Georgian parliamentarians approve Russia-Armenia pipeline’s sale

Georgian authorities intend to permit the sale of a main gas pipeline which supplies fuel from Russia to Armenia via Georgia. Georgian parliamentarians mostly voted for the law, which envisages that the pipeline isn’t a strategic facility of the country, Russian media reported citing Civil Georgia.  

Reportedly, the law has been initiated earlier by head of the Parliamentary Legislative Committee, a ruling party’s member Pavel Koublashvili. He pointed at the common arguments and said that “the private sector manages better that the state-run bodies and neither facility can be an exception in this matter.” However, he didn’t give any concrete and detailed information when was asked who can buy the pipeline. He said that the issue will be debated in the future.

On July 3, Georgia’s Prime Minister Nika Gilauri made a stand against loss of state control over the magistral pipeline which passes via Georgia and links Russia and Armenia. He said that issue of privatization can be debated in 4-5 years, and privatization shouldn’t exceed 10%.

Despite Gilauri’s arguments, the bill was sent to Parliament and was approved in the first hearing. It’s worth mentioning that the ruling presidential party of United National Movement has most seats at parliament.

Georgian opposition has criticized position of the parliamentary majority. They said that country’s authorities actually agreed to give the pipeline to Russia (which is perceived by oppositionists as the most likely buyer). Opposition points at danger of a step of such kind and says that this will pose a danger to energy projects of Georgia itself. This will also let Russia use the pipeline as an instrument of political pressure, according to opposition.

Reportedly, Russia holds 75% of share certificates of the Tbilisi Energy Network. Georgian opposition voices concerns that Russia will buy this pipeline. Georgia receives 10% of gas which passes via its territory and doesn’t receive gas through the mentioned pipeline.