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01/23/2006:

"Explosions in Russia Cut Energy to Georgia"

MOSCOW, Jan. 22 -- A pitched row erupted between Georgia and Russia on Sunday after explosions in southern Russia hit a pipeline and an electricity transmission tower, cutting off the supply of natural gas and reducing electricity supplies to Georgia as temperatures plunged in the country.

Georgia, which has a poorly functioning electrical grid, uses natural gas to heat homes and power some industries. "The situation is very difficult. We have enough gas for just one day," said Teona Doliashvili, a spokeswoman for the Energy Ministry.

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili accused Russia of being behind the explosions to punish his country, presumably for its pro-Western policies. The Russian Foreign Ministry, in response, said the allegation was "an instance of hysteria and bacchanalia."
washingtonpost.com