By M. Alkhazashvili
(Translated by Tiko Giorgadze)
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. (http://www.regnum.ru/news/751528.html ).
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. (http://www.regnum.ru/news/754234.html).
http://www.messenger.com.ge/issues/1262_december_21_2006/eco_1262_1.htm
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