Reinforcing the independence and efficiency of justice in the southern Caucasus

A conference will be held on reinforcing the independence and efficiency of judicial systems in the south Caucasian countries in Tbilisi (Georgia) on 19 and 20 November 2008, an event organised by the Council of Europe in co-operation with the Georgian Ministry of Justice.

The conference is aimed at taking stock of the progress made in the three countries of the southern Caucasus in the field of justice and the rule of law and to defining priorities for their judicial reforms. The meeting will also consider how to improve citizen access to justice and enhance the professionalism and efficacy of judges.

This event will be attended by Justice Ministers, Presidents of Supreme Courts, Principal State Prosecutors, Ombudspersons and other members of the judicial professions in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

The Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, and the Georgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eka Tkeshelashvili, will be among the personalities speaking at the opening of the conference.

A press conference will be held at 12.30 pm on Thursday 20 November in the Sheraton Metechi Palace, 20 Telavi St., Tbilisi.