U.S. Interests Matter for Georgia in Gas Pipeline Privatization
Georgian Economy Minister Irakli Chogovadze said on January 9 that Georgia will take into consideration the U.S. interests in respect of possible privatization of the country?s gas pipeline system.
?We follow the principle: never say ?never.? But no decision has been taken yet. This issue is related to the interests of our strategic ally and Georgia should take into account the interests of its strategic partner – the United States,? Irakli Chogovadze said at a news conference.
?We should thoroughly think over advantages and disadvantages before privatizing the gas pipeline system … This is not a political issue, this is a political-economic issue,? he added.
Answering to the journalist?s question, whether Russian energy giant really plans to pay USD 200 million for the gas pipelines, Chogovadze replied: ?You?d better ask Gazprom about it. I do not know anything about it.?
Georgia and the United States signed a USD 295.3 million, five-year aid deal in frames of the Millennium Challenge Account in September. USD 49.5 million is envisaged for rehabilitating the gas pipeline system in frames of this aid. But by signing this agreement, Georgia has undertaken the binding commitment not to sell its gas pipelines until the expiration of the agreement?s term ? 2010.
The U.S. has called on the Georgian authorities to exercise cautions while taking decision on selling gas pipelines.
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