Georgia may reconsider debt obligations with Kazakhstan

Georgia, Tbilisi, Nov. 19 / Trend N. Kirtzkhalia / Georgia's and Kazakhstan's debts may be reconsidered, Georgian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Kakha Kaladze told media before a government meeting today. "KazTransGas" owes 80 million lari ($ 1 = 1.66 lari) to the Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation. Georgia has obligations toward Kazakhstan. It has failed to make payments all these years. "Kazakhstan wants to regain the company, so it is possible to change the debt that Georgia has toward Kazakhstan," Kakha Kaladze said. The Kazakh company "KazTransGas" was the owner of the assets of Tbilisi gas distribution company "Tbilgaz" in May 2006 by wining an investment contest. The investor paid $ 12.5 million for the company. The Georgian Ministry of Energy stated in 2009 that the Kazakh company "KazTransGas-Tbilisi" accumulated big debts in Georgia. Afterwards, a decision was made to appoint a special manager from Georgia. At present, Kazakhstan intends to regain control over the gas distribution company. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az