Georgia cuts energy ties with Russia

26 Sep, 2008 01:15 / Updated 16 years ago

Georgia has suspended electricity supplies coming from Russia. The Salkhino power line, which has been cut, runs through Abkhazia. Georgian officials say they’re not sure if it’ll be restored.

Georgia’s Electricity System Commercial Operator (ESCO) has said that since the beginning of September Georgia has imported 3.5 million kilowatt-hours of energy through the Salkhino line, and exported 9 million kilowatt-hours. The ESCO spokesperson also said the cross-flows of energy between Georgia and Azerbaijan have been also suspended. Instead, the export of the Georgian energy to Turkey has been resumed. It will continue until October 29. Following the bloody conflict in South Ossetia and Russia's recognition of independence of the two Caucasian republics, Georgia has cut all ties with Russia.