Georgian tycoon Ivanishvili confirmed as country’s PM October 25, 2012 - 21:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Georgian tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili has been confirmed as his country's new prime minister, three weeks after his bloc's shock election victory, BBC News reported. Parliament, meeting in the city of Kutaisi, ratified his appointment by 88 votes in favour to 54 against. He told MPs the new government would "develop democratic institutions and establish the rule of law". His victory was a blow to Georgia's pro-Western President, Mikheil Saakashvili, in power since 2004. The new prime minister, who made his fortune in Russia, is seen as someone who might mend ties with Moscow. On 1 October, the Georgian Dream coalition won 85 seats to 65 for Mr Saakashvili's United National Movement. Addressing parliament on Thursday October 25, Mr Ivanishvili said his bloc's win had been a vote by the Georgian people for "fundamental changes". He insisted Georgia's foreign policy would continue to be oriented towards integration with Nato and the EU. Mr Ivanishvili will have to work together with Mr Saakashvili for the first year of the new government, after which the president is due to step down to allow a successor to be elected. Partner news  Top stories Amy Elliott, chief administrative officer of the Oklahoma medical examiner's office, said 51 were confirmed dead. An Islamist insurgency, once confined largely to the republic of Chechnya, has spread across the North Caucasus in recent years. Earlier, at least five Azerbaijan soldiers were killed and six seriously injured when their vehicle rammed into a tree and overturned. Among its provisions are bans on child marriage and the traditional practice of selling and buying women to settle disputes.   Partner news |  Latest news Apple's iPad 5 to launch in September, report says  The next generation iPad will keep its 2048 x 1536 Retina display by using a thinner 0.2mm piece of glass.Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes’ “Great Expectations” release date set Great Expectations, based on the Dickens book, premiered at Toronto last year and was released in the UK in November.Kate Hudson joins Zach Braff in “Wish I Was Here” indie The film centers on a struggling actor, father and husband who at 35 is still trying to find his identity and a purpose for his life.Racing-addicted snails team up in "Turbo" animated comedy trailer (video) Samuel L. Jackson takes on the role of Whiplash; playing his crew members are Snoop Dogg and Richard Jenkins among others. |
