TBILISI MAYOR SACKS DISTRICT HEAD FOR PRECIOUS GIFT

ArmenPress
27 Oct. 2004

TBILISI, OCTOBER 27, ARMENPRESS: Zurab Tchiaberashvili, the mayor
of Georgia’s capital Tbilisi convened a press conference today to
announce that he was dismissing head of a Tbilisi district for giving
him an expensive watch as a gift. The press conference was broadcast
live by leading Georgian televisions.

“I am asking you how can head of a district with a monthly salary of
150 Lari (USD 82), present me with a watch costing USD 1,500?” Zurab
Tchiaberashvili said, demonstrating the watch.

“Adamia will file resignation immediately. And I warn all heads
of the districts that drastic changes will be carried out in the
administrations of the Tbilisi districts,” the mayor warned.

Later in the day the move by the mayor was welcomed by president
Saakashvili during a government session.

“Of course my watch is not as expansive as the one presented as
a gift, but anyway I want you to receive my watch as my gift for
your good job,” President Saakashvili said, taking off his watch and
handing over it to Zurab Tchiaberashvili, who was also attending the
cabinet session.