Agriculture Minister Interrogated

Davit Shervashidze, the Minister of Agriculture was summoned by the General Prosecutor’s Office for interrogation on March 31 over alleged irregularities in the ministry in previous years.

On March 31 the General Prosecutor’s Office summoned David Kirvalidze, former Agriculture Minister for interrogation in connection with alleged irregularities in the distribution of international humanitarian aid in 2001-03. Davit Shervashidze, the Agriculture Minister was Kirvalidze’s deputy.
  
Kirvalidze was released after eight hours, having undertaken to reimburse 225,000 Lari (approximately $112,500) to the state budget. Ex-Agriculture Minister has already paid 50,000 Lari.

Khuta Mamaladze, former Deputy Agriculture Minister, was also questioned, however he has been remanded in custody.

Kirvalidze was the only member of ex-President Shevardnadze’s government, who had close links with Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania.