Kent Logsdon: “International community carefully observing developments in Media Palitra holding”

“The international community is carefully observing developments in Media Palitra Holding,” acting US Ambassador to Georgia Kent Logsdon said in his interview with the Kviris Palitra newspaper. The full text of the interview was published on the website of the newspaper.

“The US Government, as well as Georgian Government finds tax collection and corporation responsibilities as very important issues; however, fair collection of taxes is necessary recourse for renovation of the country and its correct functioning. You mentioned local media outlets and organizations, who were curious about sudden financial inspection in the MediaHouse “Palitra” and expressed their collegiality and solidarity with the organization.”

“However, not only your local colleagues but also the international community has been attentively observing recent developments in Media Palitra. They are deeply concerned about the issue. However, it does not mean that the government is not authorized to collect taxes; of course, they shall do it.”

“Nobody alleges that a businessman shall not pay taxes; but the audit came suspiciously shortly after 25-26 May protests. ‘Internet TV Palitra had been objectively covering the May developments. US Ambassador to Georgia John Bass has already commented on the events of May 26 and suggested to launch through and detailed investigation of the facts. We are concerned about this particular issue. We are also concerned by the fact that the revenue department launched audit in all 6 organizations of the MediaHouse simultaneously,” the acting Ambassador said.

Mr Logsdon expressed support on behalf of the US Embassy. He noted the Embassy would keep close cooperation with the Media Palitra holding and observe the financial audit planned by the Tax Department there.

According to Interpresnews