Security Council Chair Admits Financial Fraud in the Army

Secretary of the Georgian National Security Council Gela Bezhuashvili, who served as the Defense Minister from February-June 2004, admitted on January 5 that financial fraud ?existed, persists and will remain? in the army.

Gela Bezhuashvili was commenting on a statement by Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili, who accused several top officials of the Ministry of alleged misappropriation of funds and corruption in the army. Okruashvili also accused former Deputy Defense Minister Paata Gaprindashvili, who was appointed by Gela Bezhuashvili while the latter was serving as the Defense Minister.

?I think it is inadmissible to assume someone as guilty, unless [the guilt] is proven,? Gela Bezhuashvili told reporters.

The Georgian Prosecutor?s Office and the state audit agency have already launched a probe into cases of misappropriation of funds at the Defense Ministry.