We respect the Parliament and its special commission that is investigating the causes and conduct of the war. That is why the president has ordered all his top government and military officials to make themselves available for testimony, and why the President himself will testify before this commission later this week.

It is important for this commission to develop a full and factual body of evidence on this crucial set of questions. That is why it was so disappointing to hear a series of inaccurate statements in Mr. Kitsmarishvili's testimony today.

Although Mr. Kitsmarishvili has served the government in the past, none of his service was in areas involving military or strategic affairs, and so his claims that he was part of such discussions are simply untrue.

His criticism of the government came long after he was relived all duties at diplomatic service. The fact that his testimony before the commission, as every other testimony, is shown live on public television underlines Georgia's commitment to build a robust and transparent democracy.

We are proud that everybody has the full freedom to express his or her views, inform and sometimes even misinform the public.

Communications Office
of the President of Georgia