Georgia Cautions over Privatization of Energy Facilities

Georgian media reported quoted Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania that the privatization of the large energy facilities will be launched ?only after other countries, beside Russia express willingness to invest in the Georgian energy sector.?

He said while visiting Brussels on June 17 that ?political risk? should be ruled out while privatizing energy facilities. Zhvania also said that ?a highly competitive environment? should be created in the Georgia?s energy sector.

Earlier in June Georgian Economy Minister Kakha Bendukidze, who advocates mass privatization policy, said that the countries largest hydro power station at Enguri river, which lies on the administrative border with the breakaway Abkhazia, will not be privatized.

He also said that other energy facilities located in the conflict zones will not be put on the privatization list as well.