Burjanadze Against Nogaideli’s PM Nomination

Georgian Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze told reporters on February 9 that she did not expect the nomination of Finance Minister Zurab Nogaideli as the Prime Minister.  She said another nominee was discussed during her talks with President Saakashvili. 

?We discussed another nominee for the position of the new Prime Minister. Therefore, Nogaideli?s nomination was unexpected for me,? Nino Burjanadze told reporters on February 9.

The Parliamentary Chairperson also said that she does not approve of Nogaideli?s candidacy because of her opposition to several of his traits, such as stubornness and unsociability.

?These features will be a hampering factor for him at the position of Prime Minister. It is very important that the Prime Minister maintain a flexible position and is able to make compromises,? Burjanadze added.

However, the Parliamentary Chairperson refrained from naming the ?other nominee? who was discussed for the postion of Prime Minister during her talks with the President.