2020-07-18
Very soon, a modern expressway will facilitate travel from Tbilisi to Batumi, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia stated at the opening of a new 14-kilometer section of the Japana-Lanchkhuti expressway.
According to the Head of Government, this project is of vital importance for the implementation of the country's transit function.
"A new 14-kilometer section of the Japana-Lanchkhuti expressway is about to open, a major section along the East-West Highway. This road used to pose a threat both to locals and to drivers. Above all, we must finalize the Guria section as soon as possible. Besides the section opening today, another will be commissioned next year, before the season starts, and after Kutaisi Bypass is completed, we will have a new expressway operating all the way to Lanchkhuti. This project is of vital importance for the implementation of the country's transit function. 70 kilometers of this expressway will open before the end of this year. And work on Rikoti is a major part of this project. It will take a bit longer, though a modern expressway will soon facilitate travel from Tbilisi to Batumi," Giorgi Gakharia stated.
The Prime Minister, in commenting on the Shakarashvili case, pointed out that the law enforcement system is fully responsible for investigating this case within the tightest deadlines and for answering all possible questions firstly from the victim's family and, of course, the public.
According to the Head of Government, this issue, which can be discussed at length, is an enormous tragedy.
"It is the responsibility of the law enforcements and, trust me, this responsibility is fully embraced by them. We should not leave any room for politicizing this issue. The law enforcement system and investigation must endure against it. Unfortunately, because we are in the process of election campaigning, this issue is being politicized. I have commented on the moral side of it, and I reiterate that it is not only the family's tragedy, but the country's tragedy. We-and citizens above all else-must express our care for the family by duly considering their moral condition.
It is unbelievably bad if the media get ahead of themselves. It is bad, indeed, because they are spreading versions which they are not allowed to spread. Those are just versions. And that is what I mean when I say that we must give due consideration to the family's moral condition and that of our society," the Prime Minister underlined.
According to Giorgi Gakharia, he as Prime Minister cannot interfere with the in-depth details of this case, though the issue is under control, nonetheless.
"Our key goal is to investigate the case and identify perpetrators. But trust me-and I take a personal interest in it-if something is not done right in the process, it will be investigated separately, and everyone failing to fulfill their duty will be punished. And that is for investigators to decide, so must wait for the investigation to complete," the Head of Government said.
Giorgi Gakharia also discussed the Gakheladze case and emphasized that all tools at the state's disposal, mainly support from our international partners, have been set in motion.
"Fairly recently, we had an unfortunate case, and we all saw that issues like that sometimes require caution not to jeopardize the process. We all understand well that it is our citizen, and his life, health, and return home is our biggest responsibility. Therefore, all tools at the state's disposal, mainly support from our international partners, have been set in motion," the Head of Government underlined.
The Prime Minister also answered journalist's questions about the opposition's statements about possibly opening a case against Okruashvili.
"I do not have any information about possible investigations, but I will inquire into it. We are in the middle of campaigning-of course, some will speak of political pressure, others of pressure against the media. But what we have is an environment granting everyone the freedom of expression. We are speaking to everyone openly and about any issues. Holding elections in a proper manner is not the goal of just one party or a particular part of society. This goal must be pursued by all of us because these elections will be used to assess the whole country, not one political force or another. We all understand that, with nearly proportional representation and parliamentary democracy, the country can take further steps toward democracy, and that is something we must do together. The country's progress and success must result from our joint efforts, and let's not sacrifice the country on the altar of elections and seats in parliament," Giorgi Gakharia said.
The Head of Government, in commenting on Lugar laboratory, emphasized its importance to the country healthcare system.
"Especially today, as we are fighting against the pandemic, the function fulfilled by Lugar laboratory is crucially important for the victory and success we all, together with our citizens, enjoy in virus-related risk management. As far as I know, our international partners and we have no issues with opening the door of Lugar laboratory for everyone to see what is happening there," the Head of Government said.
The Prime Minister also answered journalists' question about Georgian Dream's electoral list.
"I understand that there is some interest and intrigue, but let's wait a little longer. I reiterate tat it does not matter to me personally where on the list I will be. And I have not considered going majoritarian," Giorgi Gakharia said.
Press Service of the Government Administration