The gas supply to Leningor district of South Ossetia and potable water supply to Georgia were discussed at the meeting held in Tskhinval between Special Representative for Post-Conflict Settlement Boris Chochiev with the independent expert Werner Johannides, engaged in the settlement of these issues within the frames of the Geneva discussions. As Boris Chochiev reported after the meeting, the issue of illegal and inhumane actions of the Georgian side in regards to gas cut-off for the population of Leningor district of South Ossetia has been repeatedly raised at Geneva talks.
“Under the pressure imposed by Tbilisi, a part off the population of Leningor district had to flee from South Ossetia. The part of the population that was not responsive to the blackmailing of the Georgian authorities, have to face economic and living difficulties, namely, they were disconnected from gas supply”, noted the Special Representative.
According to him, the independent expert Werner Johannides had several times visited South Ossetia, including Leningor district. Last visit took place before the next round of Geneva discussions and was related to supply of Russian gas through the territory of Georgia to Leningor district, as well as to supply of potable water to Georgia from South Ossetia”, explained Chochiev.
During the meeting, Boris Chochiev stated to the expert that the issue of water supply Georgia would not be discussed before the issue with regular gas supply to Leningor district is settled. “We have assured Johannides that as soon as the Georgian authorities resume the gas supply to Leningor district, South Ossetia is ready to discuss the rehabilitation of that part of Tirifoni irrigation channel which goes through the territory of South Ossetia”, stated the Special Representative.
It is worth mentioning that Georgia had cut off gas for the population of Leningor district of South Ossetia after the events of August 2008.
