Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has presented his nominee for prime minister to parliament, one week after the death of the previous minister.
Mr. Saakashvili praised the work of the nominee, Finance Minister Zurab Nogaideli, and said he deserves the promotion. Lawmakers are to vote on the nomination Friday.
Parliament speaker Nino Burdzhanadze had said the choice was quite unexpected, and other candidates had been under consideration.
Mr. Nogaideli would succeed Zurab Zhvania, who was found dead last week in a Tbilisi apartment from what officials say was accidental gas poisoning.
In his address to parliament Thursday, President Saakashvili also hailed the achievements Georgia has made in battling corruption and boosting the economy since his election just over one year ago.
He also said he is ready to travel again to Russia to strengthen relations with Moscow.
Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.