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Weapon Purchase Issue in “Georgian dossier”, WikiLeaks Cables

February 22, 2011

A secret letter by the former US Ambassador to Georgia John Teft concerning the weapon trade was published in WikiLeaks partner edition “Russian Reporter” . Despite the fact that acquiring weapon isn’t a must for Georgia nowadays, there is still the demand for it. On the basis of the information released by the Deputy Defense Minister Otar Berdzenishvili, Teft writes that Georgia has signed a contract with Ukrainian “Bell trading” that has been registered on Seishel’s Islands.

“Bell Trading” takes the whole contract value, despite the fact whether a purchase decision is made or not. According to Berdzenishvili, adjustment may be due to non-conditional products, but not the rejection of the contract altogether. “Bell Trading” and Georgia’s Defense Ministry have been cooperating since 2006 and the Minister has signed a number of contracts with the above-mentioned company. Berdzenishvili isn’t content with its operation and seeks for the possibility to cease the contract without losing the sum that has already been paid by the Georgian side”, Teft’s letter says.

“berdzenishvili is upset that a number of contracts have been signed with the company. The Documents are not transparent. Accountability mechanisms are insufficient and the Company is receiving the huge commission in return for fulfilling the contract terms. Berdzenishvili doubts that the company is hesitating to fulfill the contract terms, thus, he isn’t going to resume cooperation with them. However, he wants the ongoing contracts to be completed in order not to lose the paid sums”, Teft says.

The US Ambassador adds that he has heard nothing about other companies providing weapons to Georgia.

The secret correspondence of John Teft should have to be publicized on August 18, 2019.

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