Georgia, Russia enjoy close energy relations: minister
By Jamila Babayeva
Georgia is an energy independent country only in summer.
Georgian Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze made the remark on December 9.
"We depend on Russia mainly in winter when we buy electricity because it sells it to us at a very interesting price," he told reporters.
Kaladze went on to say if Moscow decides to put pressure on Georgia and stop supplying electricity, then the country has alternative sources - Azerbaijan and Turkey.
"The only thing is that we have to pay them more. But I do not think that Russia will put pressure on us. From the energy point of view, we have close friendship relations with this country."
Regarding energy independence, the minister said that Georgia depends on the energy of Azerbaijan and Russia by 75 percent.
Tbilisi ended diplomatic relations with Moscow in 2008 in response Russia's recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Georgia has called the two unrecognized republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territories.
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