Russia is considering restoring rail links with Georgia via the territory of occupied Abkhazia, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk told reporters, as quoted by TASS.
“Work is underway to unblock all disrupted routes in the Caucasus, including the possibility of restoring rail service between the Russian Federation and Georgia through Abkhazia,” Overchuk said.
He added that restoring the route is important for addressing the “major task” of “strengthening transport and logistics in the Caucasus,” which is “critically important for the peace, stability and economic prosperity of the peoples of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Turkey and Russia.” “We expect constructive cooperation from all regional states in addressing this important shared task,” Overchuk said.
Georgian authorities have not commented on the statement. Tbilisi has consistently opposed the resumption of rail service until the country’s territorial integrity is restored.
The statement follows reports that a new transit hub near the Enguri bridge, which links Abkhazia with the rest of Georgia, is nearing completion.
Astamur Akhsalba, identified in local media as director of a “Transit and Logistics Company” and head of the Abkhaz branch of the “Assembly of the Peoples of the World,” said the project, based on a 2010–2011 customs deal with Moscow, could serve Iran, India, and Azerbaijan and is about 80% complete. Tbilisi has distanced itself from the reports.
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