The ‘battle’ for Georgian gas pipeline

Georgia has created a real headache for its neighbors Armenia and Azerbaijan by taking out the gas pipeline connecting Russia with Armenia via Georgia. One solution could be privatization. Of course, the Armenians are very much concerned that this vitally important pipeline could become an asset for Azerbaijan, who could then use it for leverage in other matters. As Georgian officials state, they have no clear cut position on the issue of selling it to Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR. However, the deputy FM mentioned that the company carries out very interesting and solid projects in Georgia. However, Georgia’s decision will be taken with due consideration for the national interest of both countries: Armenia and Azerbaijan. The press secretary of the PM stated last month that the decision on selling this segment of pipeline had not yet been taken. SOCAR authorities, as well as Armrosgasprom (Armenian branch of Russian Ga prom), claimed an interest in purchasing this pipeline.

Meanwhile, Georgian analysts are skeptical about the sale of these assets in Georgia. It is widely thought that the sale of this pipeline will damage Georgian national interest and it could further aggravate relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.