**Former Georgian Minister Speaks Out on Chorchana Checkpoint Incident**
In a recent interview, former Georgian Minister of Internal Affairs Vakhtang Gomelauri spoke out about the contentious checkpoint built in the village of Chorchana. The checkpoint was set up by current Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, but it ultimately led to the escalation of tensions between the government and local residents.
According to Gomelauri, the decision to build a checkpoint is typically made through a process that involves input from various security agencies, including the Security Service. However, in this instance, Gakharia’s office took matters into its own hands without consulting with the necessary authorities. This move, says Gomelauri, was “unacceptable” and could have led to a major disaster.
**A Recipe for Disaster**
Gomelauri explained that when he learned about plans to build a new checkpoint in Chorchana, he immediately intervened, warning the relevant parties that it couldn’t be done. He feared that the situation would escalate into something more serious, like war. “We remember from history,” he said, referring to past conflicts such as the Samachablo and Abkhaz wars, “that these kinds of incidents can lead to a lot of trouble.”
**Gomelauri Defends His Actions**
When asked about his own role in the events leading up to the checkpoint’s construction, Gomelauri maintained that he had done everything within his authority as head of the State Security Service. While acknowledging that he couldn’t go into too much detail, he asserted that if he was found guilty, he would take responsibility for his actions.
**The Buck Stops with Gakharia**
Gomelauri’s comments leave it clear that he believes Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia should have taken the lead in coordinating efforts to address any perceived threats. “Be it Giorgi Gakharia, Vakhtang Gomelauri or whoever,” he said, “he should have agreed [on the checkpoint] with the Security Service, then joint information, processed information, should have gone to the Prime Minister, then the EU Monitoring Mission should have been informed.”
