Davit Kezerashvili
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| Image:00910s.jpg |
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| Minister for Defence | |
|---|---|
| Incumbent | |
| 2006 – 2006 | |
| Preceded by | Irakli Okruashvili |
| Succeeded by | incumbent |
| Born | 1977 (approx) Tbilisi, Georgia |
| Political party | National Movement - Democrats |
Davit Kezerashvili (Georgian: დავით კეზერაშვილი) is the Georgian Minister of Defence.
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[edit] Biography
Kezerashvili was born in Tbilisi in 1977 or 1978. He was educated in Russia and Israel, before studying Law and International Relations at Tbilisi State University.[1]
After a period working in the Justice Ministry, he became an assistant to Mikheil Saakashvili, whose patronage helped him become chief of the Tbilisi City Council.
Kezerashvili then worked in the Finance Ministry from 2004 until November 2006, including a role as chair of the financial police force. On 11 November 2006 he was appointed as Georgian Defence Minister, replacing Irakli Okruashvili.
[edit] Political positions and views
Kezerashvili is a founding member of the liberal United National Movement, and contested an election in 2002 under their banner.[2]
He is also a close personal ally of the party's leader, Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili.[3]
Kezerashvili's appointment was criticized by Shalva Natelashvili of the Georgian Labour Party, who argued that he has never served in the army... doesn't even have the title of sergeant and has no clue about the armed forces.[4]
As chief of the financial police, Kezerashvili also received criticism for heavy-handed tactics in raiding businesses.[5]
[edit] Notes
- ^ Itar-TASS (13 Nov 2006), Territorial unity remains key goal of Georgia-new defense minister
- ^ UNA Georgia information service (accessed 15 November 2005) Saakashvili-National movement bloc
- ^ Civil Georgia, Anjaparidze, Zaal (November 2006) Irakli Okruashvili proves that one's as good as none in politics
- ^ Black Sea Press (15 November 2006), Georgian Messenger
- ^ Civil Georgia (17 June 2005)Financial Police Grilled by MPs over High-Handed Tactics
