Georgia, Tbilisi, March 7 / Trend, N. Kirtskhalia /
Tbilisi and Sukhumi have agreed on solutions to issues surrounding the operation of Inguri HPP after the Georgian government approved special procurement rules for two companies - Inguri HPP and National Electrical System of Georgia JSC, Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze said.
According to the minister, this rule only applies to the purchase of services and goods.
"Units of the Enguri HPP are situated in occupied territory. We have experienced certain problems in terms of procurement, as tender winning companies paid taxes here in according with Georgian laws and then upon arrival at site, have to pay to a third party. Thus, companies reject the conclusion of the deal," Kaladze said.
According to him, this rule has been agreed on with the Abkhaz side, and all the problems associated with Inguri HPP will be resolved.
Large scale military actions were launched in South Ossetia in Georgia on August 8 2008. Later Russian troops occupied Tskhinvali and expelled the Georgian military. Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia late in August. Tbilisi ended diplomatic relations with Moscow in response and has called the two unrecognized republics to be occupied territories.