KARS-AKHALKALAKI-BAKU RAILWAY WILL BE CONSTRUCTED
By M. Alkhazashvili
(Translated by Tiko Giorgadze)
The Messenger, Georgia
Dec 21 2006
Despite the fact that the EU and the US are displeased with the route
of the Kars-Akhalkalaki-Baku railway route (because it excludes
Armenia) and have refused to help finance the project, plans are
still underway for the railway’s construction.
Armenia is concerned that the railway will further isolate the country
stating that the Kars-Akhalkalaki railway construction will hinder
development cooperation in the South Caucasus and prevent regional
stability. With the help of the Armenian lobby in the EU and the US,
both have declined investing funds in the project. The US Congress
passed a bill forbidding the U.S. Export-Import Bank from financing
the new railway construction in the Caucasus.
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Armenia wants to reopen the Kars-Giurma-Akhalkalaki railway route that
isn’t functioning due to political problems with Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Kars-Akhalkalaki railway construction reportedly will begin in
the spring of 2007. Turkey and Azerbaijan were able to find money
themselves for financing the project that costs USD 420 million.
Azerbaijan will allot USD 150 million for constructing 30 kilometers
long part of the railway on the territory of Georgia. Totally Georgia
needs USD 220 for the railway construction but Turkey will allot the
rest money to the country.
Armenian media regards the fact that the railway will be still
constructed, as a big failure of the Armenian diplomacy and they are
accusing the government of being inactive towards the issue.
According to them this failure cannot be neutralized with the successes
that the Armenian government has reached in the foreign policy and
is proud of it. ().