TBILISI. Jan 16 (Interfax) - The Georgian Energy Ministry has denied that negotiations are being held regarding the ownership of the Inguri Hydropower Plant (HPP), the largest hydroelectric power plant in the country, part of which is located on Abkhaz territory.
"We categorically deny the start of any negotiations regarding the Inguri HPP's affiliation," the Georgian Energy Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
Some Russian and Abkhaz media reported earlier that Aslan Basaria, the general director of the Chernomorenergo Power Company located in Abkhazia, had said at a press conference that negotiations on the Inguri HPP's affiliation had been started with Georgia.
"This facility is not on the property register. We have started a negotiating process on this matter with the Georgian side. If the issue is not resolved, both Abkhazia and Georgia will be affected," media quoted Basaria as saying.
The Georgian Energy Ministry said in commenting on this: "The Inguri HPP is located on Georgia's territory and belongs to the Georgian state."