GEORGIA TO HAVE NEW FOREIGN MINISTER

ARMENPRESS
Jan 24, 2008

TBILISI, JANUARY 24, ARMENPRESS: News reports from Georgia say Davit
Bakradze, the current minister for conflict resolution is slated to
become the new foreign minister, replacing Gela Bezhuashvili.

The foreign ministry confirmed on January 24 that Bezhuashvili would
no longer lead the ministry.

Bezhuashvili is expected to become secretary of the National Security
Council, replacing Alexander Lomaia, who will be given a diplomatic
posting in the UK.

Bezhuashvili served as NSC secretary for about four months in 2005.

Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili – a key Saakashvili ally –
and Koba Subeliani, the minister for refugees and accommodation,
are expected to retain their positions.

Reports say some other government replacements are expected as well.