Defence minister stresses gov’t policy over occupied territories “peaceful”, dismisses opposition claims on armed forces conditions

Georgian defence minister Juansher Burchuladze said Thursday that  “such comfort and social conditions have never existed in the army before”. Photo: defence ministry press office 

Agenda.ge, 16 Sep 2022 - 12:13, Tbilisi,Georgia

Georgian defence minister Juansher Burchuladze on Thursday said the policy of the ruling Georgian Dream authorities over the Russian-occupied regions of the country was “solely peaceful” and restoration of territorial integrity possible “only peacefully”, while also dismissing allegations of the domestic political opposition on poor conditions in the army as “disinformation and fake”.

In comments on the former subject, Burchuladze told an interview with Imedi TV the Noble Partner multinational exercises - recently hosted in Georgia with involvement of 2,400 servicemembers from 21 countries - were “planned exercises conducted for the sixth time [and] having no connection with any specific plans for militarisation”.

In remarks on conditions for professionals serving in the armed forces, he told the channel social support packages and nutrition for servicemembers were “better than ever”, slamming a part of opposition politicians for their recent comments that military professionals were leaving the country due to low wages and “disrespect”. 

Pointing to growth in the economy, the minister said his state body was expected to receive additional ₾98 million ($35 million) in budgetary funds, to ensure “further improvements” in conditions for the military personnel. 

Minister said that ensuring"high-level conditions" for servicemembers was a "top priority". Photo:defence ministry press office. 

Salaries of low-ranking military personnel have already been increased twice this year by 2-25 percent. At the initiative of the prime minister, the salaries will increase by 10 percent in January. We have plans to additionally increase the pay of our military personnel", said Burchuladze. 

The minister added receiving flats in Tbilisi from the state was a “big motivation” for armed forces professionals, noting the ongoing construction of residential blocks on Makhata mountain in Tbilisi - designed for 1050 flats to be offered to servicemembers - would be completed by the end of this year. 

In general, inflow and outflow [of personnel] from the army is quite natural, and we contrast it with the conditions that we managed to create in the army. Such comfort and social conditions have never existed in the army before, although we are not satisfied with the achievements and are trying for even better”, Burchuladze said.

The defence minister also noted the quality of food for servicemembers - which he said was of “top quality on the market, including fresh meat and dairy products” - was monitored by professionals.