BAKU: Armenian Embassy Counselor Says Kars-Akhalkalak-Tbilisi-Baku F

ARMENIAN EMBASSY COUNSELOR SAYS KARS-AKHALKALAK-TBILISI-BAKU FRUITLESS FOR REGION

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Oct 25 2006

Construction of Kars-Akhalkalak-Tbilisi-Baku railway line is aimed at
restrictive policy and is economically inefficient, Yuri Petrosian,
counselor of Armenia’s embassy in Georgia told APA bureau.

But, he considers restoration of through-Abkhazia railway line
(joining Russia and Armenia) as a pragmatic project.

Petrosian said that Kars-Baku project is political project and planned
to discriminate Armenia and this factor is known to most international
organizations and leading countries.

"The existing Kars-Gumru-Tbilisi railway is not in use. Some
South Caucasian states aspire to construction of an inefficient,
discriminating and useless project. The funds can be used for more
actual projects," he said.

He said that restoration of the railway through Abkhazia to Russia
requires $150-200m and some two years and this project is beneficial
for all parties. This project can Georgia’s transportation expenses
by 30% and ensure Armenia’s way-out to Russia.
From: Baghdasarian