Saakashvili Opposes Gas Imports From Russia

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili (file photo)

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili harshly criticized Georgian government's statements on possible resumption of natural-gas imports from Russia.

Talking to journalists in Baku, Azerbaijan, Saakashvili said the idea to consider Russia as an alternative energy importer to Georgia is equal to "revision of Georgia's independent course."

According to the Georgian president, Georgia has to get energy from neighboring Azerbaijan and be fully independent from Russia in energy issues.

He added that he wants full explanations on that matter from Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili.

On May 6, media reports in Georgia quoted Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Kakha Kaladze as saying that Tbilisi should resume natural-gas imports from Russia.

Georgia stopped directly importing Russia's natural gas in 2007, giving preferences to Azerbaijan.

Based on reporting by apsny.ge and apa.az