IVANISHVILI SAYS ABKHAZIAN RAILWAY SEGMENT MAY RE-OPEN
YEREVAN, January 17. /ARKA/. Georgia's Prime Minister Bidzina
Ivanishvili implies the Abkhazian railway segment may start operating
again as officials resolve a number of issues.
"I think it is possible... You know there are no disputes between
Armenia and Georgia. But we have huge disputes with Russia. The issues
were significant, and unfortunately remain so up to these days. We
hope and attempt to restore and normalize our relations with Russia
as soon as possible.
The deepest and toughest controversy issue is a territorial integrity
of Georgia... I think it will not happen too soon," Ivanishvili said
Thursday in Yerevan at a joint press conference with his Armenian
counterpart Tigran Sargsyan.
The railway re-launch is closely linked to these issues and will be
considered in such context, Ivanishvili added.
"But I think these issues can be resolved earlier if all parties
agree. Georgia is already expressing its willingness," Ivanishvili
said.
Nevertheless, there is another side as well-Russia. Georgian PM also
mentioned the complicated relations with the Abkhazians.
"All parties should express their willingness. From our side we are
completely ready to resolve these issues as soon as possible."
On his side, Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan noted this issue
was discussed by both sides, Armenia and Georgia.
"We reported on our efforts to support restoring the efficient
operation of the railway. We are interested to see this issue resolved
as soon as possible, and we will take a proactive position in settling
this dispute," Sargsyan added.
In late October 2012 Minister for Reintegration of Georgia Paata
Zakareishvili said the Georgian authorities are ready to restore the
railway connection with Russia within the "strategy for de-isolation
of Abkhazia." The opening of the Abkhazian-Georgian railway segment
is strategically important for Armenia, as it is the shortest and
cheapest way to Russia. -0-
YEREVAN, January 17. /ARKA/. Georgia's Prime Minister Bidzina
Ivanishvili implies the Abkhazian railway segment may start operating
again as officials resolve a number of issues.
"I think it is possible... You know there are no disputes between
Armenia and Georgia. But we have huge disputes with Russia. The issues
were significant, and unfortunately remain so up to these days. We
hope and attempt to restore and normalize our relations with Russia
as soon as possible.
The deepest and toughest controversy issue is a territorial integrity
of Georgia... I think it will not happen too soon," Ivanishvili said
Thursday in Yerevan at a joint press conference with his Armenian
counterpart Tigran Sargsyan.
The railway re-launch is closely linked to these issues and will be
considered in such context, Ivanishvili added.
"But I think these issues can be resolved earlier if all parties
agree. Georgia is already expressing its willingness," Ivanishvili
said.
Nevertheless, there is another side as well-Russia. Georgian PM also
mentioned the complicated relations with the Abkhazians.
"All parties should express their willingness. From our side we are
completely ready to resolve these issues as soon as possible."
On his side, Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan noted this issue
was discussed by both sides, Armenia and Georgia.
"We reported on our efforts to support restoring the efficient
operation of the railway. We are interested to see this issue resolved
as soon as possible, and we will take a proactive position in settling
this dispute," Sargsyan added.
In late October 2012 Minister for Reintegration of Georgia Paata
Zakareishvili said the Georgian authorities are ready to restore the
railway connection with Russia within the "strategy for de-isolation
of Abkhazia." The opening of the Abkhazian-Georgian railway segment
is strategically important for Armenia, as it is the shortest and
cheapest way to Russia. -0-