Defense Minister Speaks of Army Development Fund

Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili said at a news conference on April 19 that 20 million Lari (approximately USD 10.8 million) was spent through the Army Development Fund, which was set up by the authorities last year in an attempt to raise money from business circles for the Georgian armed forces.

The main contributors to this Fund are businessmen living abroad willing to assist the Georgian army. But the Defense Ministry refuses to unveil the names of these persons, citing that contributors themselves avoid publicity. Recently the Defense Ministry was accused of making non-transparent procurements through this Army Development Fund.

?The fund is absolutely transparent. There were some reports that over 500 million Lari was spent through this fund, which is nonsense. Even I was surprised to learn that only 20 million was spent. Mainly uniforms and other equipment for the servicemen were purchased from this Fund,? Irakli Okruashvili said.

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