Minister of Internal Affairs Vakhtang Gomelauri attended special event dedicated to the 10 year anniversary of the Special Tasks Department of Special and Emergency Measures Center. Minister opened Samtskhe-Javakheti Regional Division of Special Tasks Department in Aspindza settlement. Rehabilitation of the building was implemented by the municipal development fund of the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure.
The solemn ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili, Deputy Ministers of Internal Affairs, high officials of Special Tasks Department and the Ministry, members of the Georgian Parliament, diplomatic corps of the European Union, representatives of the US Embassy and other officials. Invited guests were addressed with speeches by the Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs, who also congratulated the staff of Special Tasks Department of Special and Emergency Measures Center with 10 year anniversary and wished them success. Vakhtang Gomelauri pointed out the last two years, which have been exceptionally fruitful and efficient. In 2013, under the initiative and support of the Prime Minister, the foundation was laid to the formation of the mentioned structural unit in Samtskhe-Javakheti region, which will ensure public security in the region and improve maintaining of the order and contribute to the fight against criminal.
It was noted that in 2013-2014 special service was formed in accord with the contemporary international standards as a result of reforms held in Special Tasks Department. In the mentioned Department a number of structural and staff changes were held; social conditions of the staff have been improved; salaries substantially increased; issues connected with nutrition and uniform provision for the fighters and mandatory servicemen were solved; medical service of the department was developed and equipped with contemporary technic.
It was outlined that infrastructure of Special Tasks Department was substantially developed within the last two years as well as material-technical assets, which is crucial for the efficient operation of the Department in any type of weather conditions and complex geographical area. Buildings of the Department were refurbished as well as barracks, training site with artificial barriers and shooting range; conditions of watch towers, located across the line of occupation of Tskhinvali and Abkhazia were also improved; special modular living containers were installed; roads leading to the watch towers have been rehabilitated; hydrological wells have been arranged as well as gas and heating systems; auto park of the Department has been renovated and increased; Special-purpose vehicles were equipped with relevant communication and operational tools, by means of which work conditions and safety control mechanisms were substantially increased; trainings and retraining courses for the staff of Special Tasks Department were implemented.
Importance of international partner support was also particularly defined. It was noted, that in the last two years, with the support of US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), EU, NATO, UN as well as other donor countries and organizations, a number of successful projects have been carried out, which were aimed at efficient operation of the unit.
Minister of Internal Affairs Vakhtang Gomelauri paid tribute to the memory of the fallen heroes, who sacrificed their lives, while defending their country and public safety. He also thanked those police officers who devotedly fulfil their duties by working at the watch points located near the occupied regions of Georgia.
