President Saakashvili praised Lasha Zhvania, who was sacked by PM Gilauri on August 21 from the post of Economy Minister, as “talented person” whose experience should be further used in a field “where it is most needed” for the country.,

Saakashvili said that decision to dismiss Zhvania, whom he described as “my friend”, was up to the Prime Minister.

“PM Gilauri has full autonomy” while taking decisions on the government’s economic team, Saakashvili told journalist.

He said that “differences” over economic issues in the government was “natural” and also added that it would have been better if those differences would not led to dismissal of one government member. “But in that case the Prime Minister has full autonomy to decide,” he added.

Saakashvili also praised the current government as “stable” which had “withstood the global economic storm.”

“But it is not yet over and we need now as never before a team-working,” he said.

He also said that the government enjoys with his support, as well as with support of “large part of society.”

“Of course it is impossible be always satisfied with the work of the government; of course there are shortcomings and the Prime Minister spoke openly about it today,” Saakashvili said.