PM Comments on Okruashvili’s New Task, Denies Speculations

Parliamentarians from the ruling National Movement party, as well as Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli disregarded as “unserious” opposition speculation that President Saakashvili’s decision to task Defense Minister Okruashvili with the promotion of Georgian wines in new markets might trigger cabinet reshuffle.

The opposition parliamentarians alleged that with this decision Saakashvili is laying the groundwork for promoting Okruashvili to the post of prime minister.

“I guess you understand senseless nature of this question,” MP Noghaideli told reporters on April 12, when asked about Okruashvili’s possible appointment as Prime Minister.

He also said that Okruashvili’s new assignment does not mean that Okruashvili “will become a PR agent.”

“He was tasked by the President to find new markets for Georgian wines not as the defense minister, but as a government member and I am sure Okruashvili will successfully accomplish this task. We were considering this issue before the president left for China and I fully welcome this decision,” PM Nogaideli said.

Influential parliamentarian from the ruling National Movement Party Giga Bokeria also said that the opposition’s speculations are groundless.

“I consider comments made [by the opposition] to be very unserious. Georgia has a prime minister and there is no reason, or precondition to replace him… I do not see any reason why the president’s decision triggered speculations,” Bokeria told reporters on April 12.

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