INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Georgias breakaway area of Abkhazia was left without electricity Wednesday as critically low water levels activated an emergency shutdown at
its hydropower station and Russia supposedly withheld millions in monetary aid.The energy crisis comes days after Abkhazias leader resigned
and lawmakers ditched a controversial Russian financial investment offer that sparked protests in the Black Sea area in November.Abkhazia
had actually been acquiring electrical power from Russia because Nov
1 due to an energy deficit brought on by low water levels at the Enguri dam, which provides the regions largest hydroelectric center
Nevertheless, the volume of electrical power imported from Russia disappointed covering the areas needs, prompting authorities to impose
day-to-day 10-hour power cuts from Monday.Due to the critically low water level and its insufficient inflow, the emergency security system
was triggered and the hydroelectric power station stopped, the state-owned power business Chernomorenergo stated Wednesday
Currently, there is no electrical energy throughout the whole territory of the republic.Abkhazian authorities stated Russia suspended its
financial assistance to the cash-strapped region on Dec
5, including crucial financing for the energy sector.Russia has not talked about Abkhazias declares that Moscow unilaterally kept 1.8
billion rubles (around $18 million) in funding.Media previously reported that Russia was now offering electrical energy to Abkhazia at
market rates after the region stopped working to meet its commitments, that included validating the Russian financial investment
deal.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that Moscow remained in routine talks with its partners in Abkhazia over both the Russian
aid and the ditched Russian financial investment deal.The so-called homes costs would have lifted the regions ban on foreign ownership of
residential property, enabling Russians to acquire realty on the Black Sea coast.Abkhazias acting Prime Minister Valery Bganba previously
confessed the possibility of introducing a state of emergency situation in its energy sector, while acting President Badra Gunba said there
were extremely severe problems in ensuring the nations energy security.Russia has actually backed Abkhazia and Georgias other breakaway area
of South Ossetia considering that fighting a five-day war versus Tbilisi in 2008
Moscow in November recommended its people not to take a trip to Abkhazia, a popular vacation location for numerous Russians.
