10 November 2004, 23:10
Georgian Defense Ministry reduces number of personnel
The Georgian Defense Ministry is planning to reduce the number of its personnel from 23,000 to 17,000 people in the near future. "This strength is optimal, the country can maintain it," Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania said. In his words, a considerable rise in wages is planned simultaneously with the reduction of the army personnel. Wages of each officer of the Defense Ministry will exceed the living wage. The Prime Minister hopes the Georgian army will become more battle-worthy after the optimization of its strength. "By 2005, we'll have army units trained, equipped and organized quite well," Mr Zhvania added.
Author: Natiya Djindcharadze, CK correspondent Source: Caucasian Knot
