Parliament Session Weekly Review. May 7-10, 2002

MAY 7, THURSDAY

1. Ratification of European convention on “movie co-production”

The deputy minister of Foreign affairs Zviad Chumberidze represented convention.

For – 125
Against – 1

2. Draft project on “leasing activity”

It was discussed by II and III hearing.

For – 118
Against – 0  (II hearing)

For – 108
Against – 0  (III hearing)

3. Draft project on “changes and amendments to Tax code”/connected to draft project on “leasing activity”/

It was discussed by II and III hearing.

For – 124
Against – 0  (II hearing)

For – 115
Against – 0  (III hearing)

4. Draft project on “changes and amendments to the bill on “custom tariffs and taxes” /connected to draft project on “leasing activity”/

It was discussed by II and III hearing.

For – 123
Against – 0  (II hearing)

For – 110
Against – 0  (III hearing)

5. Draft project on “changes and amendments to Civil code”/connected to draft project on “leasing activity”/

It was discussed by II and III hearing.

For – 121
Against – 0  (II hearing)

For – 101
Against – 0 (III hearing)

6. Draft project on “changes and amendments to the bill on “executive activities”/connected to draft project on “leasing activity”/

It was discussed by II and III hearing.

For – 119
Against – 0  (II hearing)

For – 114
Against – 0  (III hearing)

7.  Draft project on “changes and amendments to the bill on “executive activities”
 
Deputy Finance minister Levan Chicinadze represented the bill.

It was discussed by II hearing.

For – 104
Against – 1

8. Draft project on “changes and amendments to the bill on “communication and post”

The chairman of Section Economy committee Zurab Tskitishvili represented the bill.

It was discussed by II and III hearing.

For – 113
Against – 1  (II hearing)

For – 117
Against – 1  (III hearing)

9. Draft project on “changes and amendments to the bill on “security of dangerous enterprises”

It was discussed by II and III hearing.

For – 111
Against – 0  (II hearing)

For – 120
Against – 0  (III hearing)

10. Draft project on ” changes and amendments to the law on “national regulation commissions”

The chairman of Section Economy committee Zurab Tskitishvili represented the bill.

It was discussed by I hearing.
For – 83
Against – 2

Following three drafts failed because of not having real quorum in Parliament. They decided to conduct voting again on the basis of voting results cancellation.

11. Draft project on “return of ungrounded property obtained by state officials to population”

It was voted by I hearing.

For – 52
Against – 1

12. Draft project on “changes and amendments to the law on “corruption and interest non-coincidence in public service”

It was discussed by I hearing.

For – 62
Against – 0

13. Draft project “private detective and protective activity”

It was discussed by I hearing.

For – 48
Against – 17

MAY 8, WEDNESDAY

Parliament sitting began with discussion of fact happened in Central Election Commission (CEC) on May 7. “New Rightists” demanded to resign head of parliament staff and CEC member Xatuna Gogorishvili and listen to CEC chairman Jumber Lominadze and General Prosecutor Nugzar Gabrichidze explanation on the fact.

Ex chairman of Parliament Zurab Zhvania disclosed “opposition” in alliance with State minister Avtandil Jorbenadze against Zhvania’s group of CUG. He asked opposition to form new majority and give them chance to create minority in Parliament.

While other parliamentary powers kept neutrality and avoid interfering in debates, Zhvania’s group and “New rightists” opposed each other.

1. Draft project on “changes and amendments to the law on “advocates”

MP Valeri Gelbaxiani represented the bill.

Changes refer to approaching exams of advocates. Only those advocates will be tested who have 5-year experience.

It was discussed by I hearing.

Voting was postponed.

MAY 10, FRIDAY

1. Draft project on “changes to some legislative acts

Parliamentary secretary of President Mariam Stastanashvili represented the bill.

Changes refer to executive branch structure – Finance and Tax-revenue ministries unification.

Almost all factions supported president’s initiative. Also the committees on Budget-finance and
Tax-Revenue issues supported changes.

For – 155
Against – 2

Faction “New rightists” represented parliament joint request of factions “Industry”, “Tanadgoma”, “Alliance for New Georgia”, “Socialist”, “New Abkhazia”, “Majorities” and “XXI century” on resign vice speakers and committee chairmen (declaration of zero variant) and election of new Parliament officials taking to account new reality in Parliament. Davit Gamkrelidze handed parliament chairman 147 MP signatures on it.

Fifteen committee chairmen made statements on resign to avoid their colleagues awkward procedure of voting. The only committee chairman who didn’t resign voluntary was head of Defense and Security committee Giorgi Baramidze. He made parliament to express position on him by voting.

For – 118
Against – 27

MPs demanded commission and sub-committee chairmen and first deputy of committee chairmen
to leave their posts also.

 “Velvety revolution” in Parliament didn’t pass without tension. Coalition “Traditionalist-Peoples” debated with “New Rights” accusing each other.

Next week parliament will appoint new chairmen of committees on extraordinary session.