TV Interviews New Defense Minister
In a rare media interviews new Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili, who replaced Irakli Okruashvili, said that the restoration of the country”s territorial integrity remains a major goal.
Below is a transcript of Kezerashvili”s interview withTbilisi-based Rustavi 2 television, which was conducted by journalist Davit Kikalishvili and broadcasted on November 12.
Q.: The first question I want to ask is about your New Year plans. Where are you going to celebrate the New Year? [Ex-Defense Minister Okruashvili said in May that he would celebrate January 1, 2007 in Tskhinvali or resign.]
A.: I will celebrate the New Year definitely in Georgia. But in which region and where exactly, I prefer it to be a secret. What I know for sure is that I will definitely celebrate the New Year in Georgia.
Q.: Was the President”s decision [about your appointment as the Defense Minister] a surprise for you?
A.: It was quite a surprise.
Q.: Was it hard for you to take this decision?
A.: No it was not hard, because I am used to being where I am the most needed for the country and where the President orders me to be.
Q.: Russian media sources have been making a number of speculations and asking which party has won in Georgia [as a result of the cabinet reshuffle] – the “party of peace” or the “party of war”?
A.: The major goal for Georgia remains the restoration of its territorial integrity and nothing has changed. Our ill-wishers should not have any hope or illusion that something will change here in this regard.
Q.: How would you comment on the opposition”s reaction [on the cabinet reshuffle]?
A.: I will not comment on the opposition”s reaction.
Q.: What will be your focus in the capacity of Defense Minister?
A.: My task is to accomplish the process of building of the Georgian army. The Georgian army should by all means be able to protect the country”s interests. The Georgian army should be ready to fulfill all the potential tasks.
Q.: Do you think that businessmen and tax-payers took a breath of relief after you quit your previous position [as chief of the Financial Police]?
A.: No, I do not think so, because people remain [in the Financial Police] who will continue the job that we have been doing. So I would not advise non-payers of taxes and criminals to take a breath of relief.
Q.: One personal question: your attitude towards weapons.
A.: Like most Georgians, I also like weapons, especially cold weapons. I have a favorite sword.
This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
