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The Messenger, Georgia
Feb 15 2013
Saakashvili against reopening Abkhazian railway
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Friday, February 15 President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili once
again reiterated that he is against reopening the railway that would
link Armenia and Georgia to Russia via the breakaway region of
Abkhazia. Saakahsvili made the statement during a meeting with the
ministers and dignitaries from Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries,
including Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian on February
13th.
Saakashvili emphasized that if the Abkhazian railway is opened it will
create a security threat for Georgia, for the Caucasus and Georgia's
foreign allies. According to the President if the railway is reopened
it will allow Russia domination of transportation links in the South
Caucasus. Russia de-facto controls Abkhazia and owns Armenian Railways
as well. The President hinted that Russia has a "long term plan" to
take over the South Caucasian railways.
`After taking control of Armenian Railways, Russia illegally grabbed
Abkhazian Railways. I wondered how Russia could use the Armenian and
Abkhazian railways without access to Georgian Railways. I think that
Russia had plans concerning the Georgian elections and now there is
somebody in charge who will work favorably with them. I cannot think
of another explanation for the situation.' Saakashvili said.
Saakashvili also warned that reopening of the railway via the
breakaway region would further increase Moscow's grip over Abkhazia.
`It will be an instrument for Russia to carry out expansion in the
Caucasus.' Saakashvili said.
`Georgia will gain nothing from it; on the contrary it will complicate
the reintegration of Abkhazia and will create other types of military
and political problems for Georgia.' Saakashvili stated, adding that
the reopening of the railway will be beneficial for Russia only.
Saakashvili stressed that the former UNM government wanted to expand
Georgia's export and import capacity by building the port of Lazika.
However, according to Saakashvili the plan is suspended currently.
During his visit to Armenia several weeks ago Prime Minister Bidzina
Ivanishvili stated that reopening of the Abkhazian railway is possible
in the future but cautioned that certain preconditions would be
necessary and that the issue will not be resolved in the near future.
`Reopening the railway is possible but we have huge problems in our
relationship with Russia. The problems are huge and unfortunately they
are still unresolved. We hope to restore and mend ties with Russia.
The most problematic issue concerns Georgia's territorial integrity.'
Ivanishvili said.
Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Giorgi Kvirikashvili
stated that the issue is not being discussed currently in the
government. However, the Minister stated that better connecting
residents of Abkhazia to the outside world will be beneficial.
Head of the European Research Centre Kakha Gogolashvili agrees that
the reopening of the Abkhazian railway will be difficult. He thinks
however, that if reopened the railway will provide more positives for
Georgia than negatives.
`Common trade and economic programs will be launched between Georgia
and Abkhazia in such a case, public diplomacy will be restored...time
has revealed that isolation from Abkhazia has negatively affected
reintegration. Having the occupied territories isolated works in
Russia's interest.' Gogolashvili said.
Feb 15 2013
Saakashvili against reopening Abkhazian railway
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Friday, February 15 President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili once
again reiterated that he is against reopening the railway that would
link Armenia and Georgia to Russia via the breakaway region of
Abkhazia. Saakahsvili made the statement during a meeting with the
ministers and dignitaries from Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries,
including Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian on February
13th.
Saakashvili emphasized that if the Abkhazian railway is opened it will
create a security threat for Georgia, for the Caucasus and Georgia's
foreign allies. According to the President if the railway is reopened
it will allow Russia domination of transportation links in the South
Caucasus. Russia de-facto controls Abkhazia and owns Armenian Railways
as well. The President hinted that Russia has a "long term plan" to
take over the South Caucasian railways.
`After taking control of Armenian Railways, Russia illegally grabbed
Abkhazian Railways. I wondered how Russia could use the Armenian and
Abkhazian railways without access to Georgian Railways. I think that
Russia had plans concerning the Georgian elections and now there is
somebody in charge who will work favorably with them. I cannot think
of another explanation for the situation.' Saakashvili said.
Saakashvili also warned that reopening of the railway via the
breakaway region would further increase Moscow's grip over Abkhazia.
`It will be an instrument for Russia to carry out expansion in the
Caucasus.' Saakashvili said.
`Georgia will gain nothing from it; on the contrary it will complicate
the reintegration of Abkhazia and will create other types of military
and political problems for Georgia.' Saakashvili stated, adding that
the reopening of the railway will be beneficial for Russia only.
Saakashvili stressed that the former UNM government wanted to expand
Georgia's export and import capacity by building the port of Lazika.
However, according to Saakashvili the plan is suspended currently.
During his visit to Armenia several weeks ago Prime Minister Bidzina
Ivanishvili stated that reopening of the Abkhazian railway is possible
in the future but cautioned that certain preconditions would be
necessary and that the issue will not be resolved in the near future.
`Reopening the railway is possible but we have huge problems in our
relationship with Russia. The problems are huge and unfortunately they
are still unresolved. We hope to restore and mend ties with Russia.
The most problematic issue concerns Georgia's territorial integrity.'
Ivanishvili said.
Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Giorgi Kvirikashvili
stated that the issue is not being discussed currently in the
government. However, the Minister stated that better connecting
residents of Abkhazia to the outside world will be beneficial.
Head of the European Research Centre Kakha Gogolashvili agrees that
the reopening of the Abkhazian railway will be difficult. He thinks
however, that if reopened the railway will provide more positives for
Georgia than negatives.
`Common trade and economic programs will be launched between Georgia
and Abkhazia in such a case, public diplomacy will be restored...time
has revealed that isolation from Abkhazia has negatively affected
reintegration. Having the occupied territories isolated works in
Russia's interest.' Gogolashvili said.