Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi Railway Construction Project Actually Launched

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi railway construction project has been actually launched, chairman of the sports and cultural center of the Armenian-inhabited Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia, member of Democratic Party of Javakhk Vahagn Chakhalyan informed. In his words, upon completion of the technical and economic basis Minister for Construction and representatives of a Japanese organization visited the territory where the railway is supposed to be built. "The residents of the houses situated along the planned trunk-railway are offered to sell their lands and wide propaganda is being spread. Confidential meetings with the local authorities have been also held," Chakhalyan said.

At that he noted that the Armenian population of the region is categorically against the implementation of the project. "It conflicts with both Armenia and Javakhk's interests, since the it will boost the penetration of Turkish element into the region and fortify the communication blockade of Armenia. We are going to impede the works by all possible means," Vahagn Chakhalyan said.



To note, the construction of the railway will be carried out roundabout the existing Kars-Gyumri (Armenia)- Tbilisi railway. In response to this ill-proposed project, Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Joe Knollenberg and Frank Pallone addressed a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice with a request to refrain from financing the project as conflicting with the long-term interests of the U.S. in the region. "The proposed rail link in the South Caucasus region that excludes Armenia is not only wrong morally, but it will also cost a great deal more than upgrading the existing rail link that already includes Armenia," Congressman Frank stated. A number of European politicians also note the inefficiency of financing any communication project bypassing Armenia.



Besides, the Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi construction project is not included in TRACECA international project. Armenian officials are also against the project, reported IA Regnum.