Media Speculates on Cabinet Reshuffle

Georgian media sources reported on February 28 that a cabinet reshuffle involving the Interior and Defense Ministers, as well as Chairman of the Tbilisi-based Abkhaz government-in-exile is anticipated.

According to the daily Rezonansi, Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili will become Interior Minister, replacing Vano Merabishvili. The latter, according to this report, is expected to become Secretary of National Security Council, replacing Kote Kemularia.

Rezonansi reported that Chairman of the Tbilisi-based Abkhaz government-in-exile Irakli Alasania is expected to become the new Defense Minister. Officials have denied these speculations.

On February 27 opposition parliamentarians demanded the resignation of Vano Merabishvili. This demand was voiced after the opposition New Rights and Democratic Front parliamentary factions discussed the issue of investigating the muder case of Sandro Girgvliani – a case which several top Interior Ministry officials may allegedly be linked to.

The Interior Minister is expected to appear in the Parliament on February 28 at 4 pm local time to brief the parliamentarians about the investigation into this murder case.