Georgia to probe authenticity of letter to France on ex-Defense Minister Kezerashvili attributed to Saakashvili - PM
TBILISI. Jan 16 (Interfax) - A number of Georgian media on Thursday published what they presented as former President Mikheil Saakashvili's secret letter to the French authorities, in which he reportedly asks them to free former Defense Minister David Kezerashvili from detention and not consider his extradition to Tbilisi.
The letter says that Kezerashvili is "the main financier" of the former ruling party United National Movement, and his extradition to Georgia "may lead to the party's breakup."
Prime Minister Irakly Garibashvili said at a press conference on Thursday when asked to comment on the letter that, if it is authentic, this confirms that Kezerashvili did finance Saakashvili's party.
"I think this scandal is similar to the information that appeared yesterday on Kezerashvili's offshore companies having a turnover of $1.5 billion," he said.
"We will find everything out and will provide the public with accurate information," he said.
Kezerashvili was detained under an Interpol warrant at Georgia's request in France in October 2013. Georgia has accused Kezerashvili of illegal financial activities.
Georgian media also reported earlier that Kezerashvili was suspected of involvement in illegal international arms trafficking.
Garibashvili confirmed this information at the Thursday press conference.