringing people together in Scotland to reduce regional tensions and build capacity in local democratic organisations.