On Monday the opposition Democratic Front parliamentary faction demanded that President Saakashvili immediately sack State Minister for Economic Reforms Kakha Bendukidze for his stance over the privatization of the country’s major gas pipeline system to Gazprom.

Bendukidze has stated recently that Georgia “should listen less to foreign experts” and privatize its pipeline system if it corresponds to the country’s interests.

Parliamentarians from the Democratic Front faction, which unites MPs from the Republican and Conservative parties, accused Bendukidze of “lobbying for Russian interests.”

“This is an [example of] excessive Russian aggression from within the Georgian government… Saakashvili’s Administration should get rid of the 'fifth column' like Bendukidze,” MP Davit Berdzenishvili said at a news conference.

Bendukidze described the these accusations as “ridiculous.” He told reporters on January 23 that he is ready to meet with the MPs and answer all of their questions.

Later, at a session of the Parliament’s Bureau, Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze described the opposition’s acquisitions as “unclear,” adding that the Georgian authorities do not intend to sell the gas pipeline system.
 
“I have stated my negative position [towards selling of gas pipelines] numerously. I am positive of President Saakashvili's stance regarding the privatization of the gas pipeline. He does not intend to give Georgia’s strategic facility to our northern friends,” Burjanadze said.