New Georgian Prime Minister vows to fix ties with Russia
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The billionaire political novice Bidzina Ivanishvili became Prime Minister yesterday, with a vow to pursue Nato and European Union membership while at the same time repairing frayed ties with Russia.
Mr Ivanishvili and his cabinet won approval from parliament, now dominated by his opposition Georgian Dream coalition after voters relegated President Mikheil Saakashvili's ruling party to the minority in an election on 1 October.
Before the 88-54 confirmation vote, Mr Ivanishvili assured the country he would not abandon Mr Saakashvili's drive to integrate with the West but would also try to rebuild relations with Russia four years after a brief war in 2008.
"Our team's priority is the aspiration to join the European Union, Euro-Atlantic orientation and integration into Nato," Mr Ivanishvili told MPs. "We will start a dialogue with Russia using international mechanisms that will help overcome the current crisis," said Mr Ivanishvili, 56.
Mr Saakashvili, the hero of the 2003 Rose Revolution that swept out Georgia's post-Soviet old guard, must step down next year, and reforms due to take effect after a presidential vote in 2013 will weaken the President.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments