Russia is striving for the economic occupation of Georgia, says Vladimir Papava, Vice Chairman of Committee on Budget and Finance in the Georgian Parliament, academician and former Minister of Economy under President Eduard Shevardnadze. An online interview with Vladimir Papava was conducted through the Caucasus Journalists Network.

Kerimova S. I. (Azerbaijan): On 28 November 2002 you testified in the Constitutional Court as a witness for the claim of the Head of Labour Party, Shalva Natelashvili, against the illegal privatization of the Tbilisi Electricity Distribution Network by the President and Parliament of Georgia and the American Company AES-TELASI. You explained that the arrival of managers from the other side of the ocean was because of the lack of local managers. Does this mean that the "Russians are coming?"

- First of all we need to make it clear that the privatization was done according to the Constitution and other related laws of Georgia. A tender was announced with the World Bank and the American Company, AES, submitted the best tender. Concerning the questions if the Russians are coming or not, we can say that yes, they are coming. In particular, in "Nezavisimaya Gazeta," Anatoly Chubays (the head of the Russian Electricity Distribution Network) published the concept of creating a "liberal empire" based on the "economic occupation" of all former Soviet republics. At the moment in Georgia, large scale privatization is happening and Russian companies are taking a significant role in this process.

Gulieva G. M (Azerbaijan): The former Prime Minister, Tengiz Sigua, confirmed that about 75% of the economy was "in the shadows" during Shevardnadze's presidency. According to the figures from the Ministry of Economy, every normal businessman on average in Georgia spent 233Laris ($200dollars at that the exchange rate of that time) a month on bribes. How is the situation now? People say that Georgia is turning into "grant republic?"

- At the present moment, the financial and economic situation in Georgia has significantly improved. During 2004 the government managed to do adjust the Budget in favour of increasing revenue and expenditure. In practice, all the debts of the government in terms of pensions and salaries which had accumulated over the previous years were completely covered. This was achieved because of a significant improvement in the collection of taxes both in the country and on the border by customs.

Caspian Business News (Azerbaijan): A few days ago Zurab Zhvania was buried. Could you explain as a competent person, the rights, and authorities of the Premier Minister of Georgia including those relating to the constitution? Experts affirm that the division of power between the President, Saakashvili, and the Prime Minister is something like "fifty-fifty." However, and for example, everyone knows the jurisdiction of our [Azerbaijani] Prime Minister, Artur Rasizade, is purely symbolic and that he hasn't the opportunity to influence the political course of the country. That's why he runs in the morning on his own without body guards.

- According to the Constitution of the Republic of Georgia, all the "power ministries" are under the direct control of the President and the Premier is responsible for the economy in the broad meaning of the word. However, apart from his constitutional role, it is necessary to take into consideration the political importance of Zurab Zhvania because he wasn't just a Prime minister but also one of the leaders of the "Rose Revolution". We also need to consider that among current officials Mr. Zhvania had the most political experience.

"Respublika Armenia "(Armenia): How would you describe the internal political situation in Georgia after Zurab Zhvania's and Georgy Khelashvili's (an official in the President's apparatus) death? Are these cases connected?

- The death of Zurab Zhvania is a huge loss for the Georgian state. Of course, the next Prime minister won't be made from the same political "calibre" as Mr. Zhvania. Unfortunately, I can't say anything about Georgy Khelashvili's death.

Bayramova L.V (Azerbaijan): You are the author of the economic program of Nino Burdjanadze, the Speaker of the Parliament, and one of the outstanding specialists surrounding her. Being so clever, why didn't you instead become associated with the more successful Saakashvili? Is this connected with ethical principles or is Burdjanadze more professional?

- Starting from 2003, I received offers from a few parties to be part of their team in the November elections but I didn't receive any offers from Mr Saakashvili so I made my choice in favour of Mrs. Burdjanadze because of her political and human qualities.

Hetq Online (Armenia): I'd like to ask about the economic occupation of Georgia by the Russians. Could you comment on the passive attitude of "non Russian" companies in the process of privatization? Will it be that Georgia is in-between two fires -- the militant hug of NATO and the economic pincers of Russia?

- In the post-Soviet region, large Western companies don't always rush to invest their money out of fear of instability. As for Russian capital, it is used to it. Also, big Russian capital is either government or government controlled. Unfortunately, NATO is not rushing to take us into their "military hugs"