Saakashvili Slams High-Handed Tactics Used Against Wine-Maker

President Saakashvili said on November 20 that he has ?reprimanded? the Ministry of Agriculture for its high-handed tactics used while dealing with the Badagoni wine factory.

On November 14 the Financial Police and officials from the Agriculture Ministry?s wine agency ?Samtrest? sealed off a wine factory belonging to the Badagoni company and spilled out over 100 tons of wine, alleging that it was counterfeit. The action was carried out in the presence of journalists and TV cameras. The owners of the wine factory in Akhmeta, which was opened on October 27 with the assistance of a USD 12 million investment made by an Italian partner, denied allegations and said they plan to sue the Agriculture Ministry.

Speaking at a news conference on November 20, President Saakashvili said that the Agriculture Ministry?s actions were ?incorrect.?

?The Georgian government will not permit the existence of counterfeit wine in the country. However, nobody should have the illusion that this may happen through such campaigns and with the help of TV cameras. If there really was counterfeit wine [at the Badagoni wine factory] or some violations, this should have occurred through the procedures of prior notifications, warnings, consultations, friendly advice and, if necessary, through the confiscation of the product. It is desirable not to stain the reputation of a company,? Saakashvili said.

He said that the Georgian government will always support and protect foreign investments.

?We should be very principled, tough, but we should stand by investors and investments. This is a major task for Georgia? Those people who invest money in Georgia are the most precious partners for us,? he added.
 
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli plans to visit the Badagoni wine factory on November 20 and meet with the owners of the company.

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