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The News in Brief

Thursday, September 15, 2022
Prepared by Messenger Staff

Mdinaradze: Call from McCain Institute director to open a second front in Georgia is disturbing

Mamuka Mdinaradze has responded to the letter of the MPs, who left "Georgian Dream", regarding the interview of Evelyn Farkas, an executive director of the McCain Institute with "Radio Tavisupleba":

"The direct call from the executive director of the McCain Institute to open a second front in Georgia is really disturbing. When we talk about the fact that this is a threat to Georgia, someone may think, and there may be a sign of objectivity in this, that all this can help Ukraine against Russia. But what will happen to Georgia in this case, these people don't think about it".

"It is understandable that some people, including the person who made this statement, do not think about it, but the fact that the citizens of Georgia, the Georgian opposition forces, do not think about it, confirm all this, do not criticize and do not isolate themselves, this is particularly disturbing.

So what if Georgia gets involved in the war and receives a blow and military actions from Russia - then what does it mean? What will be the result for Georgia, should someone think about it? Who wants to separate within the country and say that no, we separate from this position? When the basis of this position is not in Georgia, some representatives of our partner country or some representatives of the country of Ukraine will take up such calls", Mdinaraze said at the briefing.

According to the deputies' assessment, Farkas openly called on the Georgian authorities to impose sanctions on Russia, "which the American ambassador, Kelly Degnan, still does not dare to say openly."



Ministry of Defense Budget to increase by 80 million GEL

With the changes planned in the current year's budget, 80 million GEL is added to the Ministry of Defense.

According to the project of amendments to be introduced in the 2022 state budget, the allocations of the Ministry of Defense increase by 80.0 million GEL and are determined in the amount of 1,082.4 million GEL.

As the government explains, the increase is mainly related to the development of defense capabilities and the smooth financing of logistics costs.

The government has already submitted the project of changes in the 2022 state budget to the parliament. The Bureau of the Parliament approved the schedule for considering the budget changes, according to which all parliamentary committees and factions will consider the draft budget.

The process of committee discussions will start on September 15. The Finance and Budget Committee of the Parliament will hold a summary session on September 28, and the amendments will be submitted for approval during the session week of October 3.