Georgia Will Not Cancel Contract with Russia's ITERA Group, Gas Supplies Operator
Georgia will not cancel her contract with the ITERA group, the operator supplying Russian natural gas to the republic. The possibility of such cancellation was discussed by Georgian parliament on Monday in connection with the alleged bombings of Georgian territory by Russia's aircraft. Some Georgian politicians say this is how Russia is trying to intimidate Georgia. Besides, they are weary of possible economic pressure on the part of Russia, including through the ITERA group.
Whatever. There was no cancellation vote during the yesterday's session of the parliament. As President Shevarnadze said during a briefing on Monday, 'ITERA's interests coincide with the national interests of Georgia.
At this time, Georgian State Chancellery continues to work on a contract with ITERA-Rus to empower the company to handle the distribution of natural gas in Georgia. Last week, Georgian authorities handed the gas distribution system of the city of Tbilisi and the Azot (Nitrogen) chemical plant to ITERA-Rus in payment of the debt Georgia owes to the group.
The ITERA-Rus is owned by the ITERA international group of companies and is the licensed operator of natural gas supplies to Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Armenia, and Georgia.
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