Saakashvili Rejects Criticism of Defense Ministry

President Saakashvili dismissed opponents? accusations regarding non-transparent defense spending as allegations made by ?blind and foolish? people and stated on April 10 that ?nothing can stop the progress? that is in underway in the Georgian army.

Saakashvili?s comments were made in response to the statements made by the opposition New Rights party leader Davit Gamkrelidze last week, who accused Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili of incompetence, abuse of office and of making non-transparent defense acquisitions.

?One would be blind and a fool not to see the progress made in the armed forces? All the information [about defense spending] is available? More detailed information will be presented to the Group of Trust at a Defense and Security Parliamentary Committee [meeting],? Saakashvili told reporters, referring to a special group of four parliamentarians who have access to top secrete defense and security information. All four of these MPs are from the ruling National Movement party.

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