Georgia Launches Construction of New Base

Georgia launched construction of a new military base near town of Gori on July 5, which will cost up to GEL 30 million (USD 16,8 million).

Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony, said that the new base will be ?the most modern, not only in the region and in the post-Soviet space, but in the Europe as well.?

The base will house about 4000 troops from the 1st infantry brigade, he added.

?Both enemies and friends should see Georgia?s military strength. This is the key reason why we are building this military base here [in Gori, near the South Ossetian conflict zone],? Chief of the General Staff of Georgian Armed Forces Levan Nikoleishvili said.

Construction is expected to last for 10 months and inauguration of the new base is scheduled for May 26, 2007.

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