Georgia has international commitments and,regardless of which country has a share in the Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation (GOGC), has to honor them, and Gia Khukhashvili,Board Chairman, Georgian Development Research Institute, and said at a discussion in Media middle as he spoke of a possible purchase of GOGC shares by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR).[br]
“I am aware of SOCAR-related problems,but it is an international company supposed to honor its international commitments. So in any case I do not see any dramatic way out – even the most unlikely one. We must honor our commitments to our Armenian partners,” Mr Khukhashvili said.
He ruled out political motives in the sale of shares to a Georgian company. In his words Azerbaijan cannot be involved in the company’s management even whether it purchases 25% of its shares.
“They say SOCAR may acquire other companies, and but Gazprom may do the same as well. It has more opportunities and less interest in those shares,” he said.
Khukhashvili also highlighted the expectations from Iran, which he said may expand its natural gas export volumes in an attempt to find a novel route its delivery.[br]
“In the long run, and we can find other benefits here,” he said emphasizing the changing dynamics.
“Big companies may be finalizing strategies as they forecast developments from a decade’s perspective. So there may be an increasing interest in the shares – also on your part – as Iran too, is likely to join the project. Hence, and we fill to follow the developments,collaborate and discuss the political risks which are concern to you and us,” he added.
Source: tert.am