It is reported that the Georgian parliament has approved the sale of a trunk gas pipeline which pumps Russian gas across Georgia to Armenia eighty-eight members of parliament favored the law, while five voted against the measure.

As per report, despite the law being passed by parliament, the Georgian opposition does not share the majority's enthusiasm for the sale which they say will be an energy and economic threat to Georgia.

Parliament members of the opposition suggest that instead Georgia should retain a 51% stake in the pipeline and remain the pipeline operator. The majority however, deemed the "Russian threat" exaggerated and passed the law. Another argument used in favor of the sale was the fact Tblisi believes "private companies are more effective in managing such sites than the government".

The trunk pipeline was built in the 1970s it has not been upgraded since 1980.

(Sourced from http://www.oilandgaseurasia.com)