Givi Targamadze Offered Russian Soldiers 50 000 USD to Explode Stalin’s Statue

In August of 2008 the head of the parliamentary commission of defense and security Givi Targamadze offered Russian soldiers 50 000 USD for the explosion of the Stalin’s statue in Gori. The Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia said this in his interview with the Russian newspaper Kommersant. The interview was published on the website of the newspaper on April 7.

Merabishvili mentioned the “failed deal” between Targamadze and Russian soldiers to demonstrate mental difference between Russian and Georgian peoples.

“We have different values. In August of 2008, Givi Targamadze offered Russian soldiers 50 000 USD to explode Stalin’s statue. The contacts were unofficial and we could bribe Russian soldiers. We decided to get rid of the statue and pay money for it. They had already bombed Gori but did not do anything wrong with the Stalin’s statue,” said Merabishvili.

According to the Minister, Givi Targamadze’s offer insulted the Russian soldiers.

“They were ready to get money but not for the explosion of Stalin’s statue,” said Merabishvili.

Interpressnews