2006年VOA标准英语-Pipeline Explosions in Southern Russia Cal

By Bill Gasperini
Moscow
22 January 2006

 
Georgian protests near the headquarters of Russian troops in Transcaucasia, demanding the restoration of gas supplies, in Tbilisi 
  
Russian investigators¹ say that sabotage² is the likely cause of two explosions at the main natural-gas supply pipeline³ that goes to neighboring Georgia and Armenia. The flow of gas has been interrupted in the middle of severe cold weather throughout the region.

------------------------------------------

The explosions occurred on the two branches of the pipeline that carries natural gas from Russia through the Caucasus Mountains to Georgia and then to Armenia.

Officials say they suspect sabotage because there is evidence of some kind of explosive devices at each site.

Alexander Panov is with the prosecutors⁴ office in North Ossetia, the region where the pipelines⁵ are located.

The material that caused the explosions has not been clearly identified, and the teams are continuing their work, he says.

Russian television showed footage of twisted, blackened pipes on a steep hillside. Teams of experts are now working to repair the damage, and officials say it might be three to four days before service is restored.

Hours after the blasts, a third explosion knocked out a power line carrying electricity to Georgia.

The incidents come in the midst of severe cold which has brought record low temperatures throughout the region.

There are already reports of gas and electricity shortages in Georgia and Armenia, which depend on Russia for much of their energy.

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili appeared on television and accused Russia of being behind, what he called, these serious acts of sabotage.

He said some Russian politicians have threatened to leave Georgians without light and gas, amid disagreements over Russia's recent decision to double the price both countries must pay for gas.

His comments also reflect tensions between the countries since Georgia's Rose Revolution brought the Western-leaning Mr. Saakashvili to power two-years ago.

Georgian officials say they are trying to replace Russian supplies with gas from neighboring Azerbaijan and Iran, although it is unlikely this can be done quickly.

Armenia's main energy company says it is dipping into gas reserves and that power will be cut to non-essential businesses.

Similar power cuts took place in Russia last week after the Siberian cold front moved in and created soaring demand for gas and power.

1 investigators   

n.调查者，审查者( investigator的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• This memo could be the smoking gun that investigators have been looking for. 这份备忘录可能是调查人员一直在寻找的证据。
• The team consisted of six investigators and two secretaries. 这个团队由六个调查人员和两个秘书组成。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 sabotage   

n.怠工，破坏活动，破坏；v.从事破坏活动，妨害，破坏

参考例句：

• They tried to sabotage my birthday party.他们企图破坏我的生日晚会。
• The fire at the factory was caused by sabotage.那家工厂的火灾是有人蓄意破坏引起的。

3 pipeline   

n.管道，管线

参考例句：

• The pipeline supplies Jordan with 15 per cent of its crude oil.该管道供给约旦15%的原油。
• A single pipeline serves all the houses with water.一条单管路给所有的房子供水。

4 prosecutors   

检举人( prosecutor的名词复数 )； 告发人； 起诉人； 公诉人

参考例句：

• In some places,public prosecutors are elected rather than appointed. 在有些地方，检察官是经选举而非任命产生的。 来自口语例句
• You've been summoned to the Prosecutors' Office, 2 days later. 你在两天以后被宣到了检察官的办公室。

5 pipelines   

管道( pipeline的名词复数 )； 输油管道； 在考虑（或规划、准备） 中； 在酿中

参考例句：

• The oil is carried to the oil refinery by pipelines. 石油通过输油管输送到炼油厂。
• The oil carried in pipelines. 石油用管道输送。