Nogaideli Nominated as PM

President Saakashvili nominated Finance Minister Zurab Nogaideli as the new Prime Minister of Georgia, the President?s spokesperson Alana Gagloeva announced late on February 8.

She said that Zurab Nogaideli was instructed by President Saakashvili to form a new cabinet within two days.

Zurab Nogaideli, 40, was a long-time friend and one of the closest allies of late Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania. Nogaideli started his political carrier together with Zurab Zhvania in the Green Party of Georgia in the early 90s. He was a member of the Georgian Parliament from 1992-1999. Nogaideli also formely served as Georgia?s Finance Minister in ex-President Shevardnadze?s government from 2000-2002. He was appointed Finance Minister for the second time in November, 2003, shortly after the Rose Revolution.

It is not yet known who will take over the Finance Minister?s position.