President Mikheil Saakashvili said on July 15 that Georgia could form the armed forces in accordance to the western standards in a relatively short period of time, but he warned that major challenges for the army are ahead.

“We are not attacking anyone; we are not a threat to any country… But Georgia will no longer be an easy target,” Saakashvili said.

Saakashvili was speaking while addressing Georgian troops, which participated in the large-scale military exercises at the Orpolo firing range in southern Georgia.

“Major challenges are ahead, major threats are ahead and use of your strength may be needed in the future,” Saakashvili told the army.