The National Association of Local Self-Government Units of Georgia will be established on December 17, when delegates from all parts of the country will meet in Tbilisi in order to choose a President for the new organization.
According to a CoE press release, the Council of Europe (CoE) supports the launch of this forum, which will defend the interests of local government bodies in Georgia. This National Association will then be represented in the Georgian delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.
The Council of Europe (CoE) Congress of Local and Regional Authorities expressed concern over the weakness of local authorities in Georgia, reads a CoE press release issued in November.
The report, presented to the Congress by the members of a fact-finding mission, who paid three visits to Georgia in 2003 and 2004, reveals serious shortcomings in local and regional democracy, especially in the local governments? powers and responsibilities, local property and finances in Georgia.
The report also voices concern over ?the weakness of local authorities at the national level. It stresses the need for mayors to be elected ? especially in the capital.?