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EXPERT: ARMENIAN GOODS TRANSIT THROUGH ABKHAZIA MAY BE BLOCKED
November 20, 2012 - 12:28 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Normalization of Russian-Georgian relations through
solution of a number of issues to boost the process has long been
a subject of discussions among politicians and experts, a Caucasus
expert said.
As Alexander Krylov told PanARMENIAN.Net debates around the issue
intensified after Georgian opposition's parliamentary win. "Drastic
steps to normalize ties need to be taken in near future to avoid
missing opportunities. The process will be harder to launch as the
effect from the opposition victory wears off," the expert said.
"Opening of Abkhazian railway section would prove reconciliation
process has started, with Russian market allowing access to Georgian
products. Restoration of diplomatic ties could easily follow
normalization of economic relations," the expert said.
"However, with Abkhazia and South Ossetia issues, the situation
won't be so easy to handle. Even technically, Georgia and Russia
won't be able to open the railway section without a prior agreement
of Abkhazian authorities. And the latters won't permit it without
significant concessions from Tbilisi, which it is highly unlikely to
make," the expert said.
"Also, Georgia's partnership with Azerbaijan and Turkey exacerbates the
problem. Aware of Tbilisi's dependence, its neighbors will do their
best to disallow transportation of Armenian goods through Abkhazia,
by keeping the railway section blocked," the expert said.
"Superpowers outside the region are not interested in strengthening
of Russia's influence in South Caucasus. Even Armenian Diaspora's
potential won't be strong enough to promote the unblocking of Abkhazia
section in the U.S. and EU. Thus, finding economically advantageous
transportation routes remains among key issues in Armenia," the
expert stressed.
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November 20, 2012 - 12:28 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Normalization of Russian-Georgian relations through
solution of a number of issues to boost the process has long been
a subject of discussions among politicians and experts, a Caucasus
expert said.
As Alexander Krylov told PanARMENIAN.Net debates around the issue
intensified after Georgian opposition's parliamentary win. "Drastic
steps to normalize ties need to be taken in near future to avoid
missing opportunities. The process will be harder to launch as the
effect from the opposition victory wears off," the expert said.
"Opening of Abkhazian railway section would prove reconciliation
process has started, with Russian market allowing access to Georgian
products. Restoration of diplomatic ties could easily follow
normalization of economic relations," the expert said.
"However, with Abkhazia and South Ossetia issues, the situation
won't be so easy to handle. Even technically, Georgia and Russia
won't be able to open the railway section without a prior agreement
of Abkhazian authorities. And the latters won't permit it without
significant concessions from Tbilisi, which it is highly unlikely to
make," the expert said.
"Also, Georgia's partnership with Azerbaijan and Turkey exacerbates the
problem. Aware of Tbilisi's dependence, its neighbors will do their
best to disallow transportation of Armenian goods through Abkhazia,
by keeping the railway section blocked," the expert said.
"Superpowers outside the region are not interested in strengthening
of Russia's influence in South Caucasus. Even Armenian Diaspora's
potential won't be strong enough to promote the unblocking of Abkhazia
section in the U.S. and EU. Thus, finding economically advantageous
transportation routes remains among key issues in Armenia," the
expert stressed.
0