Civil Georgia, Georgia
Nov 29 2004
Azeri Envoy Pledges to Unblock Rail Traffic for Georgian Freight
On November 29 the Georgian Foreign Ministry summoned Azerbaijani
Ambassador to Georgia Ramiz Gasanov to speak regarding the recent
seizure of Georgian freight by the Azerbaijani side at the border of
the two countries.
After the talks with Deputy Foreign Minister Mikheil Ukleba, the
Azeri Ambassador said that freight which is designated for Georgia
will be released.
`However, the Azerbaijani customs will ascertain the route of
transportation of other freight…if the detained freight is
designated for Armenia, this contradicts the national interests of
Azerbaijan,’ the Ambassador told reporters on November 29.
Azerbaijan fears that some of the freight might be imported to
Armenia via Georgia.
Over 900 train cars loaded with fuel and grain have been stuck at
Georgia’s border with Azerbaijani border for a week.
Commenting on the recent seizure of the Georgian freight, Prime
Minister Zurab Zhvania said, `nothing dramatic is occurring, the
situation will be clarified by the relevant agencies of Georgia and
Azerbaijan.’
A delegation from the Georgian Railway Company has already left for
Azerbaijan to clarify the situation.