PM Downplays Criticism on New State-Run Energy Company
Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli has declined to comment on allegations that he and Economy Minister Irakli Chogovadze, as well as Energy Minister Nika Gilauri violated the Constitution while becoming members of the board of the newly created Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation.
The new corporation was set up after merger of three state-owned energy companies: the Georgian International Gas Corporation (GIGC – which controls the country’s trunk gas pipeline), the Georgian International Oil Corporation (GIOC) and the state oil company SakNavtobi.
“I am not interested in commenting on such issues. It was said [that the Constitution was allegedly violated]; so what? it is not of my concern. I am chairman of Board of this united energy corporation and, I think, all of you are sure that I will head this Board as effectively as I do other things,” PM Zurab Noghaideli said.
The Georgian daily Rezonansi reported on April 10 that the Economy Minister’s decree on the creation of the new company and decision to appoint himself, the Prime Minister and Energy Minister as its board members contradicts the Georgian Constitution, which says that a cabinet member may hold no other position, except in a political party, and may not be involved in commercial activities.
The opposition Republican Party also condemned the decision as a violation of the Constitution and demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister and two other ministers.
