(Tbilisi, August 14, 2003, Civil Georgia) – The parliamentary committee for the economic sector will discuss today President Shevardnadze’s proposal to approve Deputy State Minster Mamuka Nikolaishvili as Energy Minister.
Davit Mirtskhulava resigned as Energy Minister on August 12. He is likely to be named within days to head the National Energy Regulatory Commission.
Mamuka Nikolaishvili was appointed as Deputy State Minister last April and was responsible for energy issues. He is known to be a close friend of Paata Shevardnadze, the son of President Shevardnadze.
The opp!
osition parties have already protested the President’s nomination, fearing that Nikolaishvili would increase the Shevardnadze family’s influence over the energy sector of the country.
Despite the opposition’s stance, pro-Presidential factions are sure they will secure the 79 votes necessary for Nikolaishvili’s approval.
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