Georgia's new economy minister Okruashvili resigns

"Yes he has filed his resignation; I do not know the motives behind the decision," Irma Kakhniashvili, a spokesperson of the Economy Ministry, told Civil Georgia.

"I have just learned about his resignation, but I really do not know what the reason behind his resignation is; I also do not know whether he will be appointed to a new position," MP Nino Kalandadze of the ruling National Movement party told Imedi television.

She added that she is "surprised" by Okruashvili's decision.

Top-level officials have yet to comment on this report.

Okruashvili's reported resignation comes a week after he was appointment as the Economy Minister following his removal from the position of Defense Minister on November 10.

While commenting on the motives behind the cabinet reshuffle President Saakashvili said on November 10 that he appointed Okruashvili as the Economy Minister because Russia’s aggression towards Georgia was mainly targeting the economy.

Opposition politicians and many analysts alleged that Okruashvili's controversial statements about breakaway South Ossetia's reunification deadlines were the major reason behind his removal from the Defense Minister's position.

Okruashvili showed signs of regret about his new assignment from the very first day of cabinet reshuffle.

"I want to urge [the Economy Ministry] staff to help me concentrate all of my energies on this new job, because my heart and soul remain with the army. It is not easy to work with me, but it is interesting," Okruashvili said on November 11, when he held his first meeting with the Economy Ministry staff. Civil Georgia