The head of Georgia's armed forces has been replaced after four months in the job, with local media on Thursday blaming a personnel clash.

Colonel Vladimer Chachibaia, a 37-year-old career-soldier, was moved to the post of first deputy defence minister. He was replaced by his deputy Devi Chankotadze.

The Defence Ministry said it was a promotion, but Georgian media reported Chachibaia had resigned days earlier in protest at what he said was meddling by another senior defence ministry official in the work of the Chief of Staff.

Asked about the reports, a Defence Ministry spokeswoman said: "We don't comment on rumours."

Another change at the head of the armed forces is unlikely to improve confidence in the Georgian military, singled out for criticism after Georgia's defeat by Russia in a war last year.

Chachibaia was appointed in early November after President Mikheil Saakashvili sacked Chief of Staff Zaza Gogava, saying "shortcomings" should be eliminated.

In an interview with Reuters on Monday, Defence Minister David Sikharulidze said reforms in 2009 would include "proper organisation, proper management."


Reuters

Güncelleme Tarihi: 05 Mart 2009, 16:41