Georgia has most trusted media in Caucasus

TBILISI, Georgia, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- The news media in the European nation of Georgia is more trusted than outlets in neighboring countries, a survey by the Caucasus Research Resource Center says.

The center, which serves Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, found 47 percent of Georgians partially or fully trust the country's media compared to 43 percent of Azerbaijanis and 39 percent of Armenians, Turkey's Hurriyet Daily News reports.

The survey was conducted between August and November of this year and consisted of a comprehensive study of the public's attitude toward the media.

Results were announced at an international seminar in Tbilisi this week.

Georgian officials have said a free press is one of the most fundamental tenants of democratic society but admit more needs to be done to expand press freedoms in their country.

International observers have said Georgia has the best laws in the Caucasus safeguarding press freedom.