New Defense Minister Nominated, ex-Minister Becomes Diplomat

President Saakashvili announced today that Gela Bezhuashvili will be Georgia’s first ever civilian who will be appointed as Defense Minister. Bezhuashvili is a former Deputy Defense Minister.

“We intend to form the armed forces, which will terrify the separatists,” the Georgian President added.

Saakashvili told the news conference that former Defense Minister Davit Tevzadze, who served on this post from 1998 to 2004, will become Georgia’s ambassador to NATO.

“This is a key post for Georgia, as we seek for integration to the NATO. I hope the Parliament will approve Mr. Tevzadze’s candidacy on Tuesday [on February 17],” Saakashvili said.