You should not politicize the privatization issue of Russia-Armenia gas pipeline going through Georgia, as it is a purely economic process, Georgian economic expert Gia Khukhashvili expressed to  NEWS.am, commenting on the statement of SOCAR pretending to take the pipeline “under control”.

“I do not understand the concerns of the Armenian side on this, because the handling of transit pipelines is in accordance with international standards, and I do not think that, in this case, the exploitation of the gas pipeline by an Azerbaijani company would have any systemic problems in supplying gas to Armenia”, - assured the expert.

Discussing Russia’s participation in the pipeline privatization, Khukhashvili said that Moscow has long been interested in this process. “However, given the existing Russian-Georgian relations, Russia might abstain from participation in this process,” - said the expert, adding that they should not jump to conclusions and should wait until there is actual development in the situation.

According to Azerbaijani media, SOCAR has already approached the owner of the Russia-Armenia pipeline passing through Georgia, with the intent to “take control” of the pipeline. SOCAR contacted the owner of the pipeline - National Gas Company of Georgia and expressed their interest in participating in the process of privatization or transfer of the pipeline operation.