“Anri Okhanashvili is a professional, dignified and loyal person and these are values, which are essential for the position as Head of the State Security Service (SSG),” said Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in the SSG when presenting the new head to the staff.

The PM wished success to the SSG’s new deputy heads – Irakli Beraia, Gela Geladze and Levan Kharanauli.

“I want to officially present the new head of the SSG, Anri Okhanashvili. He has faithfully served our state for years, and the country’s interests, especially when working in the parliament, as Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee. Later, he was appointed as Justice Minister, where in the short term, he implemented significant changes.

I am absolutely confident that Anri Okhanashvili will be a worthy head of this service. He has all the characteristics to lead the state service. He is a professional, dignified and loyal person, which is essential to hold the position as head of the State Security Service,” said the PM.

The Georgian Parliament approved the candidacy of Anri Okhanashvili as the Head of the State Security Service (SSG), with 79 votes in favour on April 3.

He will serve a six-year term, succeeding Grigol Liluashvili. Okhanashvili previously held the position of Justice Minister.