**Parliament Takes Major Step in Shifting Intelligence Service to State Security Service**
In a significant move, the Parliament has approved a draft law that will see the country’s Intelligence Service come under the purview of the State Security Service. This change marks a substantial shift in how the nation’s intelligence gathering and operations are managed.
**What this means for Georgia**
The Intelligence Service, currently directly answerable to the Prime Minister, will be transformed into a sub-agency known as the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). The NIA will fall under the umbrella of the State Security Service, effectively placing it within their sphere of governance. This change has major implications for how the country’s intelligence operations are overseen and managed.
**Key changes**
Under the amended law, the head of the NIA and their deputy will be appointed and dismissed by the Head of the State Security Service (SSS). This means that the SSS will have a direct say in who leads the NIA, giving them greater control over the country’s intelligence operations. Furthermore, the NIA will be accountable to the Head of the SSS and subject to their supervision.
**Unanimous support**
The package of legislative amendments was unanimously approved by Parliament, with 87 votes in favor. This level of agreement suggests that lawmakers are confident in the wisdom of this move, but concerns about accountability and oversight remain.
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