The government has responsibility to provide safe and favorable supply of energy - Janos Herman

The government has responsibility to provide safe and favorable supply of energy, - EU Ambassador to Georgia Janos Herman said after meeting Georgian Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze.

According to him, he discussed two issues at the meeting.

"We have discussed two main issues. The first issue was the Gazrpom and the second issue concerned the cooperation between the EU and Georgia in the energy sector. This was not my first meeting with the Minister,"- said Herman.

When asked what he knew about the meeting held between Gazprom representatives and Kakha Kaladze in Vienna, he said: "I think this information should be released by Kaladze. However, I have general information on the ongoing negotiations. I would like to say that any government has responsibility to provide safe and favorable supply of energy. I think this is what the Georgian government is doing in these difficult economic conditions”, said Herman.

Gazprom presented an ultimatum to Georgia - Kakha Kaladze

According to Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze, Gazprom has presented an ultimatum to Georgia.

As the Minister said on Rustavi 2 TV yesterday, the Georgian side expressed categorical opposition to the Gazprom ultimatum that the price for the conveyed gas be paid by money, but the company indicated that in other case they would import Iranian gas through Armenia.

"You know that today 10 % of the conveyed volume of gas is given to Georgia. However, Gazprom has presented an ultimatum to move to financial payment. This was news for us. We categorically objected to this, though they directly indicated that they can import Iranian gas through Armenia.

There really exist such a danger and its consequences will be very grave for us”, said Kaladze.

Next round of Gazprom talks to be held in Vienna

The next round of Gazprom talks will be held in Austria, - Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze said on Rustavi 2 TV yesterday.

He said that the public will be informed about the details after the completion of the negotiations.

"The next meeting will be held in Vienna. I will take part in the meeting and will try to bring the results that will be acceptable and important for our country and our industry. The meeting will not be attended by Mr. Miller. As far as I am informed, Ms Burmistova will attend the meeting instead of him. After the meeting, I will provide you with the details", - said Kakha Kaladze.

According to him, increase in gas price is ruled out at this stage.

“We don’t expect increase in gas price. You know how it happens – gas price reduces when oil price drops. So, I rule out any increase in gas price at this stage”, said the Minister.