Baku-Tbilisi-Ceihan pipeline construction to start on January 14

The implementation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceihan pipeline project will effectively start on January 14, 2003. As Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze said in a traditional radio interview today, on January 14 a UK vessel loaded with pipes and equipment required for the construction of the pipeline will arrive in Port Poti. Before the end of this week additional cargo is expected to arrive in the Port Batumi, the Georgian President said. The preparation for the construction of the export oil pipeline that will stretch for 235 km across Georgia was also started in the regions of the republic. The Georgian International Corporation is currently creating 1,000 jobs.