Georgian parliament approves appointment of Kobakhidze as country's PM

TBILISI. Feb 8 (Interfax) - Irakli Kobakhidze has become Georgian prime minister.

The Georgian parliament declared a vote of confidence in him and the new government.

Eighty-four members of the parliamentary majority voted to declare a vote of confidence in Kobakhidze as Georgian prime minister in parliament on Thursday. A minimum of 76 votes were needed for a vote of confidence to be declared. Ten MPs voted against it. The opposition did not vote.

Only the Georgian defense minister has changed in the new government. Former Parliament Deputy Speaker Irakli Chikovani has become defense minister.

"I am thankful for the confidence shown, and I will justify it," Kobakhidze said after the vote.