ARMENIA READY TO PROVIDE MERELY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO RESTORATION OF ABKHAZ RAILWAY

PanARMENIAN.Net - "Armenia is ready to take part in restoration works at the Abkhaz lot of the Transcaucasian railway, provide technical, however by no means financial assistance," Armenian Minister of Transport and Communication Andranik Marnukyan stated in the course of a press briefing July 14. In his words, Russia and Georgia will have to carry the financial burden, which makes some $150 million. "The opening of the railway is favorable both to Armenia and Georgia. The latter does not have direct rail communication with Russia, uses the territory of Azerbaijan for transit and pays large sums for it. In case of opening the Abkhazian part of the railway, Armenia will give up ferry communication with Russia," the Minister said, hoping for a positive solution of the issue. He also informed that Armenian party's proposal on technical assistance has not been discussed yet. "Our proposal will be discussed when the opening of the Abkhaz part of the railway is on the agenda," Manukyan stated, reported Regnum news agency.