Tbilisi Assigns Russia "Leading Role" in Abkhazia's Post-Conflict Development

Tbilisi believes that Russia can play "a leading role" in the post-conflict development of Abkhazia. The ambassador of Georgia in Moscow, Zurab Abashidze, said as much when answering reporters' questions.

According to him, in this situation Russia can play "the guarantor's role." In the opinion of the Georgian ambassador, a new stage in the post-conflict settlement can start with the help of Russia.

Zurab Abashidze said that the energy sector would be a key element in this settlement. He reminded the reporters that at their recent meeting in Sochi the Presidents of Russia and Georgia reached agreement on the renewal of the work at the Inguri Hydroelectric Station which is situated at the administrative border between Georgia and Abkhazia.

Apart from that, said Zurab Abashidze, the restoration of other energy systems in the territory of the republic is being discussed, in particular - the Kudoni Hydro Power Plant. He added that, if necessary, Russia would also be able to use the electric energy produced by this station.