The Public Broadcaster will do its best to be accountable before the public rather than political parties – Tinatin Berdzenishvili, General Director of Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) thus responded to the statements made by some oppositional politicians about their viewpoint on abolishment of Public Broadcaster.

“It is regrettable that Public Broadcaster is forced to make comments about statements of politicians. Public Broadcaster is recognized as being the cornerstone of the country’s democracy. This is the European model. We have a claim to cover the elections impartially, with balance and pluralistically. Similar statements made on part of politicians damages the media environment and fundamental principles of democracy. Therefore, I would have been very careful about making comments upon the statements of politicians and would call on them for refraining from such attacks in the pre-election period. This can be considered as an attack on independent media and an attempt of intimidating journalists.

I would like to ask all international organizations to observe the process and not to allow any political force to try to ruin the main European values and fundamental democratic principles. The Public Broadcaster will do its best to be accountable before the public rather than political parties. This is the European model, cornerstone of democracy and everyone should respect it,” Berdzenishvili said.