Georgia confirms Giorgi Kvirikashvili as country's Prime Minister

PanARMENIAN.Net - Georgia's parliament confirmed Wednesday, December 30, former Foreign Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili as the country's Prime Minister, six days after Irakli Garibashvili's surprise resignation from the post, AFP reports.

"The parliament has approved the new government by 86 votes to 28," parliament speaker David Usupashvili said.

The parliamentary vote also ratified Kvirikashvili's choice of cabinet.

The only change from the previous lineup is the appointment of 34-year-old Mikheil Janelidze to replace Kvirikashvili as foreign minister.

The decision will be put to President Giorgi Margvelashvili for formal ratification.

Speaking to lawmakers ahead of the vote, Kvirikashvili, 48, said his cabinet's "focus will be on economic development and ensuring people's wellbeing."

He pledged to push ahead with the ruling Georgian Dream coalition's policy of seeking closer ties with the West while also trying to improve relations with Russia shattered by a brief war in 2008.

"Our ultimate goal is full membership in the European Union and NATO," he said.

"At the same time, we will pursue a pragmatic and peaceful policy towards Russia."