Georgia condemns Russia’s “provocative” efforts to restore Abkhazia railway

Georgia is condemning Russia’s "provocative” efforts to restore an old railway in occupied Georgia, and says the country will not tolerate "repeated aggression” on Georgian soil.

Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said Russia’s attempt to fix and restore the Ochamchire-Enguri railway section in occupied Abkhazia was unlawful and it called on 

the international community to react appropriately to Russia’s ongoing provocation in Georgia.

The Russian side claimed 500 soldiers and 50 pieces of machineries and equipment were involved in rehabilitation of the railway that was closed in 1992 during the Abkhazian civil war.

Today Georgia’s MFA emphasized Russia’s actions were "provocative” and Russia had already used the railway for aggressive purposes prior to the Russian-Georgian war in 2008.

Before the war Russia illegally launched the restoration of the railway section and [using the railway] brought its soldiers on to de-facto Abkhazian territory. 

Russia successfully used its troops in the course of the August 2008 war,” said the Ministry.

Georgia appealed to Russia to respect international law and meet the Ceasefire Agreement of August 12, 2008, signed by both parties after the war that envisages Russia de-occupying Georgia’s two regions.