TBILISI. Nov 21 (Interfax-AVN) - The Georgian parliamentary committee on defense and security unanimously supported the nomination of former defense minister Lieutenant General David Tevzadze to the post of defense minister.
Tevzadze said at hearings in the committee on Tuesday that if he returned to his post he would continue the Defence Ministry reform that was being implemented in line with recommendations of the international military advisors council and NATO Supreme Command Europe. In particularly, functions have been divided between the Defense Ministry and General Staff, a reform has been launched in the Navy and international military cooperation has been beefed up.
According to Tevzadze, a multinational exercise under the auspices of the Partnership For Peace program are planned to happen in Georgia in spring next year. The exercise that is to involve mountain troops from 25 countries will be the proof of strengthening relations between Georgia and NATO. Almost all factions in the parliament supported Tevzadze's appointment.
The president's parliamentary secretary Valery Khaburzania is likely to be approved as state security minister without any problems. However the parliamentary committees are divided over the appointment of Deputy Interior Minister Koba Narchemashvili to the post of minister. In particular, Yelena Tevdoradze, chairman of the human rights committee, spoke against the appointment.
The parliament is to discuss and vote on candidates for ministers proposed by Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze on Wednesday.
The previous government was sacked by Shevardnadze on November 1 due to mass rallies of students in Tbilisi. The students demanded resignation of the interior and state security ministers.