Georgia's New Economy Minister Resigns

Okruashvili was moved to his new post from his position as defense minister in a government reshuffle on November 10.

Okruashvili, considered a hawkish defense minister, had taken a tough line on Georgia's breakaway province of South Ossetia. He had also launched strong verbal attacks against Russia during the latest crisis in relations between the two countries.

Saakashvili last week praised Okruashvili as one of the best managers in his government and said he had changed Okruashvili's portfolio in an effort to improve the performance of the Economic Development Ministry.

(Rustavi-2, Reuters, Interfax, ITAR-TASS)