Georgia’s new defence minister announces priorities. Prime Minister says role should not be ‘politicised’

Georgia’s new defence minister Levan Izoria outlined his priorities on Tuesday, at a meeting with top military officials in Tbilisi. Prime Minister Georgi Kvirikashvili, also present, said it is important that the role not be politicized. 

Izoria priorities will be securing peace within Georgia, actively participating in NATO’s mission in Afghanistan in partnership with the United States, and improving Georgia’s self-defence capacity with the help of NATO, he said at the Ministry of Defence. 

He also said he wants to pursue “sober policy”. “First, [this] implies securing peace and security, and second, deterring threats and risks through sustainable development of our defense capabilities and integration to the Euro-Atlantic structures.”

A memorandum on boosting military capacity was signed with the United States earlier this month, with US Secretary of State John Kerry present.

Izoria replaces Tina Khidasheli, who stepped down so she can represent the Republican Party in Georgia’s upcoming legislative elections. The party is running separate from its former coalition partners, Georgian Dream. Khidasheli criticised the appointment of Izoria, a former deputy head of the State Security Service.

“It is a wrong message to our partners abroad, as well as internally, when at first Irakli Alasania, a political figure, was replaced by a security official [Mindia Janelidze] as defence minister and then Khidasheli was replaced again by a security [official]… It indicates on a very negative trend," she said.

However, Prime Minister Kvirikashvili reassured journalists that the role would not be politicised. “The MoD should be maximally distanced from any kind of political confrontation and in general political confrontation should be over in the country."

"I’m sure we will be able to implement very important reforms at the Ministry and I think nobody doubts that the agency needs to be reformed and strengthened," he said at the Tuesday meeting.

Georgia’s legislative elections will take place on October 8. As well as Izoria replacing Khidasheli, Ketevan Tsikhelashvili has replaced Paata Zakareishvili as State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality.

SOURCE: commonspace.eu and agencies

PHOTO: Levan Izoria

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Putin makes first visit to Kursk since Russia recaptured region

Putin makes first visit to Kursk since Russia recaptured region

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Kursk for the first time since Moscow claimed to have completely recaptured the region following a surprise incursion by Ukrainian forces last year, Russian state news agency TASS reported on Wednesday. Putin met with municipal leaders in the city of Kurchatov and visited the Kursk nuclear power plant, which is currently under construction, the Kremlin said, according to TASS.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Putin makes first visit to Kursk since Russia recaptured region

Putin makes first visit to Kursk since Russia recaptured region

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Kursk for the first time since Moscow claimed to have completely recaptured the region following a surprise incursion by Ukrainian forces last year, Russian state news agency TASS reported on Wednesday. Putin met with municipal leaders in the city of Kurchatov and visited the Kursk nuclear power plant, which is currently under construction, the Kremlin said, according to TASS.