Georgian Prime Minister Garibashvili resigns, gives no reasonsDecember 24, 2015 - 09:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced his resignation Wednesday, December 23, without explaining his reasons the Associated Press reports. Garibashvili is an ally of billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, whose Georgian Dream party routed supporters of former President Mikhail Saakashvili in a 2012 election. He has served as Prime Minister of the former Soviet nation since November 2013. Garibashvili didn't immediately specify the reason behind his resignation as he made the announcement Wednesday. Georgian media had speculated that Garibashvili would step down to focus all his energy on the campaign for Georgian Dream in parliamentary elections next November. The party's popularity has steadily fallen as voters have been disappointed by its failure to improve living standards. In contrast, support for Saakashvili's National Movement has risen and some recent polls indicated that it has caught up with the Georgian Dream or even overtaken it in popularity. Some other reports have alleged that Garibashvili could be aiming to become mayor of the capital Tbilisi. Under Georgian law, President Giorgi Margvelashvili now has seven days to name a candidate for the prime minister's post, who then must be approved by parliament. The Georgian Dream has a majority in parliament, so the approval of a new prime minister is expected to be smooth. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |