Georgia welcomes new interior minister
By Mushvig Mehdiyev
Georgia welcomed its new interior minister on January 26 to fill the shoes of former Minister Aleksandre Tchikaidze, who has unexpectedly resigned three days ago.
Irakli Garibashvili, Georgian Prime Minister, has introduced Deputy Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri as the country’s new Interior Minister.
Gomelauri, 39, who has a several years of experience in internal affairs, has served as deputy interior minister since March, 2013.
Garibashvili expressed his confidence that Gomelauri knows exactly what is needed to be done at the ministry.
"Gomelauri has fully realized the responsibility of the post he was attached,” Garibashvili said while introducing the new minister.
Gomelauri, in turn, said the interior ministry was not new for him and he would do his best to justify the people's hopes.
Until 2013, Gomelauri headed the bodyguard service of a Georgian tycoon, then provided the same service for former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. He has also served at the Interior Ministry's Security Police Department.
Former minister Tchkaidze has left the office on January 23, explaining his resignation with accusations towards him related to the recent murder of Yuri Vazagashvili.
Vazagashvili, has publicly accused Tchikaidze of covering up the murder of his son and the other victim, who were killed in 2006. Vazagashvili was killed by an explosive device placed on his son's grave as he was visiting the cemetery on January 20.
Tchikaidze said in a statement posted on the Interior Ministry's website that although Vazaghasvili's accusations against him were false, he felt moral responsibility after his death and decided to quit.
- - -
Follow Mushvig Mehdiyev on Twitter: @Mushviggo
Follow us on Twitter: @AzerNews