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CLOSED TALKS OVER ABKHAZIAN RAILWAY'S RE-OPERATION UNDER WAY - ARMENIAN OFFICIAL
11:50 * 06.11.14
In an interview with Tert.am, a deputy minister of finance admitted
that closed negotiations are now under way over the relaunch of the
Abkhazian railway, with Armenia being directly involved and actively
inerested in the process.
Arthur Arakelyan said he finds that the question pursues more political
rather than economic interests, adding that the recent developments
inspire positive hopes for progress.
Mr Arakelyan, rumors on the re-operation of the Abkhazian railways
have been quite active recently. At what stage is the process now?
Yes, both the Armenian side and the Russians and Georgians
strongly emphasize the importance of implementing this project, the
re-establishment of the railway connection with the Abkhazian section.
There have recently been greater chances for reassuring statements,
particularly positive signals by CEO of Russian Railways [Vladimir]
Yakunin. Because the negotiations are closed, i.e. - the issue is more
political than economic, the problem here has to do with agreements
between the Georgian and Abkhazzian authorities. So you probably
understand that it is an intricate tangle. Armenia's Ministry of
Transport and Communication too, is involved in those processes,
and we are hopeful that we will be able to issue a statement for our
society soon.
Opinions are heard that the Abkhazian side is more opposed to the
railway's re-opening, with the Georgian side being more inclined to
a rapid solution.
You know, there are two very contradictory positions here in terms
of the border crossing - where that border's crossing point is and
where the stamp is put. But I repeat that the topic is sensitive for
either side, both the Georgians and the Abkhazians, and there are
numerous other problems as well.
Are there any estimates as to the sum required for the re-operation?
Sums will be required, of course, as it [the railway]has stood
idle for over 20 years now and has many damaged sections, but I
am confident that there will be no problems in case they offer a
solution. There are available estimates, but they strictly differ. No
specific planning activities have been carried out; hence we do not
have final calculations. But I repeat again, we still refrain from
statements not to harm the positive processes. We are hopeful, however,
that it will be possible as the presidents of all our countries -
Russia, Armenia and Georgia - attach a major importance to the project.
Have the economic benefits for Armenia been estimated?
That's naturally about considerable benefits, as we know today that
the railway communication with Russia is very complicated. A ferry
boat is used for shipping the cargo to the territory Russian which
raises the prices in a very unprecedented manner. So there will be
a very interesting project should the Russian railway operate in
such circumstances.
And what accounts for the other side's interest.
Of course, all the sides have their own interests. Georgia will become
a transit country, benefiting from considerable advantages. But I
mention again that exclusively political factors are an obstacle here.
And when do you think are the estimated timeframes?
I am not used to making predictions of the kind; once everything is
clear, we'll make a statement about it. In technical terms - in case
an assessment is needed - that's a matter of a very short
http://www.tert.am/en/news/2014/11/06/armenia-ab45/
11:50 * 06.11.14
In an interview with Tert.am, a deputy minister of finance admitted
that closed negotiations are now under way over the relaunch of the
Abkhazian railway, with Armenia being directly involved and actively
inerested in the process.
Arthur Arakelyan said he finds that the question pursues more political
rather than economic interests, adding that the recent developments
inspire positive hopes for progress.
Mr Arakelyan, rumors on the re-operation of the Abkhazian railways
have been quite active recently. At what stage is the process now?
Yes, both the Armenian side and the Russians and Georgians
strongly emphasize the importance of implementing this project, the
re-establishment of the railway connection with the Abkhazian section.
There have recently been greater chances for reassuring statements,
particularly positive signals by CEO of Russian Railways [Vladimir]
Yakunin. Because the negotiations are closed, i.e. - the issue is more
political than economic, the problem here has to do with agreements
between the Georgian and Abkhazzian authorities. So you probably
understand that it is an intricate tangle. Armenia's Ministry of
Transport and Communication too, is involved in those processes,
and we are hopeful that we will be able to issue a statement for our
society soon.
Opinions are heard that the Abkhazian side is more opposed to the
railway's re-opening, with the Georgian side being more inclined to
a rapid solution.
You know, there are two very contradictory positions here in terms
of the border crossing - where that border's crossing point is and
where the stamp is put. But I repeat that the topic is sensitive for
either side, both the Georgians and the Abkhazians, and there are
numerous other problems as well.
Are there any estimates as to the sum required for the re-operation?
Sums will be required, of course, as it [the railway]has stood
idle for over 20 years now and has many damaged sections, but I
am confident that there will be no problems in case they offer a
solution. There are available estimates, but they strictly differ. No
specific planning activities have been carried out; hence we do not
have final calculations. But I repeat again, we still refrain from
statements not to harm the positive processes. We are hopeful, however,
that it will be possible as the presidents of all our countries -
Russia, Armenia and Georgia - attach a major importance to the project.
Have the economic benefits for Armenia been estimated?
That's naturally about considerable benefits, as we know today that
the railway communication with Russia is very complicated. A ferry
boat is used for shipping the cargo to the territory Russian which
raises the prices in a very unprecedented manner. So there will be
a very interesting project should the Russian railway operate in
such circumstances.
And what accounts for the other side's interest.
Of course, all the sides have their own interests. Georgia will become
a transit country, benefiting from considerable advantages. But I
mention again that exclusively political factors are an obstacle here.
And when do you think are the estimated timeframes?
I am not used to making predictions of the kind; once everything is
clear, we'll make a statement about it. In technical terms - in case
an assessment is needed - that's a matter of a very short
http://www.tert.am/en/news/2014/11/06/armenia-ab45/