Government Consults on New PM

The Georgian media has reported that the Georgian authorities launched consultations over potential candidates for the Prime Minister?s position on February 7.

Vano Merabishvili, the Georgian Interior Minister, held talks with Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze. However, both denied that the issue of a new Prime Minister was discussed.

Speculations have recently circulated in the Georgian media regarding the new Prime Minister. The following persons are regarded as the most possible nominees for this position: State Minister Kakha Bendukidze, Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze, Chairman of the Supreme Court Kote Kemularia, Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili. Some reports indicate that Finance Minister Zurab Nogaideli, who was a long-time ally of late Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania might also be nominated for this position.

According to the law, President Saakashvili has to nominate a new Prime Minister by February 10.