Many of the Armenians living in the Armenian villages of the Ochamchir
region of Abkhazia are not able to see their relatives in Armenia. Due
to the Armenia-Abkhazia conflict which started in 1992, it is dangerous
for the Abkhazian-Armenians to pass through Georgia into Armenia. Few
dare to pass the Georgian-Abkhazian “Inguri” border patrol. Fewer
people can permit themselves to travel by airplane (from the Sochi
airplane into Armenia) because the ticket for one flight costs $120
dollars. “We are cut away from Armenia and I have a lot of relatives in
Armenia. I hope the day will come when I can see them,”says Haykush
from the village of Labra.
Armenia has emphasized many times the necessity of reopening the only
railroad connecting to Russia and has suggested financing one part of
the re-establishment process. Vice-Prime Minister of Abkhazia Emma
Tania calls on “forces who are trying their best to lead the issue to a
negative solution”. But she also affirms that the Abkhazian side is
ready to solve the problem and do whatever is needed. “We understand
that the government of Armenia is interested in this issue due to the
fact that the absence of two-way communication by the railway affects
negatively on Armenia’s economy. We can support the country in any
issue, besides financial issues. We are ready to show help to the
authorities in all levels so that the proposed plan becomes a reality.”
In March 2003, a contract was signed between Russia, Georgia and
Abkhazia in order to restart the railway communication between the
countries and there is a project being carried out for reconstruction
of the Abkhazian “Vesyoloye-Sukhum” section of the railway. Finally, on
September 10 the Sukhum railway station “revived”. During the ceremony,
in honor of the reopening of the railway communication, president of
the “Russian railway roads” open joint-stock company Genadi Fadeyev
announced that the re-establishment will also start in the Eastern
region of Abkhazia. “We would not like to have a closed station. We
need to move forward.”
The countries of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan pass through Abkhazia
and without the railway it is impossible to ameliorate the situation or
develop the economy. Abkhazia fully understands this. Deputy of the
Prime Minister of Abkhazia Astamur Tarban made the following
announcement: “Beginning the shipping and handling throughout Abkhazia
is not only an economic issue, but also a political one. This is
another step towards establishing peace in the country.” However, for
the Armenians living in Abkhazia, this is not only a political/economic
issue, but also the only chance to go to Armenia and see their
relatives.