The issue of the national security and rule of law are above all political party’s interests, – Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia said when responding to the lawmakers’ questions regarding the recent developments in the Pankisi Gorge.

According to the Minister, the outcome of the processes that took place in the Pankisi Gorge is bad.

“The permit for construction of a hydropower plant was issued about two or three years ago, and this permit was suspended a year and a half ago. Certain works were conducted there. These were the activities within the competence of various departments – the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Agriculture and many other agencies. Apparently, a certain mistake was made, something was missed, the work was not fully completed. Perhaps there was not enough coordination and we get the outcome, which cannot be described as a good, naturally, it was a bad result”, – Giorgi Gakharia said.

In addition, the Minister said that the main purpose of the actions of law enforcers in the Pankisi Gorge was to protect the public order. “They were obliged to avoid confrontation between the population. The police have worthily accomplished their function”, – Giorgi Gakharia said.