President Saakashvili has vetoed package of bills, passed by the Parliament late last month, envisaging reforming composition of the public TV’s board of trustees, transforming Adjara TV’s status into public broadcasting and providing measures for more financial transparency of broadcasters.

A spokesperson for the president said on June 25 that presidential objections mainly concern part of the legislation, which envisages giving the Parliament the right to disband GPB’s board of trustees in case of GBP’s budget problems or failure to fulfill its content-related programming priorities. Three-fifth majority of sitting lawmakers, that is 90 votes, will be required for the Parliament to disband GBP’s board.

This provision of the bill “significantly reduces independence” of members of public broadcaster’s board, Manana Manjgaladze, president’s spokesperson, said.