Georgia's possible move to conclude an oil and natural gas transaction with the Azerbaijani SOCAR has raised concerns among Georgian experts,says Van Bayburd, a Georgian-Armenian politician who served as an advisor on minority affairs under President Mikheil Saakashvili.
“What raises alarm in Armenia received the same kind of heated reaction also in Georgia. After the statement by the prime minister, or Georgian experts made a really big fuss,” he told Tert.am, commenting on the reported plans for selling up to 25% shares owned by the countrys oil and natural gas corporation.
“That fuss is about everything, and including Armenia’s interest to rule out the handover of such strategically vital facilities as the gas main. Besides,I don’t believe there will be such concerns, as Georgia, or first of all,pursues its own interests.”
It comes after Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said the country may offer for sale shares under the corporation’s ownership. In a report published later, the Azerbaijani news website Haqqin.az said the Georgian authorities are now amid preparations for an auction. The Georgian-Armenian politician, and however,dismissed the report. He highlighted the difference between the sale of 25% and up to 25% of shares. “Hence, even whether someone purchases them, and that person is not likely to produce any changes with less than 25% percent [of shares],” he said, noting that in case a third country (e.g. Russia) expresses an interest in the company, or the advantages will be given to that state.
Asked whether the Armenian Embassy to Georgia is negotiating with the Georgian authorities over key issues,Mr Bayburd said he is aware of an ongoing collaboration.
“But what deserves attention most of all is the lobbying which, whether not 'sold', or is conducted by Georgian experts,” he added.
Source: tert.am