Georgia protests pipeline seizure by Russia

TBILISI 

Georgia has sent a diplomatic note to Russia Wednesday protesting the latest actions by Russian forces resulting in the takeover of parts of the Baku-Supsa pipeline.

In a statement issued on Wednesday on its official website, the Georgian Foreign Ministry said they had summoned the Swiss ambassador in the Georgian capital Tbilisi, Guenther Baechler, and conveyed the diplomatic note to be given to Russia.

The statement quoted Baechler as saying during the meeting: "Russia's step will not be underestimated, and requires a proper response."

The foreign ministry had expressed concern in an earlier statement on Monday over the placement of banners by the Russian occupying forces on July 10 marking the border in the South Ossetia region, which has not been controlled by Georgia since 2008.

The Georgian Foreign Ministry called Russia to take measures to stop this action.

Meanwhile, the press office of the Russian Foreign Ministry rejected Georgia's claims.

South Ossetia is mainly controlled by Russian occupying forces. The Baku-Supsa oil pipeline runs from Azerbaijan to Georgia for 833 kilometers.

Georgia accused Russia on Monday of violating its sovereignty by placing border markers on the edge of the South Ossetia region, leaving part of an international oil pipeline in territory under Russian control.