Georgian Dream nominates Kobakhidze for PM, Garibashvili appointed party chair

TBILISI. Feb 1 (Interfax) - The Political Council of the ruling party Georgian Dream has nominated party chair Irakli Kobakhidze for Georgian prime minister, Georgian Dream founder, honorary chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili said.

As he spoke at the party congress, Kobakhidze thanked the delegates and said, "the prime minister's position is a special responsibility."

Kobakhidze told reporters later in the day that the government would not be reshuffled except for Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze.

"The defense minister has chosen to tender his resignation," Kobakhidze said.

The candidate for prime minister pledged to continue the previous government's policy and to finalize every current major project.

"The new government and we will continue to implement the approved European integration plan. We are continuing communication with European partners. We will be working on the fulfillment of the nine recommendations given to us by the European Commission for starting EU accession talks," Kobakhidze said.

He also said he would announce the new government's program after a vote of confidence by the parliament.

The party congress also decided on Thursday that Irakli Garibashvili, who resigned as the Georgian prime minister on Tuesday, would be appointed party chairman.

The Georgian Dream congress unanimously approved Garibashvili as the party chair.