Change of Government in Georgia Can Help Restore Armenia-Russia Railway: Russian Politician

A Russian official is convinced that it's possible to restore the railway between Armenia and Russia. 

During the 23rd meeting of the Interparliamentary Committee on Cooperation between the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation held in the Armenian parliament today, discussed were transportation issues between the two countries — in particular, the matter of lifting Armenia's transportation blockade. After the meeting, Vice-President of the RA National Assembly Hermine Naghdalyan and Russian Chair of the Interparliamentary Committee Nikolai Ryzhkov held a press conference.

According to Ryzhkov, the most important task regarding the railway, that is, the transportation blockade, is getting a political decision from Georgia. Georgia must allow the railway passing through its territory and Abkhazia to be restored, he said. This railway would connect Armenia with Russia. 

These works will require large sums, the Russian politician continued, as the bridge in Abkhazia over which the railway passed is damaged, and some areas are still mined; however, no matter how much it costs, the railway must be restored, he said.

"We know that Georgia has a tough stance, but now there's been a change of power — perhaps it might be possible to come to an agreement. Not only the Russian, but also the Armenian side has to work towards this," he said.

Naghdalyan, in turn, said that Armenian MPs will soon meet with Georgian delegates and will discuss the matter with them.