STATEMENT By Mr, lrakli Jgenti, Deputy Permanent Representative of Georgia ° the United Nations Office and other international Organizations In Geneva Forum on Minorities Issues, 6 th Session (2&27 November 2013) Madam. Chair, First of all lot me congratulate and welcome you in the capacity of the Chairperson of the 6th. Session of the Forum ol Minority issues. Ladies and Gentlemen, Throughout its history Georgia was always commended for its tolerance. While continuing this positive trend the new Government unequivocally supports and does its utmost to protect the rights to religious freedom and belief Since the regaining of our independence little over 20 years ago, we have managed to move forward. To name a few steps: All relevant crimes envisaged by the Criminal Code committed on the ground of racial, religious, national, ethnical intolerance or on any discriminating ground shall be considered to be committed in aggravated circumstances. With regard to protection of civil rights of representatives of religious minorities, the amended Civil Code allows registration of religious groups as relig.iou.s associations, in. order to ensure non-discriminatory approach, the amendments set down objective and common sense criteria of eligibility. Since abovementioned amendments regarding religious associations passed, 22 such associations have been already registered as legal