Saakashvili Grants Citizenship to the New Economy Minister

President Saakashvili signed a decree granting Georgian citizenship to the new Economy Minister Kakha Bendukidze.

Russian businessmen Kakha Bendukidze, a native Georgian, arrived in Tbilisi on June 2 to take over the position in the Georgian cabinet.

?Drastic reforms are needed [in the Georgian economy]. I hope in 10 years we can say that that Georgia has the most dynamic economy. But it will not happen tomorrow,? Kakha Bendukidze said at a news briefing on June 2.

He also said that foreign investments are vital to resolve conflicts in breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

?There are investments that might have more political rather than economic impact. So investments might foster the country?s reunification,? the new minister added.