TBILISI, Oct 27: Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili dismissed Prime Minister Lado Gurgenidze on Monday in a government shake-up following his country’s war with Russia in August.

The announcement came as key former ally Nino Burjanadze announced plans to form a political party to challenge Saakashvili, who has faced attacks from the opposition for his handling of the conflict.

Gurgenidze, who became prime minister last November, will be replaced with Georgia’s ambassador to Turkey, Grigol Mgaloblishvili, Saakashvili said in televised remarks.

“When I appointed Lado Gurgenidze as prime minister we agreed that he would work for one year and he has done excellent work during this year, he faced extraordinary challenges during his time in office,” Saakashvili said.

—AFP