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Mikhail Saakashvili: The main defense line of Georgia is through economy

11 November 2006 13:10 (UTC +04:00)

Holding a press conference concerning the reshuffle, President announced that the main defense line of Georgia is through the economy, therefore he appointed Defense Minister to that post.
â€œOur land borders are closed, Russia has closed the air borders, and exchange of commodities has almost stopped and now Russia announced the rise of gas price from $110 to 230. Besides they say that there will be hard times for Georgia. Those who want to weaken Georgia by pressures wonâ€™t achieve their aims. As a result of the pressures exerted on Estonia in the 90s of the last century, this country became a progressive country which has the modern economic development,â€? he said. Introducing the new Defence Minister Mikhail Saakashvili said that he will focus his attention on the Armed Forces.
On Presidentâ€™s decree Financial Police director Davit Kezerashvili took over the defense post, while Okruashvili took over the economic development portfolio. Economy Minister Irakli Chogovadze was appointed as the General Director of the state-run Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation (GOGC). Agriculture Minister Mikhail Svimonishvili became Governor of western region of Guria. Governor of the eastern region Kakhetia Petre Tsiskarishvili replaced Svimonishvili on the position of Agriculture Minister. Governor of Guria Aleko Tsintsadze was appointed deputy of Agriculture Minister, Akaki Bobokhidze was appointed as Governor of Imereti. /APA/