Opening of Abkhazian section of Georgian railway opposed

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili opposes commissioning of Abkhazian section of the Georgian railway. It is in the interests of only one country - Russia, Saakashvili said at a press briefing at the presidential palace on Thursday.

"This is aimed at economic weakening of Georgia and reducing the significance of the new railway being under construction, as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway rejects the portion of goods from Russia, and this, of course, causes their concern," the president said.

The President stressed that all statements concerning the commissioning of the railroad through Abkhazia don't correspond to the state interests of Georgia.

"Those members of the Georgian government, who have made statements on the opening of the railway today in Yerevan, either don't understand anti-stateness of this solution, or work for Russia and fulfill its wish. This, of course, is a dramatic statement, but I must tell the truth to the people and not deceive them," Saakashvili said.

The President also pointed out that Georgia values its good relations with Armenia and doesn't advocate for isolation of the country.

"We, on the contrary, did everything for increase of transport capacities. Construction of a port in Lazika that would lead to increase of freight traffic on Armenia as well, was also contributing to the case", he said.

Georgian President stressed that it is also necessary to consider the interests of friendly Turkey, which is a key mediator of Georgias' accession to NATO, as well as the interests of Georgia's geopolitical partner Azerbaijan.

"Thus, talks on the opening of the railway are anticipatory and may only be undertaken in parallel to the de-occupation of Georgia", he added.


/Trend/