Opposition MP: Saakashvili was Forced to Nominate Nogaideli

MP David Gamkrelidze, leader of the New Rights-Industrialists parliamentary faction, told Rustavi 2 television on February 9 that President Saakashvili ?was forced? to nominate Zurab Nogaideli as the Prime Minister by the parliamentarians and government members who were regarded close allies to late Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania.
 
?As far as I know, the President and Burjanadze [Parliamentary Chairperson] agreed to nominate Valeri Chechelashvili [the Georgian Ambassador to Russia] as the Prime Minister; however, as a result of blackmailing from the former United Democrats party [Zhvania?s party, which is now officially merged with Saakashvili?s National Movement], the President was forced to agree on Nogaideli?s nomination,? Gamkrelidze said. 
 
Nino Burjanadze told reporters on February 9 that she did not expect the nomination of Finance Minister Zurab Nogaideli as the Prime Minister. 

?I was against Zurab Nogaideli?s candidacy,? Burjanadze said. She added that another nominee was discussed during her talks with President Saakashvili, but she refused to name that person.
 
Davit Gamkrelidze said his faction will vote against Nogaideli when his cabinet will be presented for the Parliament’s approval.