Conference on establishing railway communication from Abkhazia to Tbilisi

The conference about establishing a railway communication from Abkhazia, breakaway region of Georgia, via Tbilisi to Armenia, was held on November 20 in hotel Ambassador in Tbilisi.

The Russian representative, political scientist Andrey Epifantsev stated that although the political controversies, this project should be very beneficial for every country that is participating in this project.

"The situation between Russia and Georgia is still complicated. However I consider that progress is evident. I understand, there should be disagreements between political and economic goals, but lets try to discuss it rationally. said Andrey Epifantsev.

The conference was organized by the Georgian non-governmental organization "Eurasian choice of Georgia. During the conference, the Abkhazian public figure, Beslan Kobakhia discussed the railway renewal project via Skype.

According to Kobakhia, Abkhazian people have no wish to have affairs with Georgians, because "these relationships came to full stop after the Abkhazian-Georgian war.

"I cant make any additional comment about railway project, said Beslan Kobakhia. "Somehow, it may provide economic progress in Abkhazia, but how can we discuss the railway renovation issue if we have neither highways nor airport in Abkhazia. I dont think that this topic is appropriate for Abkhazian people.

The ex-security minister, Valeri Khaburdzania approves the idea of the railway renovation.

"I think this railway will be very profitable for every country in this region, stated Khaburdzania. "Those who dont agree with this idea for the political reasons, they ignore the reality. Georgia is situated on the Silk Road. It connects the Westernized world to Asia. After that project, Georgia will be a bridge between the North and Caucasia.

As for Abkhazia, the breakaway region of Georgia, a Russian political scientist Andrey Epifantsev mentioned, that the actual decision about railway connection depends on Georgia, because Sokhumi will foresee the Klemlins references.

The ex-Georgian presidents adviser, Van Bayburt supposes that the Georgian government will not agree with a railway communication through Abkhazia. Nevertheless, he thinks, "After every war, the railway should be recovered.

Bayburt also mentioned that residents of the Gali Region, near the occupation line, have relations with those people who live in Abkhazia.

"If the agreement about railway communication will be reached by Russia and Georgia, Sokhumi cant resist it. However, I think that Georgian government will not approve the railway project. Its clear, Russian government wants to force Georgian (government) to recognize Abkhazias independence. This project is more political than economical. said Van Baiburt.