Georgian Parliament Endorses New Government
July 24, 2006
Prime Minister Nogaideli (file photo) (ITAR-TASS)
All but two of the 18 ministers retain their positions.
Giorgi Khaindrava, the outgoing state minister for conflict resolutions, is being replaced by Merab Antadze, a former deputy foreign minister.
Environment Minister Giorgi Papuashvili is being replaced by a lawmaker, David Tkeshelashvili, from the ruling party.
Addressing parliament, Noghaideli said no changes are planned in his government's policies.
President Mikheil Saakashvili asked the prime minister July 21 to form a new government after more than one-third of its members had changed, to conform to the country's constitution.
Opposition parties that have been boycotting parliament since the end of March did not take part in today's vote.
(Novosti-Gruziya, civil.ge)