Press on Okruashvili’s Dismissal

Hawkish Irakli Okruashvili’s dismissal from the position of Defense Minister is the result of his controversial political statements – this is a widespread opinion in the Georgian and Russian press on November 11.

Eka Kvesitadze writes in the Georgian daily 24 Saati (24 Hours): “Okruashvili’s dismissal was a logical and expected move, especially on the eve of January 1, as the ex-Defense Minister planned to celebrate it [New Year] in Tskhinvali… The President had two options: either to sack Okruashvili or to give him a chance to keep his promise. It was clear that the President was not going to make a mistake and dismissed Okruashvili… Saying that Okruashvili’s dismissal is a bow to Russia is wrong. The move was a clear signal towards the international community that Georgia has no plans to use force in restoring its territorial integrity… President Saakashvili’s explanation about the motive behind his decision was an attempt to save face for Okruashvili… It is worth noting that by nature, the new Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili and Okruashvili are very similar.”

The Georgian daily Rezonansi writes that Okruashvili has been downgraded.

“More changes are expected in the cabinet. It is speculated that Kezerashvili will not remain in the position of Defense Minister for a long time. It is expected that Georgia’s envoy to the UN Irakli Alasania may replace Kezerashvili,” Rezonansi said, adding that Saakashvili’s decision to appoint Okruashvili as the Economy Minister was a surprise not only for the opposition but for many lawmakers from the ruling National Movement party.

The Russian daily Kommersant writes in the front-page article “Georgian Hawk Flew Away from the Defense Ministry,” that Okruashvili’s dismissal comes two days ahead of the independence referendum and presidential elections in breakaway South Ossetia and on the eve of a summit of CIS leaders in Minsk in late November.

“It is obvious that Tbilisi is now expecting a softening of the Kremlin’s position,” the Kommersant says.

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)