Georgian Economic Development Minister Irakliy Okruashvili, the most vocal critic of Russia in the country, has lost two jobs in the government in two weeks.
Photo: Valery Melnikov
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A U.S. Official Calls Russia's Policies Predatory
Georgian Economic Development Minister Irakliy Okruashvili, the most vocal anti-Russian hawk in the government, stepped down Friday following a week in office after President Mikhail Saakashvili dismissed him as the defense minister. Meanwhile, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza came to Georgia to discuss the country’s energy security and unexpectedly approved of its cooperation with Iran.
Matthew Bryza said before the trip that Gazprom carries out “predatory policy towards Georgia” gouging natural gas prices “to gain full control over the gas network of the country.”
Washington sent its man to Georgia to help ensure energy security in the country. The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State met Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli on Friday and praised the Georgian leadership for efforts and achievements in securing power energy for the nation. Meanwhile, Georgia will have to pay Russian $230 per 1,000 cu. meters next year after Gazprom doubled prices. The price hike will deal a hard blow on the economy of Georgia. On top of it, Russia’s economic sanctions will cut the expected GDP growth from 8 percent to 1.5-3 percent, President Mikhail Saakashvili said in a recent interview that
Quite surprisingly, the United States approved of Georgia’s cooperation with Iran. Matthew Bryza said he would rather see Georgia buying gas from Iran than “freezing in winter”. He told the press that the United States are now searching for gas suppliers for Georgia and strongly advised Georgia against selling its gas pipelines, which will undermine the country’s energy independence, the official claimed. Azerbaijan is among gas partners as a gas pipeline from Azerbaijan to Georgia is to be completed in December. The pipeline’s capacity is not enough to meet Georgia’s needs but it will alleviate situation in any case.
Matthew Bryza also called on Georgia to resolve the conflict with Russia and go back to talks with South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State is to visit Sukhumi on his trip. President Sergey Bagapsh is away for talks in Moscow so Bryza will hold talks with Abkhazian Foreign Minister Sergey Shamba instead.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Nov. 18, 2006
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