Exec: Construction of Russia-South Ossetia pipe almost completed

MOSCOW, Aug 13 (PRIME-TASS) -- The construction of a gas pipeline linking Russia with Georgia's breakaway republic of South Ossetia has almost been completed, Alexander Bart, head of MRK Engineering's construction and contracting department, said Wednesday at a meeting with representatives of Russian gas giant Gazprom and South Ossetia's government, ITAR-TASS reported.

MRK Engineering is a contractor for the pipeline project, which will be operated by Gazprom.

The pipeline will be launched on August 26, Bart said.

The pipeline is expected to link the village of Dzuarikau in Russia's constituent republic of North Ossetia with Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia.

At present, South Ossetia imports gas from Russia through Georgian territory. Once the pipeline is launched, it will import gas directly from Russia.

Russia and Georgia are currently involved in a conflict over the status of South Ossetia. Last year the conflict resulted in a five-day war between Georgia and Russia.

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13.08.2009 12:46